Impact of anthropogenic activities on the chemistry and quality of groundwater: a case study from a terrain near Zarand City, Kerman Province, SE Iran

Groundwater of an aquifer located in the vicinity of a large coal washery near Zarand City, Iran consists of two hydrochemically differing facies, which have been informally designated as groundwater (A) and groundwater (B). Groundwater (A) is native, brackish in composition and is characterized by Na⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ > K⁺ and SO₄ ^2? > HCO₃ ^? > Cl^? > NO₃ ^?. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient matrices, factor analysis data, and values of chloro-alkaline indices, C ratio and Na⁺/Cl^? molar ratio indicate that in the groundwater (A), the ionic load of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, SO₄ ^2? and HCO₃ ^? is derived essentially from weathering of both carbonates and aluminosilicates and direct cation and reverse cation–anion exchange reactions. Groundwater (B) is the polluted variant of the groundwater (A), brackish to saline in composition, and unlike the groundwater (A), consists of HCO₃ ^? as the dominant anion. In comparison with the groundwater (A), the groundwater (B) contains higher concentrations of all ions, and its average ionic load (av. = 59.74 me/L) is 1.43 times higher than that of the groundwater (A) (av. = 41.54 me/L). Additional concentrations of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, SO₄ ^2?, Cl^? and HCO₃ ^? in the groundwater (B) are provided mainly by downward infiltrating water from the coal washery tailings pond and reverse cation–anion exchange reaction between tailings pond water and exchanger of the aquifer matrix during non-conservative mixing process of groundwater (A) and tailings pond water. Certain additional concentrations of Na⁺, K⁺ and NO₃ ^? in the groundwater (B) are provided by other anthropogenic sources. Quality wise, both groundwaters are marginally suitable for cultivation of salt-tolerant crops only.     

Hydrogeochemical assessment of groundwater quality along the coastal aquifers of southern Tamil Nadu,India

Hydrogeochemical investigation of groundwater has been carried out in the coastal aquifers of southern Tamil Nadu, India. Seventy-nine dug well samples were collected and analyzed for various physicochemical parameters. The result of the geochemical analysis indicates the groundwater in the study area is slightly alkaline with moderate saline water. The cation and anion concentrations confirm most of the groundwater samples belong to the order of Na⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ > K⁺ and Cl^? > SO₄ ^2? > HCO₃ ^?. Thereby three major hydrochemical facies (Ca–Cl, mixed Ca–Mg–Cl and Na–Cl) were identified. Based on the US Salinity diagram, majority of the samples fall under medium to very high salinity with low to high sodium hazard. The cross plot of Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺ versus chloride shows 61 % of the samples fall under saline water category. Higher EC, TDS and Cl concentrations were observed from Tiruchendur to Koodankulam coastal zone. It indicates that these regions are significantly affected by saltwater contamination due to seawater intrusion, saltpan deposits, and beach placer mining activities.     

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

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

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.     

Calculating groundwater mixing ratios in groundwater-inrushing aquifers based on environmental stable isotopes (D, 18O) and hydrogeochemistry

Conventional hydrogeochemical data and environmental stable isotopes are used to identify the recharge sources and the water–rock interactions in the groundwater-flowing direction within the multilayer groundwater system of the Sulin coal-mining district in the north Anhui province in China. δD and δ ¹⁸O of groundwater in the mining district decrease along the groundwater-flowing direction in the recharge areas, yet in the runoff or discharge areas, they rise and fall along average δ values (δ ¹⁸O = ?8.68 ‰, δD = ?67.4 ‰), which are lower than average δ values of local atmospheric precipitation (δ ¹⁸O = ?7.80 ‰, δD = ?52.4 ‰). Principal component analysis is used to analyze the conventional hydrogeochemical data (K⁺ + Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Cl^?, SO₄ ^2?, HCO₃ ^?, CO₃ ^2?) in the groundwater. The first and second principal components have large variance contributions, and represent “pyrite oxidation or groundwater hardening” and “desulfurization or cation exchange and adsorption,” respectively. From conventional hydrogeochemical data and environmental stable isotopes, it is demonstrated that groundwater of the Sulin coal-mining district is characterized by a mixing type, which is confirmed by three recharge end-members: fresh groundwater, leaching groundwater, and retained groundwater. By means of a sample dot-encompassed triangle in the scatter diagram of load scores for Component 1–Component 2, whose vertexes stand for the three end-members, a model for calculating groundwater mixing ratio is established and applied successfully to the evaluation and management of groundwater hazards in the coal-mining districts.     

Assessment of groundwater salinity using GIS and multivariate statistics in a coastal Mediterranean aquifer

The integration of the statistical approaches and GIS tools with the hydrogeological and geological contexts allowed the assessment of the processes that cause groundwater quality deterioration in the great important deltaic aquifer in the northeastern Tunisia (Medjerda Lower Valley Aquifer). The spatial variation of the groundwater parameters and the molar ratio (Cl^?/Br^?) were also used to determine the possible impacts from seawater intrusion and from the septic tank leachate. Sixty shallow groundwater samples were collected in 2014 and analyzed for major and trace ions over an area of about 1090 km² to determine the suitability for drinking or agricultural purposes. The total dissolved solids (TDS) content ranges from 1005 to 19,254 mgl^?1 with a mean value of 3477.18 mgl^?1. The chemistry is dominated by the sodium–chloride waters (55%). Mapping of TDS, Cl^?, Na⁺, SO₄^2? and NO₃^? using kriging method shows a clear increase in salinity toward the coastline accompanied by Na⁺ and Cl^? increase which may be related to seawater intrusion and halite dissolution. Locally, higher nitrate concentration is related to the agricultural activities inducing contribution of chemical fertilizers and irrigation with treated wastewater. The saturation indices indicate that all carbonate minerals tend to reach saturation equilibrium confirming water–rock interactions, while evaporitic minerals are still in sub-saturation state and may increase the salinity of the groundwater. The principal component analysis proves the occurrence of groundwater contamination principally by seawater intrusion in the factor I (74.15%) and secondary by an anthropogenic source in the factor II (10.35%).     

Geochemistry and quality of groundwater of Gummanampadu sub-basin, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Groundwater survey has been carried out in the area of Gummanampadu sub-basin located in Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India for assessing the factors that are responsible for changing of groundwater chemistry and consequent deterioration of groundwater quality, where the groundwater is a prime source for drinking and irrigation due to non-availability of surface water in time. The area is underlain by the Archaean Gneissic Complex, over which the Proterozoic Cumbhum rocks occur. The results of the plotting of Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺ versus HCO₃ ^? + CO₃ ^2?, Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺ versus total cations, Na⁺ + K⁺ versus total cations, Cl^? + SO₄ ^2? versus Na⁺ + K⁺, Na⁺ versus Cl^?, Na⁺ versus HCO₃ ^? + CO₃ ^2?, Na⁺ versus Ca²⁺ and Na⁺: Cl^? versus EC indicate that the rock–water interaction under alkaline condition is the main mechanism in activating mineral dissociation and dissolution, causing the release of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, HCO₃ ^?, CO₃ ^2?, SO₄ ^2? and F^? ions into the groundwater. The ionic relations also suggest that the higher concentrations of Na⁺ and Cl^? ions are the results of ion exchange and evaporation. The influences of anthropogenic sources are the other cause for increasing of Mg²⁺, Na⁺, Cl^?, SO₄ ^2? and NO₃ ^? ions. Further, the excess alkaline condition in water accelerates more effective dissolution of F^?-bearing minerals. Moreover, the chemical data plotted in the Piper’s, Gibbs’s and Langelier–Ludwig’s diagrams, computed for the chloro-alkaline and saturation indices, and analyzed in the principal component analysis, support the above hypothesis. The groundwater quality is, thus, characterized by Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺: HCO₃ ^? + CO₃ ^2? > Cl^? > SO₄ ^2? > NO₃ ^? > F^? facies. On the other hand, majority of groundwater samples are not suitable for drinking with reference to the concentrations of TDS, TH, Mg²⁺ and F^?, while those are not good for irrigation with respect to USSL’s and Wilcox’s diagrams, residual sodium carbonate, and magnesium hazard, but they are safe for irrigation with respect to permeability index. Thus, the study recommends suitable management measures to improve health conditions as well as to increase agricultural output.     

Geochemical,isotopic and hydrological mass balance approaches to constrain the lake water–groundwater interaction in Dal Lake,Kashmir Valley

It is important to have qualitative as well as quantitative understanding of the hydraulic exchange between lake and groundwater for effective water resource management. Dal, a famous urban fresh water lake, plays a fundamental role in social, cultural and economic dynamics of the Kashmir Valley. In this paper geochemical, isotopic and hydrological mass balance approaches are used to constrain the lake water–groundwater interaction of Dal Lake and to identify the sources of lake water. Water samples of precipitation (n = 27), lake water (n = 18) and groundwater (n = 32) were collected across the lake and its catchment for the analysis of δ¹⁸O and δ²H. A total of 444 lake water samples and 440 groundwater samples (springs, tube wells and dug wells) were collected for the analysis of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, HCO₃ ^?, SO₄ ^2?, Cl^?, NO₃ ^?, Na⁺ and K⁺. Water table and lake water level were monitored at 40 observation locations in the catchment. Water table map including pH and EC values corroborate and verify the gaining nature of the Dal Lake. Stable isotopes of lake water in Boddal and Gagribal basins showed more deviation from the global meteoric water line than Hazratbal and Nigeen basins, indicating the evaporation of lake water. The isotopic and geochemical mass balance suggested that groundwater contributes a significant proportion (23–40%) to Dal Lake. The estimated average groundwater contribution to Dal Lake ranged from 31.2 × 10³ to 674 × 10³ m³ day^?1 with an average of 276 × 10³ m³ day^?1. The study will be useful to delineate the possible sources of nutrients and pollutants entering the lake and for the management of lake water resources for sustainable development.     

Integrated hydrochemical method of water quality assessment for irrigation in arid areas: application to the Jilh aquifer, Saudi Arabia

Water samples from 72 wells tapping the Jilh aquifer were collected and analyzed for 10 different water quality parameters. Using these data, a regional irrigation water quality was assessed using three techniques: (i) United States Department of Agriculture method (USDA), (ii) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guidelines for water quality assessment, and (iii) Water-Types approach. The USDA method revealed that the aquifer water salinity, as represented by electrical conductivity, EC_w, ranges from high salinity (C3: EC_w > 0.75–2.25 dS/m) to a very high salinity (C4: EC_w > 2.25 dS/m). The sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) varied from low (S1) to very high (S4) sodicity. Therefore, the water of the Jilh aquifer is dominantly of the C4–S2 class representing 56% of the total wells followed by C4–S1, C4–S3, C3–S1 and C4–S4 classes at 19%, 14%, 8%, and 3% of the wells respectively. The FAO system indicated moderate to severe restriction on the use for irrigation and slight to moderate ion toxicities for Na⁺, Cl⁻, B⁺, NO₃⁻ and HCO₃⁻. It is clear that, both USDA and FAO systems condemn the Jilh groundwater as hazardous for irrigation due to its high salt content, unless certain measures for salinity control are undertaken. The dominant salt constituents in the water are Mg–Cl₂, Na–Cl and Ca–Cl₂ as per the Water-Types method. However, due to the complexity in classifying the aquifer groundwater for irrigation, a simplified approach acknowledging three class groups (I-suitable water, II-conditionally suitable water and III-unsuitable water) adopted from the three methods, is suggested in this paper. The simplified approach combines C–S classes of the USDA method among these three groups according to the lowest ratings. The salinity of the FAO method has been split arbitrarily into slight and moderate subclasses with values of 0.7–2.25 and >2.25 dS/m, respectively; to match with the C3-class of the USDA system. The Water-Types were classified assuming that Ca–Cl₂ is the least hazardous salt, followed by Mg–Cl₂ and Na–Cl. Using this integrated hydrochemical method, the majority of the wells (92%) contain unsuitable water for irrigation (Group III) while the remaining wells (8%) are in Group II with water considered conditionally suitable for irrigation.     

Assessment of groundwater quality for irrigation purposes and identification of hydrogeochemical evolution mechanisms in Pengyang County, China

Groundwater is an important water source for agricultural irrigation in Penyang County. Some traditional methods such as irrigation coefficient, sodium adsorption ratio, total alkalinity, total salinity and total dissolved solids were employed to assess groundwater quality in this area. In addition, an improved technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution model was applied for comprehensive assessment. The origin of major ions and groundwater hydrogeochemical evolution was also discussed. Groundwater in Penyang County contains relative concentrations of dominant constituents in the following order: Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺ for cations and HCO₃ ^? > SO₄ ^2? > Cl^? > CO₃ ^2? for anions. Groundwater quality is largely excellent and/or good, suggesting general suitability for agricultural use. Calcite and dolomite are found saturated in groundwater and thus tend to precipitate out, while halite, fluorite and gypsum are unsaturated and will dissolve into groundwater during flow. Groundwater in the study area is weathering-dominated, and mineral weathering (carbonate and silicate minerals) and ion exchange are the most important factors controlling groundwater chemistry.     

Spatial variability of groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking and irrigation in the Amik Plain (South Turkey)

In this study, it is determined physicochemical properties of the groundwater and the spatial variability of physicochemical properties of the groundwater in the Amik plain and as well as assess its suitability for drinking and irrigation. A total 92 groundwater samples were collected from drilled well in June 2012. In addition, the 42 of 92 drilled wells were also sampled in September 2012 to evaluate the changes of groundwater properties. According to t test values, the mean Ca²⁺, SO₄ ^2?, Mg²⁺ and TH values in the June period were significantly lower than those of the September period. On the other hand, the mean (CO ₃ ^2?  + HCO₃ ^?) and RSC and MR values in the June period were significantly higher than those of the September period. The order of relative abundance of major cations in the groundwater (in mg L^?1) is in order Na⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ > K⁺. The order of the anions abundance (mg L^?1) is SO₄ ^2? > Cl^? > HCO₃ ^? > CO₃ ^2? in this research. Log and square-root transformation were carried out for the most of the water properties before the calculation of semivariance. The nugget ratio showed all the variables were strongly spatial dependent except for K⁺ and Mg²⁺ and (CO₃ ^2? + HCO₃ ^?) which showed moderate spatial dependence (ratio ranging from 28 to 49.9 %). Spatial distribution analysis of groundwater quality indicated that The EC, TDS values and Na and Cl^? contents which is important water quality parameters increase from northern towards southern. The total hardness values increase also from northwestern towards southwestern.     

Hydrochemical characteristics and quality assessment of regolith aquifers in Enugu metropolis, southeastern Nigeria

Twenty groundwater samples were collected from Enugu metropolis over two seasonal periods in order to characterize the groundwater and to determine its quality for domestic and irrigation purposes. The results show that groundwater of the area is strongly acidic to slightly alkaline in nature and varied from “soft water” to “moderately hard” water type. The major ionic trend is in the order Cl^? > Na⁺ > HCO₃ ^? > K⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ > SO₄ ^2?and Mg²⁺ > Cl^? > Na⁺ > K⁺ > Ca²⁺ > HCO ₃ ^?  > SO₄ ^2? in abundance for dry and rainy seasons, respectively. The results also reveal that there is an increase in trend of the ionic concentrations during the dry season, which arises from weathering of the host rocks and anthropogenic activities. Two hydrochemical facies were identified, namely, Na⁺ –K⁺ –Cl^? –SO₄ ^2?and Ca²⁺ –Mg²⁺ –Cl^? –SO₄ ^2? _, with Na⁺ –K⁺ –Cl^? –SO₄ ^2? as the dominant facies for the two seasons. Groundwater quality ranges from “very poor water” to “good water” and “water unsuitable for drinking purposes” to “good water” for the dry season and rainy season investigations, respectively. The groundwater is suitable for irrigation purposes for the two seasons.     

Hydrogeochemical characterization and evolution of a regional karst aquifer in the Cuatrociénegas area,Mexico

The Cuatrociénegas area is useful for the investigation of the effect of groundwater extraction in the Chihuahuan freshwater xeric ecoregion. It has been investigated at this time using a selection of geochemical indicators (major, minor and trace elements) and δ³⁴S data, to characterize the origin of groundwater, the main geochemical processes and the mineral/groundwater interactions controlling the baseline geochemistry. The area is composed of limestones of Mesozoic age, with a composite thickness of about 500 m, overlaid by basin fill (poorly consolidated young sediments). Substantial water extraction and modification of natural discharges from the area along the last century have produced a detrimental impact on ecosystem structure and function. Water–rock interactions, mixing and evaporative processes dominate the baseline groundwater quality. Natural recharge is HCO₃–Ca type in equilibrium with calcite, low salinity (TDS?<?500 mg/L), Cl^? lower than 11 mg/L and average Li⁺ concentration of 0.005 mg/L. Along the groundwater flow systems, δ³⁴S evidence and mass transfer calculations indicate that Cretaceous gypsum dissolution and dedolomitization reactions adjust water composition to the SO₄–Ca type. The increase of water–rock interaction is reflected by Cl^? values increase (average 68 mg/L), TDS up to about 1500 mg/L and an average Li⁺ concentration of 0.063 mg/L. Calculations with chemical geothermometers indicate that temperature at depth could be at maximum of 15–20 °C higher than field-measured temperature for pozas. After groundwater is discharged to the surface, chemical evolution continues; water evaporation, CO₂ degassing and precipitation of minerals such as gypsum, calcite and kaolinite represent the final processes and reactions controlling water chemical composition.     

Distinct groundwater recharge sources and geochemical evolution of two adjacent sub-basins in the lower Shule River Basin,northwest China

Based on analysis of groundwater hydrogeochemical and isotopic data, this study aims to identify the recharge sources and understand geochemical evolution of groundwater along the downstream section of the Shule River, northwest China, including two sub-basins. Groundwater samples from the Tashi sub-basin show markedly depleted stable isotopes compared to those in the Guazhou sub-basin. This difference suggests that groundwater in the Tashi sub-basin mainly originates from meltwater in the Qilian Mountains, while the groundwater in the Guazhou sub-basin may be recharged by seepage of the Shule River water. During the groundwater flow process in the Tashi sub-basin, minerals within the aquifer material (e.g., halite, calcite, dolomite, gypsum) dissolve in groundwater. Mineral dissolution leads to strongly linear relationships between Na⁺ and Cl^? and between Mg²⁺+ Ca²⁺ and SO₄ ^2??+?HCO₃ ^?, with stoichiometry ratios of approximately 1:1 in both cases. The ion-exchange reaction plays a dominant role in hydrogeochemical evolution of groundwater in the Guazhou sub-basin and causes a good linear relationship between (Mg²⁺+ Ca²⁺)–(SO₄ ^2??+?HCO₃ ^?) and (Na⁺+ K⁺)–Cl^? with a slope of ?0.89 and also results in positive chloroalkaline indices CAI 1 and CAI 2. The scientific results have implications for groundwater management in the downstream section of Shule River. As an important irrigation district in Hexi Corridor, groundwater in the Guazhou sub-basin should be used sustainably and rationally because its recharge source is not as abundant as expected. It is recommended that the surface water should be used efficiently and routinely, while groundwater exploitation should be limited as much as possible.     

Geophysical,geochemical and hydrological analyses of water-resource vulnerability to salinization: case of the Uburu-Okposi salt lakes and environs,southeast Nigeria

Until this study, the location and depth of the saline units in Uburu-Okposi salt lake areas and environs have been unknown. This study aimed at delineating the saline lithofacies and dispersal configurations to water bodies, using electrical geophysical methods such as constant separation traversing (CST) and vertical electrical sounding (VES). Results showed weathered zones that represent aquifers mostly at the fourth geoelectric layer: between upper layered aquitards and underlying aquitards at depths 30–140 m. Lateral distribution of resistivity variance was defined by the CST, whereas the VES tool, targeted at low-resistivity zones, detected isolated saline units with less than 10 ohm-m at depths generally >78 m. The saline lithofacies were suspected to link freshwater zones via shear zones, which steer saline water towards the salt lakes and influence the vulnerability of groundwater to salinization. The level of salinization was verified by water sampling and analysis, and results showed general alkaline water type with a mean pH of 7.66. Water pollution was indicated: mean total dissolved solids (TDS) 550 mg/l, electrical conductivity (EC) 510 μS/cm, salinity 1.1‰, Cl^? 200 mg/l, N0₃ ^?35.5 mg/l, Na⁺ 19.6 mg/l and Ca²⁺ 79.3 mg/l. The salinity is controlled by NaCl salt, as deduced from correlation analysis using the software package Statistical Product for Service Solutions (SPSS). Generally, concentrations of dissolved ions in the water of the area are enhanced via mechanisms such as evaporation, dissociation of salts, precipitation run off and leaching of dissolved rock minerals.     

Geochemical and hydrogeochemical evolution of groundwater in Ferdows area, northeast of Iran

The chemical analysis of 19 water wells in Ferdows area, Northeastern Iran, has been evaluated to determine the hydrogeochemical processes and ion concentration background in the region. In the study area, the order of cation and anion abundance is Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺ and Cl^? > SO ₄ ^?2  > HCO₃ ^? > NO₃ ^?, respectively, and the dominating hydrochemical types are Na–Cl. Most metal concentrations in water depend on the mineral solubility, and pH, Eh, and salinity of the solution. Their ΣREE concentrations showed excellent correlations with parameters such as TDS and pH. North American Shale Composite (NASC)-normalized REE patterns are enriched in the HREEs relative to the LREEs for all groundwaters. They all have positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.752–3.934) and slightly negative Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce* = 0.019–1.057). Reduction–oxidation, complexation, desorption, and re-adsorption alter groundwater REE concentrations and fractionation patterns. The positive Eu anomalies in groundwaters are probably due to preferential mobilization of Eu²⁺ relative to the trivalent REEs in the reducing condition.     

An integrated approach to investigate saline water intrusion and to identify the salinity sources in the Central Godavari delta, Andhra Pradesh, India

The Central Godavari delta is located along the Bay of Bengal Coast, Andhra Pradesh, India, and is drained by Pikaleru, Kunavaram and Vasalatippa drains. There is no groundwater pumping for agriculture as wells as for domestic purpose due to the brackish nature of the groundwater at shallow depths. The groundwater table depths vary from 0.8 to 3.4 m and in the Ravva Onshore wells, 4.5 to 13.3 m. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) surveys were carried out at several locations in the delta to delineate the aquifer geometry and to identify saline water aquifer zones. Groundwater samples collected and analyzed for major ions for assessing the saline water intrusion and to identify the salinity origin in the delta region. The results derived from ERT indicated low resistivity values in the area, which can be attributed to the existence of thick marine clays from ground surface to 12–15 m below ground level near the coast and high resistivity values are due to the presence of coarse sand with freshwater away from the coast. The resistivity values similar to saline water <0.01 Ω m is attributed to the mixing of the saline water along surface water drains. In the Ravva Onshore Terminal low resistivity values indicated up coning of saline water and mixing of saline water from Pikaleru drain. The SO ₄ ^?2 /Cl^?and Na⁺²/Cl^?ratios did not indicate saline water intrusion and the salinity is due to marine palaeosalinity, dilution of marine clays and dissolution of evaporites.     

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.     

Delineation of groundwater salinization in a coastal aquifer, Bousheher, South of Iran

The geochemical processes controlling chemical composition of groundwater are studied using hydrochemical and isotopic data in Abdan-Dayer coastal plain, south of Iran. The salinity of groundwater in the coastal plain ranges from 1,000, a fresh end-member, to more than 50,000 μS cm^?1, a saline end-member. Groundwater salinity increases from the recharge area toward areas with a shallow water table close to the Persian Gulf coast due to direct evaporation and sea water intrusion as confirmed by mixing binary diagrams, stable isotope content, and Br^?/Cl^? ratio. Groundwater flow pattern in the study area has been modified due to over-pumping of groundwater in recent years which resulted in further saline water migration toward fresh water and their mixing. The maximum mixing ratio is estimated about 15% in different parts of the study area according to chloride concentration.