Hydrogeochemistry and groundwater salinization in an ephemeral coastal flood plain: Cap Bon,Tunisia |
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| Authors: | Anis Chekirbane Maki Tsujimura Atsushi Kawachi Hiroko Isoda Jamila Tarhouni Abdallah Benalaya |
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| Institution: | 1. Doctoral Program of Sustainable Environmental Studies, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Tsukuba , Tsukuba , 305-8572 , Ibaraki , Japan E-mail: anischkirbene@gmail.com anischkirbene@gmail.com;3. Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Tsukuba , Tsukuba , 305-8572 , Ibaraki , Japan;4. Alliance for Research of North Africa (ARENA) , University of Tsukuba , Tsukuba , 305-8572 , Ibaraki , Japan;5. National Institute of Agronomy of Tunisia (INAT) , University of Carthage , 43, Avenue Charles Nicolle 1082 Tunis, Mahrajène , Tunisia;6. Higher School of Agriculture of Mograne (ESAM) , University of Carthage , Mograne , 1121 , Zaghouan , Tunisia |
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| Abstract: | Abstract The Wadi Al Ayn plain is a coastal system on the eastern coast of Cap Bon in northeastern Tunisia. The area is known for its intensive agriculture, which is based mainly on groundwater exploitation. The aim of this study is to identify the sources of groundwater salinization in the Wadi Al Ayn aquifer system and deduce the processes that drive the mineralization. Surface water and groundwater samples were taken and analysed for major ions and stable isotopes. The geochemical data were used to characterize and classify the water samples based on a variety of ion plots and diagrams. Stable isotopes are useful tools to help us understand recharge processes and to differentiate between salinity origins. The oilfield brines infiltrated from the sandy bed of Wadi Al Ayn comprise the main source of groundwater salinization in the central part of the plain, while seawater intrusion is mainly responsible for the increased salinity in the groundwater of the coastal part of the plain (at Daroufa). Citation Chekirbane, A., Tsujimura, M., Kawachi, A., Isoda, H., Tarhouni, J., and Benalaya, A., 2013. Hydrogeochemistry and groundwater salinization in an ephemeral coastal flood plain: Cap Bon, Tunisia. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 58 (5), 1097–1110. |
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| Keywords: | hydrogeochemistry stable isotopes salinization ephemeral coastal plain Cap Bon Tunisia |
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