DISTRIBUTION OF ARSENIC AND MERCURY IN THE AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM OF THE FIVE CHILEAN RESERVOIRS

摘要

Arsenic and mercury are among the metals and metalloids more toxic to the ecosystem. A quantification method by atomic absorption spectroscopy with hydride generator (AAS-HG) to determine total As and cold steam to determine Hg was optimized and validated in various matrices: superficial water, interstitial or pore water, sediments and in gill, liver and muscle of two fish species, a silverside (Basilichthys microlepidotus) and a catfish (Trichomycterus areolatus). The quality of the results was tested using certified reference materials (Water: ERM-CA615; Fish: DOLT-4; Sediment: BCR-320R). Samples were collected in the affluent and effluent of five reservoirs: Cogotí (31°00’S, 71°05’W); Corrales (31°54°S, 70°54’W); La Paloma (30°44’S, 71°00’W); Rapel (34°08’S, 71°29’O); Recoleta (30°28’S, 71°06’W). ), in two campaigns during high flow (winter 2010) and low flow (summer 2011).