Interpretation of seasonal variation of metals and abiotic properties in a tropical lake using multivariate analysis and MINTEQA2 program.

The hydrological cycle of Lake Ipê and the principal parameters that could affect its abiotic parameters and its metal (Fe, Mn, and Cd) concentrations were investigated. A detailed study of seasonal variations using Principal Components Analysis (PCA) for the most relevant metals (Fe, Mn and Cd) was performed, assisted by the MINTEQA2 geochemical equilibrium program using 15 water abiotic parameters. The abiotic variables and metals in the lake were governed by the hydrological regimen of the Parana River and by the occurrence of occasional flood pulses and rainfall. The occurrence of cadmium is a concern; its presence could be due to industrial or agricultural activities or even to a natural geochemical process.