Hydrogeochemical characterization for the identification and quantification of the flows that give rise to groundwater in a tectonic valley Article uri icon

abstract

  • The Villa de Reyes Graben has an aquifer system with intensive extraction that exploits millennial waters (Carrillo-Rivera et al., Appl Hydrogeol 1:35–48, 1992). This research, through hydrogeochemical characterization and mixing models based on extreme members (hydrogeochemical data of major ions and conservative trace elements), was intended to establish the effect of intensive extraction and anthropogenic activity in the aquifer system with overexploitation and undermined condition. According to results, two water families were identified, which in order of abundance are Na–HCO3 > Na–Mg–Ca–HCO3. The ionic exchange, silicate weathering, and mixing are the principal processes that take place in the aquifer. A mixing model methodology was applied to identify groundwater ternary mixtures consisting of an intermediate flow (C1), a shallow water flow with an artificial recharge or irrigation return (C2), and a regional thermal flow (C3). The results of the mixing model show the contribution of each end member C1 (64.7%25), C2 (8.1%25), and C3 (7.2%25) to the water system. Finally, the hydrogeochemical characterization shows that the recharge is almost zero. The intensive extraction of more evolved water has produced subsidence and faulting effects on the ground, decreased piezometric levels, and the pollution of shallow water. Therefore, decision-makers must consider these findings to manage and handle water resources in an area-undermining condition. It is expected that the results of this work will be considered for future decision-making in places with similar situations. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

publication date

  • 2021-01-01