LAUSR

Vicuna is a wild, endangered species of Andean camelid living in the hyper arid Andean plateau. In the central part of the plateau, the Lithium Triangle defines a zone having lithium -rich salt pans. Brine pools naturally form within those salt pans, and the adaptation strategy of vicuna consists of drinking from brine pools. Together with reporting the first chemical data on vicuna bones and teeth, we analyzed lithium, boron and arsenic in water and brines, in order to assess its relation to the chronic exposure by water ingestion. We have collected and analyzed bones of vicuna specimens lying in an Andean salt pan, together with brine and water samples. Brine and water samples are highly saline and contain high lithium, boron, and arsenic grades. Lithium (13.50 to 40 mg kg-1 ) and boron (40 to 46.80 mg kg-1 ), but not arsenic, were found in the vicuna bones and teeth. Based on this and previously reported data on human tissues in the Andes, we have conducted statistical assessments on the relations between lithium and boron grades in body tissues and bearing waters, and discussed its environmental significance in the context of the lithium triangle. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.