Preliminary groundwater quality assessment in the central region of Ghana

Insufficient knowledge of the hydrogeochemistry of aquifers in the Central Region of Ghana has necessitated a preliminary water quality assessment in some parts of the region. Major and minor ions, and trace metal compositions of groundwater have been studied with the aim of evaluating hydrogeochemical processes that are likely to impair the quality of water in the study area. The results show that groundwater in the area is weakly acidic with mean acidity being 5.83 pH units. The dominant cation in the area is Na, followed by K, Ca, and Mg, and the dominant anion is Cl^?, followed by HCO₃ ^? and SO₄ ^2?. Two major hydrochemical facies have been identified as Na–Cl and Na–HCO_3, water types. Multivariate statistical techniques such as cluster analysis (CA) and factor analysis/principal component analysis (PCA), in R mode, were employed to examine the chemical compositions of groundwater and to identify factors that influenced each. Q-mode CA analysis resulted in two distinct water types as established by the hydrochemical facies. Cluster 1 waters contain predominantly Na–Cl. Cluster 2 waters contain Na–HCO₃ and Na–Cl. Cluster 2 waters are fresher and of good quality than cluster 1. Factor analysis yielded five significant factors, explaining 86.56% of the total variance. PC1 explains 41.95% of the variance and is contributed by temperature, electrical conductivity, TDS, turbidity, SO₄ ^2?, Cl^?, Na, K, Ca, Mg, and Mn and influenced by geochemical processes such as weathering, mineral dissolution, cation exchange, and oxidation–reduction reactions. PC2 explains 16.43% of the total variance and is characterized by high positive loadings of pH and HCO₃ ^?. This results from biogenic activities taking place to generate gaseous carbon dioxide that reacts with infiltrating water to generate HCO₃ ^?, which intend affect the pH. PC3 explains 11.17% of the total variance and is negatively loaded on PO₄ ^3? and NO₃ ^? indicating anthropogenic influence. The R-mode PCA, supported by R-mode CA, have revealed hydrogeochemical processes as the major sources of ions in the groundwater. Factor score plot revealed a possible flow direction from the northern sections of the study area, marked by higher topography, to the south. Compositional relations confirmed the predominant geochemical process responsible for the various ions in the groundwater as mineral dissolution and thus agree with the multivariate analysis.     

Origin of components in Chilean thermal waters

Thermal waters of northern (18°–27°S) and southern (37°–45°S) Chile occur in two very different climatic, geologic and hydrologic environments: arid closed basins with abundant evaporites in the north; humid climate and well drained valleys in the south. The origin and behavior of the main components of the two groups of waters are examined and compared to each other. The modeling of the alteration of volcanic rocks leads to water compositions very different from those observed both in the north and south. In addition to hydrothermal alteration and deep emanations, the Cl/Br ratio reveals a major contribution of saline waters to the two groups: infiltrating brines from salt lakes in the north; seawater in the south.In the north, concentrations of Cl, Br, Na, K, Ca, SO₄, Li, B, Si result from the mixing of alteration waters with recycled brines. Hydrothermal alteration is obscured by this massive saline input, except for Mg. δ³⁴S values are consistent with an origin of sulfate from salar brines, which are themselves derived from deep Tertiary gypsum. In the south, two processes account for the composition of thermal waters: mixing of alteration waters with seawater and deep magmatic contribution. The mixing process controls the concentration of Cl, Br, Na, Alk, Si, K, Ca, Mg. Magmatic inputs are detectable for SO₄, Li and B. δ³⁴S suggests that sulfate stems from the mixing of alteration waters with either marine SO₄ in coastal waters or with deep SO₂ in inland waters. In both the north and south, the Mg concentration is drastically lowered (<1 μmol/L) by the probable formation of a chlorite-type mineral. In the south, very small amounts of seawater (<1% in volume) are sufficient to imprint a clear signature on thermal waters. Not only coastal springs are affected by seawater mixing, but also remote inland springs, as far as 150 km from the sea. Subduction of marine sediments in the accretive margin could be the source of the marine imprint in thermal waters of southern Chile. Seawater may be expelled from the subducted lithosphere and incorporated into the mantle source.     

Assessment of groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation purposes using hydrochemical studies in Nalbari district of Assam,India

The present work was carried out in Nalbari district of Assam (India) with an objective to assess the quality of groundwater and to check its suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes. Groundwater samples were collected from 50 different locations during pre- and post-monsoon seasons of 2016. Results of chemical analysis revealed that mean concentration of cations varied in the order Ca²⁺?>?Na⁺?>?Mg²⁺?>?K⁺, while for anions the order was HCO₃ ^??>?Cl^??>?SO₄^2??>?NO₃^2??>?F^? during both pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The suitability of groundwater samples for drinking purpose was assessed by comparing the results of physico-chemical analysis of groundwater with Indian Standards. Further, its suitability for irrigation purpose was assessed by evaluating several parameters like sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium percentage (Na%), magnesium ratio, Kelly’s ratio and residual sodium carbonate (RSC). The SAR values obtained for all the samples were plotted against EC values in the US Salinity Laboratory diagram, and it was revealed that the most of the samples fall under water type C2-S1 indicating medium salinity and low SAR. Further, it was found that the majority of the samples belong to Ca–Mg–HCO₃ hydrochemical facies followed by Ca–Mg–Cl–SO₄, whereas only a few samples belong to Na–K–HCO₃ hydrochemical facies.     

Hydrogeochemistry and microbial contamination of groundwater from Lower Ponnaiyar Basin, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, India

Groundwater is the major source of fresh water in regions where there is inadequate surface water resources. Forty-seven groundwater samples were collected from Lower Ponnaiyar basin, Cuddalore District, south India, during the premonsoon (PRM) and postmonsoon (POM) seasons of 2005. Out of 47 groundwater samples, 15 samples showing higher nitrate concentration were those collected during PRM 2005. Microbial analysis of these samples was carried out by employing 16S rRNA gene sequence tool. Detailed analysis was conducted to determine the hydrogeochemical processes and microbial contamination responsible for deterioration of quality. The abundance of the ions during PRM and POM are in the following order: Na?>?Ca?>?Mg?>?K?=?Cl?>?HCO₃?>?SO₄?>?CO₃. The dominant water types in PRM are in the order of NaCl?>?CaMgCl?>?mixed CaNaHCO₃, whereas during POM NaCl?>?CaMgCl?>?mixed CaNaHCO₃, and CaHCO₃. However, NaCl and CaMgCl are major water types in the study area. The quality of groundwater in the study area is mainly impaired by surface contamination sources, mineral dissolution, ion exchange and evaporation. Groundwater chemistry was used to assess quality to ensure its suitability for drinking and irrigation, based on BIS and WHO standards. Suitability for irrigation was determined on the basis of the diagram of US Salinity Laboratory (USSL), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), and Na%. According to SAR and USSL classification, 27.66% (PRM) and 40.43% (POM) of samples fall under C3S2 category, indicating high salinity and medium sodium hazard, which restrict its suitability for irrigation. Microbiological analysis and its effects on the water quality were also addressed. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of 11 bacterial contaminants exhibited five groups with 11 operational taxonomic units with aerobic and facultatively anaerobic organisms. The presence of aerobic organisms in the groundwater samples reflects the active conversion of ammonia to nitrite by Nitrosomonas sp. which is further converted to nitrates by other organisms. Further the presence of nitrate reducers could also play a role in the process of conversion of nitrate to ammonia and nitrate to molecular nitrogen.     

Hydrogeochemical assessment of groundwater quality along the coastal aquifers of southern Tamil Nadu,India

Hydrogeochemical investigation of groundwater has been carried out in the coastal aquifers of southern Tamil Nadu, India. Seventy-nine dug well samples were collected and analyzed for various physicochemical parameters. The result of the geochemical analysis indicates the groundwater in the study area is slightly alkaline with moderate saline water. The cation and anion concentrations confirm most of the groundwater samples belong to the order of Na⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ > K⁺ and Cl^? > SO₄ ^2? > HCO₃ ^?. Thereby three major hydrochemical facies (Ca–Cl, mixed Ca–Mg–Cl and Na–Cl) were identified. Based on the US Salinity diagram, majority of the samples fall under medium to very high salinity with low to high sodium hazard. The cross plot of Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺ versus chloride shows 61 % of the samples fall under saline water category. Higher EC, TDS and Cl concentrations were observed from Tiruchendur to Koodankulam coastal zone. It indicates that these regions are significantly affected by saltwater contamination due to seawater intrusion, saltpan deposits, and beach placer mining activities.     

Evolution of saline waters and brines in the Benue-Trough,Nigeria

Hydrogeochemical assessment of 40 saline waters and brines from 20 locations within the lower (southern) and middle regions of the Benue-Trough, Nigeria are presented and discussed in terms of genesis of the primary salinity and subsequent hydrochemical evolution. The total dissolved ions range from 5263 to 88,800 mg/L and 5148 to 47,145 mg/L in the lower and middle region, respectively.The saline waters and brines are characteristically Na–Cl type enriched in Ca and Sr on the one hand and depleted in Mg and SO₄ on the other, relative to the seawater evaporation trend. Ionic ratios, Na–Cl–Br systematic and divalent cations suggest two likely sources of primary salinity: a fossil seawater source and dissolution of halite. However, water–rock interaction involving Mg uptake by clay minerals and possibly dolomitization during diagenesis appear to be responsible for further modification of the primary chemistry. A conceptualized hydrogeological/flow model for the brines is presented.     

Chemical evolution of a gas-capped deep aquifer,southwest of Iran

The Kangan Aquifer (KA) is located below a gas reservoir in the crest of the Kangan Anticline, southwest of Iran. This aquifer is composed of Permo-Triassic limestone, dolomite, sandstone, anhydrite and shale. It is characterized by a total dissolved solid of about 332,000 mg/L and Na–Ca–Cl-type water. A previous study showed that the source of the KA waters is evaporated seawater. Chemical evolution of the KA is the main objective of this study. The major, minor and trace element concentrations of the KA waters were measured. The chemical evolution of KA waters occurred by three different processes: evaporation of seawater, water–rock and water–gas interactions. Due to the seawater evaporation process, the concentration of all ions in the KA waters increased up to saturation levels. In comparison to the evaporated seawater, the higher concentrations of Ca, Li, Sr, I, Mn and B and lower concentrations of Mg, SO₄ and Na and no changes in concentrations of Cl and K ions are observed in the KA waters. Based on the chemical evolution after seawater evaporation, the KA waters are classified into four groups: (1) no evolution (Cl, K ions), (2) water–rock interaction (Na, Ca, Mg, Li and Sr ions), (3) water–gas interaction (SO₄ and I ions) and (4) both water–rock and water–gas interactions (Mn and B ions). The chemical evolution processes of the KA waters include dolomitization, precipitation, ion exchange and recrystallization in water–rock interaction. Bacterial reduction and diagenesis of organic material in water–gas interaction also occur. A new type of chart, Ca_excess versus Mg_deficit, is proposed to evaluate the dolomitization process.     

Salt Waters of the Northern Apennine Foredeep Basin (Italy): Origin and Evolution

The salt waters from the Emilia-Romagna sector of the Northern Apennine Foredeep have been investigated using major and trace element and stable isotope (δ²H, δ¹⁸O, δ³⁷Cl, δ⁸¹Br and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio). Ca, Mg, Na, K, Sr, Li, B, I, Br and SO₄ vs. Cl diagrams suggest the subaerial evaporation of seawater beyond gypsum and before halite precipitation as primary process to explain the brine’s salinity, whereas saline to brackish waters were formed by mixing of evaporated seawater and water of meteoric origin. A diagenetic end-member may be a third component for mud volcanoes and some brackish waters. Salinization by dissolution of (Triassic) evaporites has been detected only in samples from the Tuscan side of the Apennines and/or interacting with the Tuscan Nappe. In comparison with the seawater evaporation path, Ca–Sr enrichment and Na–K–Mg depletion of the foredeep waters reveal the presence of secondary processes such as dolomitization–chloritization, zeolitization–albitization and illitization. Sulfate concentration, formerly buffered by gypsum-anhydrite deposition, is heavily lowered by bacterial and locally by thermochemical reduction during burial diagenesis. From an isotopic point of view, data of the water molecule confirm mixing between seawater and meteoric end-members. Local ¹⁸O-shift up to +11‰ at Salsomaggiore is related to water–rock interaction at high temperature (≈150°C) as confirmed by chemical (Mg, Li, Ca distribution) and isotopic (SO₄–H₂O) geothermometers. ³⁷Cl/³⁵Cl and ⁸¹Br/⁷⁹Br ratios corroborate the marine origin of the brines and evidence the diffusion of halogens from the deepest and most saline aquifers toward the surface. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio suggests a Miocene origin of Sr and rule out the hypothesis of a Triassic provenance of the dissolved components for the analyzed waters issuing from the Emilia-Romagna sector of the foredeep. Waters issuing from the Tuscan side of the Apennines and from the Marche sector of the foredeep show higher ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios because of the interaction with siliciclastic rocks.     

Hydrogeochemical characterization and groundwater quality assessment in Al-Hasa,Saudi Arabia

Fifty groundwater samples were collected from Al-Hasa to analyze the pH, electrical conductivity (EC, dS m^?1), total dissolved solids (TDS), major anions (HCO₃^?, CO₃^2?, Cl^?, SO₄^2?, and NO₃^?), major cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺), and total hardness. The analyzed data plotted in the Piper, Gibbs, and Durov diagrams, and water quality index (WQI) were calculated to evaluate the groundwater geochemistry and its water quality. The results reveal that most of the investigated samples are Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, SO₄^2?, Cl^? and Na⁺, and HCO₃^? water types using the Piper diagram. Na⁺?>?Ca²⁺?>?Mg²⁺ are the dominant cations, while Cl^??>?HCO₃^??>?SO₄^2??>?CO₃^2? are the dominant anions. Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) values varied from 0.79 to 10; however, the Kelly ratio (KR) ranged between 0.1 and 2.2. The permeability index (PI) showed that well water is suitable for irrigation purposes with 75% or more of maximum permeability. The US salinity diagram revealed that the water quality classes of studied waters were CIII-SI, CIII-SII, and CIV-SII, representing height hazards of salinity and medium- to low-sodium hazard. The water quality index (WQI) results indicated that total dissolved solids are out of the drinking water standard limits in Saudi Arabia. The WQI revealed that 38% of the studied wells were considered as poor water (class III), 52% are found as very poor water class (IV), and 10% are unsuitable water for drinking class (V).     

Hydrogeochemical investigation of Küçük Menderes River coastal wetland,Selçuk–Izmir,Turkey

Küçük Menderes River forms a rich coastal wetland inside in the Selçuk plain. Three saline/brackish lakes, one swamp and Küçük Menderes River are these wetlands’ components. Alkaline-slightly alkaline type lakes are recharged from precipitation and karstic springs that discharge from marble-schist and marble-alluvium contacts in the northern and southern parts of the study area. Water types of the wetland are Na–Cl and Na–Ca–Mg–HCO₃–Cl in both rainy and dry seasons. Both seawater intrusion and evaporation, as being the sources of the ions, justify the presence of Na–Cl, Na–SO₄ and Cl–SO₄, in the wetland water. Environmental isotopes were used to identify the relationship between wetland and groundwater in the Selçuk plain. The δ¹⁸O and δD composition of wetland area samples have changed between ?6.42 to ?4.56‰, and ?36.40 to ?23.80‰, respectively. The lakes and rivers are plotted on the mixing line by slope of 5.2 and these data indicate that wetland is affected from seawater intrusion. The recharge area that was sampled in order to compare the wetland has Ca–HCO₃ water type with a neutral-slightly alkaline pH values and the main hydrogeochemical process is weathering the different types of silicates. Iron, manganese and selenium are the dominant minor ions due to the high biological activities and organic matters in the lakes. There are two contamination risks for this wetland: (1) waste disposal site and (2) water treatment plant where the purified waters are released into the river. EC, Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe and Zn values exceed those of aquatic life standards. In the near future these sites will pose a danger for wetland wild life and surrounding irrigation water suppliers.     

Hydrogeochemical processes in an arid region of Europe (Almeria,SE Spain)

In the Lower Andarax river basin 3 aquifer units have been defined, namely the Carbonate Aquifer, the Deep Aquifer and the Detrital Aquifer, which between them contain a wide variety of water types. Identification of hydrogeochemical processes has been performed by studying a series of ionic ratios, comprising the principal constituents together with B and Li (Cl vs SO₄, Cl vs Mg, Cl vs Li, B vs Li). Among the processes detected, the circulation of groundwaters with high concentrations of SO₄ was found to have significant effects. Moreover, in the coastal region, naturally occurring processes related to the flushing of saline waters from sediments of marine origin occur in conjunction with others, clearly of human origin, that are related to saltwater intrusion. A further factor is the entry, from overlying deposits, of waters with a high saline content; this salinity is related to the flushing of sediments of marine origin. The use of B and Li together enables waters in which salinity is related to seawater to be distinguished from others in which salinity is related to evaporitic layers or to thermal areas. The concentration of Li is directly related to water temperature, while that of B is greater in the most saline sectors, of gypsiferous and/or seawater origin.     

Hydrochemical characterization and groundwater quality in Delta Tokar alluvial plain, Red Sea coast—Sudan

The leaching processes along the flow path and over abstraction of the alluvial aquifer, the principal aquifer in delta Tokar, by the agricultural and domestic sectors and natural factors, have led to its salinization which may be due to interaction between geological formations and adjacent brackish and saline water bodies as well as seawater transgression. The main objectives of this study are to assess the hydrochemical characteristics of the groundwater and to delineate the locations and the sources of aquifer salinization. Water samples in the project area were chemically analyzed for major cations and anions at the laboratory by the standard analytical procedures. Chemical data and water level measurements were manipulated using GIS techniques for hydro chemical and flow direction maps and piper diagram for chemical facies and SPSS software for statistical analyses such as basic statistics (mean and standard deviation) and Spearman’s correlation matrix. The general flow direction of the groundwater is from Southwest towards East and Northeast. The hydraulic gradient is relatively steeper at the apex of the delta (0.06) and amounts to 0.005 at the distal part of the delta. The average transmissivity value of the water bearing formations was found to be about 4.5?×?10³ m²/s, whereas, the storage coefficient was about 0.28. A hydrochemical study identified the locations and the sources of aquifer salinization and delineated their areas of influence. The investigation indicates that the aquifer water quality is significantly modified as groundwater flows from the southwestern parts of the study area, where the aquifer receives its water by lateral underflow from Khor Baraka flood plain, to the central and northeastern parts, with few exceptions of scattered anomalous concentration pockets in the deltaic plain. Significant correlation between TDS and/or EC with the major components of Na⁺, Cl^?, and SO ₄ ^?2 ions is an indication of seawater influence on the groundwater salinity. Moreover, Cl^?, SO ₄ ^2? , and Na⁺ are predominant ions followed by Ca²⁺ and HCO ₃ ^? . Hence, four types of groundwater can be chemically distinguished: Na–Ca–SO₄–Cl– facies, Na–Cl–SO₄–HCO₃– facies, Na–Ca–Mg–SO₄–Cl–HCO₃ facies, and Na–Ca–Mg–Cl–SO₄ facies. The processes that govern changes in groundwater composition as revealed by chemical and statistical analyses are mainly associated with over-abstraction, biodegradation, marine intrusions, and carbonate saturation.     

Groundwater quality assessment from a hard rock terrain, Salem district of Tamilnadu, India

A total of 162 groundwater samples for three representative seasons were collected from Salem district of Tamilnadu, India to decipher hydrogeochemistry and groundwater quality for determining its suitability for drinking and agricultural proposes. The water is neutral to alkaline in nature with pH ranging from 6.6 to 8.6 with an average of 8.0. Higher electrical conductivity was observed during post-monsoon season. The abundance of major ions in the groundwater was in the order of $ {\text{Na} > \text{Ca} > \text{Mg} > \text{K} = \text{Cl} > \text{HC}}{{\text{O}}_3}\; > \;{\text{S}}{{\text{O}}_4}\; > \;{\text{N}}{{\text{O}}_3} $ . Piper plot reveals the dominance of geochemical facies as mixed Ca–Mg–Cl, Na–Cl, Ca–HCO₃, Ca–Na–HCO₃, and Ca–Cl type. NO₃, Cl, SO₄, and F exceed the permissible limit during summer and post-monsoon seasons. Sodium adsorption ratio was higher during post-monsoon and southwest monsoon season indicating high and low salinity, satisfactory for plants having moderate salt tolerance on soils. Permeability index of water irrespective of season falls in class I and class II indicating water is moderate to good for irrigation purposes. As per the classification of water for irrigation purpose, water is fit for domestic and agricultural purposes with minor exceptions irrespective of seasons.     

Statistical categorization geochemical modeling of groundwater in Ain Azel plain (Algeria)

Water analysis data of 54 groundwater samples from 18 uniformly distributed wells were collected during three campaigns (June, September and December 2004). Q-mode hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was employed for partitioning the water samples into hydrochemical facies. Interpretation of analytical data showed that the abundance of major ions was identified as follows: Ca ? Mg > Na > K and HCO₃ ? Cl > SO₄. Three major water facies are suggested by the HCA analysis. The samples from the area were classified as recharge area waters (Ca–Mg–HCO₃ water), transition area waters (Mg–Ca–HCO₃–Cl water), and discharge area waters (Mg–Ca–Cl–HCO₃ water). Inverse geochemical modeling suggests that relatively few phases are required to derive the water chemistry in the area. In a broad sense, the reactions responsible for the hydrochemical evolution in the area fall into two categories: (1) evaporite weathering reactions and (2) precipitation of carbonate minerals.     

Hydrochemical characteristics and quality assessment of regolith aquifers in Enugu metropolis, southeastern Nigeria

Twenty groundwater samples were collected from Enugu metropolis over two seasonal periods in order to characterize the groundwater and to determine its quality for domestic and irrigation purposes. The results show that groundwater of the area is strongly acidic to slightly alkaline in nature and varied from “soft water” to “moderately hard” water type. The major ionic trend is in the order Cl^? > Na⁺ > HCO₃ ^? > K⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ > SO₄ ^2?and Mg²⁺ > Cl^? > Na⁺ > K⁺ > Ca²⁺ > HCO ₃ ^?  > SO₄ ^2? in abundance for dry and rainy seasons, respectively. The results also reveal that there is an increase in trend of the ionic concentrations during the dry season, which arises from weathering of the host rocks and anthropogenic activities. Two hydrochemical facies were identified, namely, Na⁺ –K⁺ –Cl^? –SO₄ ^2?and Ca²⁺ –Mg²⁺ –Cl^? –SO₄ ^2? _, with Na⁺ –K⁺ –Cl^? –SO₄ ^2? as the dominant facies for the two seasons. Groundwater quality ranges from “very poor water” to “good water” and “water unsuitable for drinking purposes” to “good water” for the dry season and rainy season investigations, respectively. The groundwater is suitable for irrigation purposes for the two seasons.     

Hydrogeochemical characteristics and genetic implications of Edipsos thermal springs, north Euboea, Greece

Edipsos area, situated in northern Euboea, has been well known since ancient times for the existence of thermal springs. In order to assess the hydrogeochemical conditions, thermal and cold water samples were collected and analyzed by ICP method for major and trace elements. The results revealed the direct impact of seawater, a process which is strongly related to the major tectonic structures of the area. Seawater impact was confirmed by the Cl/Br and Na/Cl ionic ratios, as well as from statistical processing and graphical interpretation of the analytical results, which classified the sampled waters into three groups (two for cold waters and one for the thermal ones). Trace element ranges for thermal waters are: As (44–84 ppb), Pb (23–154 ppb), Ag (1–2 ppb), Mn (31–680 ppb), Cu (61–97 ppb), Cs (66–244 ppb), Se (0–76 ppb), Li (732–3269 ppb), Fe (0–1126 ppb), Sr (14000–34100 ppb), B (4300–9600 ppb). Compared with the chemical composition of other thermal springs from the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, Edipsos thermal waters are enriched in Ca²⁺, Na⁺, Cl^?, SO₄ ^2?, Li, B and K⁺, reflecting the influence from seawater. Cold waters are free of heavy metals compared with other natural waters and are characterized by good quality based on the major element chemistry. Finally, several geothermometers were applied in order to assess the reservoir temperatures, but none of them appear to be applicable, mainly due to the impact of seawater on the initial hydrogeochemistry of the geothermal fluids.     

Groundwater beneath the urban area of Khan Younis City,southern Gaza Strip (Palestine): assessment for multi-domestic purposes

The present study research investigation is aimed to assess the groundwater quality for the urban area in Khan Younis City, southern Gaza Strip, for multi-domestic purposes. The physicochemical analysis of the groundwater wells shows the major ions in the order of Na⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ > B³⁺ > K⁺ and Cl^? > HCO₃ ^? > SO₄ ^2? > NO₃ ^2? > F^? > PO₄ ^3?. Groundwater quality is classified as very hard-brackish water type. Ninety-five percent of the wells are classified as saline water type with high NO₃ ^2? concentrations. Based on water quality index (WQI), the groundwater falls into one of three categories: fair water (10%), poor water (15%), very poor (45%), and worst (30%). The high WQI values are because of high Na⁺, Cl^?, SO₄ ^2?, and NO₃ ^2? concentrations, while synthetic pollution index (SPI) values indicate that most about 80% of the wells are seriously polluted. Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) indicates that most of data are either slightly scale forming or corrosive water or slightly corrosive but non-scale forming, and 75% of the wells are suitable for construction purposes (have SO₄ ^2? concentrations <300 mg/L). The groundwater reaches alarming situation, where almost chemically unsuitable for drinking purposes and the water to be used after proper treatment such as desalination.     

An appraisal of groundwater quality in Seymour and Blaine aquifers in a major agro-ecological region in Texas,USA

Aquifer-based groundwater quality assessment offers critical insight into the major hydrochemical processes, and aids in making groundwater resources management decisions. The Texas Rolling Plains (TRP), spanning over 22 counties, is a major agro-ecological region in Texas from where highest groundwater nitrate (NO₃ ^?) levels in the state have been reported. In this study, we present a comparative assessment of major hydrochemical facies pertaining to NO₃ ^? contamination and a host of species such as sulfate (SO₄ ^2?), chloride (Cl^?), and total dissolved solids (TDS) in different water use classes in the Seymour and Blaine aquifers, underlying the TRP. Aquifer-stratified groundwater quality information from 1990 to 2010 was obtained from the Texas Water Development Board and aggregated over decadal scale. High groundwater salinization was found in the municipal water use class in the Blaine aquifer with about 100, 87 and 50 % of observations exceeding the secondary maximum contaminant level for TDS, SO₄ ^2?, and Cl^?, respectively in the 2000s (2000–2010). The NO₃-contamination was more alarming in the Seymour aquifer with 82 and 61 % of observations, respectively, exceeding the maximum contaminant level (MCL) in the irrigation and municipal water use classes in the 2000s. Salinization was more influenced by SO₄ ^2? and Cl^? in the Blaine aquifer and by NO₃ ^? in the Seymour aquifer. High NO₃ ^? (>MCL) observations in the Seymour aquifer occurred in the Ca–HCO₃ and Ca–Mg–HCO₃ facies, the domains of fresh water recharge and anthropogenic influences (e.g., agricultural activities, waste disposal). High SO₄ ^2?, Cl^? and TDS observations in the Blaine aquifer dominated the Ca–Cl, Na–Cl, and mixed Ca(Mg)–SO₄(Cl) facies indicating evaporite dissolution, mixing and solute exchange, and lack of fresh recharge.     

Hydrogeochemistry and groundwater quality assessment of the multilayered aquifer in Lower Kelantan Basin,Kelantan, Malaysia

Continual expansion of population density, urbanization, agriculture, and industry in most parts of the world has increased the generation of pollution, which contributes to the deterioration of surface water quality. This causes the dependence on groundwater sources for their daily needs to accumulate day by day, which raises concerns about their quality and hydrogeochemistry. This study was carried out to increase understanding of the geological setup and assess the groundwater hydrogeochemical characteristics of the multilayered aquifers in Lower Kelantan Basin. Based on lithological data correlation of exploration wells, the study area can be divided into three main aquifers: shallow, intermediate and deep aquifers. From these three aquifers, 101 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for various parameters. The results showed that pH values in the shallow, intermediate and deep aquifers were generally acidic to slightly alkaline. The sequences of major cations and anions were Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺ and HCO₃^? > Cl^? > SO₄^2? > CO₃^2?, respectively. In the intermediate aquifer, the influence of ancient seawater was the primary factor that contributed to the elevated values of electrical conductivity (EC), Cl^? and total dissolved solids (TDS). The main facies in the shallow aquifer were Ca–HCO₃ and Na–HCO₃ water types. The water types were dominated by Na–Cl and Na–HCO₃ in the intermediate aquifer and by Na–HCO₃ in the deep aquifer. The Gibbs diagram reveals that the majority of groundwater samples belonged to the deep aquifer and fell in the rock dominance zone. Shallow aquifer samples mostly fell in the rainfall zone, suggesting that this aquifer is affected by anthropogenic activities. In contrast, the results suggest that the deep aquifer is heavily influenced by natural processes.     

A study on the high fluoride concentration in the magnesium-rich waters of hard rock aquifer in Krishnagiri district, Tamilnadu, India

Excess fluoride in groundwater affects the human health and results in dental and skeletal fluorosis. Higher concentration of fluoride was noted in hard rock terrain of the south India, in the Krishnagiri district of Tamilnadu. The region has a complex geology ranging from ultra basic to acid igneous rocks, charnockite and gneissic rocks. Thirty-four groundwater samples were collected from this study area and analysed for major cations and anions along with fluoride. The order of dominance of cations is Na⁺?>?Mg²⁺?>?Ca²⁺?>?K⁺ and the anions in the following order HCO₃ ^??>?Cl^??>?NO₃ ^??>?SO₄ ^2?. It is found that nearly 58 % of the samples have more fluoride ranging from 1 to 3 mg/L. It is also noted that high fluoride waters correspond to magnesium water types. This is due to the release of fluoride from the magnesium-bearing minerals like, biotite, hornblende, etc., or weathering of apatite/hydroxyapatites found in charnockites.