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Irrigation effects on the salinity of the Arba and Riguel Rivers (Spain): present diagnosis and expected evolution using geochemical models

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

This work diagnoses the present salinity of the Riguel and Arba Rivers (Spain) and predicts its expected evolution using geochemical models applied to the modernization of the actual Bardenas I and the completion of irrigation in the Bardenas II irrigation districts. The results show a progressive increase in salinity (from 0.39 to 2.21 dS/m electrical conductivity) in the Riguel-Arba system, due to the cumulative collection of irrigation return flows and its progression towards more saline facies. The Bardenas I modernization, involving an increase in irrigation efficiency from 50 to 90%, will decrease the volume and salinity of the Riguel River by 30%. In contrast, irrigation of the new 24,000 ha Bardenas II land will increase the flow (12%) and salinity (21%) of the Arba River. Geochemical models may help in providing sensible estimates on the impact of irrigation on the salinity of the receiving water bodies.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a grant from Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas of Diputación General de Aragón (Spain). We thank Laboratorio para la Calidad de la Edificación (DGA), Confederación Hidrográfica del Ebro and Enrique Oliver and Pilar Iglesias for his support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Servicio de Investigación Agroalimentaria- Diputación General de Aragón (DGA) y Laboratorio de Agronomía y Medio Ambiente (DGA-CSIC), Apdo 727, 50080, Zaragoza, Spain

    J. Causapé, D. Quílez & R. Aragüés

  2. Facultad de Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain

    L. Auqué, Mª J. Gimeno & J. Mandado

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  1. J. Causapé
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  2. L. Auqué
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  3. Mª J. Gimeno
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  4. J. Mandado
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  5. D. Quílez
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  6. R. Aragüés
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Correspondence to J. Causapé.

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Causapé, J., Auqué, L., Gimeno, M.J. et al. Irrigation effects on the salinity of the Arba and Riguel Rivers (Spain): present diagnosis and expected evolution using geochemical models. Env Geol 45, 703–715 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-003-0927-6

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