The dolomite coastal aquifer of Balanegra (SE Spain) is the only source of irrigation water in
an area of flourishing intensive agriculture. This scenario has consequently led to a severe
exploitation of the water resources. This aquifer extends from the edges of the Sierra de
Gádor to the sea, deepening progressively under the thick Neogene sedimentary sequence
that confines it. Based on the content of major ions, the groundwater was classified into four
groups (G1 to G4). G1 samples were characterized by their high content of dominating ions …