Abstract

RIOS-VASQUEZ, Laura Camila; COLEGIAL-GUTIERREZ, Juan Diego  and  COLLAZO-CARABALLO, María Paula. Hydrogeochemical characterization of groundwater in the city of Minas, department of Lavalleja, Uruguay. Bol. geol. [online]. 2023, vol.45, n.1, pp.103-117.  Epub Feb 28, 2023. ISSN 0120-0283.  https://doi.org/10.18273/revbol.v45n1-2023005.

The physicochemical evaluation of the water extracted from groundwater sources becomes a fundamental tool for the interpretation of the existing interaction between water-rock. This has as a precedent the knowledge of the geological character of the territory and confers an initial estimate of possible compositional anomalies to cause external agents that can alter the quality of the resource. Hence, a condition that would suggest detailed studies on the origin, extension, and degree of affectation of these polluting sources. The hydrogeochemical study in the city of Minas, Uruguay, is developed to contribute to local hydrogeological knowledge, as well as to define if the waters currently collected by the inhabitants are chemically adequate for the uses to which they are destined, such as human consumption and irrigation or require some purification treatment. The water classification showed that calcium and/or magnesium bicarbonate facies dominate the area, with a short residence time in the aquifer. Likewise, certain ions exceed the limits allowed by the Uruguayan potability standard. According to the hydrogeological vulnerability map of the city of Minas, the sampled wells are mainly located in areas cataloged with high to very high vulnerability to contamination, so the intrinsic characteristics of the aquifers promoting the exposure of these systems to specific pollution scenarios, such as nitrate enrichment due to uncontrolled anthropogenic activities.

Keywords : Groundwater; Quality; Physicochemical; Majority ions.

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