Chlorides' Concentration Assessment in the Waters of the Sila Massif (Calabria, Southern Italy)

In this study, 63 water samples were collected and analyzed using UV spectrophotometry for chloride (Cl-) contents inside the Sila Massif (Calabria region, Italy). In addition, the spatial distribution of chlorides in the study area was performed through the geostatistical approach. Results showed a good quality status of the spring waters in the Sila Massif, considering that their Cl- content was lower than the permissible levels of chloride for safe drinking water. Furthermore, the observed Cl- concentrations are strongly affected by the geological nature of the rocks of the aquifers of the study area. Therefore, the knowledge of chloride sources may help decision-makers identify the presence of contaminants that can disturb drinking.