Geochemical and isotope hydrological characterisation of geothermal resources at Godavari valley,India

Thermal waters at the Godavari valley geothermal field are located in the Khammam district of the Telangana state, India. The study area consists of several thermal water manifestations having temperature in the range 36–76 °C scattered over an area of ~35 km². The thermal waters are Na–HCO₃ type with moderate silica and TDS concentrations. In the present study, detailed geochemical (major and trace elements) and isotope hydrological investigations are carried out to understand the hydrogeochemical evolution of these thermal waters. Correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) are performed to classify the thermal waters and to identify the different geochemical processes controlling the thermal water geochemistry. From correlation matrix, it is seen that TDS and EC of the thermal springs are mainly controlled by HCO₃ and Na ions. In PCA, thermal waters are grouped into two distinct clusters. One cluster represents thermal waters from deeper aquifer and other one from shallow aquifer. Lithium and boron concentrations are found to be similar followed by rubidium and caesium concentrations. Different ternary plots reveal rock–water interaction to be the dominant mechanism for controlling trace element concentrations. Stable isotopes (δ¹⁸O, δ²H) data indicate the meteoric origin of the thermal waters with no appreciable oxygen-18 shift. The low tritium values of the samples originating from deeper aquifer reveal the long residence time (>50 years) of the recharging waters. XRD results of the drill core samples show that quartz constitutes the major mineral phase, whereas kaolinite, dolomite, microcline, calcite, mica, etc. are present as minor constituents. Quartz geothermometer suggests a reservoir temperature of 100 ± 20 °C which is in good agreement with the values obtained from K–Mg and Mg-corrected K–Mg–Ca geothermometers.     

Characteristics of the geothermal water in Changbai Mountain volcanic region,northeast of China

Geothermal water is plentiful in Changbai Mountain region, northeastern China, due to the volcanic activities and widespread faults. For the exploration of geothermal resources, this study uses quartz and cation geothermometer to estimate the temperatures of the geothermal reservoir and uses the tubular models to evaluate the thermal gradient. The hydrogeochemical characteristics of the geothermal resources were also evaluated by hydrogeochemical analysis. The results showed that the geothermal reservoir temperatures of the four major thermal springs in Changbai Mountain region range from 72 to 169 °C. The average geothermal reservoir temperatures of Jinjiang hot springs, Changbai hot springs I, Xianrenqiao hot springs, and Changbai hot springs II are 129.25, 169, 89, and 73.67 °C, respectively. The geothermal gradient values of the four major thermal springs have different characteristics. The geothermal gradient values of Jinjiang hot springs and Changbai hot springs I are 4.6 and 3.1 °C/100 m, respectively. The geothermal gradient values of Xianrenqiao thermal springs and Changbai thermal springs II are both lower than 1.5 °C/100 m, with the values of 1.1 and 1.4 °C/100 m. And the geothermal gradients are influenced by Changbai Mountain Tianchi volcano. In addition, the water chemical analyses showed that the geothermal water types are HCO₃-Na with higher concentrations of Na⁺, Cl^?, SO₄ ^2?, TDS, and HCO₃ ^? than the non-thermal waters, which suggested a deep and long water cycle of the thermal water, and therefore a sufficient water-rock interaction.     

Distribution and enrichment of trace metals and arsenic at the upper layer of sediments from Lerma River in La Piedad,Mexico: case history

Lerma River is one of the largest rivers in Mexico. Over the past 20 years, unplanned population growth occurred along its course and the river has been used as the only outlet for industrial and domestic wastewater disposal. The aim of the present study was to determine trace metals such as Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Fe, Pb, and arsenic concentrations at the upper layer of sediments of the Lerma River meander in La Piedad, Michoacan, Mexico. Sediment samples were collected from eight different sites during the rainy and dry seasons. All samples were physically characterized, and concentration values of trace metals and As were determined. On the basis of protection criteria for freshwater sediments, concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Pb were found to exceed the lowest effect level; moreover, the concentrations were found to exceed the severe effect level at some sites, particularly for Cu. Statistical analyses showed significant differences between sampling seasons for Fe and As, and among sites for Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb. In addition, the enrichment factor indicates the following order Zn > Cr > Cu > Ni > Pb > As, and the geoaccumulation index (I _geo) indicates contamination in the following order Zn > Cr > Cu > Ni > As > Pb. The Lerma River meander in La Piedad shows a reduction in pollution by trace metals and arsenic near the drain area and downstream of the meander. However, there are significantly higher concentrations of these elements in sediments of sites located in the middle part of the city.     

High-resolution profiles of trace metals assessed by DGT techniques in lake sediment porewaters

The technique of diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) was applied to obtain high-resolution vertical profiles of trace metals in sediment porewater of a eutrophic lake, Lake Chaohu. All sampling sediments were under anaerobic conditions with Eh values below 0, the redox potential profile in M4 was relatively stable, and higher Eh values in M4 than that in M1 were observed due to hydrodynamic effects. Fe, Mn and As exhibited closely corresponding profiles due to the co-release of Fe and Mn oxides and the reduction of As. Higher Fe and Mn concentrations and lower As concentrations were observed in M1 of the western half-lake than those in M4 of the eastern half-lake due to different sources and metal contamination levels in the two regions. Cu and Zn showed increasing concentrations similar to Mn and Fe at 1–2 cm depth of sediments, while DGT measured Co, Ni, Cd and Pb concentrations decreased down to 3–4 cm in the profiles. Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb showed insignificant regional concentration variances in the western and eastern half-lakes. According to the R(C _DGT/C _{centrifugation}) values, the rank order of metal labilities decrease as follows: Fe (>1) > Cu, Pb, Zn (>0.9) > Co, Ni, Cd (>0.3) > Mn, As (>0.1).     

Shallow and deep aquifer hydrochemistry and chemical variability of water quality at Shariatpur district, Bangladesh

Water quality and hydrochemistry of Shariatpur district were evaluated in terms of hydrochemical composition and some important physico-chemical parameters. The groundwater of the study area is good for drinking, domestic as well as for irrigation purposes. Among the major ions, shallow tube well waters give higher concentration of Ca²⁺ which ranges from 24 to 260 mg/L. The deep tubewell waters show higher concentration of Na⁺ which varies from 74 to 582 mg/L during dry season. Among the trace elements most of the shallow aquifer samples show higher concentration of Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺ and As. Concentration of Fe²⁺ varies from 0.655 to 18.8 mg/L, and Mn²⁺ from trace to 0.868 mg/L during dry period. Hydrochemical analyses reveal significant seasonal variation in water quality of shallow aquifer. Both the shallow aquifer and the surface water of the study area are predominantly of Ca–Mg–HCO₃ type, while the deep aquifer water is mainly of Na–K–Cl–SO₄ type with slight inclination to Ca–Mg–HCO₃ type. The study area is suitable for groundwater development if comprehensive and holistic approaches towards water resource management are taken into consideration.     

Controls on chemistry during fracture-hosted flow of cold CO2-bearing mineral waters,Daylesford, Victoria,Australia: Implications for resource protection

Mineral springs from Daylesford, Australia discharge at ambient temperatures, have high CO₂ contents, and effervesce naturally. Mineral waters have high HCO₃ and Na concentrations (up to 4110 and 750 mg/L, respectively) and CO₂ concentrations of 620–2520 mg/L. Calcium and Mg concentrations are 61–250 and 44–215 mg/L, respectively, and Si, Sr, Ba, and Li are the most abundant minor and trace elements. The high P_CO2 of these waters promotes mineral dissolution, while maintaining low pH values, and geochemical modelling indicates that the CO₂-rich mineral water must have interacted with both sediments and basalts. Amorphous silica concentrations and silica geothermometry indicate that these waters are unlikely to have been heated above ambient temperatures and therefore reflect shallow circulation on the order of several hundreds of metres. Variations in minor and trace element composition from closely adjacent spring discharges indicate that groundwater flows within relatively isolated fracture networks. The chemical consistency of individual spring discharges over at least 20 a indicates that flow within these fracture networks has remained isolated over long periods. The mineral water resource is at risk from mixing with potentially contaminated surface water and shallow groundwater in the discharge areas. Increased δ²H values and Cl concentrations, and lower Na concentrations indicate those springs that are most at risk from surface contamination and overpumping. Elevated NO₃ concentrations in a few springs indicate that these springs have already been contaminated during discharge.     

Hydrochemical characteristics of surface and groundwater and suitability for drinking and agricultural use in the Upper Tigris River Basin,Diyarbakır–Batman,Turkey

Investigations were undertaken into the quality of surface water and groundwater bodies within the Upper Tigris Basin in Turkey to determine their suitability for potable and agricultural use. In the study area, the majority of the groundwater and surface water samples belong to the calcium–magnesium–bicarbonate type (Ca–Mg–HCO₃) or magnesium–calcium–bicarbonate type (Mg–Ca–HCO₃). Chemical analysis of all water samples shows that the mean cation concentrations (in mg/L) were in the order Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺ and that of anions are in the order \( \text{HCO}_{3}^{ - } \) > \( \text{SO}_{4}^{2 - } \) > Cl^? > \( \text{CO}_{3}^{ - } \) for all groundwater and surface water samples. The Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ ratio ranges from 0.21 to 1.30 with most of the values greater than 0.5, indicating that weathering of dolomites is dominant in groundwater. The analysis reveals that all of the samples are neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 7.0–8.7). Groundwater and surface water suitability for drinking usage was evaluated according to the World Health Organization and Turkish Standards (TSE-266) and suggests that most of the samples are suitable for drinking. Various determinants such as sodium absorption ratio, percent sodium (Na %), residual sodium carbonate and soluble sodium percentage revealed that most of the samples are suitable for irrigation. According to MH values, all of the well water samples were suitable for irrigation purposes, but 80 and 81.82% of Zillek springs and surface water samples were unsuitable. As per the PI values, the water samples from the study area are classified as Class I and Class II and are considered to be suitable for irrigation.     

Hydrochemical and isotopic investigation of groundwater of Al-Batin alluvial fan aquifer,Southern Iraq

Major ions and important trace elements in addition to δ¹⁸O and δ²H were analysed for 43 groundwater samples sampled from the Al-Batin alluvial fan aquifer, South Iraq. The most dominant ions (with respect to molarity) were: Na⁺ > Cl^? > SO₄ ^2? > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > NO₃ ^? > HCO₃ ^?, with total dissolved solids (TDS) averaging 7855 mg/L. High concentrations were found for the trace elements U, Mo, V, B, Sr, and Cr. This study suggests a hydraulic connection exists near the fan apex between the uppermost part of the Al-Batin aquifer and the underlying Dammam aquifer by means of the Abu-Jir fault system. Except for the effects of extensive irrigation, fertilizer use, and poorly maintained sewers, the groundwater chemistry is mainly controlled by geological processes such as dissolution of evaporites and the enrichment of dissolved ions as a result of the high evaporation and low recharge rate. Furthermore, it is shown that the Kuwaiti fuel–oil burning during Gulf War in 1991 contributed to the enrichment of V and Mo in the studied aquifer. The spatial distribution of most ions appears to generally increase from the south-west towards the north-east, in the direction of groundwater flow. The stable isotopes show heavier values in groundwater with a gradually increasing trend in the direction of groundwater flow due to the decreasing depth to groundwater and thus increasing of evaporation from both groundwater or irrigation return water. Additionally, the stable isotope signature suggests that rainfall from sources in the Arabian Gulf and the Arabian Sea is the major source of recharge for the Al-Batin aquifer. Except for two samples of groundwater, all samples were not suitable for potable use according to the WHO standards. Most of the groundwater is suitable for some agricultural purpose and for livestock water supply. Apart from the high salinity, boron represents the most critical element in the groundwater with respect to agricultural purposes.     

Paragenesis and geochemistry of ore minerals in the epizonal gold deposits of the Yangshan gold belt,West Qinling,China

Six epizonal gold deposits in the 30-km-long Yangshan gold belt, Gansu Province are estimated to contain more than 300 t of gold at an average grade of 4.76 g/t and thus define one of China's largest gold resources. Detailed paragenetic studies have recognized five stages of sulfide mineral precipitation in the deposits of the belt. Syngenetic/diagenetic pyrite (Py₀) has a framboidal or colloform texture and is disseminated in the metasedimentary host rocks. Early hydrothermal pyrite (Py₁) in quartz veins is disseminated in metasedimentary rocks and dikes and also occurs as semi-massive pyrite aggregates or bedding-parallel pyrite bands in phyllite. The main ore stage pyrite (Py₂) commonly overgrows Py₁ and is typically associated with main ore stage arsenopyrite (Apy₂). Late ore stage pyrite (Py₃), arsenopyrite (Apy₃), and stibnite occur in quartz ± calcite veins or are disseminated in country rocks. Post-ore stage pyrite (Py₄) occurs in quartz ± calcite veins that cut all earlier formed mineralization. Electron probe microanalyses and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analyses reveal that different generations of sulfides have characteristic of major and trace element patterns, which can be used as a proxy for the distinct hydrothermal events. Syngenetic/diagenetic pyrite has high concentrations of As, Au, Bi, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn. The Py₀ also retains a sedimentary Co/Ni ratio, which is distinct from hydrothermal ore-related pyrite. Early hydrothermal Py₁ has high contents of Ag, As, Au, Bi, Cu, Fe, Sb, and V, and it reflects elevated levels of these elements in the earliest mineralizing metamorphic fluids. The main ore stage Py₂ has a very high content of As (median value of 2.96 wt%) and Au (median value of 47.5 ppm) and slightly elevated Cu, but relatively low values for other trace elements. Arsenic in the main ore stage Py₂ occurs in solid solution. Late ore stage Py₃, formed coevally with stibnite, contains relatively high As (median value of 1.44 wt%), Au, Fe, Mn, Mo, Sb, and Zn and low Bi, Co, Ni, and Pb. The main ore stage Apy₂, compared to late ore stage arsenopyrite, is relatively enriched in As, whereas the later Apy₃ has high concentrations of S, Fe, and Sb, which is consistent with element patterns in associated main and late ore stage pyrite generations. Compared with pyrite from other stages, the post-ore stage Py₄ has relatively low concentrations of Fe and S, whereas As remains elevated (2.05～3.20 wt%), which could be interpreted by the substitution of As^? for S in the pyrite structure. These results suggest that syngenetic/diagenetic pyrite is the main metal source for the Yangshan gold deposits where such pyrite was metamorphosed at depth below presently exposed levels. The ore-forming elements were concentrated into the hydrothermal fluids during metamorphic devolatilization, and subsequently, during extensive fluid–rock interaction at shallower levels, these elements were precipitated via widespread sulfidation during the main ore stage.     

Dispersion model and bioaccumulation factor validating trace metals in sea bream inhabiting wastewater drain outfalls

Our study was based on the recent increase in wastewater pollution and its deleterious effects to the marine ecosystem. Using numerical simulation (DESCAR-3.2 software program), we investigated the orientation and quantification of trace metals in wastewater discharges from permanent and semi-permanent drain outfalls constructed along the Kuwait Coastline encompassing six Kuwait Governorates (GI-GVI). This study was related to trace metals toxicity and bioaccumulation effects on the commercial yellow fin Sea bream, Acanthopagrus latus fish using probit program and bioaccumulation factor (BAF), respectively. Observations from wastewater discharges showed high trace metals concentrations in the sequence of Zn > Cr > Cu > Fe > Ni > Pb > Hg during winter compared to summer and in GI and GIV compared to drain outfalls in the other Governorates. Seasonally, trace metals in A. latus revealed the sequence of Zn > Fe > Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb > Hg in GI, GII and GIV indicating the significance of toxic metals that bioaccumulated from their surrounding untreated wastewater. Toxicity test revealed A. latus highly sensitive to Hg even at low lethal concentrations (LC₁₅) compared to other metals. BAF in A. latus body parts was >1 indicating significant accumulation of trace metals from wastewater. However, BAF was <1 in Cr suggesting that A. latus could absorb trace metals from multiple sources over lengthy exposure period and not necessarily from wastewater containing rich Cr levels. Thus, the present findings validate A. latus as bioindicator to pollution more authentically by numerical simulation, toxicity and bioaccumulation tests compared to the traditional method of labeling A. latus as a pollution indicator.     

Vertical geochemical variations and arsenic mobilization in the shallow alluvial aquifers of the Chapai-Nawabganj District, northwestern Bangladesh: implication of siderite precipitation

Core sediments from three disturbed boreholes (JOR, GHAT, and RAJ) and two undisturbed boreholes (DW1 and DW2) were collected in the study area of the Chapai-Nawabganj district of northwestern Bangladesh for geochemical analyses. In the study area, groundwater samples from fourteen As-contained private wells and five nested piezometers at both the DW1 and DW2 boreholes were also collected and analyzed. The groundwater arsenic concentrations in the uppermost aquifer (10–40 m of depth) range from 3 to 315 μg/L (mean 47.73 ± 73.41 μg/L), while the arsenic content in sediments range from 2 to 14 mg/kg (mean 4.36 ± 3.34 mg/kg). An environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer was used to investigate the presence of major and trace elements in the sediments. Groundwaters in the study area are generally the Ca–HCO₃ type with high concentrations of As, but low levels of Fe, Mn, NO₃ ^? and SO ₄ ^?2 . The concentrations of As, Fe, Mn decrease with depth in the groundwater, showing vertical geochemical variations in the study area. Statistical analysis clearly shows that As is closely associated with Fe and Mn in the sediments of the JOR core (r = 0.87, p < 0.05 for Fe and r = 0.78, p < 0.05 for Mn) and GHAT core (r = 0.95, p < 0.05 for Fe and r = 0.93, p < 0.05 for Mn), while As is not correlated with Fe and Mn in groundwater. The comparatively low Fe and Mn concentrations in some groundwater and the ESEM image revealed that siderite precipitated as a secondary mineral on the surface of the sediment particles. The correlations along with results of sequential extraction experiments indicated that reductive dissolution of FeOOH and MnOOH represents a mechanism for releasing arsenic into the groundwater.     

Hydrogeochemistry and quality of groundwater of coastal unconfined aquifer in Amol–Ghaemshahr plain,Mazandaran Province,Northern Iran

Groundwater of the unconfined aquifer (1,100 sq. km) of a two-tier coastal aquifer located in the Amol–Ghaemshahr plain, Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran, is classified into fresh and brackish water types. Fresh groundwater (FGW) samples (n = 36) are characterized by Ca²⁺ > Na⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺ and HCO₃ ^? > Cl^? > SO₄ ^2? > NO₃ ^?. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient matrices, factor analysis data, values of the C-ratio (av. = 0.89) and CAI and values of the molar ratios of Ca²⁺/HCO₃ ^?, Ca²⁺/SO₄ ^2?, Mg²⁺/HCO₃ ^? and Mg²⁺/SO₄ ^2? indicate that the ionic load in the FGW is derived essentially from carbonic acid-aided weathering of carbonates and aluminosilicates, saline/sea water trapped in the aquifer sediments (now admixed with the groundwater) and ion exchange reactions. Values of the CAI and Na⁺/Cl^? molar ratio suggest that the part of the Ca²⁺ (±Mg²⁺) content in 23 FGW samples is derived from clay minerals of the aquifer matrix, and part of the Na⁺ content in 20, 12, and 3 FGW samples is derived, respectively, from alkali feldspar weathering, clay minerals of the aquifer matrix and rain water and/or halite. Brackish groundwater (BGW) samples (n = 4) contain Cl^? as the dominant anion and their average total ionic concentration (38.65 meq/L) is 1.79 times higher than that of the FGW samples (21.50 meq/L). BGW pockets were generated by non-conservative mixing of FGW with the upconed saline water from the underlying saline groundwater zone of the semi-confined aquifer along bore wells involved in excessive extraction of groundwater from the unconfined aquifer. Groundwater belongs essentially to “high salinity, low sodium” irrigation water class.     

A hydrogeochemical approach to evaluate the occurrence and source of salinization in the shallow aquifers of the southeastern Imphal valley in the Indo-Myanmar range of Northeast India

The Imphal valley is an intramontane basin confined within an anticlinorium of several anticlines and synclines in the Disang Group of rocks of Tertiary age. This valley of more than 2 million people is occupied by fluvio-lacustrine deposits of Quaternary age and is located in the central part of the Indo-Myanmar range of Northeast India. The hydrogeochemical parameters of temperature, pH, ORP, TDS, Na, Cl, Br, Ba, B, Sr, Li, δ¹⁸O, HCO₃, K, Mg, Ca, NO₃, PO₄, SO₄ in 173 samples using ion-chromatograph, ICP (AES), ICP (OES), ICP (MS) and 37 dugwells were studied to understand the occurrence and origin of salinization process for the first time. The order of abundance of ions is identified as HCO₃ > Na > Cl > Ca > Mg > K > NO₃ > PO₄ > Sr > Br > B>Ba > Li > SO₄. Five hydrochemical facies (Na–Cl, Ca–Mg–HCO₃, Na–HCO₃, Ca–Mg–HCO₃–Cl and Ca–Mg–Cl) represent the types of waters. The saline-dominated water types (Na–Cl and Na–HCO₃) represent piedmont and the rest of the facies represent alluvial plain and flood plain groundwaters. Durov’s diagram reveales initial and intermediate stages of groundwater evolution. Isotope δ¹⁸O, Gibbs diagram and ions scatter plots suggest evaporation and crystallization processes leading to halite encrustation in the Disang shales. Negative Eh, low NO₃ and the absence of SO₄ indicates reduced condition coupled with rich dissolve organic matters leading to elevation of salts in soils around piedmont where the rock type is exclusively of the Disang shales. Trilinear plot, correlation matrix and water table flow analysis suggest salinization of groundwater originates in piedmont groundwater and disseminates towards alluvial plain and flood plain along the flow path.     

Hydrochemistry and isotopic studies to identify Ganges River and riverbank groundwater interaction, southern Bangladesh

The Ganges River water and riverbank shallow groundwater were studied during a single wet season using the hydrochemical and isotopic composition of its dissolved load. The dissolved concentrations of major ions (Cl^?, SO₄ ^2?, NO₃ ^?, HCO₃ ^?, Ca²⁺, Na⁺, Mg²⁺, and K⁺), trace elements (barium (Ba) and strontium (Sr)) and stable isotopes (O and D) were determined on samples collected from the Ganges River and its riverbank shallow aquifers. In the present study, the shallow groundwater differs significantly from the Ganges River water; it shows distinct high concentrations of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, HCO₃ ^?, Ba, and Sr due to water–rock interaction and this in particular suggests that the Ganges River may not contribute significantly to the riverbank shallow aquifers during wet season. Besides, the sum of the total cationic charge (∑⁺, in milliequivalents per liter) in the groundwater shows high values (2.48 to 13.91 meq/L, average 9.12 meq/L), which is much higher than the sum of the cations observed in the Ganges water (1.36 to 3.10 meq/L, average 1.94 meq/L). Finally, the more depleted stable isotopic (δ ¹⁸O and δ ²H) compositions of the Ganges River water are in contrast to those of the riverbank aquifer having enriched stable isotopic values during the wet season and the riverbank groundwater thus has a purely local origin from precipitation.     

Groundwater appraisal of Dhekiajuli,Assam, India: an insight of agricultural suitability and arsenic enrichment

The present work is an effort to develop an appraisal of the hydrogeochemical regime for the aquifers of Dhekiajuli, Sonitpur district, Assam, which is imperative considering: (i) excessive use of groundwater for irrigation; (ii) reported high arsenic (As) contamination; (iii) application of fertilizer is an inevitable process undergoing in this region to achieve higher yield owing to deteriorating water quality; and (iv) study area being the location of many tea estates of Assam, that export tea in many foreign countries. The highest As concentration of 44.39 µg/L was detected in this study (Bachasimalu and Sitalmari region), implying high As-contaminated aquifers being used for drinking and irrigation purposes in the area. The relative abundance pattern of major cations and anions was in the order of Na⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ > K⁺ and HCO₃ ^? > Cl^? > SO₄ ^2?, respectively. Majority of the samples belong to Na⁺–K⁺–Cl^?–HCO₃ ^? and mixed water type. Closer inspection of Piper plot reveals that a higher As value (>40 µg/L) was prevalent in HCO₃ ^? water type. Results of hydrogeochemical plots suggest silicate and carbonate weathering, ion exchange and anthropogenic activities to be the dominant processes governing groundwater contamination, including As which is further supported from PCA loadings. The Singri area to the east of the affected areas and adjacent to the Brahmaputra River has oxic aquifers owing to the absence of mass deposition of younger sediments, while reducing conditions prevails in the Bachasimalu and Sitalmari region. High positive correlation between As and Fe (r = 0.83**) and a negative correlation between ORP and Fe (r = ?0.68**) further add that Fe (hydr)oxides are the direct source of As release in the affected region, the mechanism being reductive hydrolysis of such (hydr)oxides. The study implies that although groundwater is suitable for irrigation use, there is a high probability of As getting into the food chain through tea and other edible plants irrigated with As-contaminated water; thus, the area has a maximum probability of facing health hazards caused by As-contaminated groundwater.     

Characterisation, classification, and evaluation of some groundwater samples in the Mostaganem area of northwestern Algeria

Mostaganem City, located in the northwestern part of Algeria, has grown and has been urbanized rapidly. The city and surrounding areas depend heavily on groundwater as a resource for drinking water, as well as domestic, industrial, and agricultural uses. Understanding the groundwater chemistry provides insight into the interactions of water with the environment and contributes to better resource management. In total, 12 groundwater samples from wells in Mostaganem City have been analyzed for major physical–chemical elements and metals. The results show that the waters have pH values ranging between 7.1 and 8.1, salinity between 226 and 1,073 mg/L, and nitrate concentrations between 15 and 47.7 mg/L. The high concentration of nitrates is explained by the utilization of chemical fertilizers in agriculture. Almost all samples are of type Na–SO₄ and Na–HCO₃, and the trace metal concentrations are within the admissible standard ranges. We conclude that the groundwater in Mostaganem may safely be used for drinking, domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes.     

Dolomite Versus Calcite Weathering in Hydrogeochemically Diverse Watersheds Established on Bedded Carbonates (Sava and So?a Rivers, Slovenia)

The relative contributions of dolomite to calcite weathering related to riverine fluxes are investigated on a highly resolved spatial scale in the diverse watersheds of Slovenia, which previous work has shown have some of the highest carbonate-weathering intensities in the world and suggests that dolomite weathering is favored over limestone weathering in mixed carbonate watersheds. The forested Sava and So?a River watersheds of Slovenia with their headwaters in the Julian Alps drain alpine regions with thin soils (<30 cm) and dinaric karst regions with thicker soils (0 to greater than 70 cm) all developed over bedded Mesozoic carbonates (limestone and dolomite), and siliclastic sediments is the ideal location for examining temperate zone carbonate weathering. This study extends previous work, presenting geochemical data on source springs and documenting downstream geochemical fluctuations within tributaries of the Sava and So?a Rivers. More refined sampling strategies of springs and discrete drainages permit directly linking the stream Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ ratios to the local bedrock lithology and the HCO₃ ^? concentrations to the relative soil depths of the tributary drainages. Due to differences in carbonate source lithologies of springs and tributary streams, calcite and dolomite weathering end members can be identified. The Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ ratio of the main channel of the Sava River indicates that the HCO₃ ^? concentration can be attributed to nearly equal proportions by mass of dolomite relative to calcite mineral weathering (e.g., Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ mole ratio of 0.33). The HCO₃ ^? concentration and pCO₂ values increase as soil thickness and alluvium increase for discrete spring samples, which are near equilibrium with respect to calcite. Typically, this results in approximately 1.5 meq/l increase in HCO₃ ^? from the alpine to the dinaric karst regions. Streams in general do not change in HCO₃ ^?, Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺, or Mg²⁺/HCO₃ ^? concentrations down course, but warming and degassing of CO₂ produce high degrees of supersaturation with respect to calcite. Carbonate-weathering intensity (mmol/km²-s) is highest within the alpine regions where stream discharge values range widely to extreme values during spring snowmelt. Overall, the elemental fluxes of HCO₃ ^?, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ from the tributary watersheds are proportional to the total water flux because carbonates dissolve rapidly to near equilibrium. Importantly, dolomite weathers preferentially over calcite except for pure limestone catchments.     

Spatial assessment of groundwater quality in the Jangseong region,South Korea

A total of 129 groundwater samples were collected in the Jangseong region of South Korea to characterize and evaluate groundwater quality and its suitability for irrigation and domestic uses. Samples were chemically analyzed for major ions, pH, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids following standard methods. The AquaChem 2014.2 model linked with PHREEQC was used for the statistical analysis and characterization of the hydrochemistry of the groundwater. The analysis showed that in all samples Ca–HCO₃ was the leading water type and that the abundance of major cations was in the order Ca > Na > Mg > K, and of anions in the order HCO₃ > Cl > SO₄ > F. According to the correlation analysis, Ca showed strong interdependence with HCO₃, suggesting that these parameters may have originated from common sources. Saturation index calculations indicated that all samples were undersaturated with respect to aragonite, calcite, dolomite, fluorite, gypsum, halite, and siderite, and oversaturated with respect to goethite and hematite. The irrigation suitability analysis revealed that groundwater in the Jangseong area can be used for irrigation without any restrictions based on EC, sodium adsorption ratio, percent sodium, residual sodium carbonate, Kelley ratio, permeability index, and the US Salinity Laboratory diagram analysis. The drinking water suitability analysis made for major parameters by comparison with the WHO guidelines indicates that the groundwater in the area is suitable for drinking except in some samples with high nitrate–N concentrations. The elevated nitrate concentrations in the groundwater are likely an indicator of agricultural pollution.     

Contamination assessment and health risk of heavy metals in dust from Changqing industrial park of Baoji,NW China

The contents of Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in the dust samples collected from Changqing industrial park of Baoji city, NW China, were measured by XRF, while As and Hg in the dust samples were analyzed by AFS. Geo-accumulation index (I _geo), pollution index (PI) and integrated pollution index (IPI) were calculated to evaluate the heavy metal contamination level of dust. The health risk due to exposure to heavy metals in dust was analyzed by the Health Risk Assessment Model of US EPA. The results show that the arithmetic means of As, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn are 23.3, 16.4, 1591.8, 178.2, 0.243, 346.5, 40.2, 1,586.2 and 1,918.8 mg kg^?1, respectively, which are higher than the background values of Shaanxi soil, especially for Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn. The mean values of I _geo reveal the order of Pb > Zn > Cr > Hg > Cu > As > Co > Ni > Mn. The high I _geo of Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn in dust indicates that there is considerable pollution from Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn, while the low I _geo of As, Co, Mn and Ni presents no pollution in dust. The assessment results of PI support the results of I _geo, and IPI indicates heavy metals in dust polluted seriously. The health risk assessment shows that ingestion of dust particles is the route for exposure to heavy metals from dust, followed by dermal adsorption. Exposure to As, Cr and Pb from dust may pose a potential health threat to children and adults. The risk of cancer from As, Co, Cr and Ni due to dust exposure is low.     

Assessment of soil geochemistry around some selected agricultural sites of Sri Lanka

Farming is the major source of income for the villagers of North-central Sri Lanka. However, chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology is a major health hazard in the area and it is assumed that agricultural contaminants are the major causative agents. This study focuses on the geochemistry of soils in the area to determine possible natural and anthropogenic impacts of the problem. X-ray fluorescence analysis was used to determine the abundance of selected major and trace elements. Results show that geo-enrichment for many elements indicates slight to significant variations between agricultural and non-agricultural soils. Geoaccumulation index (I _geo) shows higher pollution levels of Pb and V (2 < I _geo < 3) and very lower pollution levels of As, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn (1 < I _geo < 2) in agricultural soils. However, I _geo for non-agricultural soils implies lack of contaminations (I _geo < 1). Positive correlations of As with Pb and Zn and negative correlations with Cu, Ni and Cr suggest that they may have derived from different sources such as sulfide minerals of basement rocks, fertilizers and agrochemicals. The results of this study suggest that there is no significant threat from As and other trace elements to soils. The accumulation of these elements in agricultural fields may have been effectively controlled by seasonal farming practices. However, there is a potential environmental risk from elements such as Pb and V due to their significant enrichment in soils.