Seasonal and spatial variations in water chemistry and nitrate sources in six major Korean rivers

Seasonal and spatial variations in water chemistry and contaminant sources were investigated in six major rivers in South Korea that vary widely in drainage area and length. The dissolved-load content of the rivers varied seasonally, and some dissolved ions such as Cl^? and NO₃ ^? showed large spatial differences in all of the rivers. The water type changed from Ca–HCO₃ in the upper reaches to Na–Cl–NO₃ in the lower reaches, indicating anthropogenic contamination in the lower reaches. Compared with two relatively pristine rivers (the Sumjin and Mankyung rivers), the other four rivers, which flow through agricultural and urban areas, registered much higher Cl^? and NO₃ ^? concentrations. Statistical analysis showed that seasonal and spatial variations in water chemistry occurred in all the rivers. The nitrogen and oxygen isotopes of dissolved nitrate indicated that the rivers flowing through urban and agricultural areas were significantly affected by manure, sewage, or both.     

Geochemical characteristics and controlling factors of chemical composition of groundwater in a part of Guntur district,Andhra Pradesh,India

A survey on quality of groundwater was carried out for assessing the geochemical characteristics and controlling factors of chemical composition of groundwater in a part of Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India, where the area is underlain by Peninsular Gneissic Complex. The results of the groundwater chemistry show a variation in pH, EC, TDS, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, HCO₃ ^?, Cl^?, SO₄ ^2?, NO₃ ^? and F^?. The chemical composition of groundwater is mainly characterized by Na⁺?HCO₃ ^? facies. Hydrogeochemical type transits from Na⁺–Cl^?–HCO₃ ^? to Na⁺–HCO₃ ^?–Cl^? along the flow path. Graphical and binary diagrams, correlation coefficients and saturation indices clearly explain that the chemical composition of groundwater is mainly controlled by geogenic processes (rock weathering, mineral dissolution, ion exchange and evaporation) and anthropogenic sources (irrigation return flow, wastewater, agrochemicals and constructional activities). The principal component (PC) analysis transforms the chemical variables into four PCs, which account for 87% of the total variance of the groundwater chemistry. The PC I has high positive loadings of pH, HCO₃ ^?, NO₃ ^?, K⁺, Mg²⁺ and F^?, attributing to mineral weathering and dissolution, and agrochemicals (nitrogen, phosphate and potash fertilizers). The PC II loadings are highly positive for Na⁺, TDS, Cl^? and F^?, representing the rock weathering, mineral dissolution, ion exchange, evaporation, irrigation return flow and phosphate fertilizers. The PC III shows high loading of Ca²⁺, which is caused by mineral weathering and dissolution, and constructional activities. The PC IV has high positive loading of Mg²⁺ and SO₄ ^2?, measuring the mineral weathering and dissolution, and soil amendments. The spatial distribution of PC scores explains that the geogenic processes are the primary contributors and man-made activities are the secondary factors responsible for modifications of groundwater chemistry. Further, geochemical modeling of groundwater also clearly confirms the water–rock interactions with respect to the phases of calcite, dolomite, fluorite, halite, gypsum, K-feldspar, albite and CO₂, which are the prime factors controlling the chemistry of groundwater, while the rate of reaction and intensity are influenced by climate and anthropogenic activities. The study helps as baseline information to assess the sources of factors controlling the chemical composition of groundwater and also in enhancing the groundwater quality management.     

Hydrogeochemical processes and quality assessment of groundwater in Dumka and Jamtara districts, Jharkhand, India

The hydrogeochemical study of groundwater in Dumka and Jamtara districts has been carried out to assess the major ion chemistry, hydrogeochemical processes and groundwater quality for domestic and irrigation uses. Thirty groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, anions (F^?, Cl^?, NO₃ ^?, HCO₃ ^?, SO₄ ^2?) and cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺). The analytical results show the faintly alkaline nature of water and dominance of Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ in cationic and HCO₃ ^? and Cl^? in anionic abundance. The concentrations of alkaline earth metals (Ca²⁺?+?Mg²⁺) exceed the alkali metals (Na⁺?+?K⁺) and HCO₃ ^? dominates over SO₄ ^2??+?Cl^? concentrations in the majority of the groundwater samples. Ca?CMg?CHCO₃ is the dominant hydrogeochemical facies in 60?% of the groundwater samples, while 33?% samples occur as a mixed chemical character of Ca?CMg?CCl hydrogeochemical facies. The water chemistry is largely controlled by rock weathering and ion exchange processes with secondary contribution from anthropogenic sources. The inter-elemental correlations and factor and cluster analysis of hydro-geochemical database suggest combined influence of carbonate and silicate weathering on solute acquisition processes. For quality assessment, analyzed parameter values were compared with Indian and WHO water quality standards. In majority of the samples, the analyzed parameters are well within the desirable limits and water is potable for drinking purposes. Total hardness and concentrations of TDS, Cl^?, NO₃ ^? _, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ exceed the desirable limits at a few sites, however, except NO₃ ^? all these values were below the highest permissible limits. The calculated parameters such as sodium adsorption ratio, percent sodium (%Na) and residual sodium carbonate revealed excellent to good quality of groundwater for agricultural purposes, except at few sites where salinity and magnesium hazard (MH) values exceeds the prescribed limits and demands special management.     

Evaluation of hydrogeochemical characteristics of phreatic alluvial aquifers in southeastern coastal belt of Prakasam district, South India

The assessment of hydrogeochemical processes that govern the water quality of inland freshwater aquifers in coastal environment, especially in Indian sub-continent, is occasionally attempted. To bridge the gap, a detail hydrochemical evaluation of groundwater occurring in coastal alluvium is attempted. Single set of high-density water sampling is done from a limited area to gain an in-depth knowledge of the processes that govern the water chemistry of the sandy aquifers. The water is of weak alkaline nature and less mineralized, EC being < 1,000 μS/cm in many samples. Major ion composition indicates that water is contaminated with excess concentration of nitrates. Ionic abundance is in the order of Cl^? > Na⁺  > Ca²⁺ > HCO₃ ^? > SO₄ ^2? > Mg²⁺  > NO₃ ^?. Na⁺ and Cl^? are almost in similar proportions implying the influence of coastal climate on water quality. The water shows modest variation in their ionic assemblage among different sample points as evident from Schoeller scheme. Groundwater can be classified into three distinct facies viz. Cl^?–Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺, Na⁺–Cl^? and Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–HCO₃ ^? types. The ionic assemblages, their indices, ratios and cross-plots substantiate that multiple processes were involved in the evolution of the water chemistry. Among them, silicate weathering, halite dissolution, ion exchange and base exchange played prominent role in the ion enrichment of groundwater. The aquatic chemistry is further influenced and modified by marine environment, evapotranspiration and anthropogenic inputs which is authenticated by good correlation (r ² = 1) among the Na⁺–Cl^?, EC–Mg²⁺, Na⁺ and Cl^?. Gibbs plots established that evaporation is more responsible for contribution of minerals to the groundwater than aquifer material. Nitrate contamination can be attributed for poor sewerage disposal mechanism which is aggravated by fertilizer inputs, irrigation practices and agriculture activity. A contrasting correlation (r ² ≥90 to <0.40) among select pairs of ions reassures dissimilar source of those ions, involvement of multiple processes and limited interaction of formation water with aquifer material.     

Evaluation of hydrogeochemical processes and groundwater quality in the Jhansi district of Bundelkhand region, India

A base line study involving analysis of groundwater samples from the Jhansi district were carried out to determine the major and trace element chemistry and to assess the hydrogeochemical processes and water quality for domestic and irrigation uses. Study results show that groundwater is mildly acidic to alkaline in nature and HCO₃ ^?, Cl^?, Ca²⁺, Na⁺ and Mg²⁺ are the major contributing ions for the dissolved loads. The data plotted on the Gibbs and Piper diagrams reveal that the groundwater chemistry is mainly controlled by rock weathering with secondary contribution from anthropogenic sources. In a majority of the groundwater samples, alkaline earth metals exceed alkalies and weak acid dominate over strong acids. Ca–Mg–HCO₃ is the dominant hydrogeochemical facies in the majority of the groundwater samples. The computed saturation indices demonstrate that groundwater is oversaturated with respect to dolomite and calcite. Kaolinite is the possible mineral that is in equilibrium with the water, implying that the groundwater chemistry favors kaolinite formation. A comparison of groundwater quality parameters in relation to specified limits for drinking water shows that the concentrations of TDS, F^?, NO₃ ^?, total hardness and Fe are exceeding the desirable limits in many water samples. Quality assessment for irrigation uses reveal that the groundwater is of good to suitable category. Higher salinity and residual sodium carbonate values at some sites restrict the suitability of groundwater and need an adequate drainage and water management plan for the area.     

Nitrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions of water-soluble nitrate in Taihu Lake water system, China: implication for nitrate sources and biogeochemical process

The stable isotope nitrogen-15 (¹⁵N) is a robust indicator of nitrogen (N) source, and the joint use of δ¹⁵N and δ¹⁸O–NO₃ ^? values can provide more useful information about nitrate source discrimination and N cycle process. The δ¹⁵N and δ¹⁸O–NO₃ ^? values, as well as major ion tracers, from Taihu Lake in east China were investigated to identify the primary nitrate sources and assess nitrate biogeochemical process in the present study. The results show that the nitrate concentration in West Taihu Lake (WTL) was generally higher than those in East Taihu Lake (ETL) and its upstream inflow rivers. The NO₃ ^?/Cl^? value combined with mapping of δ¹⁵N–NO₃ ^? and NO₃ ^? concentration suggest that the mixing process should play a major effect in WTL, and denitrification was the dominant N transformation process in WTL. A linear relationship of close to ~1: 2 was observed between δ¹⁵N–NO₃ ^? and δ¹⁸O–NO₃ ^? values in WTL, confirming the occurrence of denitrification in WTL. The δ¹⁵N–NO₃ ^? data imply that sewage and manure were the principal nitrate sources in WTL and its feeder rivers, while the nitrate in ETL might derive from soil organic nitrogen and atmospheric deposition. The δ¹⁸O–NO₃ ^? data indicate most of nitrate from microbial nitrification of organic nitrogen matter possibly make a significant contribution to the lake.     

Establishment of background water quality conditions in the Great Zab River catchment: influence of geogenic and anthropogenic controls on developing a baseline for water quality assessment and resource management

The Great Zab River catchment is a major left-bank tributary of the River Tigris and drains a substantial part of the Kurdistan Region, an autonomous region of Northern Iraq. Within Kurdistan, the water resources of the Great Zab River catchment are under pressure from population increase and are utilized for potable, domestic and agricultural and industrial supply. As with many parts of the world, effective management of water resources within Kurdistan is hindered by a lack of water quality data and established background concentrations. This study therefore represents the first regional survey of river water chemistry for the Great Zab River catchment and presents data on the spatial and temporal trends in concentrations of As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr, Zn, NO₃^?, SO₄^2?, F^?, Cl^? and PO₄^3?, in addition to pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen and turbidity. As a tool for underpinning the management and monitoring of water quality, background concentrations were defined for the Great Zab catchment using three methods. The influences of geogenic and anthropogenic controls upon spatial and temporal trends in water chemistry are also evaluated. The influence of geogenic loading from underlying bedrock was identifiable within the observed spatial trends, with the most notable differences found between waters sampled from the relatively more volcanic-rich Zagros zone to the north and those sampled from the lower catchment underlain by younger clay-, sand- and siltstones. The greatest anthropogenic influence, identifiable through elements such as Cl^? and NO₃^?, is present in the more highly populated lower catchment. The background concentrations identified in the Great Zab catchment would be those expected as a result of geogenic loading with some anthropogenic influence and represent a more conservative value when compared to those such as the World Health Organization Maximum Admissible Concentration. However, background concentrations represent a powerful tool for identifying potential anthropogenic impacts on water quality and informing management of such occurrences.     

Statistical analysis of the hydrogeochemical evolution of groundwater in hard rock coastal aquifers of Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu, India

The study of groundwater hydrogeochemistry of a hard rock aquifer system in Thoothukudi district has resulted in a large geochemical data set. A total of 100 water samples representing various lithologies like Hornblende Biotite Gneiss, Alluvium Marine, alluvium Fluvial, Quartzite, Charnockite, Granite and Sandstone were collected for two different seasons and analyzed for major ions like Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, HCO₃ ^?, Cl^?, SO₄ ^2?, NO₃ ^?, PO₄ ^?, F^? and H₄SiO₄. Statistical analysis of the data has been attempted to unravel the hidden relationship between ions. Correlation analyses and factor analyses were applied to classify the groundwater samples and to identify the geochemical processes controlling groundwater geochemistry. Factor analysis indicates that sea water intrusion followed by leaching of secondary salts, weathering and anthropogenic impacts are the dominant factors controlling hydrogeochemistry of groundwater in the study area. Factor score overlay indicate major active hydrogeochemical regimes are spread throughout the Eastern, Northwestern and Southeastern parts of the study area. The dominant ions controlling the groundwater chemistry irrespective of season are Cl^?, Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, SO₄ ^2?, K⁺ and NO₃ ^?. An attempt has also been made to note the seasonal variation of the factor representations in the study area. This study also illustrates the usefulness of statistical analysis to improve the understanding of groundwater systems and estimates of the extent of salinity/salt water intrusion.     

Multivariate water quality assessment from the Tamiraparani river basin,Southern India

The hydrochemistry of a perennial river has been investigated with multivariate cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis/factor analysis (PCA/FA). The aim was to investigate parameters responsible for spatial and temporal variations of river water quality. Water quality was monitored along the river basin at 20 different sites over a period of 1 year from July, 2008 to June, 2009. Multivariate statistics revealed that Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, HCO₃ ^?, Cl^?, H₄SiO₄, SO₄ ^2?, NO₂ ^?, and PO₄ ^3? were influenced by seasonal and spatial variations and that water quality was in the first place determined more by natural weathering processes than by anthropogenic activities. We could prove by (a) Box and Whisker plot, (b) matrix scatter score mean plot, (c) ternary plot, and (d) Gibbs plot that the chemistry of river water is controlled by lithogenic weathering processes. The higher concentration of dissolved silica during summer and the pre-monsoon season is explained by natural and tropical climatic conditions of the environment.     

Surface water chemistry and nitrate pollution in Shimabara,Nagasaki, Japan

Groundwater is a finite resource that is threatened by pollution all over the world. Shimabara City, Nagasaki, Japan, uses groundwater for its main water supply. During recent years, the city has experienced severe nitrate pollution in its groundwater. For better understanding of origin and impact of the pollution, chemical effects and surface–groundwater interactions need to be examined. For this purpose, we developed a methodology that builds on joint geochemical analyses and advanced statistical treatment. Water samples were collected at 42 sampling points in Shimabara including a part of Unzen City. Spatial distribution of water chemistry constituents was assessed by describing Stiff and Piper diagrams using major ions concentrations. The nitrate (NO₃?+?NO₂–N) concentration in 45% of water samples exceeded permissible Japanese drinking level of 10 mg L^??1. Most of the samples showed Ca–HCO₃ or Ca–(NO₃?+?SO₄) water types. Some samples were classified into characteristic water types such as Na–Cl, (Na?+?K)–HCO₃, (Na?+?K)–(SO₄?+?NO₃), and Ca–Cl. Thus, results indicated salt water intrusion from the sea and anthropogenic pollution. At the upstream of Nishi River, although water chemistry was characterized as Ca–HCO₃, ion concentrations were higher than those of other rivers. This is probably an effect of disinfection in livestock farming using slaked lime. Positive correlation between NO₃^? and SO₄^2?, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, and Cl^? (r?=?0.32–0.64) is evidence that nitrate pollution sources are chemical fertilizers and livestock waste. Principal component analysis showed that chemistry of water samples can be explained by three main components (PCs). PC1 depicts general ion concentration. PC2 and PC3 share influence from chemical fertilizer and livestock waste. Cluster analyses grouped water samples into four main clusters. One of these is the general river chemistry mainly affected by PC1. The others reflect anthropogenic activities and are identified by the combination of the three PCs.     

Assessing nitrate origin in a volcanic aquifer using a dual isotope approach

Identifying the origin of nitrate is important for the control and management of groundwater quality in aquifer systems. In the southern Apennines (Italy), the Mount Vulture volcanic aquifer is a large and valuable resource of potable and mineral water supply. Unfortunately, signs of anthropogenic impact, especially nitrogen contamination, have recently become evident. In this study, and for the first time, stable isotope ratios (δ¹⁵N and δ¹⁸O) of NO₃ ^? were determined in groundwater to identify their origins and evaluate the presence of transformation processes. The Mount Vulture groundwaters are meteoric in origin, as demonstrated by measurements of δD and δ¹⁸O, and can be divided into two distinct areas based on their NO₃ ^? content. In the southeastern area, characterized by active agricultural land use, the high NO₃ ^? content and the δ¹⁵N–NO₃ isotopic values are due to anthropogenic contamination (inorganic fertilizer). In groundwaters from the western area, the NO₃ ^? contents below 4 mg/L and the δ¹⁵N–NO₃ values can be associated at organic soil N. Evidence for local denitrification may be assumed in a few groundwater samples of the western area showing relatively heavy δ¹⁵N values and low concentrations of nitrate. Finally, the low measured δ¹⁸O values indicate that nitrification occurred in both investigated areas.     

Hydrogeochemical investigation and groundwater quality assessment of Pratapgarh district,Uttar Pradesh

Hydogrochemical investigation of groundwater resources of Paragraph district has been carried out to assess the solute acquisition processes and water quality for domestic and irrigation uses. Fifty-five groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, hardness, major anions (F^?, Cl^?, NO₃, HCO₃ ^?, SO₄ ^2?) and cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺). Study results reveal that groundwater of the area is alkaline in nature and HCO₃ ^?, Cl^?, Mg²⁺, Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ are the major contributing ions to the dissolved solids. The hydrogeochemical data suggest that weathering of rock forming minerals along with secondary contributions from agricultural and anthropogenic sources are mainly controlling the groundwater composition of Pratapgarh district. Alkaline earth metals (Ca²⁺+Mg²⁺) exceed alkalis (Na⁺+K⁺) and weak acid (HCO₃ ^?) dominate over strong acids (Cl^?+SO₄ ^2?) in majority of the groundwater samples. Ca-Mg-HCO₃ and Ca-Mg-Cl-HCO₃ are the dominant hydrogeochemical facies in the groundwater of the area. The computed saturation indices demonstrate oversaturated condition with respect to dolomite and calcite and undersaturated with gypsum and fluorite. A comparison of groundwater quality parameters in relation to specified limits for drinking water shows that concentrations of TDS, F^?, NO₃ ^? and total hardness exceed the desirable limits in many water samples. Quality assessment for irrigation uses reveal that the groundwater is good for irrigation. However, values of salinity, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), %Na and Kelley index are exceeding the prescribed limit at some sites, demanding adequate drainage and water management plan for the area.     

Groundwater quality on the territory of Kikinda municipality (Vojvodina,Serbia)

This paper provides insight into the quality of groundwater used for public water supply on the territory of Kikinda municipality (Vojvodina, Serbia) and main processes which control it. The following parameters were measured: color, turbidity, pH, KMnO₄ consumption, TDS, EC, NH₄ ⁺, Cl^?, NO₂ ^?, NO₃ ^?, Fe, Mn, total hardness, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, SO₄ ²⁺, HCO₃ ^?, K⁺, Na⁺, As. The correlations and ratios among parameters that define the chemical composition were determined aiming to identify main processes that control the formation of the chemical composition of the analyzed waters. Groundwater from 11 analyzed sources is Na–HCO₃ type. Intense color and elevated organic matter content of these waters originate from humic substances. The importance of organic matter decay is assumed by positive correlation between organic matter content and TDS, HCO₃ content. There is no evidence that groundwater chemistry is determined by the depth of captured aquifer interval. The main processes that control the chemistry of all analyzed water are cation exchange and feldspar weathering.     

Control of nutrient concentrations in the Seekonk-Providence River region of Narragansett Bay,Rhode Island

Six synoptic samplings of nutrient concentrations of the water column and point-source inputs (rivers, sewage treatment plants) were conducted in the Seekonk-Providence River region of Narragansett Bay. Concentrations of nutrients (NH₄ ⁺, NO₂ ^?+NO₃ ^?, PO₄ ^?3, dissolved silicon, particulate N, particulate C) were predicted using a conservative, two-layer box model in order to assess the relative influence of external inputs and internal processes on observed concentrations. Although most nutrients were clearly affected by processes internal to the system, external input and mixing explained most of the variability in and absolute magnitude of observed concentrations, especially for dissolved constituents. In the bay as a whole, two functionally distinct regions can now be identified: the Seekonk-Providence River, where dissolved nutrient concentrations are externally controlled and lower Narragansett Bay where internal processes regulate the behavior of nutrients. A preliminary nitrogen budget suggests that the Seekonk-Providence River exports some 95% of the nitrogen entering the system via point sources and bottom water from upper Narragansett Bay.     

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.     

Major ion chemistry and metal distribution in coal mine pit lake contaminated with industrial effluents: constraints of weathering and anthropogenic inputs

Ion chemistry of mine pit lake water reveals dominance of alkaline earths (Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺) over total cation strength, while SO₄ ^2? and Cl^? constitute the majority of total anion load. Higher value of Ca²⁺?+?Mg²⁺/Na⁺?+?K⁺ (pre-monsoon 5.986, monsoon 8.866, post-monsoon 7.09) and Ca²⁺?+?Mg²⁺/HCO₃ ^??+?SO ₄ ² (pre-monsoon 7.14, monsoon 9.57, post-monsoon 8.29) is explained by weathering of Ca?CMg silicates and dissolution of Ca²⁺-bearing minerals present in parent rocks and overburden materials. Silicate weathering supposed to be the major geological contributor, in contrast to bicarbonate weathering does a little. Distribution coefficient for dissolved metals and sorbed to surface sediments is in the order of Cd?>?Pb?>?Fe?>?Zn?>?Cu?>?Cr?>?Mn. Speciation study of monitored metals in surface sediments shows that Fe and Mn are dominantly fractionated in exchangeable-acid reducible form, whereas rest of the metals (Cr, Pb, Cd, Zn, and Cu) mostly in residual form. Cd, Pb, and Zn show relatively higher recalcitrant factor that indicates their higher retention in lake sediments. Factor loading of monitored physico-chemical parameters resembles contribution/influences from geological weathering, anthropogenic inputs as well as natural temporal factors. Ionic load/strength of lake water accounted for geochemical process and natural factors, while pollutant load (viz BOD, COD and metals, etc.) is associated with anthropogenic inputs through industrial discharge.     

Identification and evaluation of the hydrogeochemical processes of the lower part of Wadi Siham catchment area, Tihama plain, Yemen

One hundred forty-eight groundwater samples were collected from the lower part of Wadi Siham catchment area for hydrogeochemical investigations to understand the hydrogeochemical processes affecting groundwater chemistry and their relation with groundwater quality. Groundwater in the study area is abstracted from different aquifers. The study area is characterized by arid climate and extremely high relative humidity. The results indicate that groundwater in the study area is fresh to brackish in nature. The abundance of the major ions is as follows: Na⁺¹?>?Ca⁺²?>?Mg⁺²?≥?K⁺¹ and Cl^?1?>?HCO ₃ ^?1 ?>?SO ₄ ^?2 ?>?NO ₃ ^?1 . Various graphical and ionic ration plots, statistical analyses, and saturation indices calculations have been carried out using chemical data to deduce a hydrochemical evaluation of the study area. The prevailing hydrogeochemical processes operating in the study area are dissolution, mixing, evaporation, ion exchange, and weathering of silicate minerals in the eastern part (recharge areas). The reverse ion exchange and seawater intrusion control the groundwater chemistry along the Red Sea coast areas and few parts of the study area. Deterioration in groundwater quality from anthropogenic activities has resulted from saltwater intrusion along the coastal areas due to groundwater overpumping and extensive use of fertilizers and infiltration of sewage water. Salinity and nitrate contamination are the two major problems in the area, which is alarming considering the use of this water for drinking.     

Assessment of groundwater quality with special reference to arsenic in Nawalparasi district,Nepal using multivariate statistical techniques

Groundwater is a precious resource for humankind not only in Nepal but also across the globe due to its diverse functions. A total of 48 groundwater samples were collected from three villages of Nawalparasi district, Nepal, during pre-monsoon and monsoon to estimate the overall groundwater quality and to identify the sources of contamination with emphasis on arsenic (As). The average concentrations of all tested groundwater quality parameters (temp., pH, EC, ORP, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^?, F^?,SO₄ ^2?, PO₄ ^3?, HCO₃ ^?, NO₃ ^?, Cu, Ni, Mn, Cd, Pb, Fe, Zn, Cr, and As) were well within permissible limits of WHO for drinking water, except for Ni, Cd, Pb, Cr, and As. Concentration of As ranged from 60 to 3,100 μg L^?1 and 155 to 1,338 μg L^?1 in pre-monsoon and monsoon, respectively. The Piper diagram of the groundwater chemistry showed groundwater of Nawalparasi belongs to Ca–Mg–HCO₃ and Mg–HCO₃ water type with HCO₃ ^? as dominant ions. As content in the study area was negatively correlated with Fe in pre-monsoon, while it was positively correlated in monsoon. Furthermore, As was negatively correlated with oxidation reduction potential suggesting reducing condition of groundwater. Principal component analysis revealed seven major factors that explained 81.996 and 83.763 % of total variance in water quality in pre-monsoon and monsoon, respectively. The variance of water quality was related mainly with the degree of water–rock interaction, mineralization, and anthropogenic inputs.     

Hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater and surface water for domestic and irrigation purposes in Vea catchment,Northern Ghana

The Vea catchment, mainly underlain by crystalline basement rocks, is located in Northern Ghana. Hydrogeochemical studies were carried out in this area with the objective of identifying the geochemical processes influencing water quality and suitability of surface and groundwater for agricultural and domestic uses. Sixty-one groundwater and four surface water samples were collected from boreholes, dams and rivers and analysed for Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, HCO₃ ^?, Cl^?, and SO₄ ^2?, Fe_tot, PO₄ ^3?, Mn_tot, NH₄ ⁺, NO₃ ^?, NO₂ ^?. In addition, pH, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, total hardness, turbidity, colour, salinity and dissolved oxygen were analysed. Chloro-alkaline indices 1 and 2, and characterization of weathering processes suggest that the chemistry of groundwater is dominated by the interaction between water and rocks. Cation exchange and silicate weathering are the dominant processes controlling the chemical composition of the groundwater in the area studied. Mineral saturation indices indicate the presence of at least three groups of groundwater in the Vea catchment with respect to residence time. The meteoric genesis index suggests that 86% of the water samples belong to the shallow meteoric water percolation type. The findings further suggest that the groundwater and surface water in the basin studied are mainly Ca–Mg–HCO₃ water type, regardless of the geology. Compared to the water quality guidelines of WHO, the study results on sodium absorption ratio, sodium percentage, magnesium hazard, permeability index and residual sodium carbonate indicate that groundwater and surface water in the Vea catchment are generally suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes.     

Hydrogeochemical and isotopic study of the Kumho River, Korea: implications for anthropogenic and seasonal effects

The geochemical and isotopic compositions of river water are controlled by different factors. The seasonal and spatial variations in the geochemical composition, δD, δ¹⁸O, and δ¹⁵N–NO₃ of the Kumho River were investigated to reveal the geochemical processes occurring at different seasons. The Kumho River, which runs through different geologic terrains with different land use characteristics, is the largest tributary of the Nakdong River, the longest river in South Korea. The data varied significantly according to the land use and the season. Each monitoring station showed the lowest concentrations of various ions during July, the rainy season, due to the increase of precipitation rate. The ionic concentrations gradually increased downstream by the mineral weathering and anthropogenic activity. At the upper regions of the river, Ca and HCO₃, which are closely associated with mineral weathering, were the most dominant cation and anion, respectively. The relatively high Si concentration of the headwater samples, caused by the weathering of volcanic rocks, also showed the importance of weathering in the upper regions mainly composed of volcanic rocks. The downstream regions of the Kumho River are mainly influenced by sedimentary rocks. At the lower reaches of the river, especially near the industrial complexes in Daegu, the third largest city in Korea, Na, Cl, and SO₄ became the dominant ions, indicating that the anthropogenic pollution became more important in regulating the chemical composition of the river. The increasing (Ca + Mg + Na + K)/HCO₃ ratio downstream also indicates that the anthropogenic effects became more important as the river flows downstream. The isotopic compositions of δD and δ¹⁸O indicate that the river waters were significantly affected by evaporation during May and July, but the evaporation effect was relatively low during October. The isotopic composition of δ¹⁵N–NO₃ increased downstream, also confirming that anthropogenic effects became more significant at the lower reach of the river and near Daegu.