Abstract

The importance of Mountains for the world's water supply has been increasingly recognized. However, in many cases the existing roads require regular de-icing operations which may have a severe impact on the natural hydrogeochemical conditions of the local hydrological systems due to the regular use of substances such as sodium chloride and calcium chloride. The Serra da Estrela Mountain is a strategic area for the water resources management in Portugal because of its geological, geomorphological and climatic framework. This study was carried out in the highest part of the mountain, where road de-icing is frequent during winter. The hydrogeochemical characteristics of several springs, located downstream from roads between 1500 m a.s.l. and 1990 m a.s.l., present clear anthropic signatures which disturbs the quality of the local water resources.

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