Regresar

Hydrogeochemical features and groundwater renewal rate estimates from deep aquifers in the Pampean plain, Córdoba province, Argentina

Abstract:

In the Córdoba Province (Argentina), people use groundwater from confined aquifers systems (CAS) for different activities (irrigation, livestock, etc.). Therefore, comprehensive studies for a more sustainable use of these resources are necessary. The aim of this study is to assess the geochemistry, the water flow dynamic and the renewal rates of groundwater in the CAS of the Pampean plain of Córdoba. The CAS evaluated in this study are composed of two multilayered subsystems (A1 CAS and A2 CAS) of variable extent formed by thin (3–8 m) sand-pebble lenses. The subsystems are associated with Neogene fluvial palaeosystems. These layers are situated at different depths (120–400 m) and are interbedded with thick clay strata, which generate different confinement grades. Groundwater is fresh and of good quality (EC < 2.000 μS/cm) because the geochemical processes that allow the transference of ions …