Determination of trace metals in water from Mangueira Lagoon – RS, Brazil

Abstract

Determination of trace metals was carried out in Mangueira Lagoon, in the southern zone of Rio Grande do Sul. Samples were collected at five points to evaluate the concentrations of the following trace metals: copper, zinc, lead, chromium, nickel and iron. Metals were determined by digestion with concentrated nitric acid and pre-concentrated in Chelex 100 resin analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In parallel, the physical-chemical parameters pH, chlorides, alkalinity, hardness and organic matter in the water were determined. Potassium and sodium metals were analyzed by atomic emission spectrometry. The analyzes of pH and conductance were analyzed in the field while the others were done in the laboratory of the research group of environmental contaminants (GPCA). Through the results of physical-chemical parameters of the water, the Mangueira Lagoon exhibits a low degree of contamination, but in the future may compromise the biota of the lagoon. Regarding the focus of this work, of Cu, Cr, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn (heavy metals), only lead and iron obtained the values above that are established in CONAMA 357/2005.