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Abstract: The main results of a hydrogeochemical survey carried out during 2002–2003 along the coast of the south-eastern Sicily, which aimed at geochemical characterization of both groundwater chemistry and submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) in the area are presented. A general frame of chemical processes affecting the studied groundwater and SGD point out that most samples fall within the calcite-anhydrite-dolomite field (CAD). The chemical composition of the samples within the CAD triangle is essentially controlled by calcite, dolomite and gypsum dissolution, which are the main minerals of the carbonate rocks hosting the aquifers. An additional process evidenced in this study is a mixing with seawater. Nitrate is the most typical ion significantly disturbed in the groundwater chemistry influenced by agricultural activities. The strong correlation with SO4 2− indicates that the use of ammonium sulphate fertilisers is widespread in the study area. The K+ vs. NO3 − diagram evidences a correlation occurring at lower and higher concentrations, and implies that there is not a common source of both nitrate and potassium, at least on a regional scale. High-phosphate concentration is found in submarine springs along the coast, specifically in the Donnalucata and Avola areas, while its content in inland wells is generally lower. Phosphate is also associated with high-bicarbonate contents in the Donnalucata area, suggesting its possible origin is phosphate-rich carbonate rocks, which are commonly outcropping in the area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to show the results of the Italian research project of national interest (PRIN) launched in 2006 and finished in 2008, concerning the “assessment of groundwater contamination risk by nitrates assessment”. The project verified the IPNOA method for nitrate groundwater contamination risk assessment in four test-sites of Italy. The IPNOA is a parametric index which assesses the potential hazard of nitrate contamination originating from agriculture on a regional scale. The method integrates two categories of parameters: the hazard factors (HF), which represent all farming activities that cause, or might cause, an impact on soil quality in terms of nitrate (use of fertilisers, application of livestock and poultry manure, food industry wastewater and urban sludge), and the control factors (CF) which adapt the hazard factors to the characteristics of the site (geographical location, climatic conditions and agronomic practices). Finally, the Potential Risk Map is obtained by coupling the potential hazard of nitrate pollution (IPNOA) and the aquifer Contamination Vulnerability Map. The project was carried out by five Research Units (RU) from the Politecnico di Torino, Universities of Piacenza, Florence, Naples and Palermo. The geochemistry of groundwaters from the four test-sites was studied to determine the distribution of nitrate, and to evaluate groundwater chemical facies. All the study areas are affected by groundwater nitrate contamination and often by hydrogeochemical peculiarities. In some cases isotopic study, δ 18O–NO3 δ 15N–NO3, allowed to differentiate nitrates of chemical fertilisers from those of biological origin, as well as denitrification processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A complex approach in characterisation of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) off south-eastern Sicily comprising applications of radioactive and non-radioactive tracers, direct seepage measurements, geophysical surveys and a numerical modelling is presented. SGD fluxes in the Donnalucata boat basin were estimated by direct seepage measurements to be from 4 to 12Ls−1, which are comparable with the total SGD flux in the basin of 17Ls−1 obtained from radon measurements. The integrated SGD flux over the Donnalucata coast estimated on the basis of Ra isotopes was around 60m3 s−1 per km of the coast. Spatial variations of SGD were observed in the Donnalucata boat basin, the average 222Rn activity concentration in seawater varied from ∼0.1kBqm−3 to 3.7kBqm−3 showing an inverse relationship with salinity. The continuous monitoring carried out at the site closest to the coast has revealed an inverse relationship of 222Rn activity concentration on the tide. The 222Rn concentrations in seawater varied from 2.3kBqm−3 during high tides to 4.8kBqm−3 during low tides, thus confirming an influence of the tide on submarine groundwater discharge. Stable isotopes (δ2H and δ18O) showed that SGD samples consist up to 50% of groundwater. Geo-electrical measurements showed a spatial variability of the salt/fresh water interface and its complex transformation in the coastal zone. The presented results imply that in the studied Donnalucata site there are at least two different sources of SGD, one superficial, represented by mixed fresh water and seawater, and the second one which originates in a deeper limestone aquifer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]