Assessment of the Environmental Load in the Trophic System of the Huanuni Sub-Basin, Oruro Department

The study in the Huanuni sub-basin, agricultural area (Pacopampa – Sora Sora), had the objective of "Evaluating the environmental load of the trophic system of heavy metals (As, Sn, Pb, Cd, Zn)". The results in the study waters (M2-2 and M3-1, irrigation system), have high concentrations of Cd (greater than maximum permissible limits, class C, Law 1333), and Na. As for the soils, Na, Zn and Cd (M1-1), the last two metals are above the Common Range (RC), proposed by Kloke, Critical Concentration proposed by the EC (2002). The plant part (Vicia Faba, Medicago sativa, and Distichlis humilis –the last two of forage interest–), the elements As, Cd, Pb, Zn, exceed the maximum allowable, being progressive the accumulation, which induces a biomagnification process, demonstrated in the environmental load in cattle, highlighting more than 15 g/day; 110g/week and 400 g/month of heavy metals that enter an animal unit (cattle). Apart from the fact that the body has routes of expulsion and/or counteracting the entry of foreign substances into its metabolism, the reality is undeniable in Pacopampa - Sora Sora, the presence of heavy metals in the food chain, a risk factor in the area, the existing mining activity.