Boron and the origin of salinization in an aquifer in southeast Spain

The analysis of the occurrence of boron in relation to other ions (Cl- and SO42-) in the groundwaters of the Lower Andarax river reveals that this ele ment is basically derived from the dissolution of evaporite sediments and g eothermal processes. This study confirms that the geothermal anomalies favo ur the mobilization of boron although this factor does not exclusively dete rmine the high content present in some areas. The maximum boron concentrati ons are associated with zones where the salinity is higher and is related t o the dissolution of evaporite salts. (C) Academie des sciences/Elsevier, P aris.).