6533b7d1fe1ef96bd125ce57

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Application of Geostatistical Tools to the Geochemical Characterization of the Peloritani Mts (Sicily, Italy) Aquifers

Paolo MadoniaValentina CensiRocco FavaraMarianna Cangemi

subject

Geography Planning and DevelopmentGeomaticsGeochemistryAquiferAquatic Sciencewater qualityprobability plotsBiochemistryNatural (archaeology)tectonicsheavy metalsTD201-500Spatial analysisWater Science and Technologygeographygeography.geographical_feature_categoryWater supply for domestic and industrial purposesbusiness.industryHydraulic engineeringGroundwater rechargeTectonicsdissolved CO<sub>2</sub> partial pressureContour lineMaximum Admitted ConcentrationsTC1-978businessGroundwaterGeology

description

Sources of groundwater contaminants in inhabited areas, located in complex geo-tectonic contexts, are often deeply interlocked, thus, making the discrimination between anthropic and natural origins difficult. In this study, we investigate the Peloritani Mountain aquifers (Sicily, Italy), using the combination of probability plots with concentration contour maps to retrieve an overall view of the groundwater geo-chemistry with a special focus on the flux of heavy metals. In particular, we present a methodology for integrating spatial data with very different levels of precision, acquired before and during the “geomatic era”. Our results depict a complex geochemical layout driven by a geo-puzzle of rocks with very different lithological natures, hydraulically connected by a dense tectonic network that is also responsible for the mixing of deep hydrothermal fluids with the meteoric recharge. Moreover, a double source, geogenic or anthropogenic, was individuated for many chemicals delivered to groundwater bodies. The concentration contour maps, based on the different data groups identified by the probability plots, fit the coherency and congruency criteria with the distribution of both rock matrices and anthropogenic sources for chemicals, indicating the success of our geostatistical approach.

https://doi.org/10.3390/w13223269