Geochemical Characterization of Groundwater in a Volcanic System

Carmelo Bellia, Adrian H. Gallardo, Masaya Yasuhara and Kohei Kazahaya
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Carmelo Bellia: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Geological Survey of Japan, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8561, Japan
Adrian H. Gallardo: Argentina National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), FCFMyN, Department of Geology, San Luis National University, Ejercito de los Andes 950, San Luis 5700, Argentina
Masaya Yasuhara: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Geological Survey of Japan, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8561, Japan
Kohei Kazahaya: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Geological Survey of Japan, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8561, Japan

Resources, 2015, vol. 4, issue 2, 1-20

Abstract: A geochemical investigation was undertaken at Mt. Etna Volcano to better define groundwater characteristics of its aquifers. Results indicate that the Na–Mg ± Ca–HCO 3 − ± (SO 4 2− or Cl − ) type accounts for more than 80% of the groundwater composition in the volcano. The remaining 20% is characterized by elevated Ca 2+ . Waters along coastal areas are enriched in SO 4 2− or Cl − , mainly due to mixing with seawater and anthropogenic effects. The majority of the samples showed values between −4‰ to −9‰ for δ 18 O and −19‰ to −53‰ for δ 2 H, suggesting that precipitation is the predominant source of recharge to the aquifers, especially in the west of the study area. The analysis of δ 13 C and pCO 2 shows values 1 to 3 times higher than those expected for waters in equilibrium with the atmosphere, suggesting a partial gas contribution from deep sources. The diffusion of gasses is likely to be controlled by tectonic structures in the volcano. The ascent of deep brines is also reflected in the CO 2 enrichment (up to 2.2 bars) and enriched δ 2 H/δ 18 O compositions observed in the salt mounts of Paternò.

Keywords: groundwater; geochemistry; water quality; isotopes; Mt. Etna (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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