Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

DNA and fluorescein tracer tests to study the recharge, groundwater flowpath and hydraulic contact of aquifers in the Umbria-Marche limestone ridge (central Apennines, Italy)

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Environmental Earth Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the hydrogeological contact among aquifers in karst and fissured systems and study the different flowpaths present in said aquifers; given the complex hydrogeological and tectonics settings, detailed surveys in the Umbria-Marche limestone ridges and tracer field tests were used to achieve this goal. DNA and fluorescent tracers were injected into a sinkhole and thereafter recovered at different points, allowing both for the identification of contact among aquifers, as well as the main and secondary directions of groundwater. The tracer tests have shown that the majority of the groundwater flow is directed towards the axis of the tectonic structures, emerging in more depressed areas. In addition, they have confirmed the influence of karstification on the recharge, which allows for a more detailed characterisation of water circulation in the unsaturated zone of the Maiolica and the Calcare Massiccio limestone aquifers thus offering confirmation of the hydrogeological survey results, and providing additional information that was previously unknown. Furthermore, the DNA tracer provided good results in the field especially in the karst systems and fissured rocks, thus confirming its appropriacy for flowpath investigations and vulnerability analyses of springs. In particular, DNA is suitable for very large amounts of groundwater owing to its very low detection limit. Further investigations and studies are, however, required to assess its validity also for the evaluation of hydrogeological parameters.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aquilanti L, Clementi F, Landolfo S, Nanni T, Palpacelli S, Tazioli A (2013) A DNA tracer used in column tests for hydrogeology applications. Environ Earth Sci 70(7):3143–3154. doi:10.1007/S12665-013-2379-Y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bally AW, Burbi L, Cooper C, Ghelardoni R (1986) Balanced cross section and seismic reflection profiles across the central Apennines. Mem Soc Geol It 35:257–310

    Google Scholar 

  • Barbieri M, Petitta M, D’Amelio L, Desiderio G, Rusi S, Marchetti A, Nanni T, Tallini M (2002) Gli isotopi ambientali (18O/2H e 87Sr/86Sr) nelle acque sorgive dell’Appennino Abruzzese: considerazioni sui circuiti sotterranei negli acquiferi carbonatici. (Environmental isotopes in the spring waters of the Abruzzo Apennines: consideration on groundwater flowpaths in the carbonate aquifers). In: Atti I (ed) Congr Naz AIGA,RENDINA ED, Chieti p 69–81

  • Barchi M (1991) Una sezione geologica bilanciata attraverso il settore meridionale dell’Appennino umbro-marchigiano: l’Acquasparta-Spoleto-Accumuli. (A balanced geological section across the southern sector of the Umbria-Marche Apennines: Acquasparta-Spoleto-Accumuli). Studi Geol Camerti Vol. spec. 1991/1: 347–362

  • Barchi MR, De Feyter AJ, Magnani MB, Minelli G, Pialli G, Sotera BM (1998) The structural style of the Umbria-Marche fold and thrust belt. Mem Soc Geol It 52:552–578

    Google Scholar 

  • Boccaletti M, Calamita F, Deiana G, Gelati R, Massari F, Moratti G, Lucchi FR (1990) Migrating foredeep thrust belt system in the Northern Apennines and Southern Alps. Palaeogeogr Palaeocl 77:3–14. doi:10.1016/0031-0182(90)90095-O

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boni C, Bono P, Capelli G, Lombardi S, Zuppi GM (1986) Contributo all’idrogeologia dell’Italia centrale (Contribution to hydrogeology setting of central Italy). Mem Soc Geol It 35: 10

  • Boni C, Tarragoni C, Martarelli L, Pierdominici S (2009) Hydrogeological study of the Monti Sibillini north-western sector (central Italy): a contribution to the official hydrogeologic mapping. Ital J Eng Geol Environ 1:16. doi:10.4408/IJEGE.2009-01.O-01

    Google Scholar 

  • Calamita F, Deiana G (1986) Evoluzione strutturale Neogenico-Quaternaria dell’Appennino Umbro-Marchigiano. (Structural Neogenic-Quaternary evolution of Umbria-Marche Apennines). Studi Geol CamertiVol spec 1986:91–98

    Google Scholar 

  • Calamita F, Cello G, Centamore E, Deiana G, Micarelli A, Paltrinieri W, Ridolfi M (1991a) Stile deformativo e cronologia della deformazione lungo tre sezioni bilanciate dell’Appennino umbro-marchigiano della costa adriatica. (Deformative style and cronology of deformation along three balancede sections of Umbria-Marche Apennines in the adriatic shore). Studi Geol Camerti 1991/1: 295–314

  • Calamita F, Deiana G, Invernizzi C, Pizzi A (1991b) Tettonica (Tectonics). In: Marche Region (ed) L’ambiente fisico delle Marche. Geologia, Geomorfologia, Idrogeologia. SELCA:67–80

  • Calamita F, Centamore E, Deiana G, Ridolfi M (1995) Caratterizzazione geologico-strutturale dell’area marchigiano-abruzzese (Appennino centrale). (Geostructural characterisation of the Marche-Abruzzo area (central Apennines). Studi Geol Camerti vol spec 1995/1: 171–182

  • Calamita F, Coltorti M, Pieruccini P, Pizzi A (1999) Evoluzione strutturale e morfogenesi plio-quaternaria dell’Appennino umbro-marchigiano tra il pedappennino umbro e la costa adriatica. (Structural evolution and Plio-Quaternary morphogenesys of Umbria-Marche Apennines included between the Umbria hills and the adriatic coast). Boll Soc Geol It 118:125–139

    Google Scholar 

  • Centamore E, Micarelli A (1991) Stratigrafia. (Stratigraphy). In: Marche R (ed) L’ambiente fisico delle Marche. Geologia, Geomorfologia, Idrogeologia. SELCA:1–66

  • Centamore E, Chiocchini M, Deiana G, Micarelli A, Pieruccini U (1971) Contributo alla conoscenza del Giurassico dell’Appennino umbro-marchigiano. (Contribution to the knowledge of the Jurassic in Umbria-Marche Apennines). Studi Geol Camerti 1:7–89

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis SN, Thompson GM, Bentley HW, Stiles G (1980) Ground-water tracers–a short review. Groundwater 18:14–23. doi:10.1111/j.1745-6584.1980.tb03366.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Feyter A, Koopman A, Molenaar N, Van Den Ende C (1987) Detachment tectonics and sedimentation, Umbro-Marchean Apennines, Italy. Boll Soc Geol It 105:65–85

    Google Scholar 

  • EPA US (2002) The Qtracer2 Program for tracer-breakthrough curve analysis for tracer tests in Karstic Aquifers and other hydrologic systems. USEPA

  • Field MS (2003) A review of some tracer-test design equations for tracer-mass estimation and sample-collection frequency. Environ Geol 43:867–881

    Google Scholar 

  • Field MS, Nash SG (1997) Risk assessment methodology for karst aquifers: (1) Estimating karst conduit-flow parameters. Environ Monit Assess 47:1–21. doi:10.1023/A:1005753919403

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Foppen JW, Orup C, Adell R, Poulalion V, Uhlenbrook S (2011) Using multiple artificial DNA tracers in hydrology. Hydrol Process 25:3101–3106

    Google Scholar 

  • Foppen JW, Seopa J, Bakobie N, Bogaard T (2013) Development of a methodology for the application of synthetic DNA in stream tracer injection experiments. Water Resour Res 49(9):5369–5380

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Galdenzi S, Paggi S, Pistolesi E, Cotechini G (2008) Le grotte di Sefro: guida al carsismo del territorio di Sefro. (The Sefro caves: guide to karst of the Sefro area). Jesi, p 24

  • Goldscheider N, Meiman J, Pronk M, Smart C (2008) Tracer tests in karst hydrogeology and speleology. Int J Speleol 37(1):27–40

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hadi S, Leibundgut C, Friedrich K, Maloszewski P (1997) New fluorescent tracers. In: Kranic A (ed) Tracer Hydrology 97. Balkema, Rotterdam, pp 55–62

    Google Scholar 

  • Maloszewski P, Zuber A (1992) On the calibration and validation of mathematical models fort he interpretation of tracer experiments in groundwater. Adv Water Resour 15:47–62

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mirabella F, Barchi MR, Lupattelli A (2008) Seismic reflection data in the Umbria Marche Region: limits and capabilities to unravel the subsurface structure in a seismically active area. Ann Geophys-Italy 51:383–396

    Google Scholar 

  • Nanni T, Vivalda PM (1999) Le acque solfuree della regione marchigiana. (The sulphur groundwater of the Marche Region). Boll Soc Geol It 118:585–599

    Google Scholar 

  • Nanni T, Vivalda PM (2005) The aquifers of the Umbria-Marche adriatic region: relationships between structural setting and groundwaters chemistry. Boll Soc Geol It 124:24–37

    Google Scholar 

  • Nanni T, Vivalda PM, Marcellini M, Palpacelli S (2006) Spring monitoring and analysis of groundwater circulation in the Sibillini mountains aquifers (adriatic side of central Apennines, Italy). In: Goldscheider N, Mudry J, Savoy L, Zwahlen F (eds) 8th conference on limestone hydrogeology Presses universitaires de Franche-Comté, Université de Franche-Comté, Neuchatel:197–200

  • Nanni T, Tazioli A, Vivalda PM (2013) Problems in the application of environmental isotopes to the hydrogeology of high mountain aquifers. AquaMUNDI 4:55–66. doi:10.4409/Am-055-13-0052

    Google Scholar 

  • Palpacelli S (2013) Techniques and Methodologies for the hydrodynamic characterization of fissured aquifers. PhD Thesis, Università Politecnica delle Marche

  • Pierantoni PP, Deiana G, Romano A, Paltrinieri W, Borraccini F, Mazzoli S (2005) Geometrie strutturali lungo la thrust zone del fronte montuoso umbro-marchigiano-sabino. (Structural geometries along the thrust zone of Umbria-Marche-Sabina ridge). Boll Soc Geol It 124:395–411

    Google Scholar 

  • Ptak T, Piepenbrink M, Martac E (2004) Tracer tests for the investigation of heterogeneous porous media and stochastic modelling of flow and transport-a review of some recent developments. J Hydrol 294:122–163. doi:10.1016/J.Jhydrol.01.020

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sabir I H, Haldorsen S, Torgersen J, Aleström P, Gaut S, Colleuille H, Pedersen T S (2000) Synthetic DNA tracers: examples of their application in water related studies. In: A D (ed) Tracers and Modelling in Hydrogeology. TraM’2000 Conference Belgium, 2000. IAHS International Association of Hydrological Sciences:159–165

  • Sabir IH, Torgersen J, Haldorsen S, Aleström P (1999) DNA tracers with information capacity and high detection sensitivity tested ingroundwater studies. Hydrogeol J 7(3):264–272

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sabir IH, Aleström P, Haldorsen S (2001) Use of synthetic DNA as new tracers for tracing groundwater flow and multiple contaminants. Pak J Appl Sci 1(3):233–238

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scisciani V (2009) Styles of positive inversion tectonics in the Central Apennines and in the Adriatic foreland: Implications for the evolution of the Apennine chain (Italy). J Struct Geol 31:1276–1294

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sharma AN, Luo D, Walter MT (2012) Hydrological tracers using nanobiotechnology: proof of concept. Environ Sci Technol 46(16):8928–8936

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tarragoni C (2005) Definizione dell’assetto idrogeologico dei Monti Sibillini e sua verifica col contributo della simulazione numerica delle condizioni di flusso e dell’idrologia isotopica. (Definition of the hydrogeological setting of Mt Sibillini and verify with the contribution of numerical simulation of flow conditions and of isotope hydrology). PhD Thesys, Università degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza”

  • Tarragoni C (2006) Determinazione della “quota isotopica” del bacino di alimentazione delle principali sorgenti dell’alta Valnerina. (Evaluation of the isotopic altitude of the recharge areas of main springs in high Valnerina). Geol Romana 39: 8

  • Tazioli A (2011) Experimental methods for river discharge measurements: comparison among tracers and current meter. Hydrol Sci J 56:1314–1324. doi:10.1080/02626667.2011.607822

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tazioli A, Palpacelli S (2013) Scelta del tracciante ideale per indagini idrogeologiche: risultati preliminari da test in laboratorio. Acque Sotter Ital J Groundw 2:7–12. doi:10.7343/AS-021-13-0000

    Google Scholar 

  • Tazioli A, Mosca M, Tazioli GS (2007) Location of recharge area of Gorgovivo Spring, Central Italy. A contribution from Isotope Hydrology. In: Iaea (ed) Advances in isotope hydrology and its role in sustainable water resources management iaea, Wien. 27–34

  • Tazioli A, Conversini P, Peccerillo A (2012) Hydrogeological and geochemical characterisation of the rock of Orvieto. Environ Earth Sci 66:55–65. doi:10.1007/s12665-011-1206-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Mr Mirco Marcellini for the excellent support during tracer tests and laboratory analyses. A special thank to the company financing part of the field operations (A.S.SE.M. SpA of S. Severino Marche, MC).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy

    Lucia Aquilanti & Francesca Clementi

  2. Dipartimento di Scienze e Ingegneria della Materia, dell’Ambiente ed Urbanistica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche 12, 60131, Ancona, Italy

    Torquato Nanni, Stefano Palpacelli, Alberto Tazioli & Paola Maria Vivalda

Authors
  1. Lucia Aquilanti
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Francesca Clementi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Torquato Nanni
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Stefano Palpacelli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Alberto Tazioli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Paola Maria Vivalda
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alberto Tazioli.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Aquilanti, L., Clementi, F., Nanni, T. et al. DNA and fluorescein tracer tests to study the recharge, groundwater flowpath and hydraulic contact of aquifers in the Umbria-Marche limestone ridge (central Apennines, Italy). Environ Earth Sci 75, 626 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-016-5436-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-016-5436-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation