Heavy metal pollution and eutrophication in the Lower Salado River Basin (Argentina)

Levels of heavy metals (chromium, copper, lead and cadmium) in water and sediments of the lower Salado River (Argentina) are presented and compared to Canadian and Argentinian environmental standards. Measurement of metal levels was performed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. In order to interpret analytical results, one way ANOVA, hierarchical cluster analysis and correlations were used. Geoaccumulation Index was used as a measure of metal pollution in sediments. There were differences between the accumulation of metals in sediments and water and the control sampling site. Heavy metals, especially chromium, copper and lead, appear to be an important problem to these freshwater environments.