Intrinsic aquifer vulnerability assessment: validation by environmental tracers in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico (original) (raw)

2006, Environmental Earth Sciences

Vulnerability maps are important tools for water decision makers and land-use planners for protection of aquifers against contamination. The vulnerability map, according to the parametric method SINTACX for assessing intrinsic aquifer vulnerability, was validated in a case study with chlorofluorocarbon tracer technologies (CFC-11, CFC-12, and CFC-113) of groundwater. The tested area was the 1,295 km 2 volcano-sedimentary area of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. From the results of this area, it appears that the vulnerability map is in parts inconsistent with the underlying groundwater flow system. Thus, the vulnerability map was corrected with tracer information. The validated vulnerability map indicates that the degree of vulnerability varies from low 1 Corresponding author Mahlknecht et al., 2006, Env. Geol. (author's version) 2 | P a g e to moderate-high. Low vulnerability values are found in the graben extending from north to south along the San Miguel de Allende fault system and high values in recharge areas southeast and northwest of the study area. The investigation is a demonstration that the scientific reliability of results of the parametric method can be improved by validation with tracer techniques representing the groundwater dynamics. The flexible structure of SINTACX allows revising and adjusting scores and weights of the parameter maps to rebuild a new vulnerability map consistent with the hydrological system.

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