Factors controlling the water quality of rock glacier springs in European and American mountain ranges

Rock glaciers (RGs) provide significant water resources in mountain areas under climate change. Recent research has highlighted high concentrations of solutes including trace elements in RG-fed waters, with negative implications on water quality. Yet, sparse studies from a few locations hinder concl...

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Published in:	The Science of the total environment Vol. 953; p. 175706
Main Authors:	Brighenti, Stefano, Colombo, Nicola, Wagner, Thomas, Pettauer, Michael, Guyennon, Nicolas, Krainer, Karl, Tolotti, Monica, Rogora, Michela, Paro, Luca, Steingruber, Sandra M., Del Siro, Chantal, Scapozza, Cristian, Sileo, Noelia R., Villarroel, Cristian D., Hayashi, Masaki, Munroe, Jeffrey, Liaudat, Dario Trombotto, Cerasino, Leonardo, Tirler, Werner, Comiti, Francesco, Freppaz, Michele, Salerno, Franco, Litaor, M. Iggy, Cremonese, Edoardo, di Cella, Umberto Morra, Winkler, Gerfried
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Netherlands Elsevier B.V 25-11-2024
Subjects:	Climate change Hydrochemistry Icy seeps Mountain springs Permafrost hydrology Trace elements Mountain springs Permafrost hydrology Climate change Trace elements Hydrochemistry Icy seeps
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Summary:	Rock glaciers (RGs) provide significant water resources in mountain areas under climate change. Recent research has highlighted high concentrations of solutes including trace elements in RG-fed waters, with negative implications on water quality. Yet, sparse studies from a few locations hinder conclusions about the main drivers of solute export from RGs. Here, in an unprecedented effort, we collected published and unpublished data on rock glacier hydrochemistry around the globe. We considered 201 RG springs from mountain ranges across Europe, North and South America, using a combination of machine learning, multivariate and univariate analyses, and geochemical modeling. We found that 35 % of springs issuing from intact RGs (containing internal ice) have water quality below drinking water standards, compared to 5 % of springs connected to relict RGs (without internal ice). The interaction of ice and bedrock lithology is responsible for solute concentrations in RG springs. Indeed, we found higher concentrations of sulfate and trace elements in springs sourcing from intact RGs compared to water originating from relict RGs, mostly in specific lithological settings. Enhanced sulfide oxidation in intact RGs is responsible for the elevated trace element concentrations. Challenges for water management may arise in mountain catchments rich in intact RGs, and where the predisposing geology would make these areas geochemical RG hotspots. Our work represents a first comprehensive attempt to identify the main drivers of solute concentrations in RG waters. [Display omitted] •Rock glaciers (RGs) are increasingly important mountain water resources.•We investigated the water chemistry of 201 intact (with ice) and relict (no ice) RGs.•Under predisposing lithological settings, intact RGs were more enriched in solutes.•One third of intact RG springs had water quality below drinking water standards.•Solute export from intact RGs may adversely affect water quality in hotspot areas.
Bibliography:	ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23
ISSN:	0048-9697 1879-1026 1879-1026
DOI:	10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175706