TITLE:
Groundwater Origin and Its Hydrogeochemistry through GIS Maps in Linares Region, Mexico
AUTHORS:
René Alberto Dávila Pórcel, Héctor de León-Gómez
KEYWORDS:
Groundwater; Hydrogeochemistry; GIS; Mexico
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Water Resource and Protection,
Vol.5 No.8A,
August
9,
2013
ABSTRACT: The North-East region of Mexican Republic has a semi-arid weather
condition; this area covers partially Tamaulipas, Nuevo León and Coahuila
states. Pablillo River Basin (PRB) is located close to Nuevo León south border
and its catchment area involves Linares City (LC), Hualahuises City (HC) and
Cerro-Prieto dam (CP). This reservoir captures drinking water to Monterrey
Metropolitan Zone (MMZ) the major urban center on the north-east Mexican
region. More than 50% of the potable water for LC comes from groundwater
stockpiles. A combination of GIS maps and major ion chemistry analysis has been
assessed, to know the origin, geochemical evolution, and hydraulic
interconnection of groundwater. During 2008-2009, 46 groundwater samples were
taken and analyzed around LC and HC. GIS technology was use to analyze the
spatial distribution of the constituents of groundwater through thematic maps.
The major ion analysis and its results suggest the presences of two aquifers;
shallow porous aquifer on the top and fractured aquifer on the bottom. General
water mineralization was discovered, including dissolution of halite, dolomites
and carbonates through the aquifers. Water quality varies widely through the
aquifers, and the general pathways go from southwest to northeast direction.
The overexploitation of groundwater increases the water mixing of groundwater
between shallow and deeper aquifers. Natural origin of groundwater and
groundwater pollution by anthropogenic activities should be considered in the
groundwater quality analysis for drinking water purpose.