Analysis of boron within groundwater was undertaken for an area of Central Eastern Italy. Although boron is a minor analyte in groundwater, concentrations can often be above limits set by legislation. A hydrogeochemical study, supported by a statistical multifactorial analysis, was undertaken to investigate the most likely origin of the boron within the groundwater. It was possible to distinguish contamination caused by anthropogenic activities from natural pollution within the study. Hydrochemical analysis has highlighted that anomalous concentrations of boron are only seen in groundwater from the alluvial valley deposits. A strong correlation between high boron concentrations and groundwater with chloridesodium facies was also identified. The principal components analysis has confirmed the results from the assessment undertaken with hydrochemical analysis. The most important component is characterised by high loading of boron, sodium, chloride and electrical conductivity. The most likely origin of the boron within the hydrogeochemical context of the area appears to be connected to the uprise of chloride-sodium connate groundwaters naturally enriched in boron.
Boron-rich groundwater in Central Eastern Italy: a hydrogeochemical and statistical approach to define origin and distribution
PALMUCCI, WILLIAM;RUSI, Sergio
2014-01-01
Abstract
Analysis of boron within groundwater was undertaken for an area of Central Eastern Italy. Although boron is a minor analyte in groundwater, concentrations can often be above limits set by legislation. A hydrogeochemical study, supported by a statistical multifactorial analysis, was undertaken to investigate the most likely origin of the boron within the groundwater. It was possible to distinguish contamination caused by anthropogenic activities from natural pollution within the study. Hydrochemical analysis has highlighted that anomalous concentrations of boron are only seen in groundwater from the alluvial valley deposits. A strong correlation between high boron concentrations and groundwater with chloridesodium facies was also identified. The principal components analysis has confirmed the results from the assessment undertaken with hydrochemical analysis. The most important component is characterised by high loading of boron, sodium, chloride and electrical conductivity. The most likely origin of the boron within the hydrogeochemical context of the area appears to be connected to the uprise of chloride-sodium connate groundwaters naturally enriched in boron.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.