Physicochemical characteristics of playa-lake sediments located in the western External Betics
- László Halmos 1
- Joaquín Delgado Rodríguez 2
- Miguel Rodríguez-Rodríguez 1
- Alejandro Jiménez Bonilla 1
- Manuel Díaz Azpiroz 1
- 1 Universidad Pablo de Olavide. Facultad de CCEE. Dpto. de Sistemas Físicos, Químicos y Naturales. Sevilla
- 2 Universidad de Sevilla. Facultad de Química. Dpto. de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola. (Sevilla)
ISSN: 0213-683X
Year of publication: 2022
Issue: 72
Pages: 39-42
Type: Article
More publications in: Geogaceta
Abstract
In the western External Betics several temporal saline water bodies (playa-lakes) constitute singular environments that are protected due to their ecological and hydrological values. Changes in their hydrological status due to both natural and human-induced changes alter the characteristics of their sediments. A detailed determination of the pH and electrical conductivity in the sediments of six playa-lakes within a range of degradation statuses was made in this study. The detailed examination of such geochemical variables has allowed us to establish three categories of degradation in the studied systems. Our results highlight the extreme vulnerability of this playa-lakes caused mainly by human activities, particularly those related to land-use change for agriculture, as well as the necessity of its protection based on scientific criteria.