Research Outputs
Characterization of Baker Fjord region through its heavy metal content on sediments (Central Chilean Patagonia)
The spatial distribution of heavy metals content (Ba, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sr and Zn) in sediments of the Baker Fjord and surrounding channels in the central region of the Chilean fjords (47°45'S, 48°15'S) is analyzed. The aim of the study was characterized the patterns of abundance and distribution of these metals in surface sediments. The area corresponds to a poorly studied zone with low human activity. Distribution patterns would be influenced by rainfall conditions (local erosion), fluvial (continental sediments carried by rivers), glacier (glacier flour) and estuarine circulation. Cluster analysis allows differentiation among the sampled sites and group with similar characteristics. Finally, the concentrations found were contrasted with average values of metamorphic rocks and show with some certainty that the values found for calendar for this area and the greatest concentrations are the result of natural enrichment.
Distribución y concentración de Zn total en sedimentos del fiordo Aysén, sur de Chile, posterior al terremoto y tsunami de 2007
Entre febrero y mayo de 2007, se produjeron más de 1.200 movimientos sísmicos de una intensidad mayor de 3 grados Richter (i.e., enjambre) y un sismo de 6,2 grados, en el Fiordo Aysén, sur de Chile. El epicentro fue la Falla Liquiñe-Ofqui, ubicada perpendicular a la parte media del fiordo. Como resultado se produjo una avalancha de tierra y rocas en la costa y ondas de tsunami local, hacia la cabeza. Se analiza la posible suspensión y redistribución de Zn total en los sedimentos marinos del Fiordo Aysén, por efecto de la actividad sísmica ocurrida en el área. El muestreo se realizó durante la 13° campaña del Programa Cruceros de Investigación Marina en Áreas Remotas, (CIMAR13-FIORDO), en noviembre de 2007. Las estaciones muestreadas fueron las mismas elegidas en campañas anteriores, 1995 y 2001. Se analizaron extractos ácidos de las muestras por quintuplicado, en un espectrofotómetro de absorción atómica. Los resultados mostraron una alta variabilidad en la concentración de Zn entre las estaciones. Sin embargo, no se observaron diferencias significativas en las concentraciones de Zn total entre los sitios de muestreo, lo que sugeriría que la resuspensión y redistribución de los contenidos de Zn total en los sedimentos fue un proceso local leve, que sólo afectó a la parte media del fiordo en que se produjo avalanchas de tierra y piedras.
Spatial distribution of potentially harmful elements in urban soils, city of Talcahuano, Chile
The objective of this study is to ascertain the spatial distribution of Cu, Pb and Zn in order to determine the degree of contamination in urban soils from Talcahuano (Chile) and to identify the influence of possible contamination sources. A total of 420 samples were collected from the study area based on the following criteria: 140 topsoil samples (TS) (0–10 cm), 140 subsoil samples (SS) (10–20 cm) and 140 deep soil samples (DS) (150 cm). The soils were characterized for their physical characteristics such as grain size distribution, pH, organic matter content etc. and the concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Photospectrometry following Aqua Regia digestion. Correlations combined with spatial analysis were implemented in order to distinguish the sources of the trace metals and whether they are geogenic or anthropogenic of origin. Several simple and robust statistical methods were applied to the data sets in order to evaluate useful and robust background values. The degree of contamination along with the geoaccumulation index, enrichment factors and contamination factors were also evaluated. The median concentrations obtained for the studied trace metals includes: Cu 23.1 mg kg− 1, Pb 10.2 mg kg− 1 and Zn 56.7 mg kg− 1. In general, the concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn decrease with depth however, in certain sites the subsoil samples (SS) levels show higher concentrations than topsoil samples (TS). A possible explanation could be related to the uncontrolled clandestine landfill sites using both construction material debris and/or industrial solid wastes. Correlation analysis suggests that Cu, Pb and Zn are contributed by external sources. The spatial distribution of Cu, Pb and Zn in topsoil samples (TS) displays a spatial pattern extending along major roadway environments and emission sources. Estimated background values determined with the iterative 2σ-technique yields 43.7 mg kg− 1 for Cu, 17.5 mg kg− 1 for Pb and 91.7 mg kg− 1 for Zn respectively. The geochemical index, enrichment factor and the contamination factor all register a moderate to high contamination level in some of the soil samples.
Distinguishing between natural and anthropogenic sources for potentially toxic elements in urban soils of Talcahuano, Chile
Purpose: The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the concentrations and background concentrations of Ba, Co, Cr, Mn, and Ni in the urban soils of Talcahuano (Chile); (2) assess the level of contamination in the urban soils based on different pollution indexes; and (3) to identify natural or anthropogenic sources in order to obtain a spatial distribution of the pollutants. Material and methods: A total of 420 samples were collected from the study area as follows: 140 topsoil samples (TS) (0–10 cm), 140 subsoil samples (SS) (10–20 cm), and 140 deep soil samples (DS) (150 cm). The soils were characterized, and the concentrations of Ba, Co, Cr, Mn, and Ni were analyzed by atomic absorption photospectrometry following aqua regia digestion. Correlations and principal component analysis combined with spatial analysis were implemented in order to distinguish the sources and their classification as geogenic or anthropogenic. Several simple and robust statistical methods were applied to datasets in order to explore their potential in the evaluation of a useful and robust background values. The degree of contamination along with the geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor, and contamination factor were also evaluated. Results and discussion: The median concentrations obtained for various elements includes Ba 461 mg kg−1, Co 82.7 mg kg−1, Cr 134 mg kg−1, Mn 311 mg kg−1, and Ni 56.1 mg kg−1. In general, the concentrations of Ba, Co, Cr, Mn, and Ni decrease with depth. Correlations and principal component analysis suggest that Cr, Mn, and Ni are contributed by external sources. The spatial distribution of Cr, Mn, and Ni in TS displays a spatial pattern extending along industrial environments and emission sources. Conclusions: The estimated background values determined with the iterative 2σ-technique includes 536 mg kg−1 for Ba, 95.9 mg kg−1 for Co, 208 mg kg−1 for Cr, 464 mg kg−1 for Mn, and 90.5 mg kg−1 for Ni. The geochemical index, enrichment factor, and the contamination factor register a moderate to considerable contamination in some soil samples.