Hydrogeochemistry and Groundwater Quality Assessment in the High Agri Valley (Southern Italy)

The High Agri Valley (southern Italy) is one of the largest intermontane basin southern Apennines affected by intensive agricultural and industrial activities. study groundwater chemical features provides much important information useful in water resource management. In this study, hydrogeochemical investigations coupled with multivariate statistics, saturation indices, stable isotope composition (δD δ18O) were conducted to determine define geogenic anthropogenic influences on quality. Twenty-four sampling point ( including well spring waters) have been examined. isotopic data revealed that has a meteoric origin. Well waters, located recent alluvial-lacustrine deposits shallow porous aquifers at valley floor, are influenced seasonal rainfall events show circuits; conversely, waters from fissured and/or karstified probably associated deeper longer hydrogeological circuits. R -mode factor analysis shows three factors explain 94% total variance, F1 represents combined effect dolomite silicate dissolution most chemistry. addition, very low contents trace elements detected, their distribution was principally related natural input. Only two used for irrigation use, critical issue NO3- concentrations, whose values linked Groundwater quality strongly affects management resources, as suitability domestic, agricultural, uses. Overall, our results considered fulfilling requirements inorganic component Water Framework Directive Italian legislation drinking purposes. “good permissible” “excellent good” although salinity relatively high content Mg2+ can occasionally be critical.