[Contacts]

Highlights:

  • Characterization of the impact of mining and metallurgical activities on hydrosystem contamination,
  • Development of multi-proxy approaches to trace the sources and fate of metallic contaminants,
  • Study of (bio-)geochemical transformation and transport processes of metals and metalloids,
  • Evaluation of the origin, mobilization and spatio-temporal distribution of geogenic contaminants in water systems of the Bolivian Altiplano.

Abstract:

Workpackage 2.2 aims at characterizing the chemical degradation of water reservoirs including rivers, lakes, groundwater and peatlands by current and historical mining and metallurgical activities. Based on field observations, it will focus on developing approaches for identifying sources of metals and metalloids and unravelling the transport processes that affect their mobility and toxicity, combining different geochemical tools such as chemical speciation and metal(loid) stable isotope systems. In addition, natural contamination of geological origin in water bodies used for human consumption will be studied to better characterize the contaminants and areas/populations at risk. Overall, this information will allow mapping the sources and state of contamination or vulnerability of the main studied water reservoir.

Associated projects:

Pilcomayo: One of the aims of this broad interdisciplinary project is to evaluate (i) the upstream-downstream transfer of metal(loid)s, in the Pilcomayo River whose upper reaches host many mines exploited since colonial times, especially during flooding by implementing participatory sampling and (ii) the state of contamination of resources related to the Pilcomayo river (fishes, alluvial plain crops).

Contact: Eléonore Resongles: eleonore.resongles@ird.fr

IGCP 707: This four years project (2021-2024) funded by  the International Geoscience Program – UNESCO have research leaders from five different academic and research institutions in countries such as Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Switzerland and USA and aims to better understand (i) the natural origin of arsenic, (ii) its geochemistry and mobility, (iii) its distribution in the environment, and (iv)  its effects in the local community and unusual biodiversity.

Contact: Mauricio Ormachea: mormachea@fcpn.edu.bo

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