Abstract
The present work provides hydrochemical and stable isotope data and their interpretations for 54 springs and 20 wells, monitored from 2002 to 2006, in the Southern Latium region of Central Italy to identify flow paths, recharge areas and hydrochemical processes governing the evolution of groundwater in this region. The hydrogeological conceptual model of the carbonate aquifers of southern Latium was based on environmental isotopic and hydrochemical investigation techniques to characterize and model these aquifer systems with the aim of achieving proper management and protection of these important resources. Most of the spring samples, issuing from Lepini, Ausoni and Aurunci Mts., are characterized as Ca-Mg-HCO3 water type, however, some samples show a composition of Na-Cl and mixed Ca-Na-HCO3-Cl waters. Groundwater samples from Pontina Plain are mostly characterized by Na-Cl and Ca-Cl type waters. Geochemical modeling and saturation index computation of the Lepini, Ausoni Aurunci springs and Pontina Plain wells shows an interaction with carbonate rocks. Most of the spring and well water samples were saturated with respect to calcite and dolomite, however all sampled waters were undersaturated with respect to gypsum and halite. The relationship between δ18O and δ2H, for spring and well water samples, shows shifts of both the slope and the deuterium excess when compared to the world meteoric (WMWL) and central Italy meteoric (CIMWL) water lines. The deviation of data points from the meteoric lines can be attributed to evaporation both during the falling of the rain and by run-off on the ground surface before infiltration. Most springs and wells have a deuterium excess above 10 ‰ suggesting the precipitation in the groundwater comes from the Mediterranean sector. On the basis of local isotopic gradients, in combination with topographic and geologic criteria, four recharge areas were identified in the Aurunci Mountains. In Pontina Plain, the elevations of the recharging areas suggest that the Lepini carbonate aquifers are feeding them.
Highlights
Groundwater constitutes about two thirds of the freshwater resources of the world and plays an important role in human life and economic activity [1]
The relationship between δ18O and δ2H, for spring and well water samples, shows shifts of both the slope and the deuterium excess when compared to the world meteoric (WMWL) and central Italy meteoric (CIMWL) water lines
Hydrochemical and stable isotope data (18O-2H) were employed to identify the factors that control the evolution of water systems of southern Latium region
Summary
Groundwater constitutes about two thirds of the freshwater resources of the world and plays an important role in human life and economic activity [1]. The traditional quantitative approaches in the characterization of carbonate aquifers provides important data. Isotopic data characterization techniques have become well established in the hydrological society for groundwater resource assessment, development, and management, and are an integral part of many water quality and envi-. When stable isotopes and geochemical data are examined for both surface water and groundwater systems, important information about processes related to water cycling and waterrock interaction that may affect water quality. Environmental isotopic and hydrochemical investigation techniques provide much information for the identification of groundwater flow systems and the main hydrogeochemical processes affecting the composition of water within the karst aquifers. Groundwater in the carbonate aquifers of the Southern Latium region was characterized employing isotopic and hydrochemical data to identify groundwater flow paths, recharge areas and the main processes control the evolution of water. This study was designed to hydrochemically characterize and model these aquifer systems with the aim of achieving proper management and protection of these important resources
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
