Environmental quality status of the Jequetepeque basin (Perú)

What is it about?

A sediment monitoring program was developed at the Jequetepeque basin, located in Cajamarca. All samples were analyzed by microwave digestion and by a sequential extraction scheme following the three-stage European Community Bureau of Reference (three-stage BCR) protocol. Trace element mobilization from the sediments to the water column was assessed by the risk assessment code (RAC). Spatial and temporal distribution of trace elements was evaluated by principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis.

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Why is it important?

This work establishes a baseline for the environmental quality status of the Jequetepeque basin (Perú). It is based on a sediment monitoring program. This is an example of improvement of water quality management in basins with large scale mining.