HYDROGEOCHEMICAL STUDY OF FLUORIDE IN AN AQUIFER IN BARRA FUNDA, SÃO PAULO, SP

• Grant number: 08/09170-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2009
• End date: December 31, 2009
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Geology
• Principal Investigator: Reginaldo Antonio Bertolo
• Grantee: Diego Felipe Pacheco
• Host Institution: Instituto de Geociências (IGC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Concentrations of fluoride above the potability limit have been detected in groundwater from deep supply wells located in the Barra Funda region of the municipality of São Paulo. The origin of this anomaly can be numerous and may be attributed to natural or anthropogenic sources. A hydrogeochemical study of the aquifer will be conducted through the sampling and analyses of rock and water samples. The water samples will be collected from selected deep supply wells registered at DAEE data bank and will be analyzed for cations, anions, heavy metals and silica. The final goal of this project will be the characterization of the origin and the extension of the anomaly. Geochemical models will be also be used to improve the geochemical conceptual model.