Identification of the origin of salinization in groundwater using minor ions (Lower Andarax, Southeast Spain).

The study of salinization of groundwater in the Detrital Aquifer of the Lower Andarax is highly complex due to the semiarid climate, the presence of evaporites, proximity to the sea and localized geothermal manifestations in the area. The salinization has been characterized by jointly studying the content of various minor ions (B, Br and Li) and a series of ionic relationships (B/Li, SO4/Cl, Na/Cl, Cl/B). The combined analysis of B and Li enabled the areas with a marked marine influence to be distinguished from those with an evaporite or geothermal influence.