Hydrodynamic and geochemical features of metamorphic carbonate aquifers and implications for water management: The Apuan Alps (NW Tuscany, Italy) case study

Carbonate rocks may be considered among the most important and strategic aquifers, given their widespread and the general high quality of groundwater flowing through them. Nevertheless, the karst systems developed within such aquifers promote conditions of high vulnerability to contamination and a high variability of groundwater flow rate, thus making the management of these water resources difficult. These critical features can be accentuated in metamorphosed carbonates, because of the massive structure of the rock that favours a low density of the karst network, and a preferential flow pattern throughout well-developed karst conduits. Furthermore, these rocks are often subject to quarrying and associated risk of pollution, mainly due to the fine slurry produced during marble cutting.