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Characterization of the Salinisation Processes in Aquifers Using Boron Isotopes; Application to South-Eastern Spain

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Abstract

Use of δ11B provides a solid tool for discriminating hydrogeochemical processes in complex coastal aquifers. Its efficiency increases markedly when it is applied along with other major or minor constituents. Nevertheless, various factors may affect its interpretation: the presence of clays, which favour adsorption and desorption, the influence of wastewaters, and even the presence of geothermalism. The δ11B has been applied to the study of a series of aquifers in south-eastern Spain: Castell de Ferro (Granada), Campo de Dalías, Lower Andarax and Sorbas (Almería), all of which are complex and heterogeneous. The results obtained demonstrate that the concentration of Br, the SO4/Cl and Cl/Br ratios are good indicators of marine intrusion. Inland some negative values of δ11B (−16.7 and −8.1‰) are related to a geothermal influence (34.8 and 51.5°C). The boron solubility is directly related to temperature favours boron mobilization, even from the associated metapelitic deposits. The difference in the boron isotope content in two carbonate units must be caused by the different composition of the carbonate rocks, as well as a long residence time.

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Acknowledgements

This article was written within the framework of project HID99-0597-CO2, financed by the Spanish CICYT Interministerial Commission of Science and Technology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Sciences, University Jaume I, Castellón, Spain

    Ignacio Morell, Antoni Francesc Roig & Alejandra Renau

  2. Department of Hydrogeology, Escuela Politécnica Superior, University of Almería, 04120, Almería, Spain

    Antonio Pulido-Bosch, Francisco Sánchez-Martos, Angela Vallejos, Linda Daniele, Luis Molina & José María Calaforra

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  1. Ignacio Morell
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  2. Antonio Pulido-Bosch
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  3. Francisco Sánchez-Martos
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  4. Angela Vallejos
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  5. Linda Daniele
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  6. Luis Molina
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  7. José María Calaforra
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  9. Alejandra Renau
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Correspondence to Angela Vallejos.

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Morell, I., Pulido-Bosch, A., Sánchez-Martos, F. et al. Characterization of the Salinisation Processes in Aquifers Using Boron Isotopes; Application to South-Eastern Spain. Water Air Soil Pollut 187, 65–80 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-007-9497-7

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