Isotope geochemistry provide a series of sophisticated techniques to support the decisional processes linked to the sustainable use of water resources. We developed this approach to face some of the most interesting challenges of the industrial world and scientific debate. Nitrogen isotope data were studied to identify existing nitrate sources and the degree of their attenuation and transport in groundwater in the, Po plain, the largest Italian aquifer. We studied the use of new passive gas accumulators of Radon, made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mixed with activated carbon (AC), to produce a vertical profile in a sinkhole lake in Central Italy. Since Radon is a radioactive gas which dissolves in underground waters depending on the composition of the hosting rocks this study was used to to define both the discharge rate of submerged springs and the residence time of the lake water. GIS modelling associated with the study of oxygen and hydrogen isotopes in rain and spring waters allowed accurate definition of the recharge areas and the impact that the current climate trend could have on the recharge/discharge ratio variation in central Italy. Oxygen isotope composition of a continental lake calcareous sedimentary sequence related to the Marine Isotope Stage 19 (790-760 ka) interval was studied as a proxy of the paleo-hydrological conditions and was applied to paleoclimatic reconstructions. In terms of configuration of the astronomical climatic forcing, the MIS 19 can be used as analogue for the present interglacial giving indications about the timing and the characters of the next "natural" climatic changes.
Water resources: a geochemical approach to their characterization and sustainable use
Giaccio B;Spadoni M;Vallone R;Voltaggio M
2012
Abstract
Isotope geochemistry provide a series of sophisticated techniques to support the decisional processes linked to the sustainable use of water resources. We developed this approach to face some of the most interesting challenges of the industrial world and scientific debate. Nitrogen isotope data were studied to identify existing nitrate sources and the degree of their attenuation and transport in groundwater in the, Po plain, the largest Italian aquifer. We studied the use of new passive gas accumulators of Radon, made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mixed with activated carbon (AC), to produce a vertical profile in a sinkhole lake in Central Italy. Since Radon is a radioactive gas which dissolves in underground waters depending on the composition of the hosting rocks this study was used to to define both the discharge rate of submerged springs and the residence time of the lake water. GIS modelling associated with the study of oxygen and hydrogen isotopes in rain and spring waters allowed accurate definition of the recharge areas and the impact that the current climate trend could have on the recharge/discharge ratio variation in central Italy. Oxygen isotope composition of a continental lake calcareous sedimentary sequence related to the Marine Isotope Stage 19 (790-760 ka) interval was studied as a proxy of the paleo-hydrological conditions and was applied to paleoclimatic reconstructions. In terms of configuration of the astronomical climatic forcing, the MIS 19 can be used as analogue for the present interglacial giving indications about the timing and the characters of the next "natural" climatic changes.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
