RT Journal Article
T1 Geochemical evolution and elemental behaviour of playa sediments: impacts of natural weathering and agricultural practices
A1 Halmos, Laszlo
A1 Delgado-Rodríguez, Joaquín
A1 Rodríguez, Miguel
A1 Rodríguez-Rodríguez, Miguel
A1 Jiménez Bonilla, Alejandro
A1 Díaz Azpiroz, Manuel
K1 Lagunas tipo playa
K1 Alcalino
K1 Degradación ecológica
K1 Meteorización química
K1 Índice de fraccionamiento (FI)
K1 Estrategias de conservación
AB Playas are predominantly alkaline wetlands common in arid and semi-arid regions. These unique ecosystems are heavily influenced by climatic and hydrological processes, such as high evapotranspiration rates and negative water balance. Numerous studies have documented the ecological degradation of these saline ecosystems due to both anthropogenic and natural processes. The present research analyses the mineralogical and elemental changes in six representative playas at different degradation stages in the western External Betics. Chemical weathering and element fractionation were examined to identify the key geochemical factors involved in the degradation of these playa wetlands. A novel methodology for calculating the Fractionation Index (FI) has been developed and applied alongside established geochemical indices, such as the Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA), Chemical Index of Weathering (CIW), and Vogt’s Residual Index (VRI), as well as analyses of elemental distribution. This approach allows for a comprehensive differentiation of the geochemical processes occurring in nonsaline-alkali, saline-alkali, and degraded playas. The study highlights the role of alkalinity in promoting clay mineral formation, with Na+ and Ca2+ dominating the cationic composition. These findings provide insights into the dynamics of playa ecosystems and inform conservation strategies for managing these vulnerable environments.
PB Springer Nature
YR 2025
FD 2025-09-15
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10433/26291
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10433/26291
LA en
NO Journal of Iberian Geology vol 51, p. 495–515
NO Proyectos de investigaciónPID2024-159481NB-I00
NO Universidad Pablo de Olavide. Departamento de Sistemas Físicos, Químicos y Naturales
DS RIO
RD May 9, 2026