Geostatistical analysis of the water quality of an aquifer in tropical and agricultural zone

Abstract The objective of this study was to identify water pollution problems and obtain useful information for the sustainable extraction of water from the Culiacan River aquifer. Data from 6 sampling sites were used in the period from 2012 to 2019. A spatial geostatistical analysis was carried out to describe the water quality of the aquifer by using isoconcentration contours. Likewise, a hydrogeochemical evaluation was carried out using seven water quality indices for irrigation purposes (SAR, CSR, SSP, KR, % Na, MH, PI). Finally, a multivariate statistical analysis was obtained through the analysis of principal components, Pearson correlation and cluster analysis identified the most important water quality variables in the Culiacan River aquifer based on their variability. The water quality index showed that the aquifer water quality was good in five sampling sites and excellent in one sampling site. Based on average concentrations, the ion content was Na2+ >HCO3- >Ca2+ >Mg2+ >Cl- >SO42- >K+, which did not present any ecological or public health risk. Finally, Sample Point 1 (SP1) was the location most affected by anthropogenic contamination. This site is within an urban area and is the shallowest sampling well.