Author(s): Pino V. Edwin, Tacora V. Principe, Steenken Andre, Alfaro R. Luis, Bedoya J. Conrado, Valle C. Angely
Linked Author(s): Edwin Pino
Keywords: Environmental characterization, geology, water quality
Abstract: In this paper an attempt is made to explain the water quality in the Caplina Basin, considering the main components of geology, environmental setting, hydrology and geomorphology. By geomorphological and geological analysis of the Caplina Basin three geomorphological units were identified, such as the western Cordillera, Puna and Dissected Flank. A few of very inclined slopes in the western mountain range that belong to the Barroso Group that are composed of andesitic and traquiandesitic lavas with intercalations, plus availability of pyroclastic dacites with some zones of alteration also affect the water quality. According to the water monitoring results by the Autoridad Nacional del Agua (ANA), the water has acidic pH value and the presence of iron and aluminium are above the Est�ndares de Calidad Ambiental (ECA) for category 3. In the geomorphological Puna Unit geological formations constituted by andesitic breccias, tobas daciticas, and andesitic lavas that are altered are indentified. The geothermal spring in the Aruma and Paralocos valley also has elements identified such as arsenic, iron, boron, sodium, aluminum, lead and other elements that are above the NEQ for category 3 predominate. In the geomorphological Dissected Flank Unit, geological formations are composed of andesites and other volcanic rocks and the intrusive Challaviento Unit formed by granodiorites and monzodioriticas, where the water pH is 3. 71 (acidic), and predominant arsenic, iron and manganese are located. For this, maps such as geomorphological, geological, slopes, location of water quality monitoring points and maps of areas with the greatest influence on water quality are elaborated
Year: 2017