Conceptual model of recharge to southeastern Badain Jaran Desert groundwater and lakes from environmental tracers

Sources of groundwater recharge to the Badain Jaran Desert in China have been investigated using geochemical and isotopic techniques. Stable isotope compositions (δ¹⁸O and δ²H) of shallow groundwater and surface water from oasis lakes evolve from a starting composition considerably depleted compared to local unsaturated zone moisture, confirming inferences from chloride mass balance that direct infiltration of precipitation is not a volumetrically important source of recharge to the shallow aquifer in the study area. Shallow phreatic and deeper confined groundwater bodies appear unconnected based on chemical composition and radiocarbon activities. Hydrogeologic evidence points toward a bordering mountain range (Yabulai) as a likely recharge zone, which is consistent with tracer results. A mean residence time in the range of 1–2 ka for the desert’s southeastern margin is inferred from radiocarbon. These results reveal that some replenishment to the desert aquifer is occurring but at a rate much lower than previously suggested, which is relevant for water resources planning in this ecologically sensitive area.     

Identifying the recharge sources and age of groundwater in the Songnen Plain (Northeast China) using environmental isotopes

The recharge sources and groundwater age in the Songnen Plain, Northeast China, were confirmed using environmental isotopes. The isotopic signatures of the unconfined aquifers in the southeast elevated plain and the north and west piedmont, cluster along local meteoric water lines (LMWLs) with a slope of about 5. The signature of source water was obtained by the intersection of these LMWLs with the regional meteoric water line (RMWL). This finding provides evidence that the recharge water for these areas originate from the Changbai Mountains and the Low and High Hingan Mountains, respectively. Groundwater in the unconfined aquifer in the low plain yields a LMWL with a slope of 4.4; its nitrate concentration indicates the admixture of irrigation return flow. The δ-values of the unconfined aquifer in the east elevated plain plot along the RMWL, reflecting recharge by local precipitation. The mean residence time of groundwater in these aquifers is less than 50?years. However, the ¹⁴C age of the groundwater in the confined Quaternary aquifer ranges from modern to 19,500?years, and in the Tertiary confined aquifer from 3,100 to 24,900?years. Modern groundwater is mainly recharged to the Quaternary confined aquifer on the piedmont by local precipitation and lateral subsurface flow.     

Groundwater recharge and flow in the Lower Cretaceous Nubian Sandstone aquifer in the Sinai Peninsula, using isotopic techniques and hydrochemistry

The present work was conducted in the Sinai Peninsula (1) to identify the recharge and flow characteristics and to evaluate the continuity of the Lower Cretaceous Nubian Sandstone aquifer; and (2) to provide information for the aquifer's rational appraisal. Isotopic and hydrochemical compositions combined with the geological and hydrogeological settings were used for this purpose. A considerable depletion in isotopic content (oxygen-18 and deuterium) and low d-excess values exist in the studied groundwater, reflecting the contribution of old meteoric water that recharged the aquifer in pluvial times. Modern recharge also occurs from precipitation that falls on the aquifer outcrops. The wide scatter of the data points around the two meteoric lines, the global meteoric water line (GMWL) and Mediterranean meteoric water line (MMWL), in the δ¹⁸O–δD diagram indicates considerable variation in recharge conditions (amount, altitude, temperature, air masses, distances from catchment, overland flow, etc.). The isotopic composition in the El-Bruk area is minimum (¹⁸O=–9.53‰), very close to the average value of the Western Desert Nubian Sandstone (¹⁸O=–10‰), where the local structural and lithologic conditions retard groundwater flow and the main bulk of water becomes noncyclic. The continuity of the aquifer in northern and central Sinai is evidenced by the isotopic similarity between samples taken from above and below the central Sinai Ragabet El-Naam fault, the distribution of potentiometric head, and hydrogeological cross sections. The combination of isotopic composition in terms of ¹⁸O and chemical composition in terms of TDS and salt contents is the basis for separating the studied groundwater into groups that reflect the recharge sources and isotopic and chemical modifications during flow. Electronic Publication     

Application of environmental isotopes to groundwater recharge studies in a semi-arid fractured crystalline basement area of Dodoma, Tanzania

The distribution of ¹⁸O and ²H in various water sources indicates that groundwater recharge is due to local rainfall occurring within the basins. Groundwater recharge takes place under a bypass flow mechanism and matrix diffuse flow and is 3% and 2% of the long-term mean annual rainfall of 550 mm for the Makutapora and Hombolo basins, respectively. Chloride mass balance indicates that 60% and 40% of the total groundwater recharge takes place through macropores and matrix flow, respectively. Sporadic variations in ¹⁸O, ²H and chloride among adjacent boreholes suggest existence of a discrete fractured aquifer and/or dominance of local recharge. The relationship between δ²H and chloride indicates that groundwater salinization is due to the leaching of surficial and soil salts during high intensity rainfall, which causes high surface runoff and flash floods. It has been concluded that the isotopic and chemical character of groundwater in fractured semi-arid areas may provide the most effective complementary means of groundwater recharge assessment and therefore is very useful in the management of the water resources.     

Application of hydrochemical signatures to delineating portable groundwater resources in Ordos Basin, China

The Ordos Basin of China encompasses Shaanxi, Gansu, and Shanxi provinces, Ningxia and Inner Mongolia autonomous regions. It lacks significant surface water resources. Among the water-bearing formations, the Luohe formation, with an area of 1.32×10⁵ km², is the most prospective aquifer. Groundwater quality data collected at 211 boreholes drilled into the Luhe formation indicate a complex distribution of groundwater chemistry. The hydrochemical properties were used to study the recharge, runoff, and discharge conditions of the groundwater in Ordos Basin and to evaluate sustainable groundwater resources. In the northern part of the basin, the hydrochemistry types and the total dissolved solids (TDS) show a clear lateral transition from SEE to NWW, indicating that the groundwater gets recharge in the northwest region and discharges in the southeast region. In the southern part of the basin, maximum TDS occurs at the center of the Malian River valley, from which the TDS decreases radially. Therefore, the groundwater in the southern basin gets recharge from the southeast and southwest regions, and the Malian River valley is the discharge zone. As a result of this research, the areas with portable groundwater were delineated. They include most of the southeast region of the Sishili Ridge, east of the Ziwu Mountain, and the southwest corner of the basin. The TDS of the groundwater in these regions is less than 1 g/l, and the hydrochemistry type is either HCO₃ or HCO₃·SO₄.     

Hydrochemical and isotopic characteristics of groundwater in the Souss Upstream Basin, southwestern Morocco

Heterogeneous shallow Plio-Quaternary formations of the Souss Plain represent the most important aquifer in southern High Atlas Mountains in Morocco. The present work was conducted in the Souss Upstream Basin to identify the chemical characteristics and the origin of groundwater in an aquifer under semi-arid climate. Isotopic and hydrochemical compositions combined with geological and hydrogeological data were used for this purpose. The total dissolved solids vary from 239 to 997 mg l⁻¹, and the following groundwater types are recognized: Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–HCO₃⁻, Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–SO₄²⁻ and Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–Cl⁻. The groundwater is saturated and slightly supersaturated with respect to carbonate minerals and undersaturated with respect to evaporite minerals, which means that the groundwater composition is largely controlled by the dissolution of carbonate rocks known in the basin. The isotopic contents of groundwaters ranged from −8‰ to −5.2‰ for δ¹⁸O, from −52‰ to −34‰ for δD, and from 0 to 5.5 TU for tritium. The hydrogen (δD) and oxygen (δ¹⁸O) isotope signatures reveal a significant infiltration before evaporation takes place, indicating a major recharge directly from fractures in the crystalline and limestone formations of Atlas Mountains (above 800 m a.s.l.) and infiltration of surface water in the alluvial cones at the border of the Atlas basins. The very low tritium values suggest that the groundwater recharge follows a long flow path and a mixing between old and modern water is shown. However, a slight evaporation effect is noted in the southern part of the basin close to the Anti-Atlas Mountains.     

The impact of the geologic setting on the Quaternary aquifer,El-Tur area,Southwest Sinai,Egypt

The groundwater extracted from the unconfined Quaternary aquifer is the main source of water supply in El-Tur area. The area is bounded from the east by the elevated basement complex of Southern Sinai and from the west by El-Qabaliyat Ridge. The wadis dissecting these highlands form effective watersheds of the Quaternary aquifer. These wadis form areas of focused recharge. Recharge also occurs directly via the Quaternary sediments covering El-Qaa Plain. Subsurface lateral groundwater flow from the fractured basement contributes significant recharge to the aquifer as well. The aquifer sediment facies affect the type and quality of groundwater. In the eastern part where the aquifer is composed mainly of gravel and coarse sand with fragments of weathered basement, the Na-Cl-SO₄ water dominates. In the west where the facies change is rapid and complex, many water types arise. The base exchange index (BEX) is positive in this part reflecting the role of clay minerals in changing the water types via cation exchange. In the east where clays are insignificant in the aquifer, the BEX is negative. In the western part next to El-Qabaliyat Ridge, the wells discharging from the calcareous sand zone have low groundwater salinities compared to the wells discharging from the alluvium. In general, the groundwater salinity increases in the direction of groundwater flow from the northeast to the southwest which reflects the dissolution of aquifer sediments. The concentration relationships between the major ions on one hand and chloride on the other reflect the dissolution of calcium carbonates, precipitation of K- and Mg-bearing minerals, and cation exchange of Ca for Na on clay minerals. The hydrochemical models support these reactions. In addition, they show that the effect of evaporation on the recharge water in the western catchment is about four times its effect on the eastern recharge water which reflects the rapid recharge through the wadis draining the fractured basement. Moreover, the contribution from the eastern catchment in sample No. 23 is more than four-folds the contribution from the western recharge area. The stable isotopes (²H and ¹⁸O) show that the Quaternary aquifer is recharging from recent rainfall. However, upward leakage of Paleogene groundwater (depleted in ¹⁸O) also occurs. The groundwater level map shows strong overpumping impact especially in the areas close to El-Tur city.     

Groundwater flow patterns in the San Luis Valley,Colorado, USA revisited: an evaluation of solute and isotopic data

Groundwater systems in the San Luis Valley, Colorado, USA have been re-evaluated by an analysis of solute and isotopic data. Existing stream, spring, and groundwater samples have been augmented with 154 solute and isotopic samples. Based on geochemical stratification, three groundwater regimes have been identified within 1,200 m of the surface: unconfined, upper active confined, and lower active confined with maximum TDS concentrations of 35,000, 3,500 and 600 mg/L, respectively. The elevated TDS of northern valley unconfined and upper active confined systems result from mineral dissolution, ion exchange and methanogenesis of organic and evaporate lake sediments deposited in an ancient lake, herein designated as Lake Sipapu. Chemical evolutions along flow paths were modeled with NETPATH. Groundwater ages, and δ¹³C, δ²H and δ¹⁸O compositions and distributions, suggest that mountain front recharge is the principle recharge mechanism for the upper and lower confined aquifers with travel times in the northern valley of more than 20,000 and 30,000 ¹⁴C years, respectively. Southern valley confined aquifer travel times are 5,000 ¹⁴C years or less. The unconfined aquifer contains appreciable modern recharge water and the contribution of confined aquifer water to the unconfined aquifer does not exceed 20%.     

Hydrochemical and stable isotopic investigation of groundwater quality and its sustainability for irrigation in the Hammamet-Nabeul basin,northeastern Tunisia

The major ion hydrochemistry, sodium absorption ratio (SAR), sodium percentage, and isotopic signatures of Hammamet-Nabeul groundwaters were used to identify the processes that control the mineralization, irrigation suitability, and origin of different water bodies. This investigation highlights that groundwater mineralization is mainly influenced by water-rock interaction and pollution by the return flow of irrigation water. The comparison of groundwater quality with irrigation suitability standards proves that most parts of groundwater are unacceptable for irrigation and this long-term practice may result in a significant increase of the salinity and alkalinity in the soils. Based on isotopic signatures, the shallow aquifer groundwater samples were classified into (i) waters with depleted δ¹⁸O and δ²H contents, highlighting recharge by modern precipitation, and (ii) waters with enriched stable isotope contents, reflecting the significance of recharge by contaminated water derived from the return flow of evaporated irrigation waters. The deep-aquifer groundwater samples were also classified into (i) waters with relatively enriched isotope contents derived from modern recharge and mixed with shallow-aquifer groundwater and (ii) waters with depleted stable isotope contents reflecting a paleoclimatic origin. Tritium data permit to identify three origins of recharge, i.e., contemporaneous, post-nuclear, and pre-nuclear. Carbon-14 activities demonstrate the existence of old paleoclimatic recharge related to the Holocene and Late Pleistocene humid periods.     

Natural and artificial recharge investigation in the Zéroud Basin,Central Tunisia: impact of Sidi Saad Dam storage

Hydrochemical and isotopic data of waters from the Zéroud aquifer have been used to potentially provide a means for locating occurrences and to trace movements of a variety of natural and anthropogenic recharge waters in the Zéroud Basin, Central Tunisia. Geochemical data have been measured during the dam water release, from May to September 2005, with a sampling time step of 15 days. An implication of dam water has been demonstrated that is noticeable up along the main flow path to a distance of 10 km far from the injection site. Environmental isotopes ²H, ¹⁸O and ³H of water molecule were studied to investigate the effect of dam water on the hydrological system, and an isotope balance was established to compute the contribution of water storage component in groundwater. Based on isotopic mass balance, we assess that an average of 13% of total groundwater in the upper aquifer came from dam water storage. Three distinctive recharge waters in the aquifer can be determined. Water from local rainfall (pre-dam Zéroud River) that infiltrated into the boundaries of the Draa Affane Mountain was easily distinguished from the water influenced by anthropogenic recharge located in the Zéroud right rivulet. Distinguishable isotopic signatures of native wadi Zéroud recharge due to “recent lineal recharge” through the riverbed were also identified.     

Groundwater recharge history and hydrogeochemical evolution in the Minqin Basin, North West China

The Minqin Basin is a type area for examining stress on groundwater resources in the Gobi Desert, and has been investigated here using a combination of isotopic, noble gas and chemical indicators. The basin is composed of clastic sediments of widely differing grain size and during the past half century over 10 000 boreholes have been drilled with a groundwater decline of around 1 m a⁻¹. Modern diffuse recharge is unlikely to exceed 3 mm a⁻¹, as determined using unsaturated zone profiles and Cl⁻ mass balance. A small component of modern (<50 a) groundwater is identified in parts of the basin from ³H–³He data, probably from irrigation returns. A clear distinction is found between modern waters with median δ¹⁸O values of 6.5 ± 0.5‰ and most groundwaters in the basin with more depleted isotopic signatures. Radiocarbon values as pmc range from 0.6% to 85% modern, but it is difficult to assign absolute ages to these, although a value of 20% modern C probably represents the late Pleistocene to Holocene transition. The δ¹³C compositions remain near-constant throughout the basin (median value of −8.1‰ δ¹³C) and indicate that carbonate reactions are unimportant and also that little reaction takes place. There is a smooth decrease in ¹⁴C activity accompanied by a parallel increase in ⁴He accumulations from S–N across the basin, which define the occurrence of a regional flow system. Noble gas temperatures indicate recharge temperatures of about 5.6 °C for late Pleistocene samples, which is some 2–3 °C cooler than the modern mean annual air temperature and the recharge temperature obtained from several Holocene samples. Groundwaters in the Minqin Basin have salinities generally below 1 g/L and are aerobic, containing low Fe but elevated concentrations of U, Cr and Se (mean values of 27.5, 5.8 and 5.3 μg L⁻¹, respectively). Nitrate is present at baseline concentrations of around 2 mg L⁻¹ but there is little evidence of impact of high NO₃ from irrigation returns. Strontium isotope and major ion ratios suggest that silicate reactions predominate in the aquifer. The results have important implications for groundwater management in the Minqin and other water-stressed basins in NW China – a region so far destined for rapid development. The large proportion of the water being used at present is in effect being mined and significant changes are urgently needed in water use strategy.     

Recharge rate estimation in the Mountain karst aquifer system of Figeh spring, Syria

Figeh watershed spring is one of the important groundwater aquifer, which is considered a major source for drinking waters of Damascus city and countryside. The origin identification and recharge estimates of groundwater are significant components of sustainable groundwater development in this Mountain karst aquifer of Figeh spring. During the period 2001–2009, monthly groundwater and precipitation samples were taken and the isotopic compositions of δ¹⁸O, δ²H, and chloride contents were analyzed to identify groundwater origins and to estimate recharge rates. The δ¹⁸O, δ²H of the groundwater show that the groundwater recharge is of meteoric origin. The chloride mass balance (CMB) method was used to quantify recharge rates of groundwater in the Mountain karst aquifer of Figeh spring. The recharge rate varies from 192 to 826 mm/year, which corresponds to 43 and 67% of the total annual rainfall. Recharge rates estimated by CMB were compared with values obtained from other methods and were found to be in good agreement. This study can be used to develop effective programs for groundwater management and development.     

Hydrogeochemical and isotopic evidence of groundwater evolution and recharge in aquifers in Beijing Plain, China

An investigation was conducted in Beijing to identify the groundwater evolution and recharge in the quaternary aquifers. Water samples were collected from precipitation, rivers, wells, and springs for hydrochemical and isotopic measurements. The recharge and the origin of groundwater and its residence time were further studied. The groundwater in the upper aquifer is characterized by Ca-Mg-HCO₃ type in the upstream area and Na-HCO₃ type in the downstream area of the groundwater flow field. The groundwater in the lower aquifer is mainly characterized by Ca-Mg-HCO₃ type in the upstream area and Ca-Na-Mg-HCO₃ and Na-Ca-Mg-HCO₃ type in the downstream area. The δD and δ¹⁸O in precipitation are linearly correlated, which is similar to WMWL. The δD and δ¹⁸O values of river, well and spring water are within the same ranges as those found in the alluvial fan zone, and lay slightly above or below LMWL. The δD and δ¹⁸O values have a decreasing trend generally following the precipitation → surface water → shallow groundwater → spring water → deep groundwater direction. There is evidence of enrichment of heavy isotopes in groundwater due to evaporation. Tritium values of unconfined groundwater give evidence for ongoing recharge in modern times with mean residence times <50 a. It shows a clear renewal evolution along the groundwater flow paths and represents modern recharge locally from precipitation and surface water to the shallow aquifers (<150 m). In contrast, according to ¹⁴C ages in the confined aquifers and residence time of groundwater flow lines, the deep groundwater is approximately or older than 10 ka, and was recharged during a period when the climate was wetter and colder mainly from the piedmont surrounding the plain. The groundwater exploitation is considered to be “mined unsustainably” because more water is withdrawn than it is replenished.     

Groundwater origins and mixing pattern in the multilayer aquifer system of the Gafsa-south mining district: a chemical and isotopic approach

Major ion geochemistry and environmental isotopes were used to identify the origins and the mineralisation processes of groundwater flowing within the three aquifer levels of the multilayer system of the Gafsa-south mining district (Southwestern Tunisia). It has been demonstrated that groundwaters are characterised by a Ca–Mg–SO₄ water type. Geochemical pattern is mainly controlled by the dissolution of halite, gypsum and/or anhydrite as well as by the incongruent dissolution of dolomite. δ¹⁸O and δ²H values are much lower than the isotopic signature of regional precipitation and fall close to the meteoric water lines, indicating that groundwaters have not been significantly affected by evaporation or mineral–water reactions. The distribution of stable and radiogenic isotopes (δ¹⁸O, δ²H, δ¹³C and ¹⁴C) within the aquifer levels suggests that the deep confined aquifer receives a significant modern recharge at higher altitudes, while, the shallow unconfined aquifer has been mainly recharged under cooler paleoclimatic condition, likely during Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene humid periods. However, waters from the intermediate confined/unconfined aquifer have composite isotopic signatures, highlighting that they are derived from a mixture of the two first end-members.     

Groundwater exploitation and recharge rate estimation of a quaternary sand aquifer in Dar-es-Salaam area,Tanzania

Dar-es-Salaam City gets water supply from surface water and groundwater. The groundwater is used to supplement surface water supply and has increasingly become a major source of water supply in the city. The study area comprises three major parts: the central coastal plain with quaternary fluvial–deltaic sediments, the deltaic Mio-Pliocene clay-bound sands and gravels in the northwest and southeast and the Lower Miocene fluviatile sandstones of Pugu Hills in the west of the study area. The main objective of this study was to quantify the integrated water balance. The major source of renewable groundwater in the aquifer is rainfall. Hence, the average recharge of 256.2 mm/year (for the year 2006) to the aquifer was estimated using the balance method of Thornthwaite and Mather, which is equal to 99.4 hm³/year for the whole alluvial aquifer. This value was balanced with total groundwater abstraction of 8.59 hm³/year, baseflow to rivers of 75.7 hm³/year and discharge into the sea (15.11 hm³/year).     

Hydrogeological and hydrochemical investigation of groundwater using environmental isotopes (18O, 2H, 3H, 14C) and chemical tracers: a case study of the intermediate aquifer,Sfax, southeastern Tunisia

Major element concentrations and stable (δ¹⁸O and δ²H) and radiogenic (³H and ¹⁴C) isotopes in groundwater have proved useful tracers for understanding the geochemical processes that control groundwater mineralization and for identifying recharge sources in the semi-arid region of Sfax (southeastern Tunisia). Major-ion chemical data indicate that the origins of the salinity in the groundwater are the water–rock interactions, mainly the dissolution of evaporitic minerals, as well as the cation exchange with clay minerals. The δ¹⁸O and δ²H relationships suggest variations in groundwater recharge mechanisms. Strong evaporation during recharge with limited rapid water infiltration is evident in the groundwater of the intermediate aquifer. The mixing with old groundwater in some areas explains the low stable isotope values of some groundwater samples. Groundwaters from the intermediate aquifer are classified into two main water types: Ca-Na-SO₄ and Ca-Na-Cl-SO₄. The high nitrate concentrations suggest an anthropogenic source of nitrogen contamination caused by intensive agricultural activities in the area. The stable isotopic signatures reveal three water groups: non-evaporated waters that indicate recharge by recent infiltrated water; evaporated waters that are characterized by relatively enriched δ¹⁸O and δ²H contents; and mixed groundwater (old/recent) or ancient groundwater, characterized by their depleted isotopic composition. Tritium data support the existence of recent limited recharge; however, other low tritium values are indicative of pre-nuclear recharge and/or mixing between pre-nuclear and contemporaneous recharge. The carbon-14 activities indicate that the groundwaters were mostly recharged under different climatic conditions during the cooler periods of the late Pleistocene and Holocene.

     

Quantifying regional groundwater flow between Continental Intercalaire and Djeffara aquifers in southern Tunisia using isotope methods

Large-scale interaction between the Continental Intercalaire and the Djeffara aquifer systems in the southeast of Tunisia has been investigated with the aid of chemical and isotopic tracers. Two distinct groundwater types have been identified: (1) the Continental Intercalaire groundwater characterized by elevated temperatures (50–61.4°C), low δ¹⁸O (−8.4 to−7.87) and δ²H (−67.2 to−59) values and negligible radiocarbon content, both testifying its great age dating from the late Pleistocene period, and (2) the Djeffara groundwater with distinctly heavier isotopic composition (δ¹⁸O = −8.31 to −5.80, δ²H = −65.9 to −31.9). The Djeffara groundwaters reveal a distinct changes of physico-chemical and isotopic parameters near El Hamma Faults in the northwestern part of the Djeffara basin. These changes could possibly be explained by a vertical leakage from the Continental Intercalaire aquifer through El Hamma Faults. The mixing proportions inferred from stable isotope mass balance prove that the contribution of the Continental Intercalaire to the recharge of Djeffara aquifer is very significant and may reach 100% in the El Hamma region and in the northern part of Gabes. Isotope tracers strongly suggest that recent recharge to the Djeffara aquifer system is very limited. Its current yield, particularly in its central and northern parts can be maintained only thanks to large-scale underground inflow from the Continental Intercalaire aquifer system, which carries late Pleistocene palaeowater. Consequently, current exploitation of groundwater resources of the Djeffara aquifer has non-sustainable character.     

Hydrochemical and isotopic behaviour of a Saharan phreatic aquifer suffering severe natural and anthropic constraints (case of Oued-Souf region, Algeria)

An approach combining the use of water dissolved chemical species and isotopic fingerprints has been used to understand the behavior of a phreatic aquifer and to determine the origin of its different water components. This aquifer is located in the large sedimentary basin of the Great Oriental Erg (Algeria) and overlies two deeper aquifers: the Complexe Terminal (CT) and the Continental Intercalaire (CI). Besides the deterioration of its groundwater quality, its water table has risen during the last 20 years. A water budget surplus between 950 and 2500 l s^?1 was estimated. Down-gradient groundwater evolution (south-north) has shown that the mineralisation increases from 1.23 to 5.20 g l^?1 due to evaporite minerals dissolution. Chemical and isotopic data demonstrated that in addition to rainfall there is a contribution from the CT and CI aquifers. The latter are tritium-free and less mineralized than the phreatic aquifer. Their radiocarbon contents are very low (<10 pmC, percent modern Carbon) (Pleistocene recharge) whereas quite the contrary is observed for the superficial aquifer which exhibits fairly high and variable C-14 activities (50–100 pmC), evidence of recent recharge. On the basis of tritium contents, two groundwater groups were identified for the phreatic aquifer.     

Assessing seasonal variations and aquifer vulnerability in coastal aquifers of semi-arid regions using a multi-tracer isotopic approach: the case of Grombalia (Tunisia)

The Grombalia aquifer (NE Tunisia) is an example of an important source of water supply for regional and national development, where the weak controls over abstraction, fertilizer application and waste disposal, coupled with limited knowledge of aquifer dynamics, is causing aquifer over-exploitation and water quality degradation. Assessing the key role of groundwater in water-resources security is therefore of paramount importance to support new actions to preserve water quality and quantity in the long-run. This study presents one of the first investigations targeted at a complete assessment of aquifer dynamics in the Grombalia aquifer. A multi-tracer hydrogeochemical and isotopic (δ²H, δ¹⁸O and ³H) approach was used to study the influence of seasonal variation on piezometric levels, chemical and isotopic compositions, and groundwater recharge. A total of 116 samples were collected from private wells and boreholes during three periods in a 1 year monitoring campaign (February–March 2014, September 2014 and February 2015). Results revealed the overall unsuitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes (NO₃?>?50 mg/L in 51% of the wells; EC >1,000 μS/cm in 99% of the wells). Isotopic balance coupled to piezometric investigation indicated the contribution of the shallow aquifer to deep groundwater recharge. The study also revealed the weakness of ‘business as usual’ management practices, highlighting possible solutions to tackle water-related challenges in the Grombalia region, where climate change, population growth and intensive agricultural activities have generated a large gap between demand and available water reserves, hence becoming a possible driver for social insecurity.     

Use of isotopic tracers to characterize the interaction of water components and nitrate contamination in the arid Rasafeh area (Syria)

Chemical and isotopic data in atmospheric precipitation, surface water, and groundwater in arid Rasafeh area, northeast Syria, are used to clarify the status of groundwater quality, the interaction of water components, groundwater dating, and vulnerability to anthropogenic contamination. Interpretation of chemical data with thermodynamic calculation reveals that the dissolution of evaporate mineral is the main factor of high salinity. The δ¹⁸O and δ²H relationships indicate that the groundwater is fed by mixing water from Euphrates River and precipitation and the isotope balance equation were used to estimate the contribution of the Euphrates River to the aquifers recharge. High tritium content, together with high ¹⁴C activity in the majority of groundwater samples, indicate shorter residence times and consequently potentially greater recharge. The presence of high nitrate concentration associated with high tritium concentration in both shallow and deep aquifer units indicates the presence of high permeability, so that groundwater is highly susceptible to anthropogenic contamination. Nitrate seems to derive exclusively from the application of N fertilizers. The high nitrate values are characteristic of the areas with intensive agricultural activity, indicating the importance of irrigated return flow on the groundwater.