Abstract

The EYNR is the most important wetland in central Chile because it is protected as a RAMSAR site. It includes coastal lagoons, estuaries and saltmarshes, sustaining an important biodiversity. The chemical complexity was described using water and soil samples, which are characterized by high levels of alkalinity and soil cations. In addition, high concentrations of Cu (0.01-0.080 mg L-1) and Pb (0.120-0.566 mg L-1) in water were measured. Using a simplified index of water quality for oxygen demand, the ecological status of the wetland was classified as bad quality due to the existing use of land. Multivariable analyses and heavy metal index classified this wetland as having low to intermediate deterioration due to the combination of heavy metals. If this trend is allowed to continue unabated, the food web complexes in this wetland are likely to be at the highest risk of induced heavy metal contamination.