Abstract

MESA, Johan et al. Content of trace metals in groundwater from western region of Maracaibo Lake, Venezuela. Rev. Téc. Ing. Univ. Zulia [online]. 2007, vol.30, n.Especial, pp.20-28. ISSN 0254-0770.

Underground aquifers are a fundamental source of water for both domestic and agricultural activities in some regions of the Lake Maracaibo Basin, Venezuela. In this study the contents of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn) were determined in 46 samples of water from shallow wells in three locations of the Western region of the Lake: an urban area (Sierra Maestra) and two rural area (Pompey and Viateca). The samples were collected for several months during a monitoring year. The elements were quantified by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry both FAAS and GFAAS. Significant differences were found in the levels of metals for all locations. Toxic metals such as cadmium and vanadium were detected at higher concentrations in water from Sierra Maestra being their values above the allowed limits, both national and international, for drinking water. Other implications such as the influence of human activities and its contribution to our results are discussed.

Keywords : Groundwater; trace metals; aquifers; Maracaibo Lake.