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Influence of different land uses on groundwater quality in southern Portugal

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Abstract

In Alentejo region, southern Portugal, differences in groundwater samples from six groundwater bodies covered with different land uses were analysed based on the monitoring plan of the Alqueva multi-purpose project, created in the sequence of the construction of the Alqueva Dam on the Guadiana River, in South Portugal. For most of the groundwater bodies there is a statistical significant difference between magnesium, sulphate, chloride, and phosphate. All of these ions are strongly correlated with land use management. Groundwater, where land is covered by olive groves, has high levels of electric conductivity, calcium, potassium, sulphate, and phosphate. Dry land crops are correlated with calcium, magnesium, chloride and consequently, electric conductivity, phosphates and sulphate. Vineyards are strongly correlated with high sulphate and phosphate levels. This study clearly shows that different land uses within a certain groundwater body influence the water quality in a different way. Therefore, an appropriate soil management should be adjusted to each situation, taking into account the aquifer matrix and the overlying soil.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the EDIA, S.A. for providing the data. The authors also acknowledge the funding provided by ICT (Institute of Earth Sciences), under contract with FCT (the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto Ciências da Terra (ICT), Pólo da Universidade de Évora, Rua Romão Ramalho no. 59, 7000-671, Évora, Portugal

    Alexandra Marchã Penha, António Chambel & Manuela Morais

  2. Laboratório da Água, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal

    Alexandra Marchã Penha & Manuela Morais

  3. Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal

    Manuela Morais

  4. Departamento de Geociências, Universidade de Évora, Rua Romão Ramalho, 59, 7000-671, Évora, Portugal

    António Chambel

  5. EDIA, Empresa de Desenvolvimento e Infraestruturas do Alqueva SA, Beja, Portugal

    Martinho Murteira

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  1. Alexandra Marchã Penha
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  2. António Chambel
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  3. Martinho Murteira
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  4. Manuela Morais
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Correspondence to António Chambel.

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Penha, A.M., Chambel, A., Murteira, M. et al. Influence of different land uses on groundwater quality in southern Portugal. Environ Earth Sci 75, 622 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-015-5038-7

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