Inferring the chemical parameters for the dissolution of fluoride in groundwater

Geochemical study of groundwater from 58 selected fluoride-rich areas in different parts of India that includes eight states indicates that: 1. These groundwaters are alkaline in pH (7.4-8.8) and their electrical conductivity varies from 530-2,680 µS/cm and fluoride concentration from 1.7-6.1 mg/l. Presence of fluoride-bearing minerals in the host rocks and their interaction with water is considered to be the main cause for fluoride in groundwater. 2. The decomposition, dissociation and dissolution are the main chemical processes for the occurrence of fluoride in groundwater. During rock-water interaction, concentration of fluoride in rock, aqueous ionic species and residence time of interaction, etc. are also important parameters. 3. This study indicates that 85% groundwater samples have EC: 1,000-2,000 µS/cm, pH: 7.5-8.5, and HCO₃/Ca (epm ratio): 0.8-2.3. 4. The Ca and HCO₃ contents of groundwater samples have shown good correlation with fluoride.     

Uranium depositional controls at the Prairie Flats surficial uranium deposit, Summerland, British Columbia

A hydrological and geochemical investigation of the Prairie Flats surficial uranium deposit in Summerland, BC was undertaken to identify the principal controls on uranium deposition. A network of piezometers was installed and used to measure the hydraulic conductivities of the host sediments as well as the general flow direction and aqueous geochemistry of the resident groundwaters. Two hydrostratigraphic units were identified: a peat and clay unit overlying a sand and gravel unit. Measured hydraulic conductivities were on the order of 10^-7 and 10^-5 m/s, respectively, and the vertical hydraulic gradients indicate significant groundwater discharge upward into the peat and clay unit. Prairie Flats groundwaters are neutral to alkaline in pH, enriched in Ca²⁺ and HCO₃^-, and have dissolved uranium concentrations ranging from 10 to nearly 1,000 µg/l. Groundwater flow and geochemistry data were used to estimate the flux of uranium in groundwater at the site. A major fraction of the uranium is taken up by adsorption to organics. There is also evidence for subsequent desorption by the formation of soluble complexes with bicarbonate. Uranium that is not held by adsorption is most likely precipitated as uraninite, UO_2(c). Reducing conditions in the peat and clay unit (Eh<0.1 V) relative to the underlying sand and gravel unit (Eh>0.2 V) may explain the high concentrations of uranium nearer ground surface. The current flux of uranium into the flats is significantly smaller than that calculated from the size and age of the deposit, which may be an indication of changing rates of deposition in response to varying climatic and hydrogeologic conditions over time.     

Water quality assessment and the investigation of the relationship between the River Delice and the aquifer systems in the vicinity of Yerköy (Yozgat,Turkey)

The aim of this study was to investigate the pollution parameters relating to surface and groundwaters and to establish an interaction between these for the area near Yerköy. Three characteristic facies were determined based on the results of hydrochemical analyses: (1) Na⁺-Cl^- facies were greater the deeper the aquifer, (2) Na⁺-SO₄^2- facies were the greater portion of the shallow alluvium aquifer, and (3) Na⁺-HCO₃^- (SO₄^2-) facies represented the western portion of the shallow alluvium aquifer. Based on field and laboratory observations it was found that the water of the River Delice is suitable for irrigation and domestic use whereas the water from the shallow aquifer is extremely saline and considered to have been polluted by local lithological units. Active groundwater circulation and dilution between the alluvium aquifer and the River Delice was observed. Because of the short residence time of the groundwater in this area, the hydrogeochemical concentration and the salinity were found to be low. The other portions of the alluvium aquifer bear higher concentrations of soluble ions.     

Groundwater Evolution and Mineral Alteration Reactions in the Basaltic Rock Sequence of Mt. Wasserkuppe, Germany: A Case Study

Groundwater sampling was accomplished in the basaltic sequence of the Rh?n mountain range, Germany, in order to investigate hydrochemical groundwater evolution and to delineate mineral alteration reactions involved in natural weathering. The hydrochemical compositions of near-surface groundwaters indicate a Ca/Mg–HCO₃ type with near-neutral pH and evolve to a Na–HCO₃ type with high pH at greater depth. Column experiments were performed with basaltic and phonolitic rock samples to determine individual mineral alteration reactions. The basic reactions could be related to the alteration of olivine, Ca-pyroxene, plagioclase, pyrrhotite, and feldspathoids under formation of secondary clay minerals (smectites, illite) and goethite. The mineral alteration reactions deduced from the leaching experiments by inverse modelling were found to be consistent with the mineral reactions associated with the natural groundwaters. The reactions calculated for groundwater evolution involve the alteration of primary and secondary minerals to produce low-T mineral phase. The conversion of secondary Na-beidellite to illite occurs at a later stage of groundwater evolution, reducing the concentrations of K⁺ and Mg²⁺. Near-surface groundwaters do not indicate significant cation exchange. Initial cation exchange requires elevated pH values, with Mg²⁺ removed from solution preferred to Ca²⁺. Na-alkalisation of the groundwaters at greater depth suggests the exchange of Na⁺ for Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ on Na-beidellite, supported by cation exchange on coatings of iron hydroxides as alteration products. Among the mature high-pH groundwater at greater depth, the dissolution of anorthite and albite has significant effect on groundwater composition.     

Assessment of natural and anthropogenic impacts in groundwater,utilizing multivariate statistical analysis and inverse distance weighted interpolation modeling: the case of a Scopia basin (Central Greece)

In Scopia basin, central Greece, a hydrochemical investigation was completed. Groundwater samples from 41 sites were used to assess the natural and anthropogenic impacts in groundwater, utilizing the principal component analysis (PCA) involved with the inverse distance weighted (IDW) interpolation modeling and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Best fit model to explain the spatial distribution of both hydrochemical parameters and PCA was chosen by optimizing the IDW interpolator’s parameters. Precision of the model was picked based on less root-mean-squared prediction error (RMSPE) amongst predicted and actual values measured at the same locations. Groundwater exhibit Ca–Mg–HCO₃ as the dominant hydrochemical type and their greater part are mixed waters with non-dominant ion. Interpolation models demonstrate high estimations of nitrates in zones with agricultural activities and high estimations of nickel and chromium in regions with the strong presence of ultrabasic rocks. Dominant part of the groundwater samples surpasses in many cases the European Community (EC) drinking water permissible limits. Thus, they are unsuitable for human consumption. PCA illustrated four factors, which clarified 80.62% of the aggregate variance of data and HCA classified two statistically significant clusters of sampling sites. Results show natural procedures ascribed to the weathering of the minerals contained in the ultrabasic rocks and anthropogenic influences related to the use of fertilizers and wastewater leak. In light of FAO standards and Richards’s classification, the groundwaters are reasonable for irrigation purposes, featuring waters with low sodium hazard and moderate salinity hazard.     

Water–Rock Interactions: An Investigation of the Relationships Between Mineralogy and Groundwater Composition and Flow in a Subtropical Basalt Aquifer

A holistic study of the composition of the basalt groundwaters of the Atherton Tablelands region in Queensland, Australia was undertaken to elucidate possible mechanisms for the evolution of these very low salinity, silica- and bicarbonate-rich groundwaters. It is proposed that aluminosilicate mineral weathering is the major contributing process to the overall composition of the basalt groundwaters. The groundwaters approach equilibrium with respect to the primary minerals with increasing pH and are mostly in equilibrium with the major secondary minerals (kaolinite and smectite), and other secondary phases such as goethite, hematite, and gibbsite, which are common accessory minerals in the Atherton basalts. The mineralogy of the basalt rocks, which has been examined using X-ray diffraction and whole rock geochemistry methods, supports the proposed model for the hydrogeochemical evolution of these groundwaters: precipitation + CO₂ (atmospheric + soil) + pyroxene + feldspars + olivine yields H₄SiO₄, HCO₃ ⁻, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺ + kaolinite and smectite clays + amorphous or crystalline silica + accessory minerals (hematite, goethite, gibbsite, carbonates, zeolites, and pyrite). The variations in the mineralogical content of these basalts also provide insights into the controls on groundwater storage and movement in this aquifer system. The fresh and weathered vesicular basalts are considered to be important in terms of zones of groundwater occurrence, while the fractures in the massive basalt are important pathways for groundwater movement.     

Hydrogeochemistry and dissolved inorganic carbon isotopic composition on karst groundwater in Maolan, southwest China

The forest ecosystem in the Maolan karst forest, southwest China is the only concentrated, intact, and relatively stable karst forest ecosystem which has survived in the area at the same latitude in the world, and is a valuable karst forest plant resource as well. Groundwater samples from Maolan karst forest were collected from wells and springs during summer; and concentrations of major ions and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) isotopic compositions were measured. The pH values range from 7.2 to 8.3 results from the dissolution of carbonate, HCO₃ ⁻ is the dominant species of DIC in groundwater. Calcium and HCO₃ ⁻, followed by Mg²⁺ and SO₄ ²⁻ dominate the chemical composition of major ions in the groundwaters. Groundwater samples have δ¹³C values in the range from −8.1‰ to −16.6‰, which are lower than that of the other karst city groundwaters in the southwest China. Combining δ¹³C_DIC ratios with measurements of HCO₃ ⁻ and pH clearly distinguishes the principal processes underlying the geochemical evolution of groundwater in Carboniferous carbonate aquifers, where processes can be both degradation of organic matters in the soil and the carbonate dissolution.     

Hydrochemical and isotopic study of groundwater in the Yinchuan plain, China

The Yinchuan plain is located in the arid climate zone of NW China. The western margin of the plain is the Helan mountain connecting a series of normal slip faults. The eastern margin of the plain connects with the Yellow River and adjacents with the Ordos platform. The south of the plain is bordered by the EN fault of the Niushou mountain. The bottom of the plain is the Carboniferous, Permian, or Ordovician rocks. Based on the analysis of groundwater hydrochemical and isotopic indicators, this study aims to identify the groundwater recharge and discharge in the Yinchuan plain, China. The hydrochemical types of the groundwater are HCO₃–SO₄ in the west, HCO₃–Cl in the middle, and Cl–SO₄ in the east. The hydrochemical types are HCO₃–SO₄ in the south, HCO₃–Cl and SO₄–HCO₃ in the middle. The hydrochemical types are complex in the north, mainly SO₄–HCO₃ and Cl–SO₄. Deuterium, ¹⁸O, and tritium values of groundwater indicate that groundwater recharge sources include precipitation, bedrock fissure water, and irrigation return water. Groundwater discharges include evaporation, abstraction, and discharge to surface water. According to the EW isotopic profile, the groundwater flow system (GFS) in the Yinchuan plain can be divided into local flow systems (LFS) and regional flow systems (RFS). Groundwater has lower TDS and higher tritium in the southern Yellow River alluvial plain and groundwater age ranges from 6 to 25 years. The range of groundwater renewal rates is from 11 to 15 % a^?1. The depth of the water cycle is small, and groundwater circulates fast and has high renewal rates. Groundwater has higher TDS and lower tritium in the northern Yellow River alluvial plain. The range of groundwater age is from 45 to 57 years, and renewal rate is from 6 to 0.1 % a^?1. The depth of the water cycle is larger. Groundwater circulates slowly and has low renewal rates.     

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

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

Hydrochemistry of groundwater and its assessment for irrigation purpose in coastal Jeffara Aquifer, southeastern Tunisia

Groundwater is of a paramount importance in arid areas, as it represents the main water resource to satisfy the different needs of the various sectors. Nevertheless, coastal aquifers are generally subjected to seawater intrusion and groundwater quality degradation. In this study, the groundwater quality of the coastal Jeffara aquifer (southeastern Tunisia) is evaluated to check its suitability for irrigation purposes. A total of 74 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for various physical and chemical parameters, such as, electrical conductivity, pH, dissolved solids (TDS), Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, HCO₃, and SO₄. Sodium adsorption ratio, magnesium adsorption ratio, Sodium percentage, and permeability index were calculated based on the analytical results. The analytical results obtained show a strong mineralization of the water in the studied aquifer. TDS concentrations range from 3.40 to 18.84 g?L^?1. Groundwater salinity was shown to be mainly controlled by sodium and chloride. The dominant hydrochemical facieses are Na–Cl–Ca–SO₄, mainly as a result of mineral dissolution (halite and gypsum), infiltration of saline surface water, and seawater intrusion. Assessment of the groundwater quality of the different samples by various methods indicated that only 7% of the water, in the northwest of the study area, is considered suitable for irrigation purposes while 93% are characterized by fair to poor quality, and are therefore just suitable or unsuitable for irrigation purposes.     

A regional study of saltwater intrusion in southeastern Nigeria based on the analysis of geoelectrical and hydrochemical data.

Vertical electrical sounding (VES) and hydrochemical data have been used to examine the extent of saltwater intrusion into shallow aquifers (depth<300 m) beneath the coastal plains of southeastern Nigeria underlain by siliciclastic sedimentary rocks of the Cenozoic Niger Delta. The VES data indicate that the coastal regions not affected by saltwater are characterised by K-and H-type geoelectrical curves and models in which high-layer resistivities (in excess of about 100 ohm-m) reflect the presence of freshwater aquifers at depths greater than 5 m below the surface. By contrast, Q-type curves and models denote saltwater-infiltrated islands with the upper boundary of the saline zone at depths of about 25 to 30 m. Chemical analysis results of precipitation and ground water show that, compared to coastal and continental sites, island localities have higher concentrations of major ions (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl^-, HCO₃^-, SO₄^2-, NO₃) due to saltwater intrusion. In addition, these ions, which also characterise seawater, show very good correlations (>0.70). Furthermore, the coastal sites are marked by Ca-Cl and Ca-HCO₃ water types whereas Na-Cl dominated both the islands ( at depths greater than 20 m) and the seawater. This gives an indication of seawater contamination. Seawater contamination is also indicated by the results of five assessment parameters as follows: high chloride concentration (>500 mg/l), high saturation index (halite>10^-6), high ionic strength (>0.05), low formation resistivity (<25 ohm-m), and low formation factor (<0.05). Two of these parameters (chloride concentration, ionic strength) have been used to compose an assessment scheme with five major classes (AA, BB, CC, DD, EE) corresponding to various degrees of salinity. Generally in the study area, saltwater contamination is a feature of island locations at depths greater than about 20 m. Water within the inland coastal regions is fresh.     

The source of fluoride toxicity in Muteh area,Isfahan, Iran

Endemic dental fluorosis has been observed in most inhabitants of three villages of Muteh area, located in northwest of Isfahan province, with mottled enamel related to high levels of fluoride in drinking water (1.8–2.2 ppm). Forty-seven groundwater samples from six villages were collected and fluoride concentrations along with physico-chemical parameters were analyzed. Fluoride concentration in this area varies from 0.2 to 9.2 mg/l with highest fluoride level at Muteh gold mine (Chahkhatun mine). Fluoride concentration positively correlates with pH and HCO₃ ⁻ indicating that alkaline pH provides a suitable condition for leaching of fluoride from surrounding rocks. The district is mainly covered by three lithological units, namely, metamorphic and granite rocks, alluvial sediments, and carbonate rocks. Factor analysis shows that parameters can be classified into four components: electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), Cl⁻, Na⁺ and K⁺, pH and F⁻, SO₄ ²⁻and Mg²⁺, HCO₃ ⁻ and Ca₂ ⁺. The groundwaters from the three geological units were compared using Mann–Whitney U test. The order of median fluoride concentration is: metamorphic and granite rocks > alluvial sediments > carbonate rocks. Hence, the fluoride content is most probably related to fluoride-bearing minerals such as amphibole and mica group minerals in metamorphic and granitic rocks. The concentration of fluoride in drinking water wells located near the metamorphic complex in Muteh area is above 2 ppm.     

Assessment of groundwater quality of Lokoja basement area, North-Central Nigeria

The hydrochemical characteristics and quality of groundwater in Lokoja basement area have been evaluated based on different indices for assessing groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes. Twenty groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for physicochemical parameters, major ions and heavy metals. The results revealed that the groundwater is slightly alkaline, with little variations in chemical composition. For example, electrical conductivity (EC) ranges from 242μS/cm to 1835μS/cm. The abundance of the major ions is in the order of Ca²⁺ >Na⁺>Mg²⁺>K⁺> Fe^2+/3+ = HCO₃ >Cl^? >NO₃ >SO₄ >PO₄. Based on the hydrochemical data, four hydrochemical facies were identified namely, Ca-Mg-HCO₃, Na-K-HCO₃, Na-K-Cl-SO₄ and Ca-Mg-Cl-SO₄ and these facies depict groundwater recharge zone, transition flow zone, deep flow zone and mixed water zone respectively. Groundwater from the area is unsuitable for drinking and domestic purposes as some of the ions and heavy metals of health concerns are well above the stipulated guideline values. Irrigation water quality indicators (salinity, Na % and Mg %), reveal that the groundwater is unsuitable for irrigation purposes. Interpreted statistical analysis reveals that the groundwater chemical compositions are controlled predominantly by weathering of litho units of the basement rocks and by drainage from domestic wastes.     

Geochemical Appraisal of Groundwater Quality in Ottapidaram Taluk,Thoothukudi District,Tamil Nadu using Graphical and Numerical Method

Groundwater qualities of coastal aquifers in the Ottapidaram taluk of Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu have been extensively monitored in post monsoon seasons in 2014 to assess its suitability in relation to domestic and drinking uses in four regions (N-S-EW). 34 groundwater samples were analyzed for various physicochemical attributes like pH, electrical conductivity (EC), Total dissolved solid (TDS), Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, HCO₃, CO₃, SO₄, NO₃, PO₄. Most of these parameters fall under not permissible limits. The western part of the study area is highly polluted from K, Cl, HCO₃ due to industrial/agriculture activity. The southern part is less polluted compared to other region. Hydrogeochemical processes controlling the water chemistry (Gibbs) indicates that most of groundwater samples fall at rock-weathering supremacy zone. Geochemical processes and temporal variation in the groundwater in this area are influenced by evaporation processes, ion exchange and dissolution of minerals. Major cation and anion ionic interaction indicate that weathering reactions have an inconsequential role in the hydrochemical processes of the shallow groundwater system. As a result of the hydrogeochemical analysis, seawater intrusion, aquifer rock weathering, sewer leakage are the overriding factors that determine the major ionic composition. The appropriate management plan is necessary to preserve precious groundwater resources.     

Geochemistry of groundwater in parts of Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India

Hydrogeochemical investigations, which are significant for the assessment of water quality, have been carried out to study the sources of dissolved ions in groundwaters of some rural areas of Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Groundwaters in the area are mostly brackish. High contents of SiO₂, and Na⁺ and Cl^- ions in groundwater, in comparison with those of seawater, suggests a meteoric origin of groundwater. The high concentration of SiO₂ and various geochemical signatures reflect the weathering of minerals. However, the Na⁺+K⁺ vs Cl^- ratio suggests weathering, has occurred only to some extent. The chemistry of groundwater favours the formation of clay minerals (montmorillonite, illite and chlorite), because of evapotranspiration. The positive saturation index of CaCO₃ and the high signatures of Ma²⁺:Ca²⁺ and Na⁺:Ca²⁺ reveals the occurrence of evaporation. The evaporation enhances the concentration of ions (which occurred originally in the water) in the soils during summer. The very high % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaaeaart1ev0aaatCvAUfKttLearuavTnhis1MBaeXatLxBI9gBae % bbnrfifHhDYfgasaacH8srps0lbbf9q8WrFfeuY-Hhbbf9v8qqaqFr % 0xc9pk0xbba9q8WqFfea0-yr0RYxir-Jbba9q8aq0-yq-He9q8qqQ8 % frFve9Fve9Ff0dmeaabaqaciGacaGaaeqabaqabeaadaaakeaacqqG % tbWucqqGpbWtdaqhaaWcbaGaeeinaqdabaGaeeOmaiJaeeyla0caaa % aa!2EC5! SO₄^{2 -} {\rm SO}_{\rm 4}^{{\rm 2 - }} and Cl^- contents in some groundwaters and the occurrence of kankar (CaCO₃) in the area suggest a long history of evaporation. Greater ionic concentration in the groundwaters of post-monsoon compared with pre-monsoon indicates the increasing addition of leachates into the groundwater from the soils in the monsoon and anthropogenic activities, which leads to a deteriorating quality of groundwater. According to the Gibbs' diagrams, rock weathering, to some extent, and evaporation are the dominant phenomena responsible for the higher ionic concentrations found in groundwater. Measures that benefit sustainable management of groundwater quality are suggested in this study.     

Is groundwater in the Tarkwa gold mining district of Ghana potable?

Hand-pump wells in the Tarkwa gold mining district and the geologically similar Bui area were chemically analysed and compared in an effort to determine whether groundwaters in the Tarkwa area have been affected by mining. Significant chemical differences attributed to mine water discharges have been observed in streams in the Tarkwa area. Groundwater chemistry from hand-pump wells in Tarkwa and Bui areas reveal similar hydrochemical facies, predominantly Ca–Na–Mg–HCO₃–Cl. However, except for SO₄^2–, ionic concentrations of groundwaters from Bui are greater than those from Tarkwa probably due to differences in (1) water availability during sedimentation (2) water-rock interactions and/or residence times for water. No demonstrable impact of mining on groundwaters from hand-pumped wells in the Tarkwa area has been noted. Hydrogeological inference suggests that the main streams which receive mine water discharges are both gaining and are groundwater divides. The overwhelming majority of population centres and mining operations are located on opposite sides of these groundwater divides, therefore, it is unlikely aquifers tapped for drinking by these communities would be affected by mining.     

Study on the dynamic characteristics of groundwater in the valley plain of Lhasa City

The valley plain of Lhasa City is located on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, which is one of the most developed and densely populated areas in Tibet. Groundwater is an important water supply source and plays an irreplaceable role in the social and economic development of Lhasa City. This study has investigated the dynamic characteristics of groundwater in the valley plain of Lhasa City through the methods of mathematical statistics and hydrochemical analysis. The results showed that local topography, climate, and urbanization substantially influenced the groundwater dynamics. Under the combined influences from urbanization and climate, the groundwater level decreased over three time periods, but the groundwater-level configuration has not shown significant changes in over 15 years. From 1997 to 2015, the hydrochemical type of groundwater has changed from HCO₃–Ca to HCO₃·SO₄–Ca·Mg and HCO₃·SO₄–Ca. The concentrations of Cl^?, Mg²⁺, and SO₄^2? in groundwater increased, but the concentrations of other ions were relatively stable. Water–rock interaction was the main mechanism controlling the groundwater chemistry in the study area, and it was mainly associated with the dissolution of silicate, carbonate, and halite.     

An assessment of the origin and variation of groundwater salinity in southeastern Ghana

Groundwater from the major aquifers in southeastern part of Ghana was sampled to determine the main controls on groundwater salinity in the area. This paper uses multivariate statistical methods, conventional graphical methods and stable isotope data to determine spatial relationships among groundwaters from the different hydrogeologic units in the area on the basis of salinity. Q-mode hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was used to spatially classify the samples, whilst R-mode factor analysis was used to reduce the dataset into two major principal components representing the sources of variation in the hydrochemistry. Analysis of the major chemical parameters suggests that the principal component responsible for salinity increment in the area is the weathering of minerals in the aquifers. This factor is especially more significant in the upland areas away from the coast. The second factor responsible for salinity in the area is the combined effects of seawater intrusion, and anthropogenic activities. This study finds that four major spatial groundwater groups exist in the area: low salinity, acidic groundwaters which are mainly derived from the Birimian and Togo Series aquifers; low salinity, moderate to neutral pH groundwaters which are mainly from the Voltaian, Buem and Cape Coast granitoids; very high salinity waters which are not suitable for most domestic and irrigation purposes and are mainly from the Keta aquifers; and intermediate salinity groundwaters comprising groundwater from the Keta basin aquifers with minor contributions from the other major terrains. The major water type identified in this study is the Ca–Mg–HCO₃ type, which degrades into predominantly Na–Cl–SO₄ more saline groundwaters toward the coast. Stable isotope data analyses suggest that groundwater in the Voltaian aquifers is largely of recent meteoric origin. The Birimian and Togo aquifers receive a component of recharge from the tributaries of the Densu and Volta Rivers, after the waters have undergone evaporative enrichment of the heavier isotopes. In the Keta basin, recharge is mainly from precipitation but an observed enrichment of ²H and ¹⁸O isotopes is probably due to seawater and evaporative effects since the water table there is very shallow. An analysis of the irrigation quality of groundwater from the six aquifers in the study area using sodium adsorption ratio and electrical conductivity suggests that most of the aquifers supply groundwater of acceptable quality for irrigation. The only exception is the Keta Basin area, where extremely high salinities and SAR values render groundwater from this basin unsuitable for irrigation purposes.     

Hydrochemical baseline condition of groundwater at the Mizunami underground research laboratory (MIU)

Hydrochemical conditions up to depths of 1000 m below ground level around the Mizunami Underground Research Laboratory were investigated to construct a “baseline condition model” describing the undisturbed hydrochemical environment prior to excavation of the underground facilities at Mizunami, Gifu, Japan. Groundwater chemistry in this area was classified into a Na–Ca–HCO₃ type of groundwater in the upper part of sedimentary rock sequence and a Na–(Ca)–Cl type of groundwater in the deeper part of the sedimentary rock sequence and basement granite. The residence time of the groundwaters was estimated from their ¹⁴C contents to be approximately 9.3 ka in the middle part of the sedimentary rock and older than 50 ka in the deep part of the granite. The evolution processes of these groundwaters were inferred to be water–rock interactions such as weathering of plagioclase, dissolution of marine sulphate/sulphide minerals and carbonate minerals in the Na–Ca–HCO₃ type of groundwater, and mixing between “low-salinity water” in the shallow part and “higher-salinity water” in the deeper part of the granite in the Na–(Ca)–Cl type of groundwater. The source of salinity in the deeper part of the granite was possibly a palaeo-hydrothermal water or a fossil seawater that recharged in the Miocene, subsequently being modified by long-term water–rock interaction. The Cl-depth trend in granitic groundwater changes at a depth of −400 m below sea level. The hydrogeological properties controlling the groundwater flow and/or mixing processes such as advection and diffusion were inferred to be different at this depth in the granite. This hydrochemical conceptual model is indispensable not only when constructing the numerical model for evaluating the hydrochemical disturbance during construction and operation of the MIU facility, but also when confirming a hydrogeological model.     

Hydrochemical evolution and water quality along the groundwater flow path in the Sandıklı plain, Afyon, Turkey

 An unconfined aquifer system suggests an open system in the study area. Hydrochemical evolution is related to the flow path of groundwater. The groundwaters are divided into two hydrochemical facies in the study area, 1) Ca–Mg–HCO₃ and 2) Ca–Mg–SO₄HCO₃. Facies 1 has shallow (young) waters which dominate in recharge areas during rapid flow conditions, whereas facies 2 may show shallow and mixed waters which dominate intermediate or discharge areas during low flow conditions. Ionic concentrations, TDS, EC and water quality are related to groundwater residence time and groundwater types. The groundwaters in the plain are chemically potable and suitable for both domestic and agricultural purposes. Received: 20 May 1996 · Accepted: 30 July 1996