Evidence for Groundwater Salinity Origin Based on Hydrogeochemical and Isotopic (2H, 18O, 37Cl, 3H, 13C, 14C) Approaches: Sousse, Eastern Tunisia

The key processes responsible for the rise in groundwater salinization in the Mio-Pliocene aquifer system of Sousse (Tunisia, eastern coastline) were identified through a multidisciplinary approach based on the use of geochemical, stable (H-2, C-13, O-18 and Cl-37) and radioactive (H-3 and C-14) isotope methods. In the study region, the mineralization of groundwaters is related to water-rock interaction ascribed to the dissolution of minerals in evaporite rocks, as well as to saltwater intrusion. Both processes explain the development of groundwaters in which Cl and Na dominantly determine the groundwater quality deterioration state. The isotopic and geochemical signatures of the studied groundwaters are clearly explained by the (i) occurrence of saline basins (sebkhas adjacent to the study region), (ii) type of rocks found below the ground surface, and (iii) cation exchange between clays and groundwaters.

Automated summary

The key processes responsible for the rise in groundwater salinization in the Mio-Pliocene aquifer system of Sousse (Tunisia, eastern coastline) were identified through a multidisciplinary approach based on the use of geochemical, stable and radioactive isotope methods. The mineralization of groundwaters in the study region is due to water-rock interaction and saltwater intrusion, which results in the deterioration of groundwater quality dominantly determined by Cl and Na. The isotopic and geochemical signatures of the studied groundwaters are explained by the occurrence of saline basins, type of rocks found below the ground surface, and cation exchange between clays and groundwaters.