Distribution of major and trace elements in bottom sediments of the Taquari River Basin, Caldas municipality (Brazil)

  • Pedro Henrique Dutra Departamento de Serviço do Meio Ambiente, Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear (CDTN), Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, n° 6.627, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
  • Vanusa Maria Delage Feliciano Departamento de Serviço do Meio Ambiente, Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear (CDTN), Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, n° 6.627, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
  • Carlos Alberto De Carvalho Filho Departamento de Serviço do Meio Ambiente, Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear (CDTN), Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, n° 6.627, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Keywords: fertilizers, sediments quality, uranium mine wastes.

Abstract

The Taquari River Basin, located in Poços de Caldas Alkaline Complex, in the southern portion of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, is situated in an old volcanic caldera. Due to its chemical and radiological characteristics, it is an area of economic and mineral interest, and is also home to diverse flora and fauna systems. In its surroundings, there are agricultural areas, industries (active and inactive) and urban and rural centers. This work investigated the total and potentially bioavailable concentrations of major and trace elements for the evaluation of geogenic and anthropogenic contamination potentials in the water bodies. The results show that there is an anthropogenic contribution (fertilizers and mining tailings) in some sectors of the Taquari River Basin, generating possible concerns regarding the quantity of elements that may be transferred to the water bodies. Furthermore, there is the striking geogenic contribution from naturally enriched areas, presenting distinct situations that generate an increase in the concentration of chemical elements in the water bodies.


Published
10/09/2019
Section
Papers