Hydrogeochemistry of the shallow aquifer in the western Po Plain (Piedmont, Italy): spatial and temporal variability

Abstract

This paper describes the spatial and temporal variability of the hydrogeochemistry of shallow aquifer in the western Po Plains, located in Piedmont (northwestern Italy), using groundwater monitoring network data for the main chemical–physical parameters. Hydrochemical maps for the 2015–2020 period were created to identify the main natural and anthropogenic factors responsible for the remarkable spatial variability. Temporal variations in the 2000–2020 period were defined to show the existence of variabilities that were previously not investigated. The spatial and temporal elaborations show significant and various variabilities. The hydrochemical maps confirm the existence of several natural and anthropogenic factors, including the lithological compositions of aquifers, agricultural practices and pressure from urban centres. The temporal variations suggest different resilience capacities of the aquifers to the several impacting factors. The availability of this knowledge is crucial to create the basis for groundwater protection.