Hydrogeochemical processes and groundwater evolution in complex volcanic highlands and alluvio-lacustrine deposits (Upper Blue Nile), Ethiopia.

Lake Tana basin encompasses a wide regional volcanic aquifer system, in the northwestern highlands of Ethiopia. It has significant water resource potential for water supply and irrigation purposes. The objective of this study was to assess the physiochemical characteristics of the surface water-groundwater and investigate the processes controlling groundwater chemistry. A total of 273 water samples were collected from different water points for major ions and stable isotope analysis, representing different physiographic and hydrogeologic regions. Multivariate statistical, graphical methods, saturation and speciation modelling were used jointly to characterize water chemistry and to define hydrogeochemical processes. The Piper plots in combination with cluster analysis and isotope hydrological data indicate that, generally, the groundwater chemistry of the basin can be classified into (1) low TDS Ca-HCO, Ca-Mg-HCO, and Ca-Na-Mg-HCO type water which is relatively enriched in δO-δH and depleted in δC. These are recharge waters, which are characterized by low rock-water interaction; (2) brackish Mg-Na-Ca-HCO type water which is relatively depleted in δO-δH and enriched in δC; and (3) low TDS Na-(Ca)-HCO and Na-HCO type water which varies from less to more depleted in δO-δH and is characterized by relatively enriched δC. The cross-plots of the major cations vs. HCO and stability diagrams show that the primary processes controlling the groundwater evolution in the Lake Tana basin are alumino-silicate weathering and dissolution. Studying the hydrogeochemical characteristics of a complex geologic system with integrated approach helps to understand the complex groundwater flow system and flow dynamics, which in turn helps for proper groundwater utilization and future management.