The impact of salt diapirs on the quality of carbonate karst waters,Bastak, Iran

The Gavbast karstic aquifer located in southern Iran is in direct contact with an exposed salt diapir. To assess the influence of the diapir on the quality of groundwater in the karstic aquifer, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, flow rate, temperature and major ion concentrations were measured at 57 sampling sites, including springs, surface waters and wells. A conceptual model of groundwater flow is proposed for the Gavbast karstic aquifer based on the geological setting, water budget, local base of erosion, and hydrochemistry of the sampling sites. The model suggests two subbasins in the Gavbast Anticline draining into two distinct discharging alluvial sections. Unexpectedly, groundwater discharging from the carbonate Gavbast aquifer is saline or brackish and water is of chloride type. The study indicates that the source of salinity of the Gavbast aquifers is infiltration of surface diapir-derived brine into the aquifer. The contribution of the diapir brine in the Gavbast karst aquifer is calculated about 4 L/s, using chloride mass balance. Construction of salt basins to evaporate brine discharging from the diapir springs is proposed to reduce the salinity of karst water. A row of strategically placed wells in the Gavbast karst aquifer would potentially exploit large volumes of fresh groundwater before it is contaminated by the salt. Such low-cost remediation should allow the agricultural exploitation of 40 km² of currently barren land.     

Factors which determine the hydrogeochemical behaviour of karstic springs. A case study from the Betic Cordilleras,Spain

The Cabra-Alcaide karstic massif situated in the south of Spain constitutes an important part of the so-called Natural Park of the Subbetic Sierras. This aquifer system is drained by various springs which supply a population of some 100,000 inhabitants. The feed areas of these springs show very different characteristics with respect to their geological structure, size of the drainage area, thickness of the vadose zone, elevation and degree of karstification. In addition, the carbonate rocks lie over a clayey substratum which contains large masses of intercalated evaporites. Due to these conditions, the hydrochemical composition of the springs is relatively variable. In this study a hydrogeochemical characterization of the aquifer in both space and time is undertaken and the factors that determine it are discussed. To achieve this, 19 monthly samples were taken from the 6 most significant springs of the hydrogeological system. The commencement of sampling coincided with the transition from a period of several years of severe drought and a very wet two-year period, which amplified considerably the hydrochemical and hydrodynamic response of the springs to the recharge. Identification of hydrogeochemical processes was performed by studying hydrographs, the temporal evolution of physico-chemical parameters, ionic ratios (mainly Mg/Ca) and by means of simple and multivariate statistical analyses. The saturation status was established using the WATEQF program and the mass transfer was quantified using PHREEQC. With the exception of the epikarstic subsystem (i.e. the Zarza spring), the majority of the results indicate that the aquifer exhibits a diffuse flow model, in which piston flow phenomena are seen, closely linked to the most intense precipitation. Along the direction of flow hydrochemical trends are seen as the water type changes from Ca–HCO₃ to Ca–Mg–HCO₃; at the same time enrichment in some ions, derived from the dissolution of evaporitic minerals of the impermeable substratum, and dedolomitization processes occur. In this way, almost 90% of the water samples were oversaturated in calcite, the majority of cases being a consequence of the dissolution of the gypsum of the substratum. Only in the epikarstic springs can it be considered that the oversaturation in calcite is due to loss of CO₂ from the emerging groundwater. It is concluded that hydrodynamic aspects together with hydrogeochemical characteristics need to be taken into account to correctly explain the hydrochemical evolution of the karstic springs. Moreover, the use of both approaches permits a more accurate establishment of the degree of aquifer karstification, which in turn needs to be known in order to assess its vulnerability to contamination and to protect recharge zones.     

Origin of groundwater salinity in the Fasa Plain,southern Iran,hydrogeochemical and isotopic approaches

The study area, the Fasa Plain, is situated in the semiarid region of Fars Province in the south of Iran. The Salloo diapir is a salt dome that crops out in the northwest of the study area. Isotopic and hydrochemical analyses were used to examine the water and how the origin of salinity and the diapir affect the quality of the groundwater quality in the study area. Groundwater was sampled from 31 representative pumping wells in alluvial aquifer and five springs in order to measure their stable isotope compositions, bromide ion concentration, and physical and chemical parameters. The alluvial aquifer was organized into two main groups based on the chemistry, with Group 1 consisting of low-salinity well samples (544–1744 µS/cm) with water type Ca–Mg–HCO₃–SO₄ which were taken in the center and north of the area, and Group 2 consisting of high-salinity samples (2550–4620 µS/cm) with water type Ca–Mg–Cl–SO₄ which were taken from the wells in the south and southwest of the area. A saline spring near the salt dome with an EC of 10,280 µS/cm has water type Na–Cl, while the compositions of the water in the other karstic springs is comparable to the fresh groundwater samples. All groundwater samples are undersaturated with respect to gypsum, anhydrite, and halite and are supersaturated with respect to calcite and dolomite. Stable isotopes (δ¹⁸O and δ²H) differentiated four water types: saline springs, freshwater spring, fresh groundwater, and saline groundwater. The results indicate that meteoric water is the main origin of these water resources. Halite dissolution from the salt dome was identified as the origin of salinity. The Na/Cl and Cl/Br ratios confirmed the results. Groundwater compositions in the southwestern part of the area are affected by the intrusion of saltwater from the salt dome. The average saltwater fraction in the some water wells is about 0.2%. In the south and southwestern part of the area, the saltwater fraction is positive in mixed freshwater/saltwater (Group 2). Different processes interact together to change the hydrochemical properties of Fasa’s alluvial aquifer. The main processes that occur in the aquifer are mixing, gypsum dissolution, and calcite precipitation.     

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

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

Hydrological characteristics of karstic groundwater in the northeast Viet Nam as studied by isotopic techniques

The stable water isotopic composition (δ²H and δ¹⁸Ο), tritium (³H) activity, dissolved organic carbon, alkalinity, as well as the composition of carbon 13 (δ¹³C) in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) of 36 water samples taken from 16 resurgences in the northeast provinces of Viet Nam in the dry (Mar 2008) and rainy (June 2008) seasons were analyzed to elucidate hydrological characteristics of the karstic aquifers in the area. The stable water isotopic composition of the water samples collected clearly demonstrated that the karstic groundwater in the region was recharged from the local meteorological water. The tritium activity in the samples was found to be in between 3 and 4 TU, falling in the range of the ³H activity in the local precipitation and thus meaning that the traveling of recharge water to the resurgences was very short. Concentrated and diffuse allogenic recharges seem to be important sources of karstic groundwater in the study region. Water in the karstic aquifers could be classified into three types as: (a) water from karstic areas with dense vegetation cover that causes DIC be depleted in carbon 13 (¹³δ<?12‰ vs. Pee Dee Belemnite standard of Vienna, VPDB); (b) water from karstic areas with poor vegetation cover that originates DIC with carbon 13 composition ranging from ?11 to ?12‰; and (c) surface water from lakes, springs and rivers that has DIC with enriched carbon 13 (δ¹³C >?10‰). This implies that there are several sources of carbon dioxide contributing to the DIC in water of the karstic aquifers in the study region. Among other potential sources, the atmospheric CO₂, CO₂ from carbonate rock dissolution, biomineralization of soil organic matters and plant roots respiration seem to be important sources of the DIC in the waters of this region. The results show high vulnerability towards anthropogenic contaminants of karstic groundwater in the study region.     

The Investigation of Mass Transfer in the Karasu Karstic Aquifer, Konya, Turkey

In this study, the changes in the chemical composition of the groundwater along a flow path were examined by using the water samples collected from unconfined, semi-confined and confined parts of the Karasu karstic aquifer. It was determined that transport of bicarbonate, calcium, and magnesium was dominant in unconfined and semi-confined parts of the aquifer, whereas calcite and dolomite precipitate in the confined parts. On the other hand, gypsum dissolution is present in all parts of the aquifer. In addition, the computed saturation indices explain the occurrences and precipitation of travertines in the Goksu Valley, which is the discharge area for the aquifer. Electronic Publication     

Geologic controls of submarine groundwater discharge: application of remote sensing to north Lebanon

Typical of Mediterranean countries, the Lebanese shoreline is well known for its littoral and offshore groundwater discharges, the so-called submarine springs. The tectonic framework of the terrain explains its interruption by dense geologic structures, i.e., fracturing, faulting, karstic routes, as well as acute dips of rock strata seaward. All of these structures serve as hydrologic agents transporting groundwater to the sea. The study aims to locate these groundwater discharges, and to interpret their geologic controls on land. For this purpose, two major lines of approach were followed. The first is an airborne thermal infrared (TIR) survey using radiometers to identify thermal anomalies, thereby determining the exact location of submarine groundwater discharges (SGDs). The second line of approach is the analysis of satellite images (Landsat 7ETM⁺) to delineate the geologic features that govern the mechanism of water flow, thereby determining their sources on land. Twenty-seven major SGDs were identified, 10 of these being offshore springs, the others littoral springs. The springs show a large variety of discharge configurations and extents, mainly parallel or perpendicular to the shoreline or rounded. Three major structural controls were identified to contribute to the transport of groundwater to the sea. These are karstic galleries, faults, and tilted rock strata, their contributions being 48, 37, and 15%, respectively. The SGDs associated with linear passageways, i.e., karstic galleries and faults, are connected with land aquifer formations several kilometers away from the shoreline. Moreover, the presence of impervious rock formations at many localities along the coastline results in a confined hydrologic system, promoting the flow of SGDs into the sea.     

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.     

玉符河对济南岩溶水化学过程的影响研究

玉符河是济南岩溶地下水重要补给源,对济南保泉和供水具有重要意义。本文以2015年玉符河入渗补给试验为例,利用水化学和同位素方法分析了河水入渗对岩溶水矿物组分溶解及离子成分的影响、河水入渗后的渗流路径、影响范围等问题。结果表明,玉符河至城区泉群,水化学类型由SO₄-Ca-Mg型逐渐过渡到HCO₃-Ca型;河水的入渗导致岩溶地下水中方解石和白云石饱和指数减小,石膏的饱和指数几乎不变;水化学和同位素数据表明催马-蛮子庄一带岩溶水中河水比例为48%。在空间分布上,河岸东侧3km范围内河水入渗补给量占比可达50%。在河道东侧8km处,河水入渗补给量占比为5%。在靠近城区泉群一带,河水入渗补给量占比更低, < 5%。本次观测结果表明,河道补水尚未对城区泉群有明显影响。本研究为济南岩溶水资源评价和保泉方案的制定提供依据。     

Hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical characterization of a karstic mountain region

Karstic limestone formations in the Mediterranean basin are potential water resources that can meet a significant portion of groundwater demand. Therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly study the hydrogeology and hydrogeochemistry of karstic mountain regions. This paper presents a detailed hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical characterization of the Nif Mountain karstic aquifer system in western Turkey, an important recharge source for the densely populated surrounding area. Based on the geological and hydrogeological studies, four major aquifers were identified in the study area including the allochthonous limestone in Bornova flysch, conglomerate-sandstone and clayey-limestone in Neogene series, and the Quaternary alluvium. Physicochemical characteristics of groundwater were measured in situ, and samples were collected at 59 locations comprised of springs and wells. Samples were analyzed for major ions, isotopic composition, arsenic, boron and heavy metals among other trace elements. It was found that the hydrogeological structure is complex with many springs having a wide range of discharge rates. High-discharge springs originate from allochthonous limestone units, whereas low-discharge springs are formed at the contacts with claystone and limestone units. Using stable isotope analysis data, a δ¹⁸O-deuterium relationship was obtained that lies between the Mediterranean meteoric and mean global lines. Tritium analyses showed that low-discharge springs originating from contact zones had longer circulation times compared to the high-discharge karstic springs. Furthermore, hydrogeochemical data revealed that groundwater quality significantly deteriorated as water moved from the mountain to the plains. Heavy metal, arsenic and boron concentrations were generally within drinking-water quality standards with a few exceptions occurring in residential and industrial areas located at the foothills of the mountain. Elevated arsenic concentrations were related to local geologic formations, which are likely to contain oxidized sulfite minerals in claystones. It is concluded that Nif Mountain overall has a significant potential to provide high-quality water with a safe yield of at least 50 million m³/year, which corresponds to about 28% of the mean annual inflow to the Tahtali reservoir, a major water resource for the city of Izmir. An erratum to this article can be found at     

Karstification in Miocene gypsum: an example from Sivas, Turkey

In this study, karstification developed in the Miocene gypsum which covers a large area around Sivas, Turkey, the relation between regional tectonics and karstification, and hydrogeological features have been investigated. The karstic features in the gypsum have developed conforming to the fault zones and the general strikes of gypsum beds. In the study area, numerous dolines (sinkholes) and ponors (swallow holes) of different sizes are observed. Most of these karstic features are in the different-sized longitudinal depressions (troughs) which conform to the tectonic structures. These karstic features occur NE-SW along bedding planes and about NW-SE and NE-SW along fault zones. At the intersections, high-capacity (yield) karst springs (Göydün and Seyfe springs) are observed. The Göydün and Seyfe springs issue from the karstified gypsum aquifer, with an average discharge of 1.10 m³/s and 0.25 m³/s, respectively. In addition, there are some low-yield (a few l/s) springs in the same drainage area. The surface drainage area of the springs is 64 km², and the precipitation in this area cannot provide the total groundwater discharging from Göydün and Seyfe springs. Water budget calculations indicate that more than 70% of the water discharged by these two springs is provided from the adjacent basins. The Göydün and Seyfe springs are rich in dissolved solids and average electrical conductivities (EC) are about 13?000 μS/cm. The major cations in the waters are Ca and Na; major anions are SO₄ and Cl, and the waters are brackish. Because of these properties, especially in summer and autumn, the springs cause extreme salinization in K?z?l?rmak river.     

3D modeling and monitoring of karst system as a base for its evaluation and utilization: a case study from eastern Serbia

Beljanica Mountain in eastern Serbia is a part of the Carpathian Balkan arch (northern Alpine branch). It covers an area of about 300 km² and consists mostly of Jurassic and Cretaceous limestones. Numerous surface karst features, long caves and several large karstic springs located in Beljanica’s piedmont along the contact of karstic and non-karstic rocks are all indicators of an intense karstification. Currently, the large karstic water reserves of Beljanica Mountain are not properly utilized because of their distance from main consumers, the objection by national water managers that the springs lack a stable and sufficient discharge particularly during recession periods. Due to its unpolluted and high quality water, the area is a great prospect for future water supply, and provides an opportunity for artificial regulation and for the design and implementation of specific tapping structures. This paper includes an analysis of the created 3D ArcGIS model of karst interior and its correlation with historical and newly collected data of spring discharges and groundwater physico-chemical characteristics. The results of karst aquifer monitoring (both quantitative and qualitative) are linked with the results of extensive field geological and speleological survey of the upper non-saturated part of the karst (such as sinkholes, pits and caves) and with the investigation of the permanently saturated deeper part of the aquifer (including the diving methods). The model of karst interior is based on the data from the 69 caves, 15 sinks and 1,682 dolines (sinkholes) surveyed. The total length of the karst channels network, calculated using the GIS model and presented in a 3D environment, is 647 km. The catchment areas of five major springs that drain the areas are estimated to range from only 7 km² (Malo Vrelo Spring) to 124 km² (Vrelo Mlave Spring). The groundwater exploitable reserves of Beljanica karst aquifer are estimated to be over 4 m³/s. The waters are low mineralized, unpolluted and have a great potential for water supply.     

Hydrogeology of karst aquifer systems in SW Turkey and an assessment of water quality and contamination problems

The aim of this research is to determine the relationship between groundwater flow and water quality of different ground and surface water basins in the southwest Turkey. In addition, groundwater vulnerability is assessed taking into consideration groundwater flow and quality. The autochthonous Beydaglari limestone is the major karstic aquifer in the region. According to the groundwater level map of alluvium aquifers in the basins, groundwater discharge toward the carbonate aquifer is direct and indirect. The hydrogeological connection between ground and surface water basins occurs via the karstic aquifer located at the bottom of the alluvium bottom. In Egirdir lake, water also discharges in the karstic aquifer via karstic sinkholes at the western border of the lake. In the research area, general groundwater discharge is toward the Mediterranean Sea by means of autochthonous carbonate system, according to hydrogeological investigations, research of lineament and hydraulic conductivities. This result is supported by the locations of lineaments and shore springs discharging from the limestone. In addition, spreading of contaminants via karstic aquifer to great distance has been clearly identified.     

Water balance and water quality in the Çürüksu basin, western Turkey

The purpose of this study is to determine the hydrological properties, groundwater potential, and water quality of the Çürüksu basin, western Turkey, and to contribute to the efforts of providing an adequate water supply for the city of Denizli. To achieve these objectives, the study consisted of mapping the geology and hydrogeology, determining the water balance, and defining the water quality. The basement rock units in the study area include several impervious metamorphic rock types and Mesozoic karstic limestone, which are overlain by Oligocene fluvial and lacustrine strata, Pliocene travertine and limestone, and Quaternary alluvium. The karstic limestone and the travertine and limestone strata constitute potential aquifers in the Çürüksu basin. The discharge regimes of the 22 springs in the two basins show little change through the year. The flow systems of the springs also have a large storage capacity and drainage occurs very slowly. The discharge of the springs does not appear to be affected immediately by monthly variations in precipitation. According to the water balance, the precipitation in the Çürüksu basin cannot provide all of the measured surface runoff. Excess runoff is 2?m3?s–1 in the Çürüksu basin, and in the adjacent Gökp?nar basin the deficit in surface runoff is also 2?m3?s–1. Thus, the underground catchment area of the springs extends beyond the surface drainage area of the Çürüksu basin. Although the P?narba??, Kazanp?nar, and Böceli springs emerge from the karstic limestone aquifer in the Çürüksu basin, these springs are fed from the adjacent Gökp?nar basin. The spring waters emerging from karstic limestone are fresh, of the calcium bicarbonate type, soft, and potable. The spring waters emerging from the travertine and limestone aquifer are low-temperature, brackish, of the calcium sulfate type, very hard, and not potable but useful for the irrigation. The occurrences of coal strata and hydrothermal activity have caused some deterioration of groundwater quality.     

Hydrochemistry of groundwater (GW) and surface water (SW) for assessment of fluoride in Chinnaeru river basin,Nalgonda district, (AP) India

Hydrochemical studies were conducted in Chinnaeru river basin of Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh, India, to explore the causes of high fluorides in groundwater and surface water causing a widespread incidence of fluorosis in local population. The concentration of fluoride in groundwater ranges from 0.4 to 2.9 and 0.6 to 3.6 mg/l, stream water ranges from 0.9 to 3.5 and 1.4 to 3.2 mg/l, tank water ranges from 0.4 to 2.8 and 0.9 to 2.3 mg/l, for pre- and post-monsoon periods, respectively. The modified Piper diagram reflects that the water belongs to Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–HCO₃ ^? to Na⁺–HCO₃ ^? facies. Negative chloroalkali indices in both the seasons prove that ion exchange between Na⁺ and K⁺ in aquatic solution took place with Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ of host rock. The interpretation of plots for different major ions and molar ratios suggest that weathering of silicate rocks and water–rock interaction is responsible for major ion chemistry of groundwater/surface water. High fluoride content in groundwater was attributed to continuous water–rock interaction during the process of percolation with fluorite bearing country rocks under arid, low precipitation, and high evaporation conditions. The low calcium content in rocks and soils, and the presence of high levels of sodium bicarbonate are important factors favouring high levels of fluoride in waters. The basement rocks provide abundant mineral sources of fluoride in the form of amphibole, biotite, fluorite, mica and apatite.     

Review: The distribution,flow, and quality of Grand Canyon Springs,Arizona (USA)

An understanding of the hydrogeology of Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA) in northern Arizona, USA, is critical for future resource protection. The ~750 springs in GRCA provide both perennial and seasonal flow to numerous desert streams, drinking water to wildlife and visitors in an otherwise arid environment, and habitat for rare, endemic and threatened species. Spring behavior and flow patterns represent local and regional patterns in aquifer recharge, reflect the geologic structure and stratigraphy, and are indicators of the overall biotic health of the canyon. These springs, however, are subject to pressures from water supply development, changes in recharge from forest fires and other land management activities, and potential contamination. Roaring Springs is the sole water supply for residents and visitors (>6 million/year), and all springs support valuable riparian habitats with very high species diversity. Most springs flow from the karstic Redwall-Muav aquifer and show seasonal patterns in flow and water chemistry indicative of variable aquifer porosities, including conduit flow. They have Ca/Mg-HCO₃ dominated chemistry and trace elements consistent with nearby deep wells drilled into the Redwall-Muav aquifer. Tracer techniques and water-age dating indicate a wide range of residence times for many springs, supporting the concept of multiple porosities. A perched aquifer produces small springs which issue from the contacts between sandstone and shale units, with variable groundwater residence times. Stable isotope data suggest both an elevational and seasonal difference in recharge between North and South Rim springs. This review highlights the complex nature of the groundwater system.     

Geochemistry and quality assessment of groundwater using graphical and multivariate statistical methods. A case study: Grombalia phreatic aquifer (Northeastern Tunisia)

The Grombalia coastal aquifer, situated in Northeastern Tunisia, is a water source for public, agricultural, and industrial supplies in the region. The overexploitation of this aquifer, since 1959, and the agriculture activities led to the degradation, by places, of the water quality. The present study implemented graphical, modeling, and multivariate statistical tools to investigate natural and anthropogenic processes controlling Grombalia groundwater mineralization and water quality for promoting sustainable development. To attempt this goal, groundwater was collected from 33 observation wells in January 2004, and samples were analyzed for 10 physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, salinity, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl^?, HCO^3?, and SO ₄ ^2? ). Hydrochemical facies using Piper diagram indicates a predominance of a mixed facies, of the Na-Cl-HCO₃ type, or Na-Ca-Cl-SO₄ type, and, with less expansion, Na Cl type. The main factors controlling Grombalia groundwater mineralization seem to be mineral dissolution of highly soluble salts especially, the halite dissolution existing in the surface salty deposits and, with less importance, the ion exchange and reverse ion exchange process with clay minerals existing in the aquifer. The comparison of the major ions of the Grombalia groundwater, with the World Health Organization norms of potability (WHO 2004), reveals that these waters cannot be used for human consumption without any treatment. Most waters of the Grombalia aquifer, with a relatively high salinity, are not suitable for irrigation, in ordinary conditions. Nevertheless, they can be used for permeable soils, with an adequate drainage and applying an excess of leaching water.     

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

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

Stable isotope (2H, 18O and 87Sr/86Sr) and hydrochemistry monitoring for groundwater hydrodynamics analysis in a karst aquifer (Gran Sasso,Central Italy)

This paper deals with chemical and isotope analyses of 21 springs, which were monitored 3 times in the course of 2001; the monitoring program was focused on the groundwater of the Gran Sasso carbonate karst aquifer (Central Italy), typical of the mountainous Mediterranean area.Based on the hydrogeological setting of the study area, 6 groups of springs with different groundwater circulation patterns were distinguished. The hydrogeochemistry of their main components provided additional information about groundwater flowpaths, confirming the proposed classification. The spatial distribution of their ion concentrations validated the assumptions underlying the hydrogeological conceptual model, showing diverging groundwater flowpaths from the core to the boundaries of the aquifer. Geochemical modelling and saturation index computation elucidated water–carbonate rock interaction, contribution by alluvial aquifers at the karst aquifer boundaries, as well as impacts of human activities.The analysis of ¹⁸O/¹⁶O and ²H/H values and their spatial distribution in the aquifer substantiated the hydrogeology-based classification of 6 groups of springs, making it possible to trace back groundwater recharge areas based on mean isotope elevations; the latter were calculated by using two rain monitoring stations. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr analyses showed seasonal changes in many springs: in winter–spring, the changes are due to inflow of new recharge water, infiltrating into younger rocks and thus increasing ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values; in summer–autumn, when there is no recharge and spring discharge declines, changes are due to base flow groundwater circulating in more ancient rocks, with a subsequent drop in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values.The results of this study stress the contribution that spatio-temporal isotope monitoring can give to the definition of groundwater flowpaths and hydrodynamics in fissured and karst aquifers, taking into account their hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical setting.     

Mixing of shallow and deep groundwater as indicated by the chemistry and age of karstic springs

Large karstic springs in east-central Florida, USA were studied using multi-tracer and geochemical modeling techniques to better understand groundwater flow paths and mixing of shallow and deep groundwater. Spring water types included Ca–HCO₃ (six), Na–Cl (four), and mixed (one). The evolution of water chemistry for Ca–HCO₃ spring waters was modeled by reactions of rainwater with soil organic matter, calcite, and dolomite under oxic conditions. The Na–Cl and mixed-type springs were modeled by reactions of either rainwater or Upper Floridan aquifer water with soil organic matter, calcite, and dolomite under oxic conditions and mixed with varying proportions of saline Lower Floridan aquifer water, which represented 4–53% of the total spring discharge. Multiple-tracer data—chlorofluorocarbon CFC-113, tritium (³H), helium-3 (³He_trit), sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)—for four Ca–HCO₃ spring waters were consistent with binary mixing curves representing water recharged during 1980 or 1990 mixing with an older (recharged before 1940) tracer-free component. Young-water mixing fractions ranged from 0.3 to 0.7. Tracer concentration data for two Na–Cl spring waters appear to be consistent with binary mixtures of 1990 water with older water recharged in 1965 or 1975. Nitrate-N concentrations are inversely related to apparent ages of spring waters, which indicated that elevated nitrate-N concentrations were likely contributed from recent recharge.The online version of the original article can be found at