GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS OF GROUNDWATER SALINIZATION IN DURANGO MEXICO.

Groundwater Salinization is a growing critical issue in coastal, arid, and semi-arid regions, this threat is expected to get worse due to increased groundwater withdrawals and reduced infiltration, attributable to global warming. The state of Durango in central Mexico, faces significant challenges from salinity-related impacts on water quality, agriculture, and public health. This study assesses the variations of salinity in groundwater using the parameters Total Dissolved solids (TDS), Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), and nitrate (NO3-N) concentrations, focusing on their spatial, temporal variations, and correlations with land use and climate. Water quality data from 340 wells analyzed, and extracted from a dataset containing over 4000 samples were provided by CONAGUA (Comisión Nacional del Agua), a Mexican water agency that reports and monitors water quality parameters. The parameters used from the sample dataset were standardized by converting them from mg/L to meq/L, subjected to an error balance (EB%) trial, and retaining wells with an EB% of less than 10% for accuracy. NO3-N, HCO3-, SO4-2, and Cl-, all exhibited high EB%, indicating an error for trial assessments, and the major cations Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, all exhibited an EB% closer to zero, indicating good accuracy. A geospatial distribution of the parameters TDS, SAR, and NO3-N was conducted, and the analysis is anticipated to reveal distinct distribution patterns based on geographical and environmental factors, like the proximity to agricultural zones and other landform uses.