ABSTRACT
Total arsenic (tAs) levels above those recommended by WHO guidelines for drinking water (10 μg/L) were detected in Northern Uruguay's aquifers. However, the information about the natural baseline, distribution and hydrochemistry of geogenic metalloids from these hydrogeological formations, is scarce. Particularly, the Salto district on the northern littoral is located above the Salto-Arapey aquifer system and the Guarani aquifer system (GAS) the most important geothermal reservoir. Over the years, Salto aquifer is being used for irrigation, recreation and drinking water without any treatment, and it is considered as a safe source. Water quality is a concern and there are no epidemiological studies in Uruguay associated with environmental exposure on geogenic arsenic. For this purpose, we present 32 wells data from Northwest Salto with their hydrogeological origin and geo-referenced. Results have shown tAs range (1.0 - 58.9 μg/L), total phosphorus (tP) (50.0 – 178.5 μg/L) as well as other physicochemical. The highest tAs levels may belong to groundwater form Cretacic formations (Guichon and Arapey). Significant information is being emerged, promoting safety water management of Uruguay hydric resources, preserving human health.
