Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

The anthropogenic impact on Mediterranean karst aquifers: cases of some Spanish aquifers

  • Thematic Issue
  • Published:
Environmental Earth Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Mediterranean karstic aquifers are a major source of water supply for drinking water and agricultural use. In semiarid areas, the risk of causing an intensive exploitation is high, leading to degradation processes of water quality, not only due to limited agricultural activities developed on the karstic rocks—being generally poorly developed soils—but to the presence of deep evaporates which can be mobilised, or because of being coastal aquifers where seawater intrusion can progress rapidly. Moreover, karstic massifs constitute often positive reliefs that can generate barriers for civil works, more and more saved by building sophisticated tunnels; such works can affect the quantity and quality of the waters from the karst. Five examples of human impacts on some karst aquifers in SE of Spain are shown in this paper, three of them with impacts on water quality and the other two correspond to the impact of tunnels in high-speed trains drilling below the water table.

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
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aguilera H, Murillo JM (2009) The effect of possible climate change on natural groundwater recharge based on a simple model: a study of four karstic aquifers in SE Spain. Environ Geol 57:963–974

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andreo B, Ravbar N, Vías JM (2009) Source vulnerability mapping in carbonate (karst) aquifers by extension of the COP method: application to pilot sites. Hydrogeol J 17:749–758

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andreu JM (1997) Contribución de la sobreexplotación al conocimiento de los acuíferos kársticos de Crevillente, Cid y Cabeçó d’Or (provincia de Alicante). Doctoral Thesis, Universidad de Alicante, p 377

  • Andreu JM, Pulido-Bosch A, Llamas MR, Bru C, Martínez-Santos P, García-Sánchez E, Villacampa L (2008) Overexploitation and water quality in the Crevillente aquifer (Alicante, SE Spain). In: Water pollution, IX. WIT Press, pp 75–84

  • Andreu JM, García-Sánchez E, Pulido-Bosch A, Jorreto S, Francés I (2010) Influence of Triassic deposits on water quality of some karstic aquifer to the south of Alicante (Spain). Estud Geol 66(1):131–138

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bakalowicz M, El Hakim M, El-Hajj A (2008) Karst groundwater resources in the countries of eastern Mediterranean: the example of Lebanon. Environ Geol 54:597–604

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barrocu G (2003) Seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers of Italy. In: Coastal aquifers intrusion technology: mediterranean countries. Publicaciones del Instituto Geológico y Minero de España. Serie Hidrogeología y Aguas Subterráneas, 8:207–223

  • Bicalho CC, Batiot-Guilhe C, Seidel JL, Van Exter S, Jourde H (2012) Hydrodynamical changes and their consequences on groundwater hydrochemistry induced by three decades of intense exploitation in a Mediterranean karst system. Environ Earth Sci 65:2311–2319

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chiocchini U, Castaldi F (2011) The impact of groundwater on the excavation of tunnels in two different hydrogeological settings in central Italy. Hydrogeol J 19:651–669

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cotecchia V, Grassi D, Polemio M (2005) Carbonate aquifers in apulia and seawater intrusion. Giornale di Geologia Applicata 1:219–231

    Google Scholar 

  • Custodio E (2002) Aquifer overexploitation: what does it mean? Hydrogeol J 10:254–277

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Daher W, Pistre S, Kneppers A, Bakalowicz M, Najem W (2011) Karst and artificial recharge: theoretical and practical problems. A preliminary approach to artificial recharge assessment. J Hydrol 408:189–202

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Daniele L, Vallejos A, Corbella M, Molina L, Pulido-Bosch A (2013) Geochemical simulations to assess water–rock interactions in complex carbonate aquifers: the case of Aguadulce (SE Spain). Appl Geochem 29:43–54

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Day MJ (2004) Karstic problems in the construction of Milwaukee’s deep tunnels. Environ Geol 45:859–863

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Delle Rose M, Parise M (2002) Karst subsidence in south-central Apulia, southern Italy. Int J Speleol 31:181–199

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Díaz-Puga MA, Vallejos A, Daniele L, Sola F, Rodríguez-Delgado D, Molina L, Pulido-Bosch A (2011) An oceanographic survey for the detection of a possible submarine groundwater discharge in the coastal zone of Campo de Dalias, SE Spain. In: Lambrakis N, Stournaras G, Katsanou K (eds) Advances in the research of aquatic environment. Springer, Heidelberg, pp 417–424

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Dörfliger N (2003) The state of the French Mediterranean coastal aquifers. In coastal aquifers intrusion technology: mediterranean countries. Publicaciones del Instituto Geológico y Minero de España. Serie Hidrogeología y Aguas Subterráneas 8:187–206

    Google Scholar 

  • Einsiedl F, Radke M (2010) Assessing the vulnerability of a karst groundwater system to contamination by pharmaceuticals. Geophys Res Abstr 12:EGU2010–7907

  • Einsiedl F, Radke M, Maloszewski P (2010) Occurrence and transport of pharmaceuticals in a karst groundwater system affected by domestic wastewater treatment plants. J Contam Hydrol 117:26–36

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • El Gaouzi FJ, Sebilo M, Ribstein P, Plagnes V, Boeckx P, Xue D, Derenne S, Zakeossian M (2013) Using δ15N and δ18O values to identify sources of nitrate in karstic springs in the Paris basin (France). Appl Geochem 35:230–243

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Elkhatib H, Günay G (1993) Analysis of sea water intrusion associated with karstic channels beneath Ovacik plain, Southern Turkey. Hydrogeol Processes Karst Terr IAHS Publ. 207:129–132

    Google Scholar 

  • Fidelibus MD, Gutiérrez F, Spilotro S (2011) Human-induced hydrogeological changes and sinkholes in the coastal gypsum karst of Lesina Marina area (Foggia Province, Italy). Eng Geol 118:1–19

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fleury P, Bakalowicz M, de Marsily G (2007) Submarine springs and coastal aquifers: a review. J Hydrol 339:79–92

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Foster J (2008) Water quality near wastewater treatment systems in alluvial and karst hydrogeologic settings, Black Hills, South Dakota. South Dakota Geological Survey. Report of Investigations 117, p 141

  • Garing C, Luquot L, Pezard PA, Gouze P (2013) Geochemical investigations of saltwater intrusion into the coastal carbonate aquifer of Mallorca, Spain. Appl Geochem 39:1–10

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gisbert J, Vallejos A, González A, Pulido-Bosch A (2009) Environmental and hydrogeological problems in karstic terrains crossed by tunnels: a case study. Environ Geol 58:347–357

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Günay G (2003) Seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers of the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. In coastal aquifers intrusion technology: mediterranean countries. Publicaciones del Instituto Geológico y Minero de España. Serie Hidrogeología y Aguas Subterráneas 8:265–277

    Google Scholar 

  • Heinz B, Birk S, Liedl R, Geyer T, Straub KL, Andresen J, Bester K, Kappler A (2009) Water quality deterioration at a karst spring (Gallusquelle, Germany) due to combined sewer overflow: evidence of bacterial and micro-pollutant contamination. Environ Geol 57:797–808

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • IGME (2003) Results of the project on the knowledge of aquifers in the South of Sierra de Gádor-Campo de Dalías (in Spanish). Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología. p 26, Madrid

  • Jemcov I (2014) Estimating potential for exploitation of karst aquifer: case example on two Serbian karst aquifer. Environ Earth Sci 71:543–551

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiménez P, Andreo B (2012) Estudio comparativo de la respuesta hidrodinámica de varios acuíferos carbonáticos del sur de España a partir del análisis correlatorio y espectral. Geogaceta 52:133–136

    Google Scholar 

  • Jiménez P, Carrasco F, Durán JJ, Andreo B, López-Geta JA (2004) Análisis de la respuesta hidrodinámica de acuíferos carbonáticos de la Cordillera Bética occidental (Sur de España). Boletín Geológico y Minero 115:187–198

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaçaroğlu F (1999) Review of groundwater pollution and protection in karst areas. Water Air Soil Pollut 113:337–356

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Katz BG, Griffin DW, Davis JH (2009) Groundwater quality impacts from the land application of treated municipal wastewater in a large karstic spring basin: chemical and microbiological indicators. Sci Total Environ 407:2872–2886

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kitterod NO, Colleuille H, Wong WK, Pedersen TS (2000) Simulation of groundwater drainage into a tunnel in fractured rocks and numerical analysis of leakage remediation, Romeriksporten tunnel, Norway. Hydrogeol J 8:480–493

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kollarits S, Kuschnig G, Veselic M, Pavicic A, Soccorso C, Aurighi M (2006) Decision-support systems for groundwater protection: innovative tools for resource management. Environ Geol 49:840–848

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lambrakis NJ (1998) The impact of human activities in the Malia coastal area (Crete) on groundwater quality. Environ Geol 36(1–2):87–92

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Larocque M, Mangin A, Razack M, Banton O (1998) Contribution of correlation and spectral analyses to the regional study of a large karst aquifer (Charente, France). J Hydrol 205:217–231

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leibundgut C (1998) Vulnerability of karst aquifers. IAHS Publication, Paris, pp 45–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Li SL, Liu CQ, Lang YC, Zhao ZQ, Zhou ZH (2010) Tracing the sources of nitrate in karstic groundwater in Zunyi, Southwest China: a combined nitrogen isotope and water chemistry approach. Environ Earth Sci 60:1415–1423

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Long DT, Voice TC, Niagolova ND, McElmurry SP, Petropoulos EA, Ganev VS, Havezov I, Chou K (2003) Aqueous geochemistry of groundwater in a region affected by Balkan Endemic Nephropathy. In: 8th International Conferences on environmental science and technology. Lemnos island, Greece, pp 557–564

  • Long DT, Voice TC, Niagolova ND, McElmurry SP (2012) Effects of human activities on karst groundwater geochemistry in a rural area in the Balkans. Appl Geochem 27:1920–1931

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mangin A (1981) Utilisation des analyses corrélatoire et spectrale dans l’approche des systèmes hydrologiques. CR Acad Sci Paris 293:401–404

    Google Scholar 

  • Mangin A (1984) Pour une meilleure conaissance des systèmes hydrologiques à partir des analyses corrélatoire et spectrale. J Hydrol 67:25–43

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mangin A, Pulido-Bosch A (1983) Aplicación de los análisis de correlación y espectral en el estudio de acuíferos kársticos. Tecniterrae 51:53–65

    Google Scholar 

  • Maramathas A, Marouli Z, Marinos-Kouris D (2003) brackish karstic springs model application to Almiros spring in Crete. Groundwater 41:608–619

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marín AI, Dörfliger N, Andreo B (2012) Comparative application of two methods (COP and PaPRIKa) for groundwater vulnerability mapping in Mediterranean karst aquifers (France and Spain). Environ Earth Sci 65:2407–2421

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Milanovic P (2002) The environmental impacts of human activities and engineering constructions in karst regions. Episodes 25:13–21

    Google Scholar 

  • Molina L, Vallejos A, Pulido-Bosch A, Sánchez-Martos F (2002) Water temperature and conductivity variability as indicators of groundwater behaviour in complex aquifer systems in the south-east of Spain. Hydrol Process 16:3365–3378

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Molina L, Sánchez-Martos F, Pulido-Bosch A, Vallejos A (2003) Origin of boron from a complex aquifer in Southeast of Spain. Environ Geol 44:301–307

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Molinero J, Samper J, Luanes R (2002) Numerical modelling of the transient hydrogeological response produced by a tunnel construction in fractured bedrocks. Eng Geol 64:369–386

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mudarra M, Andreo B (2011) Relative importance of the saturated and the unsaturated zones in the hydrogeological functioning of karst aquifers: the case of Alta Cadena (Southern Spain). J Hydrol 397:263–280

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mudarra M, Andreo B, Barberá JA, Mudry J (2014) Hydrochemical dynamics of TOC and NO3 − contents as natural tracers of infiltration in karst aquifers. Environ Earth Sci 71:507–523

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Padilla A, Pulido-Bosch A (1995) Study of hydrographs of karstic aquifers by means of correlation and cross-spectral analysis. J Hydrol 168:73–89

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Padilla A, Pulido-Bosch A, Mangin A (1994) Relative importance of baseflow and quickflow from hydrographs of karst spring. Ground Water 32:267–277

    Google Scholar 

  • Panno SV, Hackley KC, Hwang HH, Kelly WR (2001) Determination of the sources of nitrate contamination in karst springs using isotopic and chemical indicators. Chem Geol 179:113–128

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Panno SV, Hackley KC, Hwang HH, Greenberg SE, Krapac IG, Landsberger S, O’Kelly DJ (2006) Characterization and identification of Na–Cl sources in ground water. Ground Water 44:176–187

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parise M, Qiriazi P, Sala S (2004) Natural and anthropogenic hazards in karst areas of Albania. Nat Haz Earth Syst Sci 4:569–581

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parise M, De Waele J, Gutierrez F (2008) Engineering and environmental problems in karst—An introduction. Eng Geol 99:91–94

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Potié L, Ricour J (1974) Etudes et captage de resurgences d’eau douce sous-marines. Ressources en eau 5:26

  • Pu J, Cao M, Zhang Y, Yuan D, Zhao H (2014) Hydrochemical indications of human impact on karst groundwater in a subtropical karst area, Chongqing, China. Environ Earth Sci. doi:10.1007/s12665-014-3073-4

    Google Scholar 

  • Pulido-Bosch A (1985) L’exploitation minière de l’eau dans l’aquifère de la Sierra de Crevillente et ses alentours (Alicante, Espagne). Hydrogeology in the Service of Man. 18th Cong. IAH, Cambridge, pp 142–149

  • Pulido Bosch A et al (2005) Recharge in the Sierra de Gádor and hydrogeochemistry of aquifers in Campo de Dalías (in Spanish) Cajamar. Almería, p 337

  • Pulido-Bosch A (1999) Karst water exploitation. In: Karst Hydrogeology and Human Activities. Impacts, Consequences and Implications.Eds: D Drew, Heinz Hötzl, International contributions to hydrogeology, 20, 235–240. Balkema, Rotterdam

  • Pulido-Bosch A, Morell I, Andreu JM (1995) Hydrogeochemical effects of groundwater mining of the Sierra de Crevillente Aquifer (Alicante, Spain). Environ Geol 26:232–239

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pulido-Bosch A, Andreu JM, Estévez A, Ayanz J (1998) Zonation hydrogéochimique verticale dans l’aquifère karstique du Cid (Alicante, Espagne). Comptes Rendus de la Academie de Science de Paris, 326, ser II: 421–426

  • Pulido-Bosch A, Bensi S, Molina L, Vallejos A, Calaforra JM, Pulido-Leboeuf P (2000) Nitrates as indicators of aquifer interconnection. Application to the Campo de Dalias (SE Spain). Environ Geol 39:791–799

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Raposo JR, Molinero J, Dafonte J (2010) Quantitative evaluation of hydrogeological impact produced by tunnel construction using water balance models. Eng Geol 116:323–332

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ravbar N, Goldscheider N (2009) Comparative application of four methods of groundwater vulnerability mapping in a Slovene karst catchment. Hydrogeol J 1:725–733

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt S, Geyer T, Marei A, Guttman J, Sauter M (2013) Quantification of long-term wastewater impacts on karst groundwater resources in a semi-arid environment by chloride mass balance methods. J Hydrol 502:177–190

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sjolander-Lindqvist A (2005) Conflicting perspectives on water in a Swedish railway tunnel project. Environ Values 14:221–239

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sola F, Pulido-Bosch A (2014) Tunnels as observation points of aquifer response; the Archidona case (Malaga, Spain) (in Spanish). Rev Soc Geol España 27(1):319–326

    Google Scholar 

  • Tatu CA, Orem WH, Finkelman RB, Feder GL (1998) The etiology of Balkan endemic nephropathy: still more questions than answers. Environ Health Perspect 106:689–700

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tulipano L, Fidelibus MD (1995) National report for Italy. In: Hydrogeological aspects of groundwater protection in karstic areas. COST action 65, Final report, pp 171–201. Brussels

  • Vengosh A, Keren R (1996) Chemical modifications of groundwater contaminated by recharge of sewage effluent. J Contam Hydrol 23:347–360

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vincenzi V, Gargini A, Goldscheider N (2009) Using tracer tests and hydrological observations to evaluate effects of tunnel drainage on groundwater and surface waters in the Northern Apennines (Italy). Hydrogeol J 17:135–150

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang FR, Lee CH, Kung WJ, Yeh HF (2009) The impact of tunneling construction on the hydrogeological environment of “Tseng-Wen Reservoir Transbasin Diversion Project” in Taiwan. Eng Geol 103(1–2):39–58

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Water Resources and Environmental Geology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain

    A. Vallejos, F. Sola & A. Pulido-Bosch

  2. Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain

    J. M. Andreu

Authors
  1. A. Vallejos
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. J. M. Andreu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. F. Sola
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. A. Pulido-Bosch
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to A. Pulido-Bosch.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Vallejos, A., Andreu, J.M., Sola, F. et al. The anthropogenic impact on Mediterranean karst aquifers: cases of some Spanish aquifers. Environ Earth Sci 74, 185–198 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-014-3994-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-014-3994-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation