Groundwater chromium pollution in the Rio Turbio Valley, Mexico: Use of pollutants as chemical tracers

Abstract

Groundwater quality in the Rio Turbio Valley in Guanajuato, Mexico is affected by chromium compounds, Cr(VI), in the aquifer system. Four potential pollution sources affecting 90% of the wells were detected. Venical groundwater sampling and detailed stratigraphic and piezometric analysis is used to study aquifer behavior with Cr as a chemical tracer. Time - space changes in groundwater quality permitted an initial hydraulic parameterization. In the most affected area, Buenavista, an aquifer remediation program is proposed based on pumping and treating after
chromium source removal.