Are geochemical regime shifts identifiable in river waters? Exploring the compositional dynamics of the Tiber River (Italy)

Rivers are dynamic and sensitive systems that change their chemical composition from source to mouth. This is due to the influence of a set of variables controlled by hydro-litho-eco-atmospheric processes and anthropic pressures which are, in turn, affected by catchment attributes. This work proposes a new way of thinking about river geochemistry focused on environmental interconnections rather than single chemical variables. Abrupt changes in the system state (composition) of a certain environmental media, driven by perturbations, may trigger Geochemical Regime Shifts (GRSs). This eventuality is explored in the Tiber River (central Italy) chemistry by Compositional Data Analysis, robust Principal Component Analysis and score-distance graphs. Data variability and the interlinks between response and forcing variables are investigated for different drained areas. A potential GRS is detected for major elements in the lower reaches resulting from a threshold-like state response caused by lithological forcing. On the contrary, trace elements respond gradually to environmental drivers, showing no abrupt changes. The findings outline mechanisms and factors influencing the river's self-restoring capability at a basin-wide scale, providing a better comprehension of the circumstances controlling the equilibrium dynamics of river water systems. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study examines the factors influencing river geochemistry, finding that river chemical composition can change due to various factors and may even trigger Geochemical Regime Shifts. The results suggest a potential Geochemical Regime Shift for major elements in the lower reaches of the Tiber River, while trace elements respond gradually to environmental drivers.