Hydrogeochemical and Geophysical Evaluation of the Recharge Zone of Guarani Aquifer in Municipally of Candelária, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

A large part of the Guarani Aquifer is located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) and additionally possesses a recharge area located in its central and western region, therefore, this study was focused in one of these regions, specifically in the municipality of Candelária. Currently, there is no water resources plan in the state and, for this reason, to construct it, a first step was done by means of hydrogeochemical and geophysical characteristics of the Aquifer recharge region. Some data were acquired, gathered, processed and analyzed, including chemical analysis of water in different wells and geophysical surveys in refraction seismic and geoelectrical methods by a dipole-dipole array. With all the data, it was proceeded to make different maps of chemical parameters and a Piper diagram, finding a high iron and arsenic concentration, as well as high alkalinity in water. Additionally, by means of geophysical surveys, a line was pointed as possible aquifer reservoir, which could be used for human, agropastoral or industrial purposes after treatments.