HYDROGEOCHEMICAL CONDITION OF THE PIKROLIMNI LAKE (KILKIS GREECE)

Abstract

In order to understand the hydrogeochemical conditions of the basin of Pikrolimni we collected water samples from the borehole in the thermal spa of Pikrolimni and samples of brine and sediments from the lake. We also sampled fresh water of the region. The depth of the borehole in the thermal spa is approximately 250 meters. This water is naturally sparkling, with a metallic aftertaste and a slight organic smell. The samples were taken twice during the year: in summer (8/2002) and in winter (2003). The analytical scheme includes field measurements of temperature, conductivity and pH. Major ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2\ CI", Br, S04 2", C03 2", HC03", N03"), F and Br were determined, in laboratory, according to standard analytical methods. Samples were also subjected to isotopie analysis of δ Ο and δ2Η. The results from the chemical analyses of the samples, show that the waters taken from the borehole, are of the type Mg- (Na-Ca)-HCC>3 and the salts of the lake are of the type Na-CI- (CO3-S04). The salts of the lake result from mixing and condensation of the waters which are accumulated in the basin of the lake, and come not only from sources that feed the lake, e.g. waters from borehole, but also from rain water. The waters of these sources are mainly of meteoritic origin and circulate deeply, mixing probably with salt water of deeper and probably of warmer horizons. The latter comes in agreement with the hydrothermal field, which exists in the area. From hydrochemical data, the brines of summer clearly correspond to waters, which have been submitted under high degree of evaporation: they are residual mother solutions before the step of the precipitation of halite. During winter, dilution of brines and dissolution of depositing minerals by fresh water are observed. On the other hand, evaporating conditions are created in the lake during summer.