Tracing Groundwater-Surface Water Mixing Using Isotopes in a Semi-Arid Volcanic Lake Basin

The application of isotopic tracers provides a powerful means to unravel complex hydrological systems, including groundwater (GW)-surface water (SW) connectivity. This study investigates the interacting hydrological and geochemical processes within a temperate volcanic lake basin in west-central Mexico, with the objective of assessing hydrogeological connectivity between groundwater and the lacustrine system. Spatially distributed sampling was conducted for major ions, nitrate, strontium, and stable water isotopes (δ¹⁸O and δ²H) across multiple water sources, including precipitation, rivers, lakes, wells, and springs.

Results indicate that direct infiltration of precipitation constitutes the dominant groundwater recharge mechanism in high-elevation, forested zones, where waters exhibit a Ca–Mg–HCO₃⁻ hydrochemical facies. Mixing with deeper groundwater components is also evident, as reflected by elevated temperatures and isotopic compositions indicative of enhanced water-rock interaction. Surface waters, particularly lakes, display pronounced evaporative enrichment, while elevated nitrate concentrations in shallow groundwater point to anthropogenic inputs associated with irrigation return flows and urban activities.

Although sampling was conducted during the dry season and therefore may not capture the full range of annual hydrological variability, the identification of local and regional recharge zones provides a robust framework for future investigations of precipitation-driven recharge and GW-SW interactions. Additionally, strontium concentrations proved effective for tracing subsurface flow paths and fluid exchange along fault-controlled structures, offering valuable insights into hydrogeological processes in tectonically active volcanic settings. The integrated use of hydrochemical and isotopic tracers highlights their critical role in supporting sustainable water-resource management and protecting groundwater quality in complex temperate, semi-arid lake systems increasingly impacted by anthropogenic pressures.