An Integrated Approach for Investigating the Salinity Evolution in a Mediterranean Coastal Karst Aquifer

Coastal areas are characterized by considerable demographic pressure that generally leads to groundwater overexploitation. In the Mediterranean region, this situation is exacerbated a recharge reduction enhanced climate change. The consequence water table drawdown alters freshwater/seawater interface facilitating seawater intrusion. However, salinity may also be affected other natural/anthropogenic sources. paper, quality data gathered at 47 private and public wells in coastal karst aquifer Apulia (southern Italy), were interpreted applying disparate methods reveal different sources of salinity. Chemical characterization, multivariate statistical analysis, mixing calculations supplied salinization degree. Characteristic ion ratios, strontium isotope (87Sr/86Sr), pure modelling identified current intrusion as main source, highlighting contribution water–rock interaction composition excluding influence from Cretaceous paleo-seawater. Only combined approach all methodologies allowed clear identification salinization, less probable ones (e.g., paleo-seawater). proposed enables effective investigation processes governing changes aquifers, support more informed management.