GEOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE UNCONFINED AQUIFER IN A RECENTLY RECLAIMED WETLAND AREA: A CASE STUDY FROM THE PO RIVER DELTA

• Main Authors: Dario Di Giuseppe, Barbara Faccini, Micòl Mastrocicco, Nicolò Colombani, Massimo Coltorti, Giacomo Ferretti
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Bologna 2013-09-01
• Series: EQA
• Subjects: unconfined aquifer; anion and nitrogen species; sub-surface drainage system
• Online Access: http://eqa.unibo.it/article/view/3931

This study focusses on the distribution of main anions and nitrogen species in the unconfined aquifer of a recently reclaimed land. In a 6 ha experimental field, 10 piezometers for water level measurement and groundwater sampling have been installed. After one year of monitoring, results show that the high chloride and ammonium concentrations are due to inherited from the previous brackish conditions and to organic matter mineralization, respectively. Seasonal variations and Cl/Br ratio show that the 1 m deep sub surface drainage system is the main factor conditioning the chemical characteristics and the piezometric depth of the aquifer.