Evidence for Groundwater Salinity Origin Based on Hydrogeochemical and Isotopic (2H, 18O, 37Cl, 3H, 13C, 14C) Approaches: Sousse, Eastern Tunisia

The key processes responsible for the rise in groundwater salinization Mio–Pliocene aquifer system of Sousse (Tunisia, eastern coastline) were identified through a multidisciplinary approach based on use geochemical, stable (2H, 13C, 18O and 37Cl) radioactive (3H 14C) isotope methods. In study region, mineralization groundwaters is related to water–rock interaction ascribed dissolution minerals evaporite rocks, as well saltwater intrusion. Both explain development which Cl Na dominantly determine quality deterioration state. isotopic geochemical signatures studied are clearly explained by (i) occurrence saline basins (sebkhas adjacent region), (ii) type rocks found below ground surface, (iii) cation exchange between clays groundwaters.