Hydrochemical Variability in Karst Hypothermal Mineral Springs of Greece
In Greece, the geodynamics of karst hypothermal–mineral springs, in which often shallow fresh groundwater is intermixed, is not well known. This study aims to investigate the monthly hydrochemical variability of three karst hypothermal mineral springs in Greece named Kyllini (southern Greece), Agiasma (northern Greece), and Voskina (northern Greece). Hence, monthly samples were collected and an analysis of major and trace elements, ion ratios, and saturation indices was performed, as well as statistical analysis and cross correlation. Elevated concentrations of Ca2+, Mg2+, and HCO3− are present in all springs, indicating that the dissolution of calcite and dolomite constitutes the main water–rock interaction process. Additionally, the mobilization and transport of Mn, Fe, and As are favored by the negative ORP values. However, there are also differences between the three springs. The Kyllini spring is characterized by high salinity and dominated by Na–Cl–HCO3 water, while the Agiasma spring exhibits a mixed water type with moderate salinity. The Voskina spring reflects a fresher, bicarbonate-dominated aquifer system with modest trace element mobilization. This study provides the first comprehensive monthly assessment of the hydrochemical response of karst hypothermal–mineral springs in Greece, offering new insights into seasonal geochemical dynamics.
Authors
- Eleni Zagana (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0668-6491)
- Christos Pouliaris (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5258-6125)
- Dimitra A. Lambropoulou (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5743-7236)
- Eleni-Anna Nanou
- Vasiliki Stavropoulou
- Maria Margarita Ntona (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7963-2689)
- Nerantzis Kazakis (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0406-9561)
- Maria Papailiopoulou
- Apostolis Tsoutanis
Institutions
- University of Patras (GR)
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (GR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Hydrology
- Published
- 2025-09-13
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12090237
- Primary Topic
- Karst Systems and Hydrogeology
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- University of Patras