Geochemical evolution of groundwater in southern Bengal Basin: The example of Rajarhat and adjoining areas,West Bengal,India

Detailed geochemical analysis of groundwater beneath 1223 km² area in southern Bengal Basin along with statistical analysis on the chemical data was attempted, to develop a better understanding of the geochemical processes that control the groundwater evolution in the deltaic aquifer of the region. Groundwater is categorized into three types: ‘excellent’, ‘good’ and ‘poor’ and seven hydrochemical facies are assigned to three broad types: ‘fresh’, ‘mixed’ and ‘brackish’ waters. The ‘fresh’ water type dominated with sodium indicates active flushing of the aquifer, whereas chloride-rich ‘brackish’ groundwater represents freshening of modified connate water. The ‘mixed’ type groundwater has possibly evolved due to hydraulic mixing of ‘fresh’ and ‘brackish’ waters. Enrichment of major ions in groundwater is due to weathering of feldspathic and ferro-magnesian minerals by percolating water. The groundwater of Rajarhat New Town (RNT) and adjacent areas in the north and southeast is contaminated with arsenic. Current-pumping may induce more arsenic to flow into the aquifers of RNT and Kolkata cities. Future large-scale pumping of groundwater beneath RNT can modify the hydrological system, which may transport arsenic and low quality water from adjacent aquifers to presently unpolluted aquifer.     

Interpretation of pumping test data from large diameter wells on an oceanic island

 Estimation of aquifer parameters is vital for the assessment of groundwater potential and groundwater flow regime. On an oceanic island where fresh water lens is fragile and sensitive to various stresses, it is even more essential that in order to assess the potential of fresh water lens and the effect of various stresses on the fresh groundwater regime the parameters should be representative to the field hydrogeological set up. Pumping tests conducted on existing large diameter wells on an oceanic island have been analyzed. A finite difference method has been used to take into account the well storage, partial penetration and upconing effect into the aquifer. Forward modeling has been carried out to estimate aquifer parameters from the pumping test data. Field examples are described. Received: 15 June 1998 · Accepted: 25 August 1998     

Desalination of a sedimentary rock aquifer system invaded by Pleistocene Champlain Sea water and processes controlling groundwater geochemistry

The objective of this study was to identify geochemical processes and Quaternary geological events responsible for the variations in groundwater geochemistry observed in a sedimentary rock aquifer system, including brackish to saline groundwater. Inorganic constituents and environmental isotopes were analyzed for 146 groundwater samples. Dissolution of carbonates dominates in recharge areas, resulting in Ca-, Mg-HCO₃ groundwater. Further along flow paths, under confined conditions, Ca²⁺–Na⁺ ion exchange causes groundwater evolution to Na-HCO₃ type. Na-Cl groundwater is also found and it falls on a seawater mixing line. Using conservative tracers, Cl⁻ and Br⁻, the original Champlain Sea water is shown to have been, in the region, a mixture of about 34% seawater and 66% freshwater, a composition still retained by some groundwater. Na-Cl groundwater thus results from mixing with former Champlain Sea water and also from solute diffusion from overlying marine clay. The system is thus found to be at different stages of desalinization, from the original Champlain Sea water still present in hydraulically stagnant areas of the aquifer to fully flushed conditions in parts, where more flow occurs, especially in recharge zones. The geochemical processes are integrated within the hydrogeological context to produce a conceptual geochemical evolution model for groundwater of the aquifer system.     

Natural salinity sources in the groundwaters of Jordan—Importance of sustainable aquifer management

In recent years, voices in Jordan became lauder to exploit the fresh to brackish deep groundwater overlain by fresh groundwater bodies. In this article the implications of such a policy on the existing fresh water bodies are worked out through studying the sources of salinity in the different aquifer systems and the potentials of salinity mobilization by artificial changes in the hydrodynamic regimes. It is concluded that extracting the groundwater of deep aquifers overlain by fresh water bodies, whether the deep groundwater is fresh to brackish, brackish or salty, is equivalent to extracting groundwater from the overlying fresh groundwater bodies because of the hydraulic connections of the deep and the shallow aquifers’ groundwaters. The consequences are even more complicated and severe because exploiting the deep groundwater containing brackish or salty water will lead to refilling by fresh groundwater leaking from the overlying aquifers. The leaking water becomes salinized as soon as it enters the pore spaces of the emptied deep aquifer matrix and by mixing with the deep aquifer brackish or saline groundwater. Therefore, the move to exploit the deep groundwater is misleading and damaging the aquifers and is unjust to future generation's rights in the natural wealth of Jordan or any other country with similar aquifers’ set-up. In addition, desalination produces brines with high salinity which cannot easily be discharged in the highlands of Jordan (with only very limited access to the open sea) because they will on the long term percolate down into fresh water aquifers.     

Groundwater investigation in Kuala Selangor using vertical electrical sounding (VES) surveys

Integrated geoelectrical and hydrochemical surveys were used to investigate and delineate different types of groundwater in the Kuala Selangor alluvial aquifer. Previous hydrogeological borehole investigation showed that this aquifer contains several types of groundwater in relation to its salinity. The high salinity of the groundwater in some areas is believed to be due to either saltwater intrusion from the nearby sea or river infiltration during high tide season. The vertical electrical sounding (VES) method was employed to study and map the subsurface variation of resistivity in the area. For each sounding measurement, a total spread length of 300 m was obtained with a vertical depth penetration of about 60 to 75 m. Chemical analysis of the groundwater samples taken from both shallow and deep boreholes was carried out for the water quality determination. A total of 45 VES stations were succesfully established along three parallel roads with a direction almost perpendicular to the coastal line. The distance between stations varies from 1 to 2 km with a maximum length of about 60 km surveyed line. Results of the vertical electrical soundings as well as the hydrochemistry of the groundwater samples show that the soil and groundwater in the study area can be grouped into fresh and brackish water zones. The subsurface resisitivity sections derived from the VES study suggest that the area is dominated by brackish soil and groundwater zones, especially in the area towards the coast. This result appears to agree well with the groundwater pumped from boreholes scattered around in the area. Water drawn from boreholes near the coast showed higher salinity compared to the water pumped from inland boreholes. Chloride values greater than 250 mg/L are considered to represent the brackish zones whilst values less than 250 mg/L represents zones of fresh soil and groundwater.     

Salinity mapping of coastal groundwater aquifers using hydrogeochemical and geophysical methods: a case study from north Kelantan,Malaysia

Integrated hydrogeochemical and geophysical methods were used to study the salinity of groundwater aquifers along the coastal area of north Kelantan. For the hydrogeochemical investigation, analysis of major ion contents of the groundwater was conducted, and other chemical parameters such as pH and total dissolved solids were also determined. For the geophysical study, both geoelectrical resistivity soundings and reflection seismic surveys were conducted to determine the characteristics of the subsurface and groundwater contained within the aquifers. The pH values range from 6.2 to 6.8, indicating that the groundwater in the study area is slightly acidic. Low content of chloride suggests that the groundwater in the first aquifer is fresh, with an average concentration of about 15.8 mg/l and high geoelectrical resistivity (>45 ohm m). On the other hand, the groundwater in the second aquifer is brackish, with chloride concentration ranging from 500 mg/l to 3,600 mg/l and very low geoelectrical resistivity (<45 ohm m) as well as high concentration of total dissolved solids (>1,000 mg/l). The groundwater in the third aquifer is fresh, with chloride concentrations generally ranging from 2 mg/l to 210 mg/l and geoelectrical resistivity of greater than 45 ohm m. Fresh and saltwater interface in the first aquifer is generally located directly in the area of the coast, but, for the second aquifer, both hydrogeochemical and geoelectrical resistivity results indicate that the fresh water and saltwater interface is located as far as 6 km from the beach. The considerable chloride ion content initially suggests that the salinity of the groundwater in the second aquifer is probably caused by the intrusion of seawater. However, continuous monitoring of the chloride content of the second aquifer indicated no significant changes with time, from which it can be inferred that the salinity of the groundwater is not affected by seasonal seawater intrusion. Schoeller diagrams illustrate that sulphate concentrations of the groundwater of the second aquifer are relatively low compared to those of the recent seawater. Therefore, this result suggests that the brackish water in the second aquifer is probably from ancient seawater that was trapped within the sediments for a long period of time, rather than due to direct seawater intrusion.     

陇东盆地白垩系含水层水文地质参数求解

陇东盆地水资源短缺,严重制约着经济发展,近年来探明白垩系洛河组地层赋存巨厚深层地下淡水。含水层水文地质参数的求解是深层地下水资源评价的关键,用抽水试验确定深层承压含水层水文地质参数是水文地质勘查研究的一项重要的内容。根据单孔、多孔、干扰抽水试验资料,采用稳定流、非稳定流多种方法求解陇东盆地深层含水层水文地质参数,避免了单一方法的偶然性、随意性,计算结果可信。最后探讨了抽水试验场地水文地质条件与所选取公式理论条件的差异对计算结果的影响。      

Integrated geophysical, geochemical and hydrogeological investigation of shallow groundwater resources in parts of the Ikom-Mamfe Embayment and the adjoining areas in Cross River State, Nigeria

Information generated from geophysical, geochemical and hydrogeological data has been used in assessing the groundwater resource potential, quality and usability and in mapping flow directions within the shallow subsurface of the Mamfe Embayment, Cross River State, Nigeria. The electrical resistivity technique in which the Schlumberger’s vertical electrical sounding field procedure has been adopted was the geophysical method employed; lithology logs from drilling records, discharge rates, static water level information were the hydrogeological information utilized, while the geochemical techniques involve analyses of water samples. Apparent resistances were measured using different resistivity meters including OYO McOhm (model 2115), ABEM terrameter (SAS300B and SAS1000 models) and IGIS (SSP-ATS-MRP model) with maximum current electrode separation reaching 1 km in some communities. Geological information was used as control in the modelling and interpretation of all geophysical data. The physico-chemical parameters of the water samples from the different water sources in the area were determined using different analytical techniques and in some cases, by in situ direct measurement of some parameters. Measured values of electrical conductivity, static water level, available aquifer discharge information and calculated SAR and %Na were integrated into the geophysical and hydrogeological results. The shallow subsurface of the area is segmented into four hydrogeological provinces [crystalline basement province (CBP), Cross River Plain Province (CRPP), Nkporo-Afikpo Shales Province (NASP) and alluvial/buried river province (ABRP) with localized groundwater flow patterns]. Results indicated that the alluvial (discharge rate of 3.83 L/s), fractured sandstone (discharge rate of 2.43 L/s) and basement (discharge rate of 1.80 L/s) aquifers are more yielding than the aquifers in areas covered with deformed shales (discharge rate of 0.62 L/s) and siltstone aquifers (discharge rate of 0.97 L/s). The aquifer horizons are inhomogeneous and anisotropic with topography and lithology exerting significant influence on groundwater flow direction. However, there appears to be some high yielding aquifers at depths greater than 100 m in the CRPP areas although researches on their distribution are still ongoing. Precipitation is the major source of recharge and the water is enriched with Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, ${\text{HCO}}_{ 3}^{ - }$ , Cl^?, ${\text{SO}}_{ 4}^{2 - }$ and ${\text{NO}}_{ 3}^{ - }$ throughout the year. Graphical analyses of hydrochemical data using Piper and Stiff diagrams show that Ca–(Mg)–CO₃–HCO₃ is the dominant water facies. Results from EC, SAR and %Na show that the water is fresh and belongs to the good-to-excellent class and is, therefore, suitable for domestic, agricultural and industrial use.     

Characteristics of Valadares Island aquifer,Paranaguá coastal plain,Brazil

. Aquifer characterization in terms of geologic–geomorphological considerations, pumping test and hydrochemistry has been carried out to evaluate the groundwater potential of one of the delicate coastal island systems in Parana State, Brazil. The Valadares Island, lying in the Atlantic coastal zone, represents a stabilized beach ridge having a thickness of more than 20 m unconsolidated quartz-rich sand. Field and laboratory investigations suggest that this homogeneous coastal aquifer can partially meet the local domestic demand of fresh water even though it is in hydraulic continuity with the estuarine and tidal systems of Paranaguá bay. Efficiency of the aquifer to hold and release water was determined by conducting a pumping test in one of the partially penetrating wells in the island for 24 h. The physical, chemical and biological analyses of samples from 12 5-cm diameter wells of the area have indicated that groundwater needs purification for drinking purpose. It is advocated that the groundwater potential of the island aquifer is worth considering for sustained but controlled exploitation.     

Hydrological characterization of Budge Budge and Dum Dum areas of south and north 24 Parganas districts,West Bengal using geoelectric and geochemical methods

Integrated geoelectric, geological and geochemical investigations are carried out in Budge Budge and Dum Dum areas of south and north 24 Parganas district for ascertaining the prevailing hydrological condition and aquifer characteristic with chemical qualities of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes. The proposed areas are constituted of alluvium and marine sediments of Quaternary age being a part of Gangetic delta. Vertical electrical soundings (VES) of Budge Budge have delineated four to six layers consisting of top soils, the brackish water zone, clay layer, first fresh water zone, another clay layer and the bottom-most(sixth layer) second fresh water bearing zone. The first fresh water zone is located at a depth of 128 m with thickness of 43 m having resistivity range of 32 ohm.m to 37 ohm.m for VES locations BB2 and BB3. The resistivity of the deeper second fresh water bearing zone is varying from 47 ohm.m to 51 ohm.m. The interpreted VES results significantly correspond with the borehole litholog of Budge Budge area. Similar VES results are also obtained for Dum Dum area showing promising potential aquifer zone especially for VES locations DD3 and DD4. A litho-resistivity relation is also determined for the area. Total TDS content of Budge Budge ground water samples are ranging from 720 mg/l to 4400 mg/l and same is ranging from 1012 mg/l to 1930mg/l for Dum Dum ground water samples. According to IS standard, the value of major cations and anions are near to the permissible limit for Dum Dum but same is not observed in Budge Budge for drinking and irrigation purpose excepting location G7. According to Piper trilinear diagram, the ground water in Budge Budge area is sulphate rich type and in Dum Dum it is fresh in nature. Chemically, the groundwater samples from Dum Dum and Budge Budge is classified as (Ca+Mg+Cl+SO₄) facies. The geochemical parameters like total hardness (TH), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), soluble sodium percentage (SSP), Kelly’s ratio (KR), magnesium ratio (MR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), corrosivity ratio (CR), Gibb’s ratio-I&II (GR-I & GR-II), chloro alkaline indices (CAI-I & CAI-II), permeability index (PI), sea water contamination (SWC) are also determined for better understanding of the quality of groundwater in the above areas.     

Use of electrical resistivity methods for detecting subsurface fresh and saline water and delineating their interfacial configuration: a case study of the eastern Dead Sea coastal aquifers, Jordan

The alluvial aquifer is the primary source of groundwater along the eastern Dead Sea shoreline, Jordan. Over the last 20 years, salinity has risen in some existing wells and several new wells have encountered brackish water in areas thought to contain fresh water. A good linear correlation exists between the water resistivity and the chloride concentration of groundwater and shows that the salinity is the most important factor controlling resistivity. Two-dimensional electrical tomography (ET) integrated with geoelectrical soundings were employed to delineate different water-bearing formations and the configuration of the interface between them. The present hydrological system and the related brines and interfaces are controlled by the Dead Sea base level, presently at 410 m b.s.l. Resistivity measurements show a dominant trend of decreasing resistivity (thus increasing salinity) with depth and westward towards the Dead Sea. Accordingly, three zones with different resistivity values were detected, corresponding to three different water-bearing formations: (1) strata saturated with fresh to slightly brackish groundwater; (2) a transition zone of brine mixed with fresh to brackish groundwater; (3) a water-bearing formation containing Dead Sea brine. In addition, a low resistivity unit containing brine was detected above the 1955 Dead Sea base level, which was interpreted as having remained unflushed by infiltrating rain.     

Groundwater chemical and fecal contamination assessment of the Jerba unconfined aquifer,southeast of Tunisia

Located in the southeast of Tunisia, on the Mediterranean Sea, Jerba Island has a semiarid climate condition. The surface water scarcity has made groundwater the main source to supply the domestic, touristic, and agricultural water demand. Unconfined aquifer is a vulnerable costal aquifer system that undergoes several phenomena. This work aims at assessing the geochemical and bacteriological groundwater quality, defining groundwater pollution sources and promoting sustainable development and effective management of groundwater resources in Jerba Island. Data were collected after the wet season in 2014 from 79 wells. Electric conductivity, pH, TDS, and major and fecal tracers (total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella) were analyzed. Geochemical modeling including the relationships between geochemical tracers Na⁺ vs. Cl^?, Ca²⁺ vs. Cl^?, K⁺ vs. Cl^?, representative ionic ratios (Br^?/Cl^?, Na⁺/Cl^?, Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺), and statistical analysis were used to specify major process contributing to groundwater pollution and main factors controlling groundwater mineralization in the island. Groundwater varieties were hydrochemically classified into three types in terms of salinity values: group 1 (8.86%) to fresh water, group 2 (27.84%) to brackish water, and group 3 (63.29%) belongs to saline water. In addition, groundwater quality revealed high concentrations in chemical pollution tracers (Na⁺, Cl^?, SO₄ ^2?, and NO₃ ^?) and fecal tracers. Besides, most of the sampled wells were contaminated with nitrate (50.63%). Also, thermotolerant coliforms and E. coli were detected in all groundwater samples (96.2% of wells). Results indicated that the Jerba shallow aquifer was under serious threat from both natural and anthropogenic contamination. However, the wild discharge of domestic effluents, septic tanks, and sewage were the main origins of underground water contamination in Jerba Island. The reduction of fecal sources, through constructing normalized latrines is thus recommended.     

Hydrogeochemistry and geochemical simulations to assess water–rock interactions in complex carbonate aquifers: The case of Aguadulce (SE Spain)

The hydrogeological unit of Aguadulce (Campo de Dalías aquifers, SE Spain) has a complex geometry. This fact, together with a continuous rise in water demand due to intensive agriculture and tourism create problems for groundwater quantity and quality. In this paper classic geochemical tools managed by means of GIS software and geochemical simulations are combined to delineate, identify and locate the possible physicochemical processes acting in the Aguadulce groundwater. Two main aquifers can be distinguished: the carbonate or lower aquifer of Triassic age, and the calcodetritic or upper aquifer of Plio-Quaternary age. Groundwaters from the latter are more saline and, assuming all chlorinity originates from seawater intrusion, the seawater contribution to their composition would be up to 7%. Nevertheless the carbonate aquifer appears not to be homogeneous: it is compartmentalised into 4 zones where different processes explain the different groundwaters compositions. Zone 4 samples (E margin of the carbonate aquifer) resemble those of the Plio-Quaternary aquifer, where calcite precipitation, dolomite and gypsum dissolution and some cation exchange (water–rock interaction) together with seawater–freshwater mixing occur. In contrast, water–rock interaction predominates in zones 1 and 3 of the carbonate aquifer. Moreover, zone 2 samples, located between zones 1 and 3, are explained by water–rock interaction in addition to mixing with Plio-Quaternary aquifer waters. The combination of geochemical simulations with GIS and hydrogeochemical analyses has proven to be effective in identifying and locating the different physicochemical processes in the aquifer areas, thus improving understanding of hydrogeochemistry in complex aquifers.     

Multivariate statistical analyses of the groundwater system in Darb El-Arbaein, Southwestern Desert, Egypt

In Darb El-Arbaein, the groundwater is the only water resource. The aquifer system starts from Paleozoic–Mesozoic to Upper Cretaceous sandstone rocks. They overlay the basement rocks and the aquifer is confined. In the present research, the performance of the statistical analyses to classify groundwater samples depending on their chemical characters has been tested. The hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical data of 92 groundwater samples were obtained from the General Authority for Rehabilitation Projects and Agricultural Development authority in northern, central, and southern Darb El-Arbaein. A robust classification scheme for partitioning groundwater chemistry into homogeneous groups was an important tool for the characterization of Nubian sandstone aquifer. We test the performance of the many available graphical and statistical methodologies used to classify water samples. R-mode, Q-mode, correlation analysis, and principal component analysis were investigated. All the methods were discussed and compared as to their ability to cluster, ease of use, and ease of interpretation. The correlation investigation clarifies the relationship among the lithologic, hydrogeologic, and anthropogenic factors. Factor investigation revealed three factors, namely, the evaporation process–agricultural impact–lithogenic dissolution, the hydrogeological characteristics of the aquifer system, and the surface meteoric water that recharge the aquifer system. Two main clusters that subdivided into four subclusters were identified in the groundwater system based on hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical data. They reflect the impact of geomedia, hydrogeology, geographic position, and agricultural wastewater. The groundwater is undersaturated with respect to most selected minerals. The groundwater was supersaturated with respect to iron minerals in northern and southern Darb El-Arbaein. The partial pressure of the groundwater versus saturation index of calcite shows the gradual change in PCO₂ from atmospheric to the present aquifer pressures.     

Assessment of the Hydrogeochemical Characteristics of Groundwater Resources at some Wadis in the East of El Minia Governorate, Eastern Desert, Egypt

The El Minia governorate lies within the Nile Valley, surrounded by calcareous plateaus to the east and west. The present study focuses on the hydrogeochemistry of the Eocene limestone aquifer at some wadis in the east El Minia governorate, Eastern Desert, Egypt. Hydrogeologically, two main aquifers are encountered in the study area, namely the Maghagha marly limestone and the Samalut chalky limestone aquifers. The Maghagha aquifer is composed of alternating layers of marly limestone and shale with thicknesses ranging from 3.49 m to 177.05 m and a groundwater depth ranging from 8.5 m to 59.27 m which reflects low groundwater potentiality. The groundwater salinity representing this aquifer ranges from 603.5 mg/L to 978.5 mg/L, reflecting fresh water type. Samalut aquifer is made up of chalky, cavernous and fractured limestone with thickness ranging from 30 m to 205 m and groundwater depth ranging from 9 m to 86.77 m, which indicates good groundwater potential. The groundwater salinity of the concerned aquifer ranges from 349.7 mg/L to 2043.9 mg/L, reflecting fresh to possibly brackish water types. Groundwater in the study area is of meteoric water origin; recent recharge is mainly controlled through the presence of fractures and their densities. The majority of groundwater samples in the study area are suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes.     

Influence of acidic atmospheric deposition on soil solution composition in the Daniel Boone National Forest,Kentucky, USA

. Acid atmospheric deposition may enter an environmental ecosystem in a variety of forms and pathways, but the most common components include sulfuric and nitric acids formed when rain water interacts with sulfur (SOx) and nitrogen (NOx) emissions. For many soils and watersheds sensitive to acid deposition, the predominant chronic effect appears to be a low pH, loss of base cations, and a shift in the mineral phase controlling the activity of Al³⁺ and/or SO4^2– in solution. Soil solutions from lysimeters at various depths were taken at two sites in the Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky, USA, to evaluate potential impacts caused by acid deposition. The sites chosen were in close proximity to coal-burning power plants near Wolfe and McCreary counties and contained soils from the Rayne and Wernock series, respectively. Physicochemical characteristics of the soils revealed that both sites contained appreciable amounts of exchangeable acidity in the surface horizons, and that their base saturation levels were sufficiently low to be impacted adversely by acidic inputs. Soil solution data indicated that the sites were periodically subjected to relatively high NO3^– and SO4^2– inputs, which may have influenced spatial and temporal variation in Al and pH. As a consequence, the formation of Al-hydroxy-sulfate minerals such as jurbanite, alunite and basaluminite were thermodynamically favored over gibbsite. Given these conditions, long-term changes in soil solution chemistry from acid deposition are acknowledged.     

Geochemical and isotopic characterization of groundwater from the Paleogene limestone aquifer of the Upper Jezireh,Syria

This research aims to evaluate the groundwater resources of Paleogene aquifer in the Upper Jazireh area (Syria), in terms of chemical water type, recharge zones and water ages. The results show that the main recharge zones for the Paleogene aquifer range between 650 and 900 m a.s.l., which coincide with the outcrop of the karstified limestone in the Mardin uplift. The chemical and isotopic behaviors of groundwater, together with radiometric ¹⁴C reflect the existence of three different groundwater groups: (1) the fresh and cold water, percolating in short and shallow flow paths, for which the main replenishment processes are recent; (2) the brackish and thermal water containing certain amounts of H₂S gas, that percolate in longer and deeper flow paths, for which the main replenishment processes occurred during the palaeoclimatic humid conditions of Pleistocene time, placed at 10–18 Ka BP; (3) the brackish and admixed thermal groundwater with intermediate ¹⁴C age, which seems to be formed as a result of mixing between the previous two groups.     

Evolution of coastal sandy aquifer system in Kalpitiya peninsula,Sri Lanka: sedimentological and geochemical approach

The study on the evolution of groundwater sources has arisen because of growing concern about deterioration of groundwater resources due to overexploitation. The chemical nature of a coastal aquifer depends on the initial composition of aquifer media, internal geochemical processes and external chemical inputs. Therefore, geochemical characteristics of an aquifer can be used as indicative components on elaborating the origin of aquifer media and its evolutionary processes. This study was aimed at understanding the evolution of Quaternary coastal aquifers of the Kalpitya area, Sri Lanka, by studying groundwater quality and aquifer media. The textural, mineralogical and chemical characteristics of aquifer media and chemical nature of groundwater of the area imply that the aquifer media may not have been derived from marine processes and paleo coastal formations of the western coast but are indicative of a fluvial origin due to past strong fluvial processes. Fluviatile sand depositions had taken place initially and with the gradual sea level rise, deposits were transported, sorted and then re-deposited to form barrier islands parallel to the coast. These have evolved to the present state during the Quaternary period. Intermittent climatic changes caused several changes in the depositional pattern of the aquifer material and the chemical nature of the aquifer. Present day groundwater geochemistry indicates an evolution of a fresh water aquifer with relics of ionic constituents showing paleo geochemical processes that were active during the evolution. In addition, anthropogenic activities have also significantly altered the geochemical nature of groundwater in the present aquifer system.     

Estimating the indices of inter-transmissibility magnitude of active surficial hydrogeologic units in Itu,Akwa Ibom State,southern Nigeria

Itu Local Government Area is prone to groundwater contamination occasioned by saltwater due to the geographical location and the aquifer unit inter-transmissibility between the communicating/interconnected pores of the water-bearing units. This inter-transmissibility causes the continuous distribution of contamination among interconnected aquifer repositories. The study integrated the surface electric mapping and laboratory analysis of geologic samples and their corresponding water samples in estimating the transmissibility-dependent petrophysical parameters. The functional relationships between parameters have been determined. Maps of the spatial distribution of the estimated geohydraulic parameters have been drawn. Quantitative links of measured parameters to transmissibility have established. The resulting inferences based on the indices or magnitudes of the parameters measured helped in delineating the directions of water transmission within and across the hydrogeological units under study. The inferred result of permeability serves as a guide in identifying the southern zone of the area under study as having relatively reduced hydraulic pressure gradient differential, while the northern region has on the average, high hydraulic gradient differentials. The results of directions of inter-transmissibility of hydrodynamic properties in aquifer units are promising and capable of increasing the depth of knowledge on groundwater contamination and hence provide substantial input parameters that can enhance groundwater modelling within and near the study location.     

Benefits and hurdles of using brackish groundwater as a drinking water source in the Netherlands

The production of fresh drinking water from brackish groundwater by reverse osmosis (BWRO) is becoming more attractive, even in temperate climates. For successful application of BWRO, the following approach is advocated: (1) select brackish source groundwater with a large volume and a composition that will yield a concentrate (waste water) with low mineral saturation; (2) maintain the feed water salinity at a constant level by pumping several wells with different salinities; (3) keep the permeate-to-concentrate ratio low, to avoid supersaturation in the concentrate; (4) keep the system anoxic (to avoid oxidation reactions) and pressurized (to prevent formation of gas bubbles); and (5) select a confined aquifer for deep well injection where groundwater quality is inferior to the membrane concentrate. This approach is being tested at two BWRO pilot plants in the Netherlands. Research issues are the pumping of a stable brackish source water, the reverse osmosis system performance, membrane fouling, quality changes in the target aquifer as a result of concentrate disposal, and clogging of the injection well. First evaluations of the membrane concentrate indicate that it is crucial to understand the kinetics of mineral precipitation on the membranes, in the injection wells, and in the target aquifer.