251

APPLICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISOTOPE

TECHNIQUES TO SELECTED HYDROLOGICAL
SYSTEMS IN PAMPEAN, ARGENTINA
C. DAPEA, H.O. PANARELLO
Instituto de Geocronologa y Geologa Isotpica
(INGEIS-CONICET-UBA),
Argentina
Abstract
The isotopic composition of precipitation in Buenos Aires station is of great
importance to understand the Pampean hydrological Systems. The rain isotope
content (
2
H,
18
O and
3
H) is being recorded since 1978 at Ciudad Universitaria Station,
belonging to the Red Nacional de Colectores constitutes the main recharge
factor for most of local and regional hydrologic system. The knowledge and
characterization of their isotope content is of fundamental importance for a
hydrological investigation, so we need a historical updated record. For this
reason the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in co-operation with
the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) developed an international
network devoted to the measurement of isotope contents in precipitation
named as GNIP (Global Network for Isotopes in Precipitation) which started
in 1960. The main objective of the network is to evaluate on a global scale the
spatial and temporal distribution of isotope contents in precipitation and their
dependence to relevant meteorological parameters [1]. In this framework,
the Instituto de Geocronologa y Geologa Isotpica (INGEIS) established
a National Collector Network for Isotopes in Precipitation (RNC) which
integrates with the GNIP. The operation of the network in Argentina began
in November 1978 with one station located in Buenos Aires City. At present,
INGEIS is operating 17 stations at different altitudes and latitudes, covering
a wide range of temperatures and a large variety of climates. This information
allows us to know the input functions (rain isotope content) at different regions
of the country [2].
Signatures of isotopes in precipitation are not static. They respond to both,
synoptic and climatology and global climate change. Attracted by this issue,
a new community, interested in palaeoclimate and atmospheric circulation
modelling, started to use the GNIP data. However, it becomes apparent soon
that the collected data were also useful in other water-related elds such as
oceanography, hydrometeorology and climatology. The meteorological analysis
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252
of the GNIP data suggests that the large scale synoptic history of the air masses
(rainout history, moisture) is the major factor controlling the variability of the
isotope content from one rain event to other and also the seasonality, and in
tropical zones the amount of precipitation [3]. The strong linear correlation
between
18
O and
2
H concentrations was shown by several authors [4, 5]
and it reects the mass-dependent partitioning of the water isotopes in the
hydrological cycle. This coupling is represented by the global meteoric water
line (GMWL), i.e.:
2
H = 8
18
O + 10 [4].
The isotope composition of groundwater in temperate climates reects
with a good approximation that of the average precipitation at the locality. On
the other hand, some processes could modify the isotope composition during
recharge mechanisms, like evaporation prior to inltration or precipitation
seasonality variations marked by a selective inltration [6]. In addition,
individual rains exhibits an isotope composition with an extended dispersion,
but they join into the annual average precipitation within the normal climate
variations from one year to other. A homogeneous isotope distribution
indicates the water origin, while changes along groundwater paths reect the
history of the water [7].
2. ISOTOPE COMPOSTION OF BUENOS AIRES STATION
The precipitations isotope composition of Buenos Aires station was a
useful tool to complement the interpretation of some Pampean hydrologic
systems. The rst analyses were published by [8] and [9]. The rain isotope
content (
2
H,
18
O and
3
H) is recorded since 28 years at Ciudad Universitaria
station (CUS) in Buenos Aires city. This station belongs to RNC of Argentina
and to GNIP [2, 10]. The annual weighted average of Buenos Aires isotopic
composition is
18
O = 5.5,
2
H = 30 from the period 19792001
and the local meteoric water line ranges from G
2
H = 8 G
18
O + 12 to

2
H = 8
18
O + 14 [11, 12] These data let us to use the record like input
function to the Pampean hydrologic systems. The
3
H concentration ranges
between 0 TU and 17.7 TU with some values up to 40 TU, which probably
responds to the spring-summer peak. At present it has been measured some
values which exceed that concentration, due to non natural factors.
Dansgaard [5] established a lineal correlation between mean surface
annual air temperatures and
18
O
2
H for mean annual precipitation on
global basis, where
18
O slope is T = 0.50.7/C. Yurtsever and Gat calculate
this relation for monthly averages [13]. In view of that, the medium and high
latitude stations exhibit
18
O and
2
H contents more depleted in winter than in
summer and on a general global scale it corresponds to lower the temperature
DAPEA and PANARELLO
253
higher the depletion. Buenos Aires precipitation shows a good correlation
between temperature and mean monthly isotope composition (Fig. 1) during
January to April, where T 0.53 0.15/C. Nevertheless, it can observe an
inversion of the slope during coldest months (May-August). In addition, the
most depleted values are recorded during February to March (summer season
at South Hemisphere).
This pattern is also observed at Azul, Santa Fe and Corrientes stations, and
some years is marked by more depleted contents with G
18
O values lower than 10,
certainly linked to the air masses source. This seasonal effect could be used like
a good tracer for the hydrologic systems [12].
3. MATERIALS AND METHODS
The operation of the RNC is based on the sampling of monthly composite
precipitation at selected locations. The stable isotope ratios of deuterium (
2
H/
1
H)
and oxygen-18 (
18
O/
16
O) and the tritium concentration (
3
H) are measured at
INGEIS Stable Isotope Laboratory. These measurements are supplemented
by meteorological information such as mean surface air temperature, mean
water vapour pressure at the ground water level and amount of precipitation.
The INGEIS interacts with the isotope stations providing sampling instructions
and bottles. The operation of the network was and still is based on the support
of INGEIS stations, voluntary contributions of many Research National
Institutions and private organizations, as well as individuals, who provide
precipitation samples and relevant meteorological data [2]. Samples are treated
following established techniques and measured in a of triple collector, multiport
FIG. 1. Mean monthly temperature and
18
O vs. time.
APPLICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISOTOPE TECHNIQUES
254
inlet system, Finnigan MAT Delta S mass spectrometer. Results are expressed
in the usual way as []. Values are referred to Vienna Standard Mean Ocean
Water (V-SMOW) [14]. Uncertainties are 0.1 for G
18
O and 1.0 for G
2
H.
For tritium analyses water sample are enriched by electrolysis and measured
by liquid scintillation counting. The
3
H concentrations are expressed as tritium
units. The average uncertainties are ca. 1.0 TU [15].
4. PAMPEAM HYDROLOGICAL SYSTEMS
4.1. Background
The Pampean systems belong to the Humid Chaco Pampeana
hydrogeological region (Fig. 2) [16]. This region covers around 350,000 km
2

and encloses the Buenos Aires province, where several hydrogeological
investigations were made with the support of isotope techniques [2].
The Pampean plain is not homogeneous and it can be differentiated by
topographic-morphological, hydrogeological peculiarities and also variations
in the distribution of surface bodies and drainage networks. The landscape is
distinguished by little tectonic deformation, low topographic slopes, low drainage
density, the presence of materials relatively permeable on terrain surface
with predominance of ne-grained sediments over coarse-grained ones, and
continuity and areal extension of the geological units [17]. It is also characterized
by humid and dry cycles which result on the alternance between periods with
positive to negative water balance. From a hydrological point of view it is
characterized by a predominance of water vertical movements (evaporation-
inltration) over horizontal ow and it shows a strong relationship between
groundwater and surface water [17]. Modular annual inltration, including
zones with a well developed drainage network reaches values up to 10% of
the annual precipitation [17]. The Pampean system works like a multilayered
aquifer and it is possible to distinguish two units, Puelche and Pampeano. These
water bearing layers make up a single hydraulic system, which extends from
the water table down to the base of the Puelches uvial sands. The different
interbedded aquifer layers are recharged locally by inltration of rain water.
The Puelche aquifer top is between 25 m to 50 m depth and its thickness ranges
between 30 m and 80 meters. It is separate from the loessic Pampeano aquifer
by a silty clayed level (aquitard). The Pampeano includes the phreatic layer.
These water bearing layers make up a single hydraulic system, which extends
from the water table down to the base of the Puelches Sands. Both aquifers are
exploited for domestic, municipal, industrial and commercial use [18].
DAPEA and PANARELLO
255
The pampean environments selected for this article are two regions of the
NE Buenos Aires province: La Plata city and its surroundings and the Sistema
de las Encadenadas de Chascoms in Salado River Basin (Fig. 2).
4.2. La Plata
Recharge dynamic and salinization were studied by means of stable and
radioactive environmental isotopes as well as chemical analyses at La Plata
City [11]. In this framework, Puelche and Pampeano aquifers were sampled in
more than 100 wells during 1990 and 1991. Figure 3 shows the isotopic values
obtained from groundwater samples, ocean water, de la Plata River and the
local meteoric water line (LMWL) from CUS. For a best understanding samples
named P represent a good summary of groundwater type found at La Plata
zone. Wells P1 and P3 are located on the city SW in the recharge area (high
plain) and they have lters on the two aquifers. P2 is a phreatic sample located
in the south part, nearest de border of the basin. P6 and P7 belong to the well
battery providing water to population and their lters are on the Puelche. Wells
L1[19] and P4 are placed in the low plain, near the de la Plata River shore and
they produce from salinized Puelche. These waters are not suitable for human
and industrial use, and they are only used for swimming pools. These waters are
FIG. 2. Argentina country, Buenos Aires province with studied localities.
APPLICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISOTOPE TECHNIQUES
256
sodium chloride type, similar to sea water, with electric conductivities higher
than 20 mS/cm.
Figure 3 exhibits the mixing between Puelche recharge in the low
plain, de la Plata River water and old waters belonging to a sea ingression
(G
18
O G
2
H 0, similar to SMOW). Fluctuations in the obtained groundwater
values are probably due to evaporation of local precipitation prior to
inltration, selective percolation through tosca levels (Calcium carbonate as
calcite concretions, veins and hardpan) with secondary permeability.
3
H contents range between 0.7 TU and 2.6 TU. All samples have values
lower than the input function estimated for that time, suggesting transit
or mixing with older groundwater ows. It is known the effect of selective
percolation through tosca levels which are discontinuously interbedded and
some times acting as an aquitard. The saline contents of Pampeano and Puelche
at the high plain do not show any correlation with isotope content, suggesting
that the main salinization mechanism is by transit, and in this particular case
the salts dissolution.
4.3. Sistema de las Encadenadas de Chascoms
The relation between the surface water and shallow groundwater was
evaluated at the Sistema de las Encadenadas de Chascoms. The water level of
the lakes depends on hydrological cycle, being the inputs: precipitation, stream
ow, groundwater inow and surface runoff and the outputs: evaporation and
stream outow. The local groundwater drainage supplies the base discharge of
pampasic lakes waters and holds the perennial discharge of stream beds [17].
FIG. 3.
2
H vs.
18
O in La Plata city and its surroundings.
DAPEA and PANARELLO
257
During ood periods precipitation reaching the surface is stored in depressions
forming shallow lakes and marshes. The water exceeding the storage capacity
of the depressions moves very slowly on the surface as sheet ow. Inltration is
very high due to regional lack of slope (3 10
-4
) and soil characteristics, and the
water table is near surface at most places. As a consequence, groundwater and
surcial water are strongly interrelated.
During December, 2000 and August, 2001 were taken 33 samples from
Vitel, Chascoms and Adela lakes and from Vitel N, Portela, Vitel S, Valdez,
Girado, San Felipe, Monte Brown and Las Tamberas streams. Groundwater
was sampled from 16 phreatic wells in Pampeano aquifer [20]. Figure 4 exhibits
the isotopic values obtained from surcial and groundwater samples in the 2
sampling periods, and the local meteoric water line (LMWL) from CUS.
The isotopic composition of groundwater is relatively constant for all
samples. The mean summer values are 5.0 and 30 for
18
O and
2
H,
respectively and 5.3 and 32 for winter (Fig. 4). They are close to the
average annual precipitation established in CUS (
18
O = 5.5,
2
H = 30)
indicating their meteoric origin. Nevertheless, small uctuations in the obtained
groundwater values are probably due to evaporation of local precipitation
prior to inltration, selective percolation through tosca levels with secondary
permeability. It must be taken into account that recharge waters reect the
mean precipitation with reasonable delity [6]. The mean residence time of
precipitation on the soil surface depends on the surface materials permeability.
FIG. 4.
2
H vs.
18
O in Sistema de las Encadenadas de Chascoms.
APPLICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISOTOPE TECHNIQUES
258
If it is high, inltration is fast and the groundwater isotope composition could
be the same or very similar to that of rains. If it is low, evaporation prior to
inltration causes isotope enriched waters. The stream and lake waters t on
an evaporation line (
2
H = 5.7
18
O 1.5), indicating the groundwater
contribution (Fig. 4) and the fact that in summer waters are more evapourated,
showing more isotope enriched values. These results are in agreement with the
geochemistry.
5. CONCLUSIONS
The techniques that use environmental isotopes (
2
H,
3
H,
18
O,
14
C and
34
S) jointly with the so-called classic procedures are a tool of great utility in
hydrological and hydrogeological studies. Just now, they are included in most
of the investigations carried out all over the world. Therefore, they can solve,
in relatively simple form and at low cost, numerous problems in surcial
waters and aquifers, related with the origin and recharge area, salinization
mechanisms, processes in the unsaturated zone, as well as the determination of
terms of water balance.
3
H and
4
C introduce the temporary variable, allowing,
in favourable cases, the evaluation of groundwater residence times and ow
rates. A large precipitation record at Buenos Aires station as well as others
localities of Argentina is a fundamental objective to bring scientic tools
for environmental isotope studies. Finally, we stand out the importance of
continuating the operation of the National Collector Network of Argentina as
well as the increase of stations at different latitude an altitude of the country.
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