Characterization of the Eva Verda basin aquifer (Saint Marcel, Aosta Valley, Italy) through geochemical and geostructural methods and analysis

The groundwater system of the Eva Verda basin (Saint Marcel Valley, southern side of the middle Aosta Valley, Italy) has many springs that can be used as sources for drinking water. This area is near the disused Servette mine, which can be a pollutant source (metals and sulfides) for the springs loc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Hydrogeology journal 2010-03, Vol.18 (2), p.487-499
Main Authors: Terrana, Silvia, Gambillara, Roberto, Scesi, Laura, Martin, Silvana, Ciceri, Elena
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aquatic Pollution
Aquifers
Chemical analysis
Drinking water
Earth and Environmental Science
Earth Sciences
Geochemistry
Geology
Geophysics/Geodesy
Hydrogeology
Hydrology/Water Resources
Mine drainage
Waste Water Technology
Water flow
Water Management
Water pollution
Water Pollution Control
Water Quality/Water Pollution
Water springs
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Summary:The groundwater system of the Eva Verda basin (Saint Marcel Valley, southern side of the middle Aosta Valley, Italy) has many springs that can be used as sources for drinking water. This area is near the disused Servette mine, which can be a pollutant source (metals and sulfides) for the springs located downhill. Aquifer characterization was done using a multidisciplinary approach: geostructural, lithological, hydrogeological and geochemical. In particular, the geostructural analysis showed that the preferential water-flow direction is controlled by tectonics and that it has a trend along the slope toward the downhill springs. The mine drainage flow direction is in agreement with this trend and can pollute the springs. Chemical analysis revealed three water groups: (1) SO ₄ ²⁻ -Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺ rich water (mine drainage), (2) HCO ₃ ⁻ -SO ₄ ²⁻ -Ca²⁺ rich water and (3) HCO ₃ ⁻ -Ca²⁺ rich water (freshwater). The second group of water results from the different percentage mix between the first and the third waters. The low percentage of mine polluted water demonstrates that there is a high dilution and low pollution of waters that can be exploited for drinking.
ISSN:1431-2174
1435-0157
DOI:10.1007/s10040-009-0494-3