Assessing the vulnerability of over-exploited volcanic aquifer systems using multi-parameter analysis,Toluca Basin,Mexico

The potential for contamination of groundwater in an over-exploited system led to this investigation on aspects of aquifer vulnerability in the Toluca Basin, Mexico. This study involved the use of various hydrogeological, geochemical and isotopic tools to better understand the susceptibility to contamination where heavy groundwater extraction along with industrial extensive development is concentrated. Geochemical and isotopic analyses of groundwater from production wells along the mountain boundary show little evidence of contamination at present time. Radiocarbon and tritium data collected in piezometers and wells penetrating the Lower basalt aquifer indicate that the groundwater is of varying age and quality. These data, in addition to stable isotope and chemical data also indicate evidence of contamination in the Lower aquifer; which could be associated with fast recharge in the mountains or injection of waste water by illegal wells. Evidence found in this study of low downward gradients in the valley fill sediments and the presence of low permeability aquitard deposits suggest that the aquifer system is currently not highly threatened by surface sources of contamination. However, where urban and industrial development occurs, in the centre of the valley and along the flanks of the Basin, the vulnerability of the aquifer system increases significantly.     

Groundwater recharge in suburban areas of Hanoi,Vietnam: effect of decreasing surface-water bodies and land-use change

Over-exploited groundwater is expected to remain the predominant source of domestic water in suburban areas of Hanoi, Vietnam. In order to evaluate the effect on groundwater recharge, of decreasing surface-water bodies and land-use change caused by urbanization, the relevant groundwater systems and recharge pathways must be characterized in detail. To this end, water levels and water quality were monitored for 3 years regarding groundwater and adjacent surface-water bodies, at two typical suburban sites in Hanoi. Stable isotope (δ¹⁸O, δD of water) analysis and hydrochemical analysis showed that the water from both aquifers and aquitards, including the groundwater obtained from both the monitoring wells and the neighboring household tubewells, was largely derived from evaporation-affected surface-water bodies (e.g., ponds, irrigated farmlands) rather than from rivers. The water-level monitoring results suggested distinct local-scale flow systems for both a Holocene unconfined aquifer (HUA) and Pleistocene confined aquifer (PCA). That is, in the case of the HUA, lateral recharge through the aquifer from neighboring ponds and/or irrigated farmlands appeared to be dominant, rather than recharge by vertical rainwater infiltration. In the case of the PCA, recharge by the above-lying HUA, through areas where the aquitard separating the two aquifers was relatively thin or nonexistent, was suggested. As the decrease in the local surface-water bodies will likely reduce the groundwater recharge, maintaining and enhancing this recharge (through preservation of the surface-water bodies) is considered as essential for the sustainable use of groundwater in the area.

     

Hydrogeochemical transport modeling of the infiltration of tertiary treated wastewater in a dune area, Belgium

Managed artificial recharge (MAR) is a well-established practice for augmentation of depleted groundwater resources or for environmental benefit. At the St-André MAR site in the Belgian dune area, groundwater resources are optimised through re-use of highly treated wastewater by means of infiltration ponds. The very high quality of the infiltration water sets this system apart from other MAR systems. The low total dissolved solid (TDS) content in the infiltration water (less than 50 mg/L) compared to the dune aquifer (500 mg/L) triggers a number of reactions, increasing the TDS through soil-aquifer passage. Multi-component reactive transport modelling was applied to analyse the geochemical processes that occur. Carbonate dissolution is the main process increasing the TDS of the infiltration water. Oxic aquifer conditions prevail between the infiltration ponds and the extraction wells. This is driven by the high flow velocities, leaving no time to consume O₂ between the ponds and extraction wells. Cation exchange is important when infiltration water is replaced by native dune water or when significant changes in infiltration-water quality occur. The seasonal variation of O₂ and temperature in the infiltration water are the main drivers for seasonal changes in the concentration of all major ions.     

Use of chloride mass balance and tritium data for estimation of groundwater recharge and renewal rate in an unconfined aquifer from North Africa: a case study from Tunisia

The scarcity of surface water resources in arid and semi-arid regions from North African countries contributes to the considerable increase of groundwater exploitation, which leads to the development of hydrogeological studies. However, due to the lack of hydrodynamic data in these regions, these studies focus more and more on the geochemical and environmental isotope techniques to insure a better understanding of the hydrodynamic functioning of subsurface systems. In this study, which interests an important unconfined aquifer in central Tunisia, tritium data and chloride mass balance (CMB) method were applied in order to (1) understand the mode of recharge of this aquifer and (2) obtain a reliable estimation of its recharge amount as well as (3) estimate its annual renewal rate. It has been demonstrated that the shallow groundwaters are classified into two groups according to their tritium contents. The first group includes wells located mainly downstream and highlights the significant role of the post-nuclear lineal recharge through Wadis courses. The second group encloses wells located practically overall the rest of the basin and refers to relatively modern waters originated from areal recharge of present-day rainfall. Based on the CMB method, the recharge to this unconfined aquifer is estimated to 31.7 mm year⁻¹, which corresponds to 10.5% of the total rainfall. The annual renewal rate of groundwater, evaluated based on the tritium contents, is up to 16%.     

Hydrochemistry and origins of mineralized waters in the Puebla aquifer system,Mexico

Significant upward movement of mineralized water takes place in the Puebla aquifer system. Preferential groundwater flow paths related to the geological structure and the lowering of the potentiometric surface are suspected to be the prime factors for this intrusion. A combined approach of geochemical and isotope analyses was used to assess the sources of salinity and processes that are controlling the changes in groundwater chemical composition in the Puebla aquifer. Geochemical and isotope data indicate that the likely source of increased solutes is mineralized water from the dissolution of evaporites of the Cretaceous age at the base of the Upper deep aquifer, which is deeper than the intakes of the shallow wells. Dedolomitization and cation exchange seems also to occur along flow paths where sulphate concentrations tend to increase. The deep regional flow paths controls the chemical stratification of groundwater in response to decreased heads through interconnecting vertical and horizontal pathways, such as in the Fosa Atlixco. The results also suggest that high sulphate concentrations originating in the Lower deep aquifer are currently affecting shallow production wells. It is concluded that hydrodynamic aspects together with hydrogeochemical characteristics need to be taken into account to correctly explain the hydrochemical evolution in the stratified aquifer.     

Hydrochemical trends,palaeorecharge and groundwater ages in the fissured Chalk aquifer of the London and Berkshire Basins,UK

The hydrochemical, radiochemical, stable isotope, ¹⁴C and dissolved noble gas composition of groundwaters has been determined along two profiles across the confined, fissured Chalk aquifer of the London Basin of southern England, and for selected sites in the adjacent Berkshire Basin. During downgradient flow in the London Basin aquifer, the groundwater chemistry is modified by water–rock interactions: congruent and incongruent reaction of the carbonate lithology resulting in enhanced Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios and ¹³C contents with increased residence times; redox and ion exchange reactions; and towards the centre of the Basin, mixing with a residual saline connate water stored in the Chalk matrix. There is evidence from anomalous water chemistries for a component of vertical leakage from overlying Tertiary beds into the confined aquifer as a result of historical dewatering of the aquifer. Dissolved noble gas contents indicate the climate was up to 4.5°C cooler than at present during recharge of the waters now found in the centres of both Basins; stable isotope (²H and ¹⁸O) depletions correspond to this recharge temperature change. For evolved waters having δ¹³C > −8‰ PDB a negative linear correlation is demonstrated between derived recharge temperatures and δ¹³C values, which is interpreted as mixing between relatively warm, light isotopic, fracture-borne waters and cooler stored waters of the matrix having a ¹³C signature more or less equilibrated with the Chalk. From geochemical (¹⁴C, ⁴He) age estimates, the abstracted water is interpreted as being either of wholly Holocene/post-Devensian glacial origin, or an admixture of Holocene and Late Pleistocene pre-glacial (cold stage interstadial) recharge. Devensian pleniglacial stage waters of the Last Glacial Maximum are not represented.     

Hydrogeochemistry of groundwaters in a semi-arid region. El Ma El Abiod aquifer, Eastern Algeria

In this work, we present results of the hydrogeochemical and isotopic studies on groundwater samples from the El Ma El Abiod Sandstone aquifer, in Tébessa, Algeria. Chemical and environmental isotope data are presented and discussed in order to identify the geochemical processes and their relation with groundwater quality as well as to get an insight into the hydrochemical evaluation, in space and time, of groundwater and of the origin of dissolved species. A combined hydrogeologic and isotopic investigation have been carried out using chemical and isotopic data to deduce a hydrochemical evaluation of the aquifer system based on the ionic constituents, water types, hydrochemical facies, and factors controlling groundwater quality. All of the investigated groundwaters are categorized into two chemical types: low mineralized water type and relatively high mineralized water type. Interpretation of chemical data, based on thermodynamic calculations and geochemical reaction models of selected water groups constructed using PHREEQC, suggest that the chemical evolution of groundwater is primarily controlled by water–rock interactions, involving (1) acidic weathering of aluminosilicates, (2) dissolution of secondary carbonate minerals, and (3) cation exchange of Na⁺ for Ca²⁺. However, the original composition of groundwater may have been modified by further secondary processes such as mixing of chemically different water masses. The combined use of SI and mass-balance modeling has shown to be a useful approach in interpreting groundwater hydrochemistry in an area where large uncertainties exist in the understanding of the groundwater flow system. Interpretation of ¹⁸O and ²H, suggest that the recharge of the investigated groundwaters may result from different mechanisms.     

A thirty-year artificial recharge experiment in a coastal aquifer in an arid zone: The Teboulba aquifer system (Tunisian Sahel)

With the increased demand for groundwater resulting from fast demographic growth, accelerated urbanization, economic and agricultural activity diversification, and the increase of per capita consumption, ground water resources, in particular in coastal regions, remain relatively low, compared to demand. The groundwater quality and piezometric variations result mainly from intensive exploitation, agricultural activities and the intrusion of seawater. This phenomenon is observed mostly in semi-arid areas, such as the oriental Sahel of Tunisia, where an apparent reduction in rainfall in recent years can be seen. Groundwater becomes overexploited especially as its natural recharge by rainwater does not succeed in maintaining the hydrologic balance. The imbalance between water demand and resources induces the degradation of the water quality. In such a case, the artificial recharge of water-table aquifers by water from dams is a credible alternative to improve the hydrodynamic and physicochemical conditions of the groundwater. Like most coastal aquifers, the Teboulba water-table aquifer is threatened by overexploitation for at least three decades. This threat appears by a considerable piezometric level drop and by water salinisation, due to seawater intrusion. Given this alarming situation, since 1971, artificial recharge through wells with surface water from a dam was tested in order to restore the water levels and to improve water quality. The piezometric and chemical surveys of the Teboulba aquifer permitted one to describe the temporal and spatial piezometric and geochemical conditions of the aquifer and to show the effect of the artificial recharge. Indeed, the artificial recharge undertaken since 1971 made the geochemical and piezometric conditions of the Teboulba aquifer improve. This example is a rare, well-documented case-study of the benefits of artificial recharge in a coastal aquifer, over the long term.     

The geochemistry and mixing of leakage in a semi-confined aquifer at a municipal well field,Memphis, Tennessee,USA

The Memphis aquifer in southwestern Tennessee is confined to a semi-confined unconsolidated sand aquifer and is the primary municipal water source in the Memphis metropolitan area. Past studies have identified regions in the metropolitan area in which the overlying upper Claiborne confining unit lacks significant clay and provides a hydraulic connection between the shallow aquifer and the Memphis aquifer. In this study, major solute chemistry, ³H, and ³H/³He groundwater dating are used to investigate the extent and chemical effects of leakage through the confining unit to the Memphis aquifer in the vicinity of a municipal well field. The ³H/³He dates and geochemical modeling of the chemical data are used to constrain mixing fractions and the timing of modern recharge. Tritium activities of as much as 2.8 TU are observed in shallow production wells, but deeper production wells have ³H activities that approach the detection limit. Trends in water chemistry indicate vertical mixing in the aquifer of shallow Na–SO₄–Cl-rich water and deeper Ca–Mg–HCO₃-rich water. Water chemistry does not vary consistently with seasonal pumping, but ³H activity generally decreases during low use periods. Stable O and H isotopes show little variation and are not useful groundwater tracers for this study. The ³H-bearing, Na–SO₄–Cl-rich water is interpreted to reflect recharge of modern water through the upper Claiborne confining unit. The ³H/³He dates from 5 production wells indicate modern recharge, that infiltrated 15–20 a ago, is present in the shallow production wells. Geologic data and hydrologic boundary conditions suggest that the most likely source for continued leakage is a nearby stream, Nonconnah Creek. Geochemical reaction modeling using the NETPATH computer code suggests that proportions of shallow aquifer water leaking into the Memphis aquifer range from 6 to 32%. The ³H/³He dating and NETPATH modeling results correlate well, suggesting that these complementary analytical tools provide an effective means to evaluate proportions of modern water leaking into semi-confined aquifers. These results also indicate a need to carefully consider connections between surface water and semi-confined groundwater resources in wellhead protection programs.     

Arsenic variability and groundwater age in three water supply wells in southeast New Hampshire

Three wells in New Hampshire were sampled bimonthly over three years to evaluate the temporal variability of arsenic concentrations and groundwater age.All samples had measurable concentrations of arsenic throughout the entire sampling period and concentrations in individual wells had a mean variation of more than 7 μg/L.The time series data from this sampling effort showed that arsenic concentrations ranged from a median of 4 μg/L in a glacial aquifer well(SGW-65)to medians of 19μg/L and37 μg/L in wells(SGW-93 and KFW-87)screened in the bedrock aquifer,respectively.These high arsenic concentrations were associated with the consistently high pH(median≥8)and low dissolved oxygen(median0.1 mg/L)in the bedrock aquifer wells,which is typical of fractured crystalline bedrock aquifers in New Hampshire.Groundwater from the glacial aquifer often has high dissolved oxygen,but in this case was consistently low.The pH also is generally acidic in the glacial aquifer but in this case was slightly alkaline(median = 7.5).Also,sorption sites may be more abundant in glacial aquifer deposits than in fractured bedrock which may contribute to lower arsenic concentrations.Mean groundwater ages were less than 50 years old in all three wells and correlated with conservative tracer concentrations,such as chloride;however,mean age was not directly correlated with arsenic concentrations.Arsenic concentrations at KFW-87 did correlate with water levels,in addition,there was a seasonal pattern,which suggests that either the timing of or multiple sampling efforts may be important to define the full range of arsenic concentrations in domestic bedrock wells.Since geochemically reduced conditions and alkaline pHs are common to both bedrock and glacial aquifer wells in this study,groundwater age correlates less strongly with arsenic concentrations than geochemical conditions.There also is evidence of direct hydraulic connection between the glacial and bedrock aquifers,which can influence arsenic concentrations.Correlations between arsenic concentrations and the age of the old fraction of water in SGW-65 and the age of the young fraction of water in SGW-93 suggest that water in the two aquifers may be mixing or at least some of the deeper,older water captured by the glacial aquifer well may be from a similar source as the shallow young groundwater from the bedrock aquifer.The contrast in arsenic concentrations in the two aquifers may be because of increased adsorption capacity of glacio-fluvial sediments,which can limit contaminants more than fractured rock.In addition,this study illustrates that long residence times are not necessary to achieve more geochemically evolved conditions such as high pH and reduced conditions as is typically found with older water in other regions.     

Effect of diffuse recharge and wastewater on groundwater contamination in Douala,Cameroon

High water demand for domestic use in Douala with over 3 million inhabitants is met mainly by shallow groundwater. Field measurements and water sampling in January 2015 were carried out to examine the major controls on the groundwater composition and spatial view of ions in the water, timing of recharge and link between the recharge process and quality of the water. Fifty-two water samples were analysed for major ions and stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes. Low pH values (3.61–6.92) in the groundwater indicated an acidic aquifer; thus, prone to acidification. The dominant water type was Na–Cl. Nitrate, which exceeded the WHO guide value of 50 mg/l in 22% of the groundwater, poses a health problem. Mass ratios of Cl^?/Br^? in the water ranged from 54 to 3249 and scattered mostly along the mixing lines between dilute waters, septic-tank effluent and domestic sewage. A majority of the samples, especially the high NO₃ ^? shallow wells, clustered around the septic-tank effluent-end-member indicating high contamination by seepage from pit latrines; hence, vulnerable to pollution. Stable isotopes in the groundwater indicated its meteoric origin and rapid infiltration after rainfall. The δ¹⁸O values showed narrow ranges and overlaps in rivers, springs, open wells and boreholes. These observations depict hydraulic connectivity, good water mixing and a homogeneous aquifer system mainly receiving local direct uniform areal recharge from rainfall. The rapid and diffused recharge favours the leaching of effluent from the pit toilets into the aquifer; hence, the high NO₃ ^? and Cl^? in shallow wells. Silicate weathering, ion exchange and leaching of waste from pit toilets are the dominant controls on the groundwater chemistry. Drilling of deep boreholes is highly recommended for good-quality water supply. However, due the hydraulic connection to the shallow aquifer, geochemical modelling of future effects of such an exploitation of the deeper aquifer should support groundwater management and be ahead of the field actions.     

Numerical simulation of a managed aquifer recharge system designed to supply drinking water to the city of Amsterdam,The Netherlands

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is increasingly used to secure drinking water supply worldwide. The city of Amsterdam (The Netherlands) depends largely on the MAR in coastal dunes for water supply. A new MAR scheme is proposed for the production of 10 × 10⁶ m³/year, as required in the next decade. The designed MAR system consists of 10 infiltration ponds in an artificially created sandbank, and 25 recovery wells placed beneath the ponds in a productive aquifer. Several criteria were met for the design, such as a minimum residence time of 60 days and maximum drawdown of 5 cm. Steady-state and transient flow models were calibrated. The flow model computed the infiltration capacity of the ponds and drawdowns caused by the MAR. A hypothetical tracer transport model was used to compute the travel times from the ponds to the wells and recovery efficiency of the wells. The results demonstrated that 98% of the infiltrated water was captured by the recovery wells which accounted for 65.3% of the total abstraction. Other sources include recharge from precipitation (6.7%), leakages from surface water (13.1%), and natural groundwater reserve (14.9%). Sensitivity analysis indicated that the pond conductance and hydraulic conductivity of the sand aquifer in between the ponds and wells are important for the infiltration capacity. The temperature simulation showed that the recovered water in the wells has a stable temperature of 9.8–12.5 °C which is beneficial for post-treatment processes. The numerical modelling approach is useful and helps to gain insights for implementation of the MAR.

     

人工回灌条件下多组分溶质的反应迁移模拟

人工回灌技术在我国水资源管理中占据重要地位,但是其实施对地下水环境质量也造成了较大的影响。如何保障人工回灌条件下地下水环境质量的安全稳定性,已成为人工回灌技术发展的瓶颈。以上海市某人工回灌试验场为例,结合试验场的地质、水文地质勘探结果,以TOUGHREACT为数值模拟平台,模拟预测人工回灌条件下地下水中多组分溶质的迁移转化过程。模拟结果表明：地下水化学成分主要受混合作用、阳离子交换吸附作用及含水层矿物相溶解-沉淀作用等影响;含水介质中石英、白云石、钾长石、钠长石及蒙脱石发生溶解,方解石发生沉淀,伊利石与高岭石则先溶解后沉淀,但各矿物相反应量极其微弱;按不同压力方案回灌,水位恢复速率随压力增大而加快,但地下水中化学成分变化趋势几乎不受压力影响。     

A geochemical study of the impact of irrigation and aquifer lithology on groundwater in the Upper Yakima River Basin,Washington, USA

The Yakima River, a major tributary of the Columbia River, is currently overallocated in its surface water usage in part because of large agricultural water use. As a result, groundwater availability and surface water/groundwater interactions have become an important issue in this area. In several sub-basins, the Yakima River water is diverted and applied liberally to fields in the summer creating artificial recharge of shallow groundwater. Major ion, trace element, and stable isotope geochemistry of samples from 26 groundwater wells from a transect across the Yakima River and 24 surface waters in the Kittitas sub-basin were used to delineate waters with similar geochemical signatures and to identify surface water influence on groundwater. Major ion chemistry and stable isotope signatures combined with principal component analysis revealed four major hydrochemical groups. One of these groups, collected from shallow wells within the sedimentary basin fill, displays temporal variations in NO₃ and SO₄ along with high δ¹⁸O and δD values, indicating significant contribution from Yakima River and/or irrigation water. Two other major hydrochemical groups reflect interaction with the main aquifer lithologies in the basin: the Columbia River basalts (high-Na groundwaters), and the volcaniclastic rocks of the Ellensburg Formation (Ca–Mg–HCO₃ type waters). The fourth major group has interacted with the volcaniclastic rocks and is influenced to a lesser degree by surface waters. The geochemical groupings constrain a conceptual model for groundwater flow that includes movement of water between underlying Columbia River basalt and deeper sedimentary basin fill and seasonal input of irrigation water.     

Artificial recharge of groundwater: hydrogeology and engineering

Artificial recharge of groundwater is achieved by putting surface water in basins, furrows, ditches, or other facilities where it infiltrates into the soil and moves downward to recharge aquifers. Artificial recharge is increasingly used for short- or long-term underground storage, where it has several advantages over surface storage, and in water reuse. Artificial recharge requires permeable surface soils. Where these are not available, trenches or shafts in the unsaturated zone can be used, or water can be directly injected into aquifers through wells. To design a system for artificial recharge of groundwater, infiltration rates of the soil must be determined and the unsaturated zone between land surface and the aquifer must be checked for adequate permeability and absence of polluted areas. The aquifer should be sufficiently transmissive to avoid excessive buildup of groundwater mounds. Knowledge of these conditions requires field investigations and, if no fatal flaws are detected, test basins to predict system performance. Water-quality issues must be evaluated, especially with respect to formation of clogging layers on basin bottoms or other infiltration surfaces, and to geochemical reactions in the aquifer. Clogging layers are managed by desilting or other pretreatment of the water, and by remedial techniques in the infiltration system, such as drying, scraping, disking, ripping, or other tillage. Recharge wells should be pumped periodically to backwash clogging layers. Electronic supplementary material to this paper can be obtained by using the Springer LINK server located at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10040-001-0182-4. Electronic Publication     

人工补给对含水层水质的影响

为了研究人工补给对含水层水质的影响问题,通过反向地球化学模拟方法对大庆西部地下水水质演化规律进行了分析。结果表明,地下水化学成分主要受含水层矿物相的溶解-沉淀作用、阳离子交换吸附作用以及氧化还原作用的影响,并确定方解石、白云石、盐岩、萤石、石膏、赤铁矿、菱铁矿、软锰矿、二氧化碳、阳离子交换剂等为影响地下水化学成分的控制性（矿）物相。在此基础上,采用正向地球化学模拟方法,以大庆市西水源地下水人工补给为例,模拟了地表水进入到地下后与含水层中原有的地下水以及含水层介质发生的水-岩相互作用。模拟结果表明,注入水与含水层中的水混合后,使地下水的矿化度有所降低,且混合水中地表水所占比例越大,地下水的矿化度越低;注入水与含水层中的地下水混合后,不会导致地下水水质的突变和水质级别的降低,还可在一定程度上改善含水层水质。     

Hydrogeological and hydrochemical investigation of groundwater using environmental isotopes (18O, 2H, 3H, 14C) and chemical tracers: a case study of the intermediate aquifer,Sfax, southeastern Tunisia

Major element concentrations and stable (δ¹⁸O and δ²H) and radiogenic (³H and ¹⁴C) isotopes in groundwater have proved useful tracers for understanding the geochemical processes that control groundwater mineralization and for identifying recharge sources in the semi-arid region of Sfax (southeastern Tunisia). Major-ion chemical data indicate that the origins of the salinity in the groundwater are the water–rock interactions, mainly the dissolution of evaporitic minerals, as well as the cation exchange with clay minerals. The δ¹⁸O and δ²H relationships suggest variations in groundwater recharge mechanisms. Strong evaporation during recharge with limited rapid water infiltration is evident in the groundwater of the intermediate aquifer. The mixing with old groundwater in some areas explains the low stable isotope values of some groundwater samples. Groundwaters from the intermediate aquifer are classified into two main water types: Ca-Na-SO₄ and Ca-Na-Cl-SO₄. The high nitrate concentrations suggest an anthropogenic source of nitrogen contamination caused by intensive agricultural activities in the area. The stable isotopic signatures reveal three water groups: non-evaporated waters that indicate recharge by recent infiltrated water; evaporated waters that are characterized by relatively enriched δ¹⁸O and δ²H contents; and mixed groundwater (old/recent) or ancient groundwater, characterized by their depleted isotopic composition. Tritium data support the existence of recent limited recharge; however, other low tritium values are indicative of pre-nuclear recharge and/or mixing between pre-nuclear and contemporaneous recharge. The carbon-14 activities indicate that the groundwaters were mostly recharged under different climatic conditions during the cooler periods of the late Pleistocene and Holocene.

     

Strontium isotope quantification of siderite,brine and acid mine drainage contributions to abandoned gas well discharges in the Appalachian Plateau

Unplugged abandoned oil and gas wells in the Appalachian region can serve as conduits for the movement of waters impacted by fossil fuel extraction. Strontium isotope and geochemical analysis indicate that artesian discharges of water with high total dissolved solids (TDS) from a series of gas wells in western Pennsylvania result from the infiltration of acidic, low Fe (Fe < 10 mg/L) coal mine drainage (AMD) into shallow, siderite (iron carbonate)-cemented sandstone aquifers. The acidity from the AMD promotes dissolution of the carbonate, and metal- and sulfate-contaminated waters rise to the surface through compromised abandoned gas well casings. Strontium isotope mixing models suggest that neither upward migration of oil and gas brines from Devonian reservoirs associated with the wells nor dissolution of abundant nodular siderite present in the mine spoil through which recharge water percolates contribute significantly to the artesian gas well discharges. Natural Sr isotope composition can be a sensitive tool in the characterization of complex groundwater interactions and can be used to distinguish between inputs from deep and shallow contamination sources, as well as between groundwater and mineralogically similar but stratigraphically distinct rock units. This is of particular relevance to regions such as the Appalachian Basin, where a legacy of coal, oil and gas exploration is coupled with ongoing and future natural gas drilling into deep reservoirs.     

Recharge sources and hydrogeochemical evolution of groundwater in semiarid and karstic environments: A field study in the Granada Basin (Southern Spain)

The objective of this study is to refine the understanding of recharge processes in watersheds representative for karstic semiarid areas by means of stable isotope analysis and hydrogeochemistry. The study focuses on the Granada aquifer system which is located in an intramontane basin bounded by high mountain ranges providing elevation differences of almost 2900 m. These altitude gradients lead to important temperature and precipitation gradients and provide excellent conditions for the application of stable isotopes of water whose composition depends mainly on temperature. Samples of rain, snow, surface water and groundwater were collected at 154 locations for stable isotope studies (δ¹⁸O, D) and, in the case of ground- and surface waters, also for major and minor ion analysis. Thirty-seven springs were sampled between 2 and 5 times from October 2004 to March 2005 along an altitudinal gradient from 552 masl in the Granada basin to 2156 masl in Sierra Nevada. Nine groundwater samples were taken from the discharge of operating wells in the Granada basin which are all located between 540 and 728 masl. The two main rivers were monitored every 2–3 weeks at three different altitudes. Rainfall being scarce during the sampling period, precipitation could only be sampled during four rainfall events. Calculated recharge altitudes of springs showed that source areas of mainly snowmelt recharge are generally located between 1600 and 2000 masl. The isotope compositions of spring water indicate water sources from the western Mediterranean as well as from the Atlantic without indicating a seasonal trend. The isotope pattern of the Quaternary aquifer reflects the spatial separation of different sources of recharge which occur mainly by bankfiltration of the main rivers. Isotopic signatures in the southeastern part of the aquifer indicate a considerable recharge contribution by subsurface flow discharged from the adjacent carbonate aquifer. No evaporation effects due to agricultural irrigation were detected.     

Observing changes in groundwater resource using hydro-chemical and isotopic parameters: a case study from Bist Doab,Punjab

The continuous and large-scale abstraction of groundwater has created a groundwater depletion problem in several parts of the Punjab state including Bist Doab, the interfluve region of Beas and Satluj rivers. In the present study, a few important parameters, viz. water level, stable isotope, EC, temperature, groundwater age, that can be used to fingerprint the over-exploitation of groundwater have been examined. It has been observed that with the increase in over-exploitation, the yield of shallow aquifer is progressively getting reduced and as a result forcing the farmers to sink their wells to deeper depths. With abstraction of deeper aquifer, the storage of old groundwater at the deeper aquifer is declining and getting replaced by induced accelerated inflow of young water from the recharge zone and the overlying shallow aquifer. The signatures of the modern water have been observed in the data analyzed for isotopic, hydro-chemical facies, electrical conductivity and temperature of water from deeper aquifer. The study has identified the usefulness of these parameters for identifying groundwater over-exploitation in the region. Depleting water resource may stagnate the economic progress of the region. The paper provides suitable water resource management strategies to be adopted to improve the sustainability of water resources and economic growth in the region.