Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/2122/352
Authors: Liotta, M. 
Title: Geochemical Processes Governing Groundwater Composition in North-Western Sicily: isotopic model and water rock interaction
Issue Date: 2003
Keywords: groundwater composition
geochemical processes
isotopic model
water-rock interaction
North-Western Sicily
Subject Classification03. Hydrosphere::03.02. Hydrology::03.02.03. Groundwater processes 
Abstract: Groundwater systems of the north-western Sicily were sampled in the period January 2002-May 2003 for geochemical and isotopic characterization (fig. 1.1). All major constituent and stable isotopic composition values were determined. ICP-Mass analysis of two field surveys were also performed to estimate divalent metals abundances (Ba, Sr, Cd and Fe). In order to evaluate the meteoric recharge of the aquifer a rain gauges grid was installed in January 2002 (Fig.1.2). The rain gauges, made to prevent evaporation phenomena and hence to preserve the isotopic composition of the rainwater, was sampled monthly. High infiltration coefficient values, due to fractured rocks and poor vegetation coverage, made it possible to relate isotopic composition of precipitation to isotopic composition of groundwater. An isotopic model of precipitation was developed using weighted average isotopic composition of rain waters. The Local meteroric Water Line (LMWL) was drawn. The main geochemical processes governing groundwater composition were described and a geochemical background for evaluation of seawater intrusion and submarine discharges was defined. Geochemical features of groundwater mainly come from mixing processes between a carbonatic endmember and a seawater one. Moreover, thermal water contribution was also found in a few samples. Partial pressure of CO2 has been computed. Generally PCO2 values are close to 10-2 atm but anomalous areas have been recognized along some faults. High PCO2 values favourite rocks dissolution. Minor elements mobility was also studied and a positive correlation between Sr, Ba and TDS was found.
Appears in Collections:Theses

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat
PhD thesis Marcello Liotta.doc11.49 MBMicrosoft WordView/Open
Show full item record

Page view(s) 50

318
checked on Mar 27, 2024

Download(s) 20

553
checked on Mar 27, 2024

Google ScholarTM

Check