Hydrogeochemical characteristics of a volcanic-sedimentary aquifer with special emphasis on Fe and Mn content: A case study in Mexico

Abstract

Previous studies performed on the volcanic-sedimentary aquifer of the Tenancingo Valley (Mexico) reports high concentrations of Fe, Mn, and NO 3 − , and water from several wells receives purification treatments due to presence of Fe and Mn. These studies have not achieved conclusive results regarding the origin of Fe and Mn, nor have hydrogeochemical evaluations of the aquifer been performed. The present study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of the water and identify the geochemical processes that determine presence of Fe and Mn in groundwater. This characterization was based on physicochemical data from well and spring samples (16 samples) during dry and rainy seasons (June and November 2012, respectively). The EC, temperature and pH ranged from 125 to 793 μS cm − 1 , 14.5 to 24.9°C and 6.5 to 8.5 pH units, respectively. The Eh values ranged from − 219 to 327 mV, indicating the existence of both reducing and oxidizing zones. Presence of Fe and Mn was detected in both springs and wells; concentrations were higher in well, exceeding 4 mg Fe L − 1 and 0.5 mg Mn L − 1. Content of Si ranged from 12 to 47 mg L − 1. A model of the hydrogeochemical behavior of the aquifer was created to highlight the following: i) processes involved in water-rock interactions, including fluctuations in silicate levels that determine anionic and cationic content of water, and ii) redox reactions as the major control processes of Fe and Mn. Water quality for human use is restricted by Fe and Mn content and pH. For irrigation use, significant limitations were not presented. 3 8 2 2 3 2 2 5 4 4 4

Hydrogeochemical Characteristics and Assessment of Drinking Water Quality in the Urban Area of Zamora, Mexico

“…If the halite solution is responsible for the presence of Na + , this molar ratio is approximately 1 [37]. On the other hand, if the value of this ratio is >1, it can be assumed that Na + is released from a weathering reaction with silicates [18], with an ion-exchange process [22,38]. In the current studied area, the Na + /Cl − molar ratio varied from 1.268 to 1.861, with an average of 1.616, which means that all samples show Na + release as a result of a silicate weathering reaction process, as demonstrated by hydrochemical facies.…”

Groundwater Flow Processes and Human Impact along the Arid US-Mexican Border, Evidenced by Environmental Tracers: The Case of Tecate, Baja California

“…Stability diagrams of Ca-Al, Na-Al, Mg-Al, and K-Al silicate phases are useful to study the occurrence of incongruent dissolution (e.g., [ 41 , 44 ]). Figure 6 a shows that most water samples are found in the limit between the stability field of kaolinite and Ca-Montmorillonite, and some samples are located in the Ca-montmorillonite, Na-montmorillonite and Mg-smectite fields, respectively.…”

Hydrogeochemical and Groundwater Assessment for Drinking Purpose at ITERA Campus Area and Its Surroundings

“…Natural sources come from weathering of minerals (pyroxenes, amphiboles, biotite, magnetite and in particular, olivine). While, anthropogenic sources come from wastewater discharge, dust and aerosols during metallurgical processing, coal combustion, corrosion of water pumping infrastructure and transport of minerals or contamination associated with mining activities (Esteller et al, 2017). The main factors controlling the presence of these elements in water are pH, redox conditions and presence of organic or inorganic ligands (Corniello and Ducci, 2014).…”

“…The main factors controlling the presence of these elements in water are pH, redox conditions and presence of organic or inorganic ligands (Corniello and Ducci, 2014). An acidic pH indicates that both ions are mobile, while a more neutral pH indicates that mobility is determined by redox conditions (Esteller et al, 2017). The Table 4 shows that A2 and A5 have direct correlation with pH value (acid) so could be concluded that Mn source comes from anthropogenic not by redox conditions.…”