Distinguishing the hydrochemistry of two hydrological basins in northern Mexico using factor analysis

Abstract

Hydrochemical parameters of groundwater from two hydrological basins in northwestern Mexico were measured. In one of them is located the city of Puerto Penasco, and in the other one is the city of El Rosarito. A factor analysis was used to characterize the main influences that affected the water quality of each region. Based on the results of this method, the aquifer located in Rosarito is mainly affected by seawater intrusion and the presence of high levels of manganese, while the groundwater characteristics at Puerto Penasco are influenced by reductive conditions, probably caused by bacterial contamination. Although most of the parameters analyzed in this study were within normal ranges for groundwater, knowledge of the factors affecting sources of water can help to develop restoration projects and preventive management practices to prevent an irreversible degradation of groundwater quality. © 2008, CAWQ.