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METAL CONTAMINATION IN SOILS OF THE JUNIN NATIONAL RESERVE - PERU.

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Title: METAL CONTAMINATION IN SOILS OF THE JUNIN NATIONAL RESERVE - PERU.
Alternate Title: CONTAMINACIÓN CON METALES EN LOS SUELOS DE LA RESERVA NACIONAL DE JUNÍN -- PERÚ.
Authors: Abregú Gonzales, Miguel Angel1 72223151@continental.edu.pe, Castro Tejeda, Jose Menly1, Varea Carbajal, Anyheluz Nicole1, Huari Huaman, Olga Primavera1, Chamorro Cuestas, Alan Freddy2
Source: Ciencia del Suelo. jun2025, Vol. 43 Issue 1, p150-165. 16p.
Subjects: Environmental protection, Persistent pollutants, Copper, National parks & reserves, Soil quality, Trace elements in water, Ecological risk assessment
Abstract (English): Improper dumping of tailings from nearby mining companies into the rivers that flow into Lake Junín as well as improper management and discharge of the Upamayo hydroelectric dam can cause soil contamination. The aim of the study was to analyze metal pollution in the soils of the Junín National Reserve in Peru. Samples were taken at 10 points within the study area at 2 depths (0-15 and 15-30 cm) to assess the impact of metals on the soil. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn have exceeded the thresholds of the soil quality guidelines for the protection of the environment and human health according to Canadian regulations. Similarly, the ecological risk index revealed that the risk level for Cd, Cu, Hg, and Pb is severe and/or serious at both depths. The geoaccumulation index indicates that an accumulation of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Hg in the soils of the study area, indicating they are persistent pollutants. Furthermore, spatial distribution shows that the nearest sites to the pollutant sources were the most contaminated. Likewise, pH, texture and EC are factors influencing metal concentrations in soil. In conclusion, mining activity and other human actions have contaminated the soils near Lake Junín, impacting the environment and local communities. Although metal concentrations vary, the uniformity in their vertical distribution highlights the complexity of pollution. INSET: 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Abstract (Spanish): El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la contaminación por metales en los suelos de la Reserva Nacional de Junín, Perú. Esta contaminación se debe a la descarga de relaves de empresas nacionales mineras en los ríos que desembocan en el Lago Junín, así como a la gestión inadecuada del embalse y las descargas en la represa Upamayo, que opera con fines energéticos. Se tomaron muestras en 10 puntos a diferentes profundidades (0-15 y 15-30 cm) para evaluar el impacto de los metales en el suelo. Se encontró que los niveles de As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb y Zn superan las normas de "Soil quality guidelines for the protection of the environment and human health" de la regulación canadiense. El índice de riesgo ecológico indicó que los niveles de Cd, Cu, Hg y Pb representan un riesgo severo y/o grave en las dos profundidades. El índice de geoacumulación sugiere que Cu, Zn, Pb y Hg se están acumulando en los suelos, indicándose como contaminantes persistentes. La distribución espacial muestra que los primeros puntos fueron los más contaminados. Asimismo, el pH, la textura y la conductividad eléctrica son factores que influyen en las concentraciones de metales en el suelo. En conclusión, la actividad minera y otras acciones humanas han contaminado los suelos cercanos al Lago Junín, afectando al medio ambiente y a las comunidades locales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:Improper dumping of tailings from nearby mining companies into the rivers that flow into Lake Junín as well as improper management and discharge of the Upamayo hydroelectric dam can cause soil contamination. The aim of the study was to analyze metal pollution in the soils of the Junín National Reserve in Peru. Samples were taken at 10 points within the study area at 2 depths (0-15 and 15-30 cm) to assess the impact of metals on the soil. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn have exceeded the thresholds of the soil quality guidelines for the protection of the environment and human health according to Canadian regulations. Similarly, the ecological risk index revealed that the risk level for Cd, Cu, Hg, and Pb is severe and/or serious at both depths. The geoaccumulation index indicates that an accumulation of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Hg in the soils of the study area, indicating they are persistent pollutants. Furthermore, spatial distribution shows that the nearest sites to the pollutant sources were the most contaminated. Likewise, pH, texture and EC are factors influencing metal concentrations in soil. In conclusion, mining activity and other human actions have contaminated the soils near Lake Junín, impacting the environment and local communities. Although metal concentrations vary, the uniformity in their vertical distribution highlights the complexity of pollution. INSET: 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:03263169
DOI:10.64132/cds.v43i1.878