The Hydrochemistry of the Parana River after Porto Primavera Dam

Abstract

The Porto Primavera dam has introduced a number of modifications in the downstream part of channel-floodplain of the Parana River. This study aims to evaluate the hydro chemical changes occurred after completion of the dam. For that, bibliographic data were raised on physical and chemical characteristics of the Paraná and Baía rivers and those lakes associated with both rivers. The data were analyzed considering the period before and after the completion of the dam project, taking into account the information common to both time intervals. The results showed that the reservoir caused an increase the water temperature and potassium concentration, and decreased the water pH and concentration of total phosphorus. Floods play a role as an agent of dilution of a set of elements (phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, manganese, iron, zinc, lead, cadmium, aluminum, barium, cobalt and copper) and enriched the potassium and sodium concentrations.