Abstract
The characterization of the spatial variation of geochemical parameters in spring waters, especially the ones used for drinking purpose, is essential to identify potential risks to humans. In this work, results of a qualitative analysis on 190 samples of spring waters collected in the largest catchment of the Calabria region (southern Italy) are shown. Several physical and chemical parameters were analysed and the Langelier-Ludwig diagram was built to evaluate the hydrochemical facies of the sampled waters. Additionally, the relationships between water temperature and altitude and electric conductivity (EC) and altitude were assessed. Geostatistical methods were used to map the physical and chemical parameters. Results showed a good quality status of the spring waters in the Crati basin, with a predominant Ca-Mg-type hydrochemical facies. Then, a connection between EC and temperature with elevation has been detected in some area of the basin. Finally, the spatial analysis allowed identifying the distribution of the concentration of the several parameters.
Highlights
Water is the most essential element for the existence of life on Earth, which is becoming increasingly precious during the last decades
A good management of this resource is very important especially in some areas such as the Mediterranean basin, which is located in a transition zone between North Africa and central Europe, which is affected by the interaction between midlatitude and tropical processes and which can be considered as potentially vulnerable to climatic changes [2]
Groundwater quality in a region largely depends on natural processes, like dissolution and precipitation of minerals, groundwater velocity, quality of recharge waters and interaction with other types of water aquifers, and weathering and catchment erosion [4, 5], and on anthropogenic inputs including urbanization, agricultural, and industrial activities
Summary
Water is the most essential element for the existence of life on Earth, which is becoming increasingly precious during the last decades. Groundwater quality is getting deteriorated due to climate changes which cause low rainfall and high evapotranspiration [3]. Groundwater quality in a region largely depends on natural processes, like dissolution and precipitation of minerals, groundwater velocity, quality of recharge waters and interaction with other types of water aquifers, and weathering and catchment erosion [4, 5], and on anthropogenic inputs including urbanization, agricultural, and industrial activities. Geology of the catchment area, degree of chemical weathering of the various rock types, and inputs from sources other than water-rock interaction play a significant role in controlling the chemistry of the water [6,7,8,9].
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