Hydrochemical and isotopic investigation of groundwater of Al-Batin alluvial fan aquifer,Southern Iraq

Major ions and important trace elements in addition to δ¹⁸O and δ²H were analysed for 43 groundwater samples sampled from the Al-Batin alluvial fan aquifer, South Iraq. The most dominant ions (with respect to molarity) were: Na⁺ > Cl^? > SO₄ ^2? > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > NO₃ ^? > HCO₃ ^?, with total dissolved solids (TDS) averaging 7855 mg/L. High concentrations were found for the trace elements U, Mo, V, B, Sr, and Cr. This study suggests a hydraulic connection exists near the fan apex between the uppermost part of the Al-Batin aquifer and the underlying Dammam aquifer by means of the Abu-Jir fault system. Except for the effects of extensive irrigation, fertilizer use, and poorly maintained sewers, the groundwater chemistry is mainly controlled by geological processes such as dissolution of evaporites and the enrichment of dissolved ions as a result of the high evaporation and low recharge rate. Furthermore, it is shown that the Kuwaiti fuel–oil burning during Gulf War in 1991 contributed to the enrichment of V and Mo in the studied aquifer. The spatial distribution of most ions appears to generally increase from the south-west towards the north-east, in the direction of groundwater flow. The stable isotopes show heavier values in groundwater with a gradually increasing trend in the direction of groundwater flow due to the decreasing depth to groundwater and thus increasing of evaporation from both groundwater or irrigation return water. Additionally, the stable isotope signature suggests that rainfall from sources in the Arabian Gulf and the Arabian Sea is the major source of recharge for the Al-Batin aquifer. Except for two samples of groundwater, all samples were not suitable for potable use according to the WHO standards. Most of the groundwater is suitable for some agricultural purpose and for livestock water supply. Apart from the high salinity, boron represents the most critical element in the groundwater with respect to agricultural purposes.     

Geochemistry of sediments of the Al-Batin alluvial fan,Southern Iraq

The Al-Batin alluvial fan covers a broad area of southern Iraq. It was the main battlefield of two devastating wars in 1991 and 2003, during which huge amounts of depleted uranium (DU) were used. This study aims to assess the geochemistry of this fan sediment including the potential effects of the DU used. Sixty-three samples were collected from sediments including three samples from sediments under tanks attacked by DU ammunition. Major elements were measured by XRF (fusion bead method), whereas ICP-MS was used to measure the trace elements. The results suggest that the most dominant major minerals are in the order of: quartz?>?secondary gypsum?>?calcite?>?feldspar, clay minerals?>?iron oxide, and show abnormal concentrations of Sr, Cr, Ni, and V. This study also determined an area with high concentration of U in the north east part of the fan. Statistical analysis and spatial distribution of important elements suggests that two major factors affect mineral formation. The first factor reflects the influence of minerals in the source area of the sediments (Arabian Shield): quartz, carbonate, clay minerals, feldspars, as well as iron oxides and elevated concentrations of V, Ni, and Cr. The second factor points at authigenic formation of secondary gypsum and celestite and elevated U concentration under the control of a hot arid climate and the specific groundwater situation. However, the origin of the sediments is geogenic, while the anthropogenic impact seems to be minor. Spatial distribution of U and the ^235/238U ratio did not show any peaks in the places where tanks have been destroyed. This is contrary to media speculations and some scientific reports about the permanent risks of DU in the area, which creates public concern about the potential risk of living in this area.     

Improved groundwater vulnerability mapping for the karstic chalk aquifer of south east England

The Cretaceous age Chalk of south east England forms an important aquifer. Within chalk the storage and transmission of groundwater is enhanced by subsurface karstic weathering. The case study presented in this paper demonstrates that current approaches to assessing groundwater vulnerability to pollution and delineating source protection zones are flawed, as they do not take proper account of the karstic nature of chalk.Improved techniques, based on understanding the geological and geomorphological controls of karst development in chalk, are proposed to overcome the shortcomings of published groundwater vulnerability maps. The results also demonstrate the inadequacies of current groundwater modelling approaches for defining source protection zones. The techniques follow European Commission research recommendations by taking account of recharge, presence of overlying cover deposits, the nature of chalk karst and the way in which it influences the flow of groundwater. The approach described allows for better informed decisions to be made about chalk aquifer management to ensure adequate protection and conservation of groundwater. For example, the published groundwater vulnerability map shows Lambeth Group deposits classified as being a minor aquifer of low groundwater vulnerability in the chosen study area. However, by applying the new techniques, they are classified as having an Aquifer Vulnerability Rating of moderate to very high, when taking the karstic development of the underlying chalk into account.     

Evaluation of groundwater quality in the Dibdibba aquifer using hydrogeochemical and isotope techniques (Basrah Province,Iraq)

Acta Geochimica - The Dibdibba aquifer is considered to be the main source in the Al-Zubair area because agriculture depends on it to provide grazing water in the area. The groundwater well samples...     

东濮断陷湖盆下第三系沙二段的冲积扇沉积

东濮凹陷西洼南段沙二段是该区主要的勘探目的层之一。根据地震、测井及岩心分析等资料的综合分析表明,该区沙二段属干旱气候条件下的冲积扇沉积。由于沙二段沉积时期长垣断层的活动减缓,研究区与西斜坡构成一个共同的沉积区域,研究区内主要发育扇中前缘和扇端亚相等细粒沉积部分,扇根和扇中主体等粗粒部分主要堆积在西斜坡上。在地震剖面和测井曲线上可以看出,该区沙二段由3个沉积旋回构成,总体上呈现向上变细的粒序特征。这些旋回在研究区各井中可以进行对比,表明冲积扇的活动受构造和气候因素的影响。     

Impact of intense exploitation on the groundwater balance and flow within Mullusi aquifer (arid zone, west Iraq)

The main results that derived from this study is the quantitative determination of subsurface water balance and the water loses along flow line during drought decade (before 2000–2009), with intense exploitation of groundwater from water wells. The hydrogeological data are presented as spatial distribution maps and three dimensional models. The results are correlated with the main hydrogeologic control points including (storage and transmissivity coefficients, groundwater depths, aquifers thickness, lateral extensions, well productivity) to determine the preferable hydrogeologic districts for development and exploitations, avoiding groundwater depletion as captured zone flow. Based on the isotope analysis of deuterium, oxygen-18, tritium, carbon-13, and carbon-14, the recharge of the aquifer is originated to direct infiltration of atmospheric water through exposure outcrops within Hauran catchments area. The isotope compositions also show that the groundwater is a mixture of an old groundwater with modern recharge in the areas adjacent to Rutba. The fact that the Mullusi aquifer is of major importance as the water supply of people in Rutba region, particularly, for increasing demand of water resources and sustainability assessment in the future, this study developed a reliable strategic suggested plan in groundwater supply, based on groundwater exploitation and amount of safe yield within Dhabaa basin.     

Modelling groundwater flow of the Trifa aquifer, Morocco

Trifa is the most productive agricultural plain of north-eastern Morocco. The development of agricultural activities during the last few decades has been mainly based on imported water for irrigation. However, irrigation requirements have become so large that groundwater is used as a secondary source to supply the agricultural and domestic water needs, causing a depletion of the groundwater resources, especially during dry periods. A hydrological and a hydrogeological model for the Trifa plain have been developed, which yield information on relevant parameters such as groundwater recharge, and estimate the amount of pumped groundwater needed to meet the irrigation needs. The models (MODFLOW and WetSpass) provide insight into the status and evolution of the groundwater reserves. The results of the study are useful to predict the sustainability of the groundwater resources in the Trifa plain and to evaluate possible management actions. A reduction in groundwater abstraction by at least 25% may be necessary to achieve sustainable conditions.

---

Resumen Trifa es la planicie agrícola más productiva del noreste de Marruecos. El desarrollo de las actividades agrícolas durante las últimas décadas se ha basado principalmente en agua importada para riego. Sin embargo, los requerimientos de riego han llegado a ser tan grandes ocasionando que se utilice el agua subterránea como una fuente secundaria para abastecer las necesidades de agua para uso doméstico y agrícola, lo que causa un agotamiento de los recursos de agua subterránea, especialmente durante periodos secos. Se ha desarrollado un modelo hidrogeológico e hidrológico para la planicie Trifa el cual aporta información de parámetros relevantes tal como recarga de agua subterránea y estima la cantidad de agua subterránea que necesita bombearse para satisfacer las necesidades de riego. Los modelos (MODFLOW y WetSpass) aportan una idea acerca del estado actual y la evolución de las reservas de agua subterránea. Los resultados de este estudio son útiles para predecir la sostenibilidad de los recursos de agua subterránea en la planicie Trifa y para evaluar posibles acciones de gestión. Puede ser necesario reducir la explotación de agua subterránea en por lo menos 25% para alcanzar condiciones sostenibles.

---

Résumé Trifa est la plaine agricole la plus productive du Nord-Est marocain. Le développement de l’activité agricole durant ces dernières décennies a essentiellement reposé sur l’irrigation. Néanmoins les besoins de l’irrigation sont devenus tels que l’eau souterraine est utilisée comme ressource secondaire, pour combler la demande en eau domestique et agricole, induisant un rabattement d’autant plus important durant les périodes sèches. Un modèle hydrologique et hydrogéologique de la plaine de Trifa a été développé sur base des paramètres les plus importants, tels la recharge, et permet d’estimer le pompage nécessaire des eaux souterraines pour combler les besoins de l’irrigation. Les modèles (MODFLOW et WetSpass) apportent une bonne connaissance de l’état et de l’évolution des réserves souterraines. Les résultats de l’étude sont utiles pour prédire la longévité des ressources et pour évaluer différents scénarios de gestion. Une réduction de l’extraction de 25% serait nécessaire pour atteindre un état durable.

     

辽河盆地曙一区馆陶组湿地冲积扇沉积

在岩芯观察的基础上,结合地震资料和测井资料对该区馆陶组粗碎屑岩进行了详细的研究,认为该套粗碎屑岩属湿地冲积扇沉积。进而分析了馆陶组湿地冲积扇的岩性特征、古气候特征、微相类型,并总结出了这种冲积扇的沉积模式。在此基础上,进一步阐明了基准面旋回对沉积相纵横向展布的影响.     

On estimating the earthquake-induced changes in hydrogeological properties of the Choshuishi Alluvial Fan, Taiwan

The hydrological response of the Choshuishi alluvial fan to the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake shows that the earthquake did impact the aquifer. The possible earthquake-induced changes in hydrogeological properties were investigated in this study. First, contour maps of the hydrologic anomaly, seismic factors, and vertical ground-surface displacement were compared qualitatively. Bulls eye patterns were found on the contour maps of hydraulic conductivity, coseismic groundwater-level change and vertical ground-surface displacement but did not occur with other seismic factors. The more permeable zones of the aquifer were found to coincide with the locations of greater vertical ground-surface displacement and coseismic groundwater-level change in the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake. This indicates that the change of the hydrogeologic properties of Choshuishi alluvial fan due to the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake may have mainly occurred in the highly permeable zones. Fractal, cross semivariogram and cross correlogram analyses were performed to quantitatively measure the persistency, variability and similarity, respectively, of spatial hydrologic response, seismic factors and hydraulic conductivity. The groundwater-level change, earthquake intensity, and vertical ground-surface displacement were found to show antipersistent tendencies while other factors showed the opposite. Higher correlations were found between hydraulic conductivity and groundwater-level change in aquifers 2–1 and 2–2, and between hydraulic conductivity and vertical ground-surface displacement in aquifer 3. Changes in porosities and hydraulic conductivity were evaluated in the main aquifers of the Choshuishi alluvial fan based on the data of hydrologic anomaly and the vertical ground-surface displacement. While both approaches show that the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake has impacted the Choshuishi alluvial fan by reducing its porosity and hydraulic conductivity, these changes were not significant relative to natural variation in hydraulic conductivity.This revised version was published in May 2005 with correction to the rubric.     

洪积扇相砂砾岩体储层构型研究方法探讨

在厘定其不同层次界面成因的基础上,把Miall研究思路成功移植到洪积扇相复杂储层中,建立了与开发精度相匹配的洪积扇储层内部结构研究的层次分析法,即复合水道、单期水道和高渗透段3个层次。划分出洪积扇砂砾岩储层5级构型界面:5级界面为洪泛沉积发育稳定的泥岩,构成油田开发中的隔层;4级界面由厚度变化的泥岩、粉砂质泥岩组成,形成流体渗流屏障;3级界面为形成的支撑砾岩体与周围储集体的岩性突变面。总结了复合水道规模扇缘亚相单期条带状、扇中亚相多期交织的宽带状及扇顶亚相多期垂向叠加的厚层板状砂砾岩体的分布特点。提出了洪积扇单期水道研究方法,即分别从单期水道4个方面的垂向识别特征和4种单期水道的侧向界面识别标志入手,在3种单期水道空间组合模式指导下开展三维空间组合研究。2个典型井区的实例分析表明,扇顶亚相单期水道的边界沿着古水流方向近似呈直线分布,多期水道呈楔形叠瓦状前积叠加,垂直物源方向为垂向加积切割叠置关系;扇中亚相单期水道边界类似曲率较小的辫状河道边界,多期水道具有侧向叠置的特点。     

The groundwater age in the Middle-Upper Devonian aquifer system, Lithuania

³H, δ¹³C and hydrochemical data were used to estimate the corrected groundwater age derived from conventional ¹⁴C age of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). The Middle-Upper Devonian aquifer system from the Baltic upland recharge area in eastern Lithuania towards the discharge area on the Baltic Sea coast in the west was considered. The concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS) in groundwater changes from 300 to 24,000  mg/L and increases downgradient towards the coast. The other major constituents have the same trend as the TDS. The hydrochemical facies of groundwater vary from an alkali-earth carbonates facies at the eastern upland area to an alkali-earth carbonate-sulfate and chloride facies at transit and discharge areas. Meteoric water percolating through the Quaternary and Devonian aquifers regulate the initial ¹⁴C activities of groundwater involving two main members of DIC: soil CO₂ with modern ¹⁴C activity uptake and dissolution of ¹⁴C-free aquifer carbonates. Other sources of DIC are less common. ¹⁴C activity of DIC in the groundwater ranged from 60 to 108 pMC at the shallow depths. With an increase of the aquifers depth the dolomitization of aqueous solution and leakage of the “old” groundwater from lower aquifers take place, traced by lower activities (7–30 pMC).     

广西横县六景古近纪冲积物特征

广西横县六景火车站南侧,角度不整合覆盖下泥盆统莫丁组和那叫组下段、被新近系大面积覆盖而呈两部分远距离割裂状态的一套“二元结构”特征显著的红色泥砂基底碳酸盐岩粗—巨砾岩,长期以来未被学者们看作一个冲积扇的有机统一体进行研究。经两次实地踏勘、系统采样和测量,以现代山麓冲积扇鉴别特征为主,辅以古冲积扇特征,综合分析得出结论:该套沉积的系列相关分割露头分别为一古近纪冲积扇之残存扇根、扇中及扇缘。该冲积扇为一典型的古近纪早期干旱气候条件下、母岩区为陡峻碳酸盐岩山体的古山麓冲积扇。     

Electrical imaging of the groundwater aquifer at Banting,Selangor, Malaysia

A geophysical study was carried out in the Banting area of Malaysia to delineate groundwater aquifer and marine clay layer of the alluvial Quaternary deposits of Beruas and Gula Formations. The Beruas Formation is formed by peat and clayey materials as well as silt and sands, whereas the Gula Formation consists of clay, silt, sand and gravels. Both Formations were deposited on top of the Carboniferous shale of the Kenny Hill Formation. A 2-D geoelectrical resistivity technique was used. Resistivity measurement was carried out using an ABEM SAS 4000 Terrameter. The 2-D resistivity data of subsurface material for each survey line was calculated through inverse modelling and then compared with borehole data. The resistivity images of all the subsurface material below the survey lines show similar pattern of continuous structure of layering or layers with some lenses with resistivity ranging from 0.1 to 50 Ωm. The upper layer shows resistivity values ranging from 0.1 to 10 Ωm, representing a clay horizon with a thickness up to 45 m. The second layer with depth varies from 45 to 70 m below surface and has resistivity values ranging from 10 to 30 Ωm. Borehole data indicate coarse sand with some gravels for this layer, which is also the groundwater aquifer in the study area. The lowermost layer at a depth of 70 m below ground level shows resistivity values ranging from 30–50 Ωm and can be correlated with metasedimentary rocks consisting of shale and metaquartzite.     

Modeling of groundwater flow for Mujib aquifer, Jordan

Jordan is an arid country with very limited water resources. Groundwater is the main source for its water supply. Mujib aquifer is located in the central part of Jordan and is a major source of drinking water for Amman, Madaba and Karak cities. High abstraction rates from Mujib aquifer during the previous years lead to a major decline in water levels and deterioration in groundwater quality. Therefore, proper groundwater management of Mujib aquifer is necessary; and groundwater flow modeling is essential for proper management. For this purpose, Modflow was used to build a groundwater flow model to simulate the behavior of the flow system under different stresses. The model was calibrated for steady state condition by matching observed and simulated initial head counter lines. Drawdown data for the period 1985–1995 were used to calibrate the transient model by matching simulated drawdown with the observed one. Then, the transient model was validated by using drawdown data for the period 1996–2002. The results of the calibrated model showed that the horizontal hydraulic conductivity of the B2/A7 aquifer ranges between 0.001 and 40m/d. Calibrated specific yield ranges from 0.0001 to 0.15. The water balance for the steady state condition of Mujib aquifer indicated that the total annual direct recharge is 20.4 × 10⁶m³, the total annual inflow is 13.0 × 10⁶ m³, springs discharge is 15.3 × 10⁶ m³, and total annual outflow is 18.7 × 10⁶ m³. Different scenarios were considered to predict aquifer system response under different conditions. The results of the sensitivity analysis show that the model is highly sensitive to horizontal hydraulic conductivity and anisotropy and with lower level to the recharge rates. Also the model is sensitive to specific yield     

Fluoride in Quaternary groundwater aquifer,Nile Valley,Luxor, Egypt

The occurrence of fluoride in ground water is the focus of the public and has attracted the attention of many scientists all over the world due to its importance in public health. Deficiency or increase of fluoride uptake is considered a public health problem due to the narrow permissible limit which should not exceed 1.5 mg/l according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The range of fluoride tolerance and toxicity is narrow. Deviation from the optimal levels therefore results in dental health effects such as caries and fluorosis. Many studies have found fluorosis to be invariably associated with high concentrations of fluoride in drinking water. Fluorosis is a considerable health problem in many areas of the world including Brazil, China, East Africa, Ghana, India, Kenya, Korea, Malawi, Mexico, Pakistan, South Africa, southeastern Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Taiwan, Tanzania, and Turkey. Fluoride in groundwater of Quaternary aquifer of the Nile Valley, Egypt, does not gain the attention of the authors in the Nile Valley which makes the public health status of fluoride is not certain. The present work aims at investigating the fluoride concentration of Quaternary groundwater aquifer at Luxor as a representative area of the Nile Valley to be a base line for subsequent studies and criteria for public health. Ground water samples were collected from Quaternary groundwater aquifer at Luxor area, Egypt and analyzed for the purpose of investigating fluoride content. The results showed that fluoride concentration in the study area ranges between 0.113 and 0.452 with an average of 0.242 mg/l. Sources of fluoride in the study area can result from the natural dissolution from fluoride-rich minerals, fertilizers and from groundwater recharge. It is worth mentioning that low fluoride content in the study area is considered a public health threat specially limited growth, fertility, and dental caries. Corrective measures should be taken to avoid the public health impacts of fluoride deficiency at Luxor area as well as similar areas in the Nile Valley. A public health program should be initiated to account for the deficiency of fluoride in groundwater and deal with the other supplementary fluoride sources in food or fluoridation of drinking water supplies.     

Sustainability analysis of groundwater resources in a coastal aquifer, Alabama

Fort Morgan Peninsula is an attached portion of a dynamic barrier complex in the northern Gulf of Mexico and is a large tourist area that brings in a significant amount of revenue for Alabama. Many of the hotels and tourist attractions depend on the groundwater as their water supply. The over-withdrawal of groundwater and saltwater intrustion will have a negative impact on the ecology, tourism and economy if groundwater resources are not properly monitored and managed. In this study a calibrated groundwater flow model was used to analyze the sustainability of groundwater resources at Fort Morgan Peninsula. Detailed flow budgets were prepared to check the various components of inflow and outflow under different water use and climatic conditions. The results indicated the locations where groundwater was over-pumped and subjected to saltwater intrusion, or will be subjected to saltwater intrusion under a range of projected water use and climatic conditions.     

Hydrochemical characterization of groundwater in Balad district,Salah Al-Din Governorate,Iraq

The assessment of hydrochemical quality of groundwater is very important to explore its nature and usefulness. In this paper, groundwater quality evaluation is carried out in the Balad district, Salah Al-Din Governorate, Iraq. A total of 28 groundwater samples are collected from shallow tube wells and analyzed for various physicochemical parameters. Groundwater suitability for drinking is evaluated based on the World Health Organization (WHO) and Iraqi standards, and suitability of groundwater for irrigation is assessed based on various hydrochemical parameters. The results reveal that the dominant types of groundwater based on piper diagram are mixed CaMgCl and CaCl. Gibbs ratio indicates that the groundwater in the studied area is affected by the evaporation process. The cation-anion exchange reaction in the studied area demonstrates that 54% of the groundwater samples indicate a direct base (cation-anion) exchange reaction, while 46% of the groundwater samples indicating the chloro-alkaline disequilibrium. Furthermore, generally all of the groundwater samples are unsuitable for drinking and irrigation. Cluster analysis reveals two different groups of similarities between the groundwater samples, reflecting different pollution levels in the studied area.     

A regional-scale groundwater flow model for the Leon-Chinandega aquifer,Nicaragua

Groundwater flow in the Leon-Chinandega aquifer was simulated using transient and steady-state numerical models. This unconfined aquifer is located in an agricultural plain in northwest Nicaragua. Previous studies were restricted to determining groundwater availability for irrigation, overlooking the impacts of groundwater development. A sub-basin was selected to study the groundwater flow system and the effects of groundwater development using a numerical groundwater flow model (Visual MODFLOW). Hydrological parameters obtained from pumping tests were related to each hydrostratigraphic unit to assign the distribution of parameter values within each model layer. River discharge measurements were crucial for constraining recharge estimates and reducing the non-uniqueness of the model calibration. Steady-state models have limited usefulness because of the major variation of recharge and agricultural pumping during the wet and dry seasons. Model results indicate that pumping induces a decrease in base flow, depleting river discharge. This becomes critical during dry periods, when irrigation is highest. Transient modeling indicates that the response time of the aquifer is about one hydrologic year, which allows the development of management strategies within short time horizons. Considering further development of irrigated agriculture in the area, the numerical model can be a powerful tool for water resources management.