Hydrogeochemical analysis of salinization processes in the coastal aquifer of Oropesa (Castellón, Spain)

Abstract

 The coastal aquifer of Oropesa is affected by salinization processes undoubtedly associated with intense groundwater exploitation for agriculture supply. The aquifer corresponds geologically to a tectonic depression with Plioquaternary fill. Hydrogeologically, this aquifer is detrital, with intergranular porosity, which receives substantial recharge from adjacent Mesozoic aquifers. Contact with the sea, in addition to the presence of cultivated soil requiring extreme exploitation of groundwater, frequently give rise to processes of seawater intrusion. The present research is an attempt to understand the saltwater intrusion in this aquifer, using hydrochemical analyses of the behavior of certain minor ions that could help in the characterization process. In the case of the Oropesa sector, groundwater salinization does not appear to be attributable solely to the intrusion of seawater, but there are also anomalies related largely to the geology of the sector and its surroundings, the type of recharge, the hydrodynamic conditions in the specific area, etc.