Hydrogeochemistry of the shallow aquifer in the western Po Plain (Piedmont, Italy): spatial and temporal variability

The study explores the spatial distribution and trends of groundwater pollutants focusing on calcium and four other key water quality parameters in the Gurage Zone, Ethiopia, in 2024. It uses the ArcGIS geostatistical analysis tool with the Kriging algorithm to map and analyze the spatial variability of contaminants. The primary aim is to identify areas with high levels of pollutants and understand spatial patterns. It identifies contamination hotspots associated with natural processes and human activities. Twenty-seven samples were collected from various sites, and parameters like calcium, total dissolved solids, hardness, conductivity, and alkalinity were measured. The findings show that the distribution of contaminants varies significantly across different areas, with some areas exceeding safe drinking water limits. It reveals that the southern region has the highest calcium concentration, with shallow local boreholes. The deeper wells have higher dissolved solids, hardness, and conductivity. The spatial trend shows increased pollutant levels along the X and Y axes. The Kriging model effectively predicted contaminants in unsampled areas, offering a reliable technique aimed at groundwater quality monitoring. The study provides important insights for the local authorities to implement interventions for groundwater protection in the Gurage Zone.

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Groundwater Chemical Trends Analyses in the Piedmont Po Plain (NW Italy): Comparison with Groundwater Level Variations (2000–2020)

Cocca,

Lasagna,

De Luca

2024

Water

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The concentrations of chemicals in the groundwater chemical values in the Piedmont Po Plain (NW Italy) show significant temporal variability and need to be characterised due to the lack of regional-scale assessments. The aim of this study was to analyse the trends (period 2000–2020) in the main physicochemical parameters and main ions in 227 wells in the shallow aquifer and to identify the potential causes. The identification of change points (points of sudden change) and comparisons with groundwater level variations were also performed. Results highlight general increasing trends for Na, Cl and HCO3, decreasing trends for SO4 and NO3, stationary conditions for pH and heterogeneous behaviours for electrolytic conductivity, Ca and Mg. Change points occurred in at least 50% of the monitoring wells, mainly during the 2008–2011 period. The comparison between groundwater levels and chemistry highlights a direct proportionality. Superimposed processes that induce an absence of proportionality are shown. The comparison of results with those of previous studies conducted under similar conditions revealed similar variations.. In conclusion, the potential responsible factors (e.g., road-salt dissolution and agricultural practices) and the relevant role of groundwater level variation were identified.

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Hydrogeochemistry of the shallow aquifer in the western Po Plain (Piedmont, Italy): spatial and temporal variability

Cited by 4 publications

References 41 publications

Earthwater Resources: A Quantitative Evaluation and Future Challenges

Earthwater Resources: A Quantitative Evaluation and Future Challenges

Spatial Distribution and Trend Analysis of Groundwater Contaminants Using the ArcGIS Geostatistical Analysis (Kriging) Algorithm; The case of Gurage Zone, Ethiopia

Groundwater Chemical Trends Analyses in the Piedmont Po Plain (NW Italy): Comparison with Groundwater Level Variations (2000–2020)

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