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Hydrogeochemical characterization and evolution of a regional karst aquifer in the Cuatrociénegas area, Mexico

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Abstract

The Cuatrociénegas area is useful for the investigation of the effect of groundwater extraction in the Chihuahuan freshwater xeric ecoregion. It has been investigated at this time using a selection of geochemical indicators (major, minor and trace elements) and δ34S data, to characterize the origin of groundwater, the main geochemical processes and the mineral/groundwater interactions controlling the baseline geochemistry. The area is composed of limestones of Mesozoic age, with a composite thickness of about 500 m, overlaid by basin fill (poorly consolidated young sediments). Substantial water extraction and modification of natural discharges from the area along the last century have produced a detrimental impact on ecosystem structure and function. Water–rock interactions, mixing and evaporative processes dominate the baseline groundwater quality. Natural recharge is HCO3–Ca type in equilibrium with calcite, low salinity (TDS < 500 mg/L), Cl− lower than 11 mg/L and average Li+ concentration of 0.005 mg/L. Along the groundwater flow systems, δ34S evidence and mass transfer calculations indicate that Cretaceous gypsum dissolution and dedolomitization reactions adjust water composition to the SO4–Ca type. The increase of water–rock interaction is reflected by Cl− values increase (average 68 mg/L), TDS up to about 1500 mg/L and an average Li+ concentration of 0.063 mg/L. Calculations with chemical geothermometers indicate that temperature at depth could be at maximum of 15–20 °C higher than field-measured temperature for pozas. After groundwater is discharged to the surface, chemical evolution continues; water evaporation, CO2 degassing and precipitation of minerals such as gypsum, calcite and kaolinite represent the final processes and reactions controlling water chemical composition.

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(Source: simplified geological and structural map and geological sections modified after Aldama et al. 2005, 2007)

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Acknowledgements

This paper presents the results obtained from an investigation by Instituto Mexicano de Tecnologia del Agua and Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi, supported by Comision Nacional del Agua and Instituto Nacional de Ecologia. The preparation of the paper was done for the period of the sabbatical stay of Antonio Cardona at Oklahoma State University, supported by CONACyT and Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi. We thank Jorge Aceves and Cristian Abraham Rivera Armendariz for drawing Figs. 1 and 2 and for their helpful advice. We also appreciate the contributions of the two anonymous reviewers; they highly contributed to the improvement of the manuscript.

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  1. Earth Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, 78290, San Luis Potosí, Mexico

    Antonio Cardona

  2. Instituto Mexicano de Tecnología del Agua, Paseo Cuauhnáhuac 8532, Col. Progreso, 62550, Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico

    Carlos Gutierrez-Ojeda, Manuel Martínez-Morales, Gerardo Ortiz-Flores & Luis González-Hita

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  1. Antonio Cardona
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Correspondence to Antonio Cardona.

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Cardona, A., Gutierrez-Ojeda, C., Martínez-Morales, M. et al. Hydrogeochemical characterization and evolution of a regional karst aquifer in the Cuatrociénegas area, Mexico. Environ Earth Sci 77, 785 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-018-7953-x

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