Hydrogeochemical Characterization of Groundwater Located in an Intensive Agricultural Area: The Culiacan River Aquifer Case Study

In Mexico, aquifers face significant challenges because of contamination and groundwater deficits caused by intensive agriculture. Continuous monitoring of groundwater quality is crucial to ensure sustainable agricultural practices and food production. This study aimed to characterize the hydrogeochemistry and water quality of the Culiacan River Aquifer influenced by intensive agriculture. Groundwater quality data were collected from six sampling sites from 2012 to 2020. The hydrogeochemical facies revealed high concentrations of bicarbonate ions. The results show a mixture of calcium/magnesium and bicarbonate/chloride, indicating an intrusion of saline water in sampling sites close to the coastal zone. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the sampling points. Anthropogenic contamination affected SP1 since this site is within the urban area and is the shallowest sampling well. Based on the results of SAR, CSR, SSP, KR, % Na, MH, PI indices, groundwater of SP1 was not suitable for irrigation or drinking use. The water quality indices classified the groundwater of the Culiacan River Aquifer as good in five sampling sites and excellent in one sampling site. The ion content was Na²⁺ > \({\text{HCO}}_{3}^{ - }\) > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Cl^– > \({\text{SO}}_{4}^{{2 - }}\) > K⁺ and did not show any ecological or public health risk.