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El presente dossier de la Revista del Museo de La Plata reúne nueve de los artículos presentados en la V RAGSU, los cuales abordan distintas especialidades dentro de la geoquímica de la superficie.

Interactions and exchanges between surface water, groundwater, and the atmosphere are some of the most relevant functions that regulate environmental characteristics in wetlands. These functions depend on environmental attributes such as topography, geological-geomorphological setting and, in the case of coastal wetlands, the relationship with tidal flows. The aim of this work is to analyse the water flows in different landscape units of the wetland in the coastal plain of the Río de la Plata estuary within the Parque Costero del Sur biosphere reserve. For this purpose, monthly water balances and groundwater level measurements were compared with daily precipitation and tidal height data from the Río de la Plata estuary. The results show how water dynamics in the wetland responds to different geological-geomorphological and climatic controls. The main inlets and outlets of water, as well as the flow exchanges, vary according to the different landscape units, forming a complex system on which the main ecological features depend., Centro de Investigaciones del Medioambiente, Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas

Libro de Resumenes 3 de septiembre de 2019 Sala de Consejo Directivo, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina 9 de septiembre de 2019 Auditorio del Centro de Investigaciones Geologicas (UNLP-CONICET), La Plata, Argentina Comision organizadora Santa Fe: Natacha Bacolla Bernardo Carrizo Hugo Ramos Carina Giletta Laura Tarabella La Plata: Eleonora Carol Soledad Garcia Lerena Edoardo Melendi Lucia Santucci Carolina Tanjal Prologo En el marco del Proyecto ERASMUS 2019-20 el objetivo del taller es propiciar un espacio de intercambio comparativo de metodologias cientificas entre universidades e institutos de investigacion de Italia y Argentina sobre la interrelacion entre los ambientes fluviales y los asentamientos humanos. En el mismo participan docentes investigadores de la Universidad Ca´Foscari, la Universidad Nacional de Buenos Aires, la Universidad Nacional del Litoral, la Universidad Nacional de Rosario y la Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Este Workshop fue realizado en dos encuentros, el primero de ellos el 3 de septiembre en la Universidad Nacional del Litoral y el segundo el 9 de septiembre en la Universidad Nacional de La Plata.

Floods are one of the most common natural phenomena and represent a serious hazard when they affect human activities. Structural measures are commonly used to mitigate them; however, these do not always give good results, mainly in plain areas with scarce slope. In this sense, the generation of a flood hazard map contributes to adequate hazard management and disaster prevention. The aim of this work is to evaluate the flood hazard areas in hydrological plain basins with scarce slope, taking as a case study the Samborombón river basin located in the Pampean Plain, Argentina. For this, a flood hazard map was made based on the analytical hierarchy process and using a GIS, taking into account physical aspects of the terrain, observations, and field measurements. Likewise, the map was validated using satellite images and the inhabitants in danger in the basin were quantified. The results show that the flood hazard areas correspond mainly to the floodplain of rivers and tributaries, while the main and secondary divide zones have low flood hazard sectors. On the other hand, numerous urban settlements were identified within flood hazard areas, these being urban settlements in the vicinity of old urban centers and new gated communities with high value homes, quantifying 1961 inhabitants at flood hazard and showing poor territorial planning. The methodology proposed gives to the management agencies the possibility of generating land use maps, as well as designing mitigation and contingency plans after a large rainfall event., Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas, Facultad de Ingeniería

Las llanuras constituyen áreas de gran potencial para la producción agropecuaria afectadas frecuentemente por inundaciones. El objetivo del trabajo es utilizar una metodología que permita evidenciar bajo qué condiciones ocurren inundaciones en áreas de llanura con escasez de información base, tomando como caso de estudio a la cuenca del río Samborombón, situada en el centro-este de Argentina. Para esto fueron observadas imágenes satelitales Landsat y se realizaron balances hídricos diarios, para posteriormente realizar un análisis estadístico de recurrencia. Los resultados obtenidos evidencian que las inundaciones se ven influenciadas en gran medida por las condiciones hídricas previas del suelo. La metodología utilizada permite estimar períodos de retorno en cuencas de llanura de baja pendiente requiriendo solamente de imágenes satelitales de libre acceso y de datos de precipitación y temperatura media diaria, obteniendo resultados que reflejan el estado de la cuenca posterior a eventos de precipitación., The plains constitute areas of great potential for agricultural production frequently affected by floods. The objective of the work is to use a methodology that allows demonstrating under what conditions floods occur in plains areas with a shortage of basic information, taking as a case study the Samborombon River basin, located in the center-east of Argentina. For this, Landsat satellite images were observed and daily water balances were performed, to subsequently perform a statistical analysis of recurrence. The results obtained show that flooding is greatly influenced by previous soil water conditions. The methodology used allows estimating return periods in low-slope plain basins, requiring only satellite images of free access and daily average temperature and precipitation data, obtaining results that reflect the state of the basin after precipitation events., Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas

La cuenca del río Samborombón localizada en el noreste de la provincia de Buenos Aires es una cuenca rural donde, si bien domina la ganadería extensiva, han comenzado a desarrollarse en los últimos años establecimientos ganaderos intensivos. El engorde de ganado en corral genera gran cantidad de excretas que son una fuente puntual de contaminación del agua. En sectores donde el abastecimiento de agua para consumo es mediante la explotación del agua subterránea, estos focos de contaminación pueden limitar su potabilidad. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar la influencia de un corral de engorde en la hidroquímica del acuífero freático en la cuenca alta del río Samborombón, así como también analizar la vulnerabilidad social y el riesgo hídrico presente en el área. Para esto se efectuó la toma de muestras de agua para determinar iones mayoritarios, trazas y fósforo en laboratorio, midiéndose in situ el pH y la conductividad eléctrica. Los resultados indican que la ganadería intensiva constituye una actividad que tiende a deteriorar la calidad del acuífero freático mediante la incorporación de Cl-, SO42- y NO3-. Elementos inmóviles o poco solubles como los fosfatos tenderían a retenerse en el suelo y zona no saturada sin afectar al acuífero. Por su parte, los elementos traza no evidencian cambios respecto a los valores de fondo de la química en el área de estudio. La contaminación del acuífero por nitratos en algunos pozos supera el límite sugerido por la Organización Mundial de la Salud y afecta a los pobladores que viven en las adyacencias. Asimismo, se identificó una vulnerabilidad de tipo socioeconómica debido a la falta de acceso a servicios básicos, como el agua potable y un sistema cloacal adecuado., The Samborombón river basin, located in the northeast of Buenos Aires province, is a rural area with extensive livestock farming as dominant activity but with intensive feedlots established and developing in recent years. Feedlots generate a large amount of excreta that represent point-source water pollution. In sectors where the water for consumption is supplied by exploitation of groundwater, these sources of pollution may reduce its potability. The goal of this work was to evaluate the influence of a feedlot in the hydrochemistry of the groundwater aquifer in the upper zone of the Samborombón river basin, and to analyze the social vulnerability and water-related risk in the area. For this purpose, water samples were taken to determine major ions, trace elements and phosphorus in the laboratory. Additionally, pH and electrical conductivity were measured in situ. The results indicate that intensive animal farming tends to deteriorate the quality of groundwater through incorporation of Cl-, SO42- and NO3-. Immobile or poorly soluble elements, such as phosphates, would tend to be retained in the soil and in the unsaturated zone, not affecting the chemical properties of the aquifer. On the other hand, levels of trace elements do not show changes with respect to the chemical baseline for the area. In some wells, the pollution of the aquifer caused by nitrates exceeds the limit suggested by the World Health Organization and affects the local inhabitants. Likewise, we detected socioeconomic vulnerability due to lack of access to basic services, such as potable water and an adequate sewer system., A bacia do rio Samborombón, localizada no nordeste da província de Buenos Aires, é uma bacia rural onde, embora a pecuária extensiva domine, os estabelecimentos de pecuária intensiva começaram a se desenvolver nos últimos anos. A engorda de gado em curral gera uma grande quantidade de excrementos, que são uma fonte pontual de contaminação da água. Nos setores onde o abastecimento de água para consumo se dá por meio da exploração da água subterrânea, estes focos de contaminação podem limitar sua potabilidade. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a influência de um curral de engorda na hidroquímica do lençol freático na alta bacia do rio Samborombón, bem como analisar a vulnerabilidade social e o risco hídrico presentes na área. Para isso, amostras de água foram coletadas para determinar os principais íons, traços e fósforo em laboratório, medindo-se in situ o pH e a condutividade elétrica. Os resultados indicam que a pecuária intensiva constitui uma atividade que tende a deteriorar a qualidade do lençol freático por meio da incorporação de Cl-, SO42- y NO3-. Elementos imóveis ou pouco solúveis, como os fosfatos, tenderiam a ser retidos no solo e na zona não saturada sem afetar o lençol. Por sua vez, os elementos traços não evidenciam alterações em relação aos valores químicos de base na área de estudo. A contaminação do lençol por nitratos em alguns poços excede o limite sugerido pela Organização Mundial da Saúde e afeta os habitantes que vivem nas proximidades. Da mesma forma, foi identificada uma vulnerabilidade socioeconômica devida à falta de acesso a serviços básicos, como água potável e sistema de esgoto adequado., Dossier: Geoquímica y perspectiva ambiental de sistemas exógenos., Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo

Extra-Andean Patagonia, located in the south end of South America, is a wide arid region where the basaltic plateau landscape dominates. Associated with the basaltic plateaus, wet meadows and shallow lakes make up environments of relevance due to the ecosystemic services they provide. The aim of this work was to define the processes and factors that condition the hydrodynamics and hydrogeochemistry of wet meadows and shallow lakes in a sector of the Patagonian plateau basalts. For this, detailed geological and geomorphological studies were carried out and water was sampled at 29 points for the analysis of major ions and, in some samples, stable isotopes of the water molecule. Values of δ18O and δ2H similar to the local meteoric line in the water of wetmeadows indicate that rainwater quickly infiltrates through the fractures of the basaltic plateaus and stores in the underlying sediments. Groundwater discharge occurs in the scarp zone due to changes in sediment permeability. The weathering of silicates in basalts, ion exchange in the sediment clays, and the dissolution of soluble salts provided by the dust control water chemistry of this wetland.Water from wet meadows drains into saline endorheic basins of sodium chloride composition where the isotopic signal is indicative of evaporation percentages close to 95%. The high evaporation rates cause the precipitation of evaporitic salts at the edges of shallow lakes with carbonate, sulfate, and chloride species controlled by the dominance of sodium in the water. Fil: Melendi, Edoardo Luca. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas; Argentina Fil: Tanjal, Carolina Verónica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas; Argentina Fil: Borzi, Guido Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas; Argentina Fil: Raigemborn, María Sol. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas; Argentina Fil: Carol, Eleonora Silvina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas; Argentina

The province of Buenos Aires located in Argentina contains numerous agricultural plain basins of world importance among which the Samborombon river basin stands out, where regular floods affect agricultural activities and urban expansion. This sector has large road works with approach embankments that obstruct the natural drainage, a poorly planned urban growth, and an increase in the rainfall regime in recent decades. The aim of this work is to carry out an analysis and assessment of the surface runoff conditioned by road works and urban settlements in large plain basins, taking the Samborombon river basin as a case study. Satellite images were used to define the floodplain and identify the main road works and urban settlements that develop within it. Subsequently, hydrological simulations were carried out to assess how these anthropic structures modify the surface runoff and the flooded areas. To validate the simulation results, the flooded areas obtained were compared with a similar flood event of a Landsat image. The results show that the road works embankments and urban settlements restrict the floodplain area of the river, generating an increase in the flooded area and delaying the water runoff. This problem, together with the rainfall increase, shows the need to generate a territorial management plan and adopt mitigation measures. The use of sacrificial embankments could be an economic alternative that would prevent the obstruction of water runoff, being able to use the basin as a pilot site for this innovative idea., Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas

The South Atlantic coast in Argentine Patagonia is an area where semi-arid to arid conditions predominate and coastal populations present serious water supply problems. The aim of the work was to evaluate the factors that condition the salinization processes of coastal aquifers from a hydrochemical and isotopic analysis of the groundwater located in Pleistocene and Holocene littoral ridges in the northern sector of Patagonia in Bahia San Blas. A geomorphological characterization of the area was carried out using digital elevation models, satellite image interpretation and field surveys. Groundwater chemistry was analyzed in 40 shallow wells and 2 tidal water samples. At each point, electrical conductivity, temperature and pH of water were measured and samples were taken for analysis of major ions and stable isotopes. The salinization processes were analyzed by means of ionic and isotopic relationship graphs and were subsequently modeled using free software. The results obtained allowed the identification of the factors that determine the salinization of coastal aquifers. Particularly in the Pleistocene coastal ridges, the cementation of the most superficial sediments reduces permeability conditioning rainwater infiltration. This, together with the presence of soluble salts on the surface and the mixing with sea water, determines the salinization of the groundwater. In contrast to these, in the Holocene coastal ridges without cementation, rainwater infiltrates forming freshwater lenses where salinization processes occur only at the edges of the lenses where the saltwater wedge is located. The data provided in this paper are useful in prospecting freshwater sources along the arid coast of Patagonia where freshwater availability is scarce. They can also be extrapolated to other sectors worldwide with similar geological and climatic environments.

Freshwater lenses associated to shell ridges and sand sheets exist on the coastal wetland of Samborombón Bay. As they constitute one of the most vulnerable aquifer systems, it is the aim of this study to determine the hydrogeochemical processes that condition the chemical quality of its groundwater and to assess their present and future capability as sustenance of native woods and local villagers. To achieve this, hydrogeomorphological field surveys were made and groundwater samples were taken. Results show that lenses have a mean thickness of 12 m and its chemical quality depends on the dissolution of CO2(g) and carbonates, weathering of silicates and ion exchange. Lenses can be affected by long-term climatic variability and mining. The study of morphology and geochemistry of the freshwater lenses bring lights into important information about the management of water resources and conservation of the environment., Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas

The Samborombón River basin, which has eminently rural characteristics, develops within the Pampean plain along with other basins with serious contamination problems due to the growth of the industrial activities and the absence of a proper groundwater management. Considering that the knowledge of the natural baseline quality is important to measure an imposed environmental change, the aim of this work was to study the mechanisms that control the natural composition of groundwater and superficial water in the Samborombón River basin. In order to achieve this, detailed analysis of the minerals forming the aquifer matrix along with the data obtained from isotopes, major and trace elements were performed. Geochemical processes that define the chemical characteristics and contribute to the evolution of both surface and groundwater are associated with rainwater infiltration, carbonate dissolution, cation exchange and evaporation. Additionally, the low concentration of heavy metals may respond to natural background levels. Comprehending the hydrochemical processes governing groundwater and superficial water quality, particularly in a rural area where water supply is vital for the development of human activities, is essential to prevent environmental deterioration and thus, enhance socio-economic growth. Fil: Borzi, Guido Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas; Argentina Fil: Tanjal, Carolina Verónica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas; Argentina Fil: Santucci, Lucía. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas; Argentina Fil: Carol, Eleonora Silvina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas; Argentina

Coastal lagoons and marshes are among the most fluctuating and productive ecosystems in the world, which provide a wide range of ecosystem. The objective of this work was to evaluate the factors and processes that condition the hydrogeochemical dynamics in salt marshes associated with the development of small coastal lagoons located at the southern end of the outer estuary of the Rio de la Plata, where it confluences with the Atlantic Ocean. Four samplings were carried out where major ions composition was determined in seawater, surface water of the lagoon and tidal channel, and in groundwater of the marsh, measuring in situ water pH and the electrical conductivity (EC). The chemical data were analyzed considering the conditions and processes associated with both water balance and tidal regime. The coastal lagoon develops within a sandy spit with dunes which is connected to the sea by a narrow tidal channel where the entry of the tidal flow is limited. The tide that enters has strong chemical variability, reflected in EC ranging from 19.1 to 37.5 mS/cm, depending on the dominant source (ocean or estuary). In periods with evapotranspiration domain, tidal water in the lagoon evaporates resulting in soluble salts precipitation such as gypsum and halite. The subsequent tidal flood dissolves these salts causing that in these periods both surface water of the lagoon and groundwater in the marsh present EC values between 8.4 and 57.1 mS/cm. Conversely, when evapotranspiration is low, surface water of the lagoon and tidal channel and groundwater of the marsh have EC between 3.5 and 18.1 mS/cm, and freshwater discharge from the dune sector where the rain preferentially infiltrate becomes relevant. The results obtained show the strong chemical variability that this type of coastal wetlands presents, providing the basis for its conservation andmanagement of natural reserve areas. Fil: Galliari, Maria Julieta. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Química Inorgánica "Dr. Pedro J. Aymonino". Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Química Inorgánica "Dr. Pedro J. Aymonino"; Argentina Fil: Tanjal, Carolina Verónica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas; Argentina Fil: Alvarez, Maria del Pilar. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; Argentina Fil: Carol, Eleonora Silvina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas; Argentina

Arsenic (As) is an important component in thermal springs, which can reach water sources constituting an important hazard for both the environment and people. For this reason, the aim of this paper is to analyze the geologic and geochemical processes that determine the presence and concentration of As in wet-meadows associated to a geothermal field in Patagonia (Argentina) which is used as water supply. To achieve this, during field surveys temperature, pH and electrical conductivity were measured and water and rock samples were taken. Major ions and stable isotopes were determined in water samples while As content was analyzed in both water and rock samples. Due to geological control and chemical analyses, three areas were recognized with respect to major streams in the geothermal field: wet-meadows at headwaters, thermal springs at mid basin and wet-meadows at down basin. Even though, water in wet-meadows have the same origin the obtained results evidence how thermal springs at mid-basin influence the chemistry of these wetlands, particularly those at down basin. In the latter, As raises over two orders of magnitude than the ones at headwaters which surpasses the reference limit, proving that thermal springs are also responsible for the increase of the As content in water changing its quality as a source of potable water. The concentration of this metalloid could be higher but it is retained in travertine and sinter deposits formed near the geothermal discharge area. Understanding processes controlling water quality and the chemistry of As in this type of wetlands is of vital importance, mainly in an arid region where water supply sources are scarce.

Environmental liabilities have become one of the most important problems of the last years, especially those of contaminated sites located in urban areas which have been abandoned by pollution intensive industries. Such sites may contain hazardous materials that pose risks to human health and the environment. Industrial waste from the ancient sulfuric acid industry is scattered in a local area at the petrochemical pole in a sector of the Río de la Plata coastal plain. The aim of this work is to define the geochemical processes that determine the alteration of waste in the old sulfuric acid industry (OSAI) area and to study the migration of soluble pollutants to groundwater. A survey of soil and waste deposit was carried out and samples were examined by X-ray diffraction, under a scanning electron microscope and a polarizing microscope. Surface water and groundwater samples, both to the unconfined and semi-confined aquifers, were collected to determine electrical conductivity, pH and major elements. The results show the presence of minerals composed of sulfur associated with jarosite and iron oxides on superficial sediments. The detailed study of soil sediments together with that of the water physicochemical characteristics make it possible to understand the geochemical processes developed in soil that cause the high concentrations of sulfates in groundwater. Furthermore, high SO4 −2 concentration registered in the semi-confined aquifer due to its infiltration from the unconfined aquifer shows that the industrial pollution has an important impact at local level. These results may contribute to the understanding of chemical processes and pollutants distribution in highly industrialized coastal plain areas. Fil: Santucci, Lucía. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas; Argentina Fil: Carol, Eleonora Silvina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas; Argentina Fil: Tanjal, Carolina Verónica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas; Argentina

A study of hydrological and lithological characteristics that allow the development of freshwater lenses in littoral ridges underneath clay sediments of the coastal plain was undertaken, considering as a case of study the freshwater lenses located in the coastal sector of Samborombón Bay (Argentina). Geological characteristics were studied at a regional scale, as well as detailed sedimentological and ichnological aspects. Thickness of the lens and the freshwater-saline water interface were determined by salinity measurements in exploration wells located at different depths. Results obtained suggest that the infiltration of rainwater into the littoral ridges causes the formation of freshwater lenses that deepen below the clayey layers of the coastal-plain deposits. The key to answering this question are the crustacean burrows, which regionally occur in the fine sediments of the coastal plain. The burrows create an interconnected system of galleries and tunnels filled with sandy-silt material that favours seepage. Because the alternation of coastal-plain deposits and littoral ridges is a frequent situation throughout the world, the data provided by the present work do not represent just a simple case study; on the contrary, they show that biological structures promote bigger freshwater lenses in coastland environments, thus increasing water reserves. Fil: Carol, Eleonora Silvina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas; Argentina Fil: Richiano, Sebastián Miguel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentina Fil: Tanjal, Carolina Verónica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo; Argentina