Relative influence of biotic and abiotic processes on travertine fabrics,Satono‐yu hot spring,Japan

The relative influences of biotic and abiotic processes on travertine fabrics are still not well understood, despite increasing interest in the last decade to better understand the record of ancient microbial life and sedimentary fabrics in microbial hydrocarbon reservoirs. This study examines travertines at Satono‐yu hot spring in Japan (the temperature of water flowing over the travertine was ca 35°C), to better understand the interaction between depositional, hydrochemical and microbial parameters at different flow settings. Characteristics of the bulk hydrochemistry, mineralogy (exclusively aragonite) and the driving force for precipitation (primarily abiotic CO₂ degassing with some photosynthetic microbial contribution) were similar among all of the flow settings. Conversely, the increase in flow velocity suppressed the influence of photosynthesis and enhanced the abiotic precipitation due to the thinner diffusive boundary layer at the travertine surface–water interface. Additionally, the increase in flow velocity changed the microbial composition and decreased the bacterial diversity by reflecting their adhesion efficiency on the travertine substrate. The acidity of the cyanobacterial sheaths controls the aragonite nucleation rate and the resulting calcification, even at significantly high equilibrium CO₂ partial pressure (ca 22 to 28 matm), high dissolved inorganic carbon concentration (ca 35 to 38 mmol l^?1), and elevated aragonite saturation state (ca 20‐fold to 34‐fold). Therefore, the increase in flow velocity suppresses the microbial influence with respect to the increase in the saturation state, the nucleation site supply and pore space generation. Overall, this results in the predominance of abiotic precipitation under high flow velocities. Consequently, a sparse‐micritic fabric with abundant interlamina porosity forms under lower flow velocity where the microbial influence is effective, while a dense‐sparitic fabric with little inter‐crystalline porosity forms under higher flow velocity where abiotic precipitation prevails. These findings provide an essential base for assessing the formation processes of ancient travertines and comparable deposits from petrological fabrics.     

Hydrogeochemical and isotopic investigation of the Bursa-Oylat thermal waters, Turkey

The Oylat spa is located 80 km southeast of Bursa and 30 km south of Ineg?l in the Marmara region. With temperature of 40°C and discharge of 45 l/s, the Oylat main spring is the most important hot water spring of the area. Southeast of the spa the Forest Management spring has a temperature of 39.4°C and discharge of 2 l/s. The G?z spring 2 km north of the spa, which is used for therapy of eye disease, and cold waters of the Saadet village springs with an acidic character are the further important water sources of the area. EC values of Main spring and Forest Management hot spring (750–780 μS/cm) are lower than those of Saadet and G?z spring waters (2,070–1,280 μS/cm) and ionic abundances are Ca > Na + K > Mg and SO₄ > HCO₃ > Cl. The Oylat and Sızı springs have low Na and K contents but high Ca and HCO₃ concentrations. According to AIH classification, these are Ca–SO₄–HCO₃ waters. Based on the results of δ¹⁸O, ²H and ³H isotope analyses, the thermal waters have a meteoric origin. The meteoric water infiltrates along fractures and faults, gets heated, and then returns to surface through hydrothermal conduits. Oylat waters do not have high reservoir temperatures. They are deep, circulating recharge waters from higher enhanced elevations. δ¹³C_DIC values of the Main spring and Forest Management hot spring are −6.31 and −4.45‰, respectively, indicating that δ¹³C is derived from dissolution of limestones. The neutral pH thermal waters are about +18.7‰ in δ³⁴S while the sulfate in the cold waters is about +17‰ (practically identical to the value for the neutral pH thermal waters). However, the G?z and Saadet springs (acid sulfate waters) have much lower δ³⁴S values (~+4‰).     

Long-term analog of carbonation in travertine from Uleimat Quarries, Central Jordan

Quaternary travertine capping the metamorphic (cement) zones in Uleimat Quarries, central Jordan, has been precipitated from hyperalkaline paleogroundwaters. Such waters are similar to the cement pore water and to the present day hyperalkaline seepages (pH 12.5) in Maqarin, north Jordan. The isotopic depletions observed in Uleimat travertine, with δ¹³C values as low as −25.45‰, suggest that they have been precipitated during CO₂ uptake by highly alkaline calcium hydroxide waters. The travertine in Uleimat Quarries indicates a long-term analog of carbonation and remobilization of silica in cementitious barriers for radioactive waste repositories. The presence of Cr-rich smectites and relatively high levels of Cr (4.1%), V (657 ppm), Ni (163 ppm), Zn (634 ppm) and U (34 ppm) in the green travertine and the associated opaline silica phases suggests the use of the Uleimat travertines as analogs with the repository disturbed zone. Smectites and silica phases are expected to be a sink for alteration products in the late stage evolution of a high pH plume. Co-precipitation of these elements in mineral phases is of great importance to control the concentration of these elements in groundwater.     

Hydrochemical characteristics and quality assessment of shallow groundwater in a coastal area of Southwest Bangladesh

In this study, the hydrochemical characteristics of shallow groundwater in a coastal region (Khulna) of southwest Bangladesh have been evaluated based on different indices for drinking and irrigation uses. Water samples were collected from 26 boreholes and analyzed for major cations and anions. Other physico-chemical parameters like pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids were also measured. Most groundwater is slightly alkaline and largely varies in chemical composition, e.g. EC ranges from 962 to 9,370 μs/cm. The abundance of the major ions is as follows: Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺ = Cl⁻ > HCO₃ ⁻ > SO₄ ²⁻ > NO₃ ⁻. Interpretation of analytical data shows two major hydrochemical facies (Na⁺–K⁺–Cl⁻–SO₄ ²⁻ and Na⁺–K⁺–HCO₃ ⁻) in the study area. Salinity, total hardness, and sodium percentage (Na%) indicate that most of the groundwater samples are not suitable for irrigation as well as for domestic purposes and far from drinking water standard. Results suggest that the brackish nature in most of the groundwaters is due to the seawater influence and hydrogeochemical processes.     

Hydrochemical and isotope characteristics of spring water and travertine in the Baishuitai area (SW China) and their meaning for paleoenvironmental reconstruction

A method of combining hydrochemical data logging and in situ titrating with measurement of stable carbon and oxygen isotopes was used to reveal the hydrochemical and isotopic characteristics in the Baishuitai travertine scenic area of SW China. It was found that the travertine-forming springs have a very high concentration of calcium and bicarbonate, and accordingly very high CO₂ partial pressures, which are not likely to be produced by biological activity in soil alone. Further analysis of the stable carbon isotopes of the springs shows that the high pressure of CO₂ is mainly related to an endogenic CO₂ source. That means the Baishuitai travertine is endogenic in origin. This is contrast to the commonly accepted saying that the travertine deposition in this study simply is a product of warm and humid conditions in a karst ecological environment. Rapid CO₂ degassing from the water is triggered by the much higher partial pressures in water than that of the surrounding air. Consequently, as the waters flow downstream of the spring the pH increases, the waters become supersaturated with respect to calcite, and travertine is deposited. The preferential release of ¹²CO₂ to the atmosphere results in a progressive increase of travertine ¹³C downstream. This is concluded with a preliminary discussion of variation in travertine-forming water temperatures, according to differences in stable oxygen isotopic compositions of the travertine formed in different epochs at Baishuitai. It was found that the change in water temperature is as high as 13 °C, i.e., from 23 °C at about 2500 years b.p., to 10 °C at present. This may mainly reflect that the effect of geothermal source on water temperature is decreasing. The problems involved in paleoenvironmental reconstruction with endogene travertine are also discussed. They are the impacts of "dead carbon" in radiocarbon dating and the enrichment in ¹³C of travertine by endogenic CO₂ and degassing of CO₂ from water, which has to be considered in paleovegetation reconstruction when using ¹³C data of the endogene carbonate deposits.     

Diurnal Variations of Hydrochemistry in a Travertine-depositing Stream at Baishuitai, Yunnan, SW China

Diurnal variations of hydrochemistry were monitored at a spring and two pools in a travertine-depositing stream at Baishuitai, Yunnan, SW China. Water temperature, pH and specific conductivity were measured in intervals of 5 and 30 min for periods of 1 to 2 days. From these data the concentrations of Ca²⁺, HCO₃⁻, calcite saturation index, and CO₂ partial pressure were derived. The measurements in the spring of the stream did not show any diurnal variations in the chemical composition of the water. Diurnal variations, however, were observed in the water of the two travertine pools downstream. In one of them, a rise in temperature (thus more CO₂ degassing) during day time and consumption of CO₂ due to photosynthesis of submerged aquatic plants accelerated deposition of calcite, whereas in the other pool, where aquatic plants flourished and grew out of the water (so photosynthesis was taking place in the atmosphere), the authors suggest that temperature-dependent root respiration underwater took place, which dominated until noon. Consequently, due to the release of CO₂ by the root respiration into water, which dominated CO₂ production by degassing induced by temperature increase, the increased dissolution of calcite was observed. This is the first time anywhere at least in China that the effect of root respiration on diurnal hydrochemical variations has been observed. The finding has implications for sampling strategy within travertine-depositing streams and other similar environments with stagnant water bodies such as estuaries, lakes, reservoirs, pools and wetlands, where aquatic plants may flourish and grow out of water.     

Sedimentology of coexisting travertine and tufa deposits in a mounded geothermal spring carbonate system,Obruktepe, Turkey

The recent discoveries of deeply buried Cretaceous reservoir bodies in the Atlantic Ocean revealed that relationships between the distribution of spring carbonate deposits and faults are poorly understood. The well‐exposed Quaternary deposits at Obruktepe (Denizli Basin, Turkey) provide an opportunity to reconstruct the three‐dimensional sedimentary architecture of such a system. Integration of sedimentological, lithofacies and geochemical analyses reveals complexity in the lateral relationships between sedimentary environments, faults and geothermal spring carbonates. Five environmental systems are distinguished based on the lithofacies analysis: (i) vent; (ii) smooth slope; (iii) travertine‐terrace; (iv) tufa‐barrage; and (v) flood systems. Encrusting, baffling and settling sedimentary processes are reflected in data acquired at several scales, from lithofacies observations to the morphology and arrangement of geobodies, together with microfabrics and stable carbon and oxygen isotope data. Mean values of +4·9‰ δ¹³C and −8·74‰ δ¹⁸O Vienna PeeDee Belemnite reflect geothermal circulation of springwaters. The environmental distribution and lithofacies indicate a lateral continuum between travertine and tufa deposits within this hot spring system. This finding supports two depositional models in which water flow variation is the main control on both CaCO₃ precipitation and the resulting formation of travertine and tufa. The proposed models address the factors responsible for the development of these complex mound‐shaped carbonate spring deposits, and how they are related to fluid circulation at depth and in association with faults.     

Raman and SEM analysis of a biocolonised hot spring travertine terrace in Svalbard,Norway

Background  

A profile across 8 layers from a fossil travertine terrace from a low temperature geothermal spring located in Svalbard, Norway has been studied using both Raman spectroscopy and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) techniques to identify minerals and organic life signals.     

Cyclic development of large,complex, calcite dendrite crystals in the Clinton travertine,Interior British Columbia,Canada

Bands of large (up to 4 cm long) three-dimensional crystallographic dendrites form the terrace fronts in an old travertine mound exposed near Clinton, British Columbia. The dendrites, with their long axes perpendicular to the terrace front, are characterized by numerous levels of branching. Each branch is formed of multitudes of skeletal rhombs, four- and six(?)-sided bipyramidal crystals, or prismatic hexagonal crystals that are precisely aligned along crystallographic precepts. Although individual branches are formed of one type of subcrystal, neighbouring branches may be formed of different subcrystal types.Highly supersaturated waters that were generated by rapid CO₂ degassing of the spring water during its turbulent flow over the steep terrace fronts probably drove dendrite precipitation. The presence of growth lines indicates that growth was episodic. Type I growth lines probably formed annually in response to seasonal climate changes whereas Type II growth lines, which formed less frequently, may reflect changes in the flow velocity and/or flow patterns of the spring waters.Early diagenetic modification of the dendrites involved crystal face enlargement, cements formed of trigonal prisms or needle-fiber crystals, microbial infestation that mediated substrate dissolution, and/or deposition of detrital calcite crystals that formed in the water column. Much of the diagenetic modification may have taken place during the periods when the dendrites had temporarily stopped growing.The dendrites in the Clinton travertine are an excellent example of complex, episodic calcite crystal growth that was extensively modified by early diagenetic processes in a surface environment. The same spring waters from which the dendrites were precipitated mediated much of the early diagenesis.     

Hydrochemical appraisal of groundwater and its suitability in the intensive agricultural area of Muzaffarnagar district,Uttar Pradesh,India

Muzaffarnagar is an economically rich district situated in the most fertile plains of two great rivers Ganga and Yamuna in the Indo-gangetic plains, with agricultural land irrigated by both surface water as well as groundwater. An investigation has been carried out to understand the hydrochemistry of the groundwater and its suitability for irrigation uses. Groundwater in the study area is neutral to moderately alkaline in nature. Chemistry of groundwater suggests that alkaline earths (Ca + Mg) significantly exceed the alkalis (Na + K) and weak acids exceed the strong acids (Cl + SO₄), suggesting the dominance of carbonate weathering followed by silicate weathering. Majority of the groundwater samples (62%) posses Ca–Mg–HCO₃ type of hydrochemical species, followed by Ca–Na–Mg–HCO₃, Na–Ca–Mg–HCO₃, Ca–Mg–Na–HCO₃–Cl and Na–Ca–HCO₃–SO₄ types. A positive high correlation (r ² = 0.928) between Na and Cl suggests that the salinity of groundwater is due to intermixing of two or more groundwater bodies with different hydrochemical compositions. Barring a few locations, most of the groundwater samples are suitable for irrigation uses. Chemical fertilizers, sugar factories and anthropogenic activities are contributing to the sulphate and chloride concentrations in the groundwater of the study area. Overexploitation of aquifers induced multi componential mixing of groundwater with agricultural return flow waters is responsible for generating groundwater of various compositions in its lateral extent.     

Hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater in the Zhangye Basin, Northwestern China

The Zhangye Basin, located in arid northwest China, is an important agricultural and industrial center. In recent years rapid development has created an increased demand for water, which is increasingly being fulfilled by groundwater abstraction. Detailed knowledge of the geochemical evolution of groundwater and water quality can enhance understanding of the hydrochemical system, promoting sustainable development and effective management of groundwater resources. To this end, a hydrochemical investigation was conducted in the Zhangye Basin. Types of shallow groundwater in the Zhangye Basin were found to be HCO₃ ⁻, HCO₃ ⁻–SO₄ ²⁻, SO₄ ²⁻–HCO₃ ⁻, SO₄ ²⁻–Cl⁻, Cl⁻–SO₄ ²⁻ and Cl⁻ . The deep aquifer groundwater type was found to be HCO₃⁻–SO₄²⁻ throughout the entire area. Ionic ratio and saturation index calculations suggest that silicate rock weathering and evaporation deposition are the main processes that determine the ionic composition in the study area. The suitability of the groundwater for irrigation was assessed based on the US Salinity Laboratory salinity classification and the Wilcox diagram. In the study area, the compositions of the stable isotopes δ¹⁸O and δD in groundwater samples were found to range from −4.00 to −9.28‰ and from −34.0 to −65.0‰, respectively. These values indicate that precipitation is the main recharge source for the groundwater system; some local values indicate high levels of evaporation. Tritium analysis was used to estimate the ages of the different groundwaters; the tritium values of the groundwater samples varied from 3.13 to 36.62 TU. The age of the groundwater at depths of less than 30 m is about 5–10 years. The age of the groundwater at depths of 30–50 m is about 10–23 years. The age of the groundwater at depths of 50–100 m is about 12–29 years. For groundwater samples at depths of greater than 100 m, the renewal time is about 40 years.     

Nitrate pollution of groundwater in Toyserkan,western Iran

A total of 95 groundwater samples were collected from Toyserkan, western Iran to assess the chemical composition and nitrate (NO₃ ⁻) status of groundwater. The most prevalent water type is Ca–HCO₃ followed by water types Ca–Mg–HCO₃. In comparison with the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water guideline of 50 mg l⁻¹ for NO₃ ⁻, a total of nine wells (9.5%) showed higher concentrations. In 36% of samples (34) NO₃ ⁻ concentration was low (<20 mg l⁻¹), and in 53.7% of samples (51), in the range of 20–50 mg l⁻¹. The samples were classified into four groups based on NO₃ ⁻ and chloride (Cl⁻) concentrations. Of the samples, 40% were classified as group 4 and were relatively high in Cl⁻ and NO₃ ⁻ (Cl⁻ > 47 mg l⁻¹, NO₃ ⁻ > 27 mg l⁻¹). The high correlation between NO₃ ⁻ and Cl⁻ (r = 0.86, p < 0.01) is consistent with a manure source, resulting from the practice of adding salt to animal feed. Pollution of groundwaters appeared to be affected by the application of inorganic fertilizer at greater than agronomic rates, Cl-salt inputs, and irrigation practice.     

Hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater in the Kingston Basin,Kingston, Jamaica

The Kingston Basin in Jamaica is an important hydrologic basin in terms of both domestic and industrial sector. The Kingston hydrologic basin covers an area of approximately 258 km² of which 111 km² underlain by an alluvium aquifer, 34 km² by a limestone aquifer and the remainder underlain by low permeability rocks with insignificant groundwater resources. Rapid development in recent years has led to an increased demand for water, which is increasingly being fulfilled by groundwater abstraction. A detailed knowledge of the water quality can enhance understanding of the hydrochemical system, promoting sustainable development and effective management of groundwater resources. To achieve this, a hydrochemical investigation was carried out in the Kingston Basin. Results showed that the water is Na–Ca–Cl–HCO₃ and Na–Ca–HCO₃ type with higher concentrations of nitrate, sodium and chloride as the leading causes of contamination in most of the wells. High concentrations of nitrate correlate with wells from areas of high population density and could be attributed to anthropogenic causes, mainly involving improper sewage treatment methodologies or leaking sewer lines. Jamaica, owing to its island nature, has the continuous problem of saline water intrusion, and this is reflected in the higher levels of chloride, sodium and conductivity in the water samples collected from the wells. The wells studied show higher concentrations of chloride ranging from around 10.2 mg/l in wells located approximately (4931.45 m) from the coast to around 234 mg/l in the well located near to the coast. The conductivity values also closely correlate with the chloride levels found in the wells.     

Impact of lake‐level changes on the formation of thermogene travertine in continental rifts: Evidence from Lake Bogoria,Kenya Rift Valley

Travertine is present at 20% of the ca 60 hot springs that discharge on Loburu delta plain on the western margin of saline, alkaline Lake Bogoria in the Kenya Rift. Much of the travertine, which forms mounds, low terraces and pool‐rim dams, is sub‐fossil (relict) and undergoing erosion, but calcite‐encrusted artefacts show that carbonate is actively precipitating at several springs. Most of the springs discharge alkaline (pH: 8·3 to 8·9), Na‐HCO₃ waters containing little Ca (<2 mg l^?1) at temperatures of 94 to 97·5°C. These travertines are unusual because most probably precipitated at temperatures of >80°C. The travertines are composed mainly of dendritic and platy calcite, with minor Mg‐silicates, aragonite, fluorite and opaline silica. Calcite precipitation is attributed mainly to rapid CO₂ degassing, which led to high‐disequilibrium crystal morphologies. Stratigraphic evidence shows that the travertine formed during several stages separated by intervals of non‐deposition. Radiometric ages imply that the main phase of travertine formation occurred during the late Pleistocene (ca 32 to 35 ka). Periods of precipitation were influenced strongly by fluctuations in lake level, mostly under climate control, and by related changes in the depth of boiling. During relatively arid phases, meteoric recharge of ground water declines, the lake is low and becomes hypersaline, and the reduced hydrostatic pressure lowers the level of boiling in the plumbing system of the hot springs. Any carbonate precipitation then occurs below the land surface. During humid phases, the dilute meteoric recharge increases, enhancing geothermal circulation, but the rising lake waters, which become relatively dilute, flood most spring vents. Much of the aqueous Ca²⁺ then precipitates as lacustrine stromatolites on shallow firm substrates, including submerged older travertines. Optimal conditions for subaerial travertine precipitation at Loburu occur when the lake is at intermediate levels, and may be favoured during transitions from humid to drier conditions.     

Travertine deposition and faulting: the fault-related travertine fissure-ridge at Terme S. Giovanni,Rapolano Terme (Italy)

In this paper we describe an example of travertine fissure-ridge development along the trace of a normal fault with metre displacement, located in the eastern margin of the Neogene–Quaternary Siena Basin, in the Terme S. Giovanni area (Rapolano Terme, Italy). This morphotectonic feature, 250 m long, 30 m wide and 10 m high, formed from supersaturated hot waters (39.9°C) flowing from thermal springs aligned along the trace of the normal fault dissecting travertines not older than Late Pleistocene (24 ± 3 ka). A straight, continuous fissure with a maximum width of 20 cm occurs at the top of the ridge, along its crest. Hot fluids flow from cones mainly located at the extremities of the ridge, where travertine is depositing. The travertine fissure-ridge shows an asymmetrical profile since it buries the fault scarp. The difference in height of slopes corresponds to the vertical displacement of the normal fault. Fissuring of the recent travertine deposits along the strike of the crestal fissure, as well as recent hydrothermal circulation, lead us to believe that the Terme S. Giovanni normal fault may be currently active. On the whole, the Terme S. Giovanni fissure ridge can be defined as a travertine fault trace fissure-ridge, adding a helpful example for studying the relationship between faulting and travertine deposition.     

Hydrogeochemistry of groundwater and anthropogenic control over dolomitization reactions in alluvial sediments of the Deoria district: Ganga plain,India

Groundwater is a critical resource in Deoria district, as it is the main source of drinking water and irrigation. The aquifer has deteriorated to a high degree, during the last two to three decades, in quality and quantity due to high population growth and environmental pollution. More than 90% of the population get their drinking water from subsurface waters. Fifteen wells were sampled in June 2006 to probe the hydrogeochemical components that influence the water quality. The results show that groundwater have EC, TDS, Na⁺, Mg²⁺, HCO₃⁻ and TH higher than the WHO, 1997 maximum desirable limits. A hydrogeochemical numerical model for carbonate minerals was constructed using the PHREEQC package. The regression analysis shows that there are three groups of elements which are significantly and positively correlated. The main hydrochemical facies of the aquifer (Ca + Mg–HCO₃) represents 33.33% of the total wells. The geochemical modeling demonstrated that the reactions responsible for the hydrochemical evolution in the area fall into three categories: (1) dissolution of salts, (2) precipitation of dolomite, (3) ion exchange. Solubility of dolomite, calcite, aragonite and gypsum were assessed in terms of the saturation index. The thermodynamic prerequisites for dolomite supersaturation reactions are satisfied by subsurface waters, since they are supersaturated with respect to dolomite, undersaturated (or in equilibrium) with respect to calcite, and undersaturated with respect to gypsum. The Ca²⁺ versus SO₄²⁻ and Mg²⁺ versus SO₄²⁻ trends are also compatible with homologous trends resulting from dolomite supersaturation.     

Groundwater salinization processes in shallow coastal aquifer of Djeffara plain of Medenine, Southeastern Tunisia

Urban and industrial development and the expansion of irrigated agriculture have led to a drastic increase in the exploitation of groundwater resources. The over-exploitation of coastal aquifers has caused a seawater intrusion and has seriously degraded groundwater quality. The shallow coastal aquifer of the Djeffara plain, southeastern Tunisia constitutes an example of water resource suffering an intensive and uncontrolled pumping for irrigation. Intensive exploitation of the aquifer and climate aridity caused a decrease in piezometric level and an increase in salinity. According to the hydrochemical data (Cl⁻, SO₄ ²⁻, NO₃ ⁻, HCO₃ ⁻, Br⁻, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺) and the stable isotope composition (oxygen-18 and deuterium content), groundwater salinization in the investigated system is caused by three main processes: (i) salts dissolution especially in the central part of Jerba and around Medenine plain; (ii) evaporation process; and (iii) seawater intrusion which caused the increase in salinity in the peninsula of El Jorf, in Jerba and in the North of Ben Gardane.     

Evaluation of hydrogeochemical processes in arsenic-contaminated alluvial aquifers in parts of Mid-Ganga Basin,Bihar, Eastern India

The study region covers 1,650 km² of the Mid-Ganga Basin in Bihar, experiencing intensive groundwater draft. The area forms a part of the Gangetic alluvial plain where high incidence of arsenic groundwater contamination (>50 μg/l) has recently been detected. Seventy-seven groundwater samples have been collected and analysed for major ions, iron and arsenic. Arsenic contamination (max 620 μg/l) is confined in hand pump zones (15–35 m) within the newer alluvium deposited during Middle Holocene to Recent age. The older alluvial aquifers are arsenic-safe and recorded maximum concentration as 9 μg/l. Out of 12 hydrochemical facies identified, four have been found arsenic-affected: Ca–HCO₃, Mg–HCO₃, Ca–Mg–HCO₃ and Mg–Ca–HCO₃. The geochemical evolution of groundwater, as investigated by graphical interpretation and statistical techniques (correlation, principal component analysis) revealed that dissolution of detrital calcite, dolomite and infiltration of rainwater are the major processes shaping the groundwater chemistry in the newer alluvium. Arsenic and iron showed strong positive correlation. Rainfall infiltration, carrying organic matter from recently accumulated biomass from this flood-prone belt, plays a critical role in releasing arsenic and iron present in the sediments. Geochemical evolution of groundwater in older alluvium follows a different path, where cation-exchange has been identified as a significant process.     

Hydrogeochemical investigations and groundwater provinces of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Plain aquifers,northeastern Italy

Water resources are a key factor, particularly for the planning of the sustainable regional development of agriculture, as well as for socio-economic development in general. A hydrochemical investigation was conducted in the Friuli Venezia Giulia aquifer systems to identify groundwater evolution, recharge and extent of pollution. Temperature, pH, electric conductivity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, total hardness, SAR, Ca²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻, SO₄ ²⁻, NO₃ ⁻, HCO₃ ⁻ _, water quality and type, saturation indexes and the environmental stable isotope δ¹⁸O were determined in 149 sampling stations. The pattern of geochemical and oxygen stable isotope variations suggests that the sub-surface groundwater (from phreatic and shallow confined aquifers) is being recharged by modern precipitations and local river infiltrations. Four hydrogeological provinces have been recognised and mapped in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Plain having similar geochemical signatures. These provinces have different degrees of vulnerability to contamination. The deep confined groundwater samples are significantly less impacted by surface activities; and it appears that these important water resources have very low recharge rates and would, therefore, be severely impacted by overabstraction.     

Chemical characteristics of groundwater in parts of mountainous region, Alvand, Hamadan, Iran

Eighty-seven groundwater samples have been collected from a mountainous region (Alvand, Iran) for hydrochemical investigations to understand the sources of dissolved ions and assess the chemical quality of the groundwater. Most water quality parameters are within World Health Organization acceptable limits set for drinking water. The least mineralized water is found closest to the main recharge zones and the salinity of water increased towards the north of the basin. The most prevalent water type is Ca–HCO₃ followed by water types Ca–NO₃, Ca–Cl, Ca–SO₄ and Mg–HCO₃. The Ca–NO₃ water type is associated with high nitrate pollution. Agricultural and industrial activities were associated with elevated level of NO₃⁻. Mineral dissolution/weathering of evaporites dominates the major element hydrochemistry of the area. Chemical properties of groundwater in Alvand region are controlled both by natural geochemical processes and anthropogenic activities.