Geochemical Study of Waters Draining the Tuy River Basin,Venezuela

Abstract

A geochemical study was realized in water samples of the Rio Tuybas in, with theaim of determining the degree of pollution that presents this important river. Measurements of pH, conductivity, and al kalinity were realized in field during sampling. The samples were filtered at 0.45 μm and the concentrations of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl-,HCO3-,SO42-and NO3-were determined. Result sindicate that Guayas, Ocumare, Lagartijo and Boca de Cagua presenthig her pollution correspond to, as well as the tributaries located at Cúa, Charallave and Guayas, and the rivers Caucagua and Guaire, this demonstrated by the high values of conductivity and the major values of concentrations of the species Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl-, SO42-and HCO3-, although in areas upstream from the Colonia Tovar concentrations were similar to those of non-contaminated tributaries. As for the NO3-this one presented his maximums in Boca de Paparo, Hacienda Buen Paso, Santa Teresa and Tácata attributed to the agricultural activities.