Hydrogeochemical characterization of the southern sector of the Alburni Massif, Campania region, Italy

Abstract

The Alburni Massif represents one of the most important karst regions of the Southern Apennines, and it has a high potential as a water resource. This paper reports a hydrogeochemical evaluation of sampled waters from the southern sector of the Alburni Massif (Campania region, Italy). Five water samples were analysed (three from natural springs and two from wells) to i) evaluate the hydrogeochemical properties of the waters in the study area and ii) understand the groundwater flow in this system. Waters sampled were classified as Ca-HCO3 due to enrichment from different alkaline elements (Ara+ + k+) and carbonate (HCO3- + CO32). This classification is in agreement with the lithologies present in this area. Groundwater flow was connected to the fault line passing through the south-west sector of the complex, which divides the Massff into two large structures situated to the east and the west.