Hydrochemistry of alluvial aquifer in the Cobra River sub-basin

Alexandre De O Lima,Miguel Ferreira Neto,Francisco P Lima Filho,Anderson De M Souza,Nildo Da S Dias,Priscila R Do A Rego

doi:10.1590/1807-1929/agriambi.v21n11p785-790

Abstract

ABSTRACT The regional characteristics of waters from alluvial aquifers are different, since they depend on geology and climate. Also, there may be local variation in the quality of the available water when the water source is superficial (rivers and lakes) or is underground due to geology. In order to investigate the groundwater quality of the alluvial aquifer in the Sub-Basin of the Cobra River (RN) for construction of underground dams, five wells, four in the main river and one in the tributary, were monitored in dry and rainy seasons, during two hydrological years. Fifteen water samples from ‘Amazonas’ wells were collected for hydrochemical assessment. Multivariate analysis were performed to evaluate the origin of aquifer recharge and water hydrochemical characteristics. Hydrochemical assessment results indicated that Na+ and Cl- ions have greater influence on the salinization of the studied area. There are risks of worsening salinization and toxicity problems in the middle and lower courses of the Cobra River Sub-Basin.

Highlights

Material and MethodsUnderground dams are social technologies to coexist with the drought in arid and semi-arid zones, built to allow the use of waters available in the alluvium
One of the critical aspects, which deserves special attention of researchers and managers, is related to the quality of the water provided to the populations. It depends on hydrochemical parameters, which are highly influenced by geological formations, climate and anthropic activities (Bahia et al, 2011; Barroso et al, 2011; Oliveira et al, 2015)
Before the implementation of any water construction, it is opportune to evaluate physicochemical characteristics that define the quality of the water contained in the alluvial reservoir, in order to measure the potentialities of the aquifer

Summary

Introduction

Material and MethodsUnderground dams are social technologies to coexist with the drought in arid and semi-arid zones, built to allow the use of waters available in the alluvium. Despite the importance of these waters for the Brazilian semi-arid region, the evaluation of their quality has been very limited, especially with respect to hydrochemical parameters of the alluvial aquifer for the location of underground dams.

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Conclusion