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Hydrogeochemical characterization for the identification and quantification of the flows that give rise to groundwater in a tectonic valley

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Abstract

The Villa de Reyes Graben has an aquifer system with intensive extraction that exploits millennial waters (Carrillo-Rivera et al., Appl Hydrogeol 1:35–48, 1992) . This research, through hydrogeochemical characterization and mixing models based on extreme members (hydrogeochemical data of major ions and conservative trace elements), was intended to establish the effect of intensive extraction and anthropogenic activity in the aquifer system with overexploitation and undermined condition. According to results, two water families were identified, which in order of abundance are Na–HCO3 > Na–Mg–Ca–HCO3. The ionic exchange, silicate weathering, and mixing are the principal processes that take place in the aquifer. A mixing model methodology was applied to identify groundwater ternary mixtures consisting of an intermediate flow (C1), a shallow water flow with an artificial recharge or irrigation return (C2), and a regional thermal flow (C3). The results of the mixing model show the contribution of each end member C1 (64.7%), C2 (8.1%), and C3 (7.2%) to the water system. Finally, the hydrogeochemical characterization shows that the recharge is almost zero. The intensive extraction of more evolved water has produced subsidence and faulting effects on the ground, decreased piezometric levels, and the pollution of shallow water. Therefore, decision-makers must consider these findings to manage and handle water resources in an area-undermining condition. It is expected that the results of this work will be considered for future decision-making in places with similar situations.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge CONACyT, UASLP, and CeMIE-Geo (P02 project No. 207032-2013-04) for enabling the realization of this project. Also, the authors thanks María Elena García Arreola Ph.D. of the Analytical Laboratory, Earth Sciences Department, Faculty of Engineering of the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí; Daniel Ramos P., M.S., of the Environmental Geochemical Laboratory, Geology Institute, UNAM. Finally, the authors thank the Geothermal Fluid Geochemistry Unit, Geophysics Institute, UNAM, for assistance in carrying out chemical analyses; engineer Roberto Rocha M. of the Geophysical Institute, UNAM, for his help during fieldwork.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CONACyT—Geophysics Institute, UNAM, Circuito de la Investigación Científica S/N Ciudad Universitaria, Alcaldía Coyoacán, 04510, Ciudad de México, México

    I. Pérez-Martínez & J. Morán-Ramírez

  2. Applied Geosciences Division, Potosin Institute of Scientific and Technological Research, (IPICYT), Camino a la Presa San José 2055, Lomas 4a Sección, 78216, San Luis Potosí, México

    J. A. Ramos-Leal

  3. Faculty of Engineering, UASLP, AV. Manuel Nava No. 8 Zona Universitaria, 78290, San Luis Potosí, México

    A. Cardona-Benavides

  4. Michoacán Unit, Geophysics Institute, UNAM, Km 8 Antigua carretera a Pátzcuaro 8701, Col. Ex Hacienda de San José de la Huerta, 58190, Morelia, Michoacán, México

    R. E. Villanueva-Estrada

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  1. I. Pérez-Martínez
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  2. J. A. Ramos-Leal
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  3. A. Cardona-Benavides
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Correspondence to J. Morán-Ramírez.

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Pérez-Martínez, I., Ramos-Leal, J.A., Cardona-Benavides, A. et al. Hydrogeochemical characterization for the identification and quantification of the flows that give rise to groundwater in a tectonic valley. Environ Earth Sci 80, 772 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-021-10057-2

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