Hydrogeochemical evolution of a semiarid endorheic basin, with intense agricultural and livestock activities
Por:
Florez-Peñaloza J.R., Mahlknecht J., Escolero† O., Morales-Casique E., Montaño-Caro J.C., Blanco-Gaona S., Silva-Aguilera R.A.
Publicada:
1 ene 2025
Resumen:
Water resources in semi-arid endorheic basins are increasingly at risk due to human activities that significantly alter natural systems. The Comarca Lagunera Region (CLR) in northern Mexico exemplifies this issue, where extensive groundwater extraction for agriculture and rapid urbanization have led to a continuous decline in the water table and deteriorating water quality. Recent studies emphasize the urgent need to address groundwater pollution in the region. This study aims to characterize the physical and chemical properties of groundwater and assess the factors and processes influencing groundwater chemistry. Using a hydrogeochemical framework, mixing rates were quantified through endmember mixing analysis, and inverse hydrogeochemical models were developed to explain groundwater evolution. The results likely suggest four primary groundwater flow systems - local, local-sulfated, intermediate, and regional - with a predominant Na-SO4 type, followed by Ca-HCO3-SO4 type. Five endmembers were identified, including contributions from the Nazas River, which supplied 7–44 % of pumped groundwater in wells within irrigation district DR017, correlating with elevated NO3- concentrations. Inverse hydrogeochemical modeling revealed distinct flow paths and quantified key geochemical processes. Carbonate, gypsum, pyrite and albite dissolution/precipitation played a crucial role in the local and intermediate flows, while halite and gypsum dissolution predominated in regional flow. Ion exchange reactions influenced hydrochemical changes across all flow compartments. Regional mass transfer analysis indicated that the principal ions were SO42- (8.0–17.5 mmol/l), Na+ (3.2 to 50.0 mmol/l), Ca2+ and Mg2+ (4.2 – 8.1 mmol/l), and NO3- (0.0 – 3.9 mmol/l). The findings have significant implications for groundwater management in the CLR and similar semi-arid endorheic basins. By understanding the complex interactions between natural processes and anthropogenic influences, this research provides critical insights into groundwater evolution. The results can be used to propose strategies to mitigate groundwater pollution, enhance water resource management, and promote sustainable agricultural practices in groundwater-dependent regions. © 2025 The Author(s)
Filiaciones:
Florez-Peñaloza J.R.:
Posgrado en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Ciudad Universitaria Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, C.P. 04510, Mexico
Mahlknecht J.:
Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, NL, Monterrey, 64849, Mexico
Escolero† O.:
Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Alcaldía Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, C. P. 04510, Mexico
Morales-Casique E.:
Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Alcaldía Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, C. P. 04510, Mexico
Montaño-Caro J.C.:
Programa de Posgrado en Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Ciudad Universitaria Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, C.P. 04510, Mexico
Blanco-Gaona S.:
Programa de Posgrado en Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Ciudad Universitaria Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, C.P. 04510, Mexico
Silva-Aguilera R.A.:
Posgrado en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Ciudad Universitaria Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, C.P. 04510, Mexico
All Open Access; Hybrid Gold Open Access
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