Hydrochemical and Isotopic Applications in the Western Aosta Valley (Italy) for Sustainable Groundwater Management

Barbara Grappein, Manuela Lasagna, Pietro Capodaglio, Chiara Caselle and Domenico Antonio De Luca
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Barbara Grappein: Earth Sciences Department, Turin University, via Valperga Caluso 35, 10125 Turin, Italy
Manuela Lasagna: Earth Sciences Department, Turin University, via Valperga Caluso 35, 10125 Turin, Italy
Pietro Capodaglio: ARPA Valle d’Aosta, Sezione Suolo Rifiuti Energia, loc. La Maladière 48, 11020 Saint-Christophe, Aosta, Italy
Chiara Caselle: Earth Sciences Department, Turin University, via Valperga Caluso 35, 10125 Turin, Italy
Domenico Antonio De Luca: Earth Sciences Department, Turin University, via Valperga Caluso 35, 10125 Turin, Italy

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 2, 1-24

Abstract: This research gives an overview of the status of water resources in the western Aosta Valley (Italy). Surface water, groundwater and precipitation were sampled during five sampling campaigns, and chemical analyses were performed and interpreted. Stable isotopes (δ 18 O and δ 2 H) were evaluated. This study highlights the relationships between water quality and quantity and local conditions (i.e., aquifer lithology, mixing into the aquifer, proximity to towns, contribution of snowmelt and ice melt to groundwater recharge, amount of rain, and season and altitude of the sampling location). A relationship between dust dispersed in the atmosphere as aerosols from the nearby Piedmont Region and the precipitation chemistry was identified, highlighting the presence of interregional conditions. Furthermore, isotopic analyses allowed the identification of aquifer feeding by both rainwater and glacial meltwater. Additionally, two origins for rainfall were identified: the Mediterranean Sea in winter and the Atlantic Ocean in summer. Finally, a local meteoric water line was calibrated for the study area. This research highlights the importance of implementing both traditional and isotopic techniques for water analysis to achieve optimal and sustainable management of water resources.

Keywords: groundwater quality; stable isotopes; alpine spring; surface water; rainfall; local meteoric water line; precipitation origin; Italy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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