Identification of the geochemical processes in groundwater by factor analysis in hard rock aquifers of Madurai District,South India

A study was carried out in the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu, India to identify the hydrogeochemical processes using factor analysis as a predictive tool. It also focuses on characterizing the samples of these factors with respect to standard geochemical plots. In order to obtain a synoptic view of the statistics and the geochemical processes, a total of 53 groundwater samples are collected representing the entire district. The major ions were analyzed; the order of ion dominance are Ca²⁺?>?Na⁺?>?Mg²⁺?>?K⁺?=?Cl^??>?HCO^? ₃?>?H₄SiO^? ₄?>?NO^? ₃?>?SO^2? ₄?>?P^3? ₄. The samples are classified according to three factors. Factor 1 shows strong positive loadings of Cl^?, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and NO^? ₃ with 36.98 % of the total variance (TV); factor 2 accounts for 13.72 % of TV with high loadings of Na⁺, K⁺, and HCO^? ₃; and factor 3 shows strong positive loadings of PO^3? ₄ and SO^2? ₄ with TV of 13.1 %. In the Piper plot, few samples fall in the mix region as evidenced by the mixing proportion of two samples using AQUACHEM software. The results suggest that different hydrogeochemical processes, like weathering, ion exchange processes, and anthropogenic activities (like sewage infiltration and agriculture), has predominant impact in the study area. Thus, the study highlights the factor analysis technique as a predictive and effective tool for groundwater evolution.     

Identifying key hydrochemical processes in a confined aquifer of an arid basin using multivariate statistical analysis and inverse modeling

Tertiary fractured permeable confined aquifer, which covered about 70 % of the studying area, played an important role in alleviating drinking water shortages. However, about 58 and 79 % of the groundwater samples exceeded the desirable limits for fluoride (1.5 mg/L) and TDS (1,000 mg/L). Two multivariate statistical methods, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal components analysis (PCA), were applied to a subgroup of the dataset in terms of their usefulness for groundwater classification, as well as to identify the key processes controlling groundwater geochemistry. In the PCA, two principal factors have been extracted, which could explain 73 % of the total data variability. Among them, factor 1 revealed the source of groundwater salinity and factor 2 explained the elevated fluoride. Two major groups were classified by HCA and Group 1 was near the groundwater recharge zone and Group 2 was mainly distributed over the groundwater discharge zone. Inverse modeling (NETPATH) results indicated that the hydrochemical evolution was primarily controlled by (1) the dissolution of mirabilite, gypsum and halite for the source of groundwater salinity; (2) the release of the adsorbed fluoride through desorption or through competition with HCO₃ ^? under alkalinity condition for the elevated fluoride in the groundwater.     

Hydrogeological and geochemical control of the variations of Rn concentrations in a hard rock aquifer: Insights into the possible role of fracture-matrix exchanges

To investigate the possible variations of Rn concentration in crystalline rocks as a function of flow conditions, a field study was carried out of a fractured aquifer in granite. The method is based on the in situ measurement of Rn in groundwater, aquifer tests for the determination of hydraulic characteristics of the aquifer and laboratory measurement of Rn exhalation rate from rocks. A simple crack model that simulates the Rn concentration in waters circulating in a fracture intersecting a borehole was also tested. The Rn concentrations in groundwaters from boreholes of the study site ranged from 192 to 1597 Bq L⁻¹. The Rn exhalation rates of selected samples of granite and micaschist were determined from laboratory experiments. The results yielded fluxes varying from 0.5 to 1.3 mBq m⁻² s⁻¹ in granite and from 0.5 to 0.9 mBq m⁻² s⁻¹ in micaschists. Pumping tests were performed in the studied boreholes to estimate the transmissivity and calculate the equivalent hydraulic aperture of the fractures. Transmissivities ranged from 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻³ m² s⁻¹. Using the cubic law, hydraulic equivalent fracture apertures were calculated to be in the range of 0.5–2.3 mm.     

Evidence for the occurrence of hydrogeochemical processes in the groundwater of Khoy plain,northwestern Iran,using ionic ratios and geochemical modeling

Rapid population growth, industrialization, and agricultural expansion in the Khoy area (northwestern Iran) have led to its dependence on groundwater and degradation of groundwater quality. This study attempts to decipher the major processes and factors that degrade the groundwater quality of the Khoy plain. For this purpose, 54 groundwater samples from unconfined and confined aquifers of the plain were collected in July 2017 and analyzed for major cations and anions (Na, K, Ca, Mg, HCO₃, SO_4, and Cl), minor ions (NO₃ and F), and Al. Magnesium and bicarbonate were identified as the dominant cation and anion, respectively. Several ionic ratios and geochemical modeling using PHREEQC indicated that the most important hydrogeochemical processes to affect groundwater quality in the plain were weathering and dissolution of evaporitic and silicate minerals, mixing, and ion exchange. There were smaller effects from evaporation and anthropogenic factors (e.g., industries). Results showed that the high salinity of the groundwater in the northeast area of the plain was due to the high solubility of the evaporitic minerals, e.g., halite and gypsum. Reverse ion exchange and the contribution of mineral dissolution were more significant than ion exchange in the northeastern part of the plain. Elevated salinity of the groundwater in the southeast was attributed mostly to reverse ion exchange and somewhat to evaporation.     

Impact and comminution processes in soft and hard rock

SummaryZertrümmerung von harten und weichen Felsen Eine experimentelle Untersuchung der Zertrümmerung von harten und weichen Felsen, nämlich grüner Tonschiefer und Diorit unter stoßartiger Belastung von Stahlkugeln mit 6,35 mm Durchmesser und von gewöhnlicher Munition wurde ausgeführt. Laborprüfungen mit Scheiben beider Materialen von 140 mm Durchmesser und unterschiedlichen Dicken wurden mit Kugeln durchgeführt im Geschwindigkeitsbereich von 50–260 m/s mittels einer Gasdruckkanone und für 340–2500 m/s mittels einer Pulverkanone. Geländeprüfungen an senkrechten Felsklippen aus Tonschiefer, ausgegraben in einem offenen Bergwerk, wurden durch Feuern von 20- und 40-mm-Geschossen mit Geschwindigkeiten von 610–880 m/s vorgenommen.Größe und Verteilung der Bruchstücke der verschiedenen Ziele wurden gemessen und die Geschwindigkeit gewisser Splitter wurde fotografisch bestimmt. Die Dimensionen der Krater und Höhlungen, erzeugt durch die Geschoßflugbahn, wurden bestimmt; plastische Verformung des Tonschiefers war in manchen Fällen vorhanden. In den ersten Versuchsreihen wurde auch die auf ein ballistisches Pendel übertragene Energie gemessen. Man bemühte sich, die Energie der durch den Stoß erzeugten Wellen in den Dioritscheiben zu messen, welches eine speziell zusammengesetzte, mit Dehnungsmeßstreifen ausgestattete Probe verlangte. Das Rißmuster auf einem diametralen Schnitt, verdeutlicht durch eine Farbflüssigkeit, wurde fotografisch vergrößert und vermessen.Man fand, daß in einem Bereich von sechs Dekaden der Schlagenergie die Tiefe des Loches im Tonschiefer eine gute Korrelation sowohl zu Anfangsimpuls als auch zu Anfangsenergie zeigte, und daß das Phänomen gut durch ein rein viskoses Ziel modelliert werden konnte. Die Zertrümmerungsenergie, welche die Differenz zwischen Anfangsenergie der Kugel und gemessenen Energien der Wellen im Ziel, Abprall der Kugel und Bewegung der Bruchteile ist, erreichte eine Größenordnung von 70–85 Prozent. Für die zur Bildung neuer Rißflächen benötigte Energie konnten wegen der Unsicherheit in der Bestimmung dieser Flächen nur obere und untere Grenzen ermittelt werden. Obwohl die Oberfläche der Ausbruchteile aus der gemessenen Größenverteilung und ihrer Gestalt, welche nur von einer Dimension abhing, bestimmt wurde, ist es nötig, die augenblickliche Forschung noch viel weiter zu treiben um eine komplette Analyse des Zerkleinerungs- und Ausstoßungsprozesses zu gewinnen.

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ZusammenfassungImpact and Comminution Processes in Soft and Hard Rock An experimental investigation was conducted to study the fragmentation of soft and hard rock, green shale and diorite, under conditions of impact by 6.35-mm (1/4-in.) diameter steel spheres and standard ammunition. Laboratory tests were conducted with the spheres at velocities from 50–260 m/sec (160–860 ft/sec) using a compressed gas gun and at speeds ranging from 340–2500 m/sec (100–8500 ft/sec) produced by a powder gun on 140-mm (5.5-in.) diameter disks of various thicknesses of both rocks. Field tests were also conducted with 20 and 40 mm ammunition fired at velocities in the range from 610–880 m/sec (2000–2900 ft/sec) against the excavated vertical green shale walls of a large open pit mine.Information has been collected on the size and distribution of the fragments dislodged from the various targets, and by means of photographic techniques, of the velocity of some of the ejecta. Crater and penetrating hole measurements have been performed and the compaction of the shale was noted in some instances. The energy transferred to a ballistic pendulum initially employed in the tests was determined. A major effort was exerted to measure the energy contained in the waves generated by impact in the diorite disks, involving a specially sectioned and straingaged composite sample; the crack pattern on a diametral section, delineated with the aid of a dye penetrant, was observed with suitable enlargement.It was found that, over a range of six decades of energy of the striker, the penetration depth in shale scaled reasonably well with both initial momentum and initial energy, and that the phenomenon could be satisfactorily modeled by a purely viscous target material. The energy of comminution for diorite, consisting of the difference between initial striker energy and the measured energies due to waves in the target, rebound of the projectile and motion of the ejecta was found to be of the order of 70 to 85 percent. Only upper and lower bounds could be established for the energy required to produce unit new surface in this event due to uncertainties in the establishment of crack surface generation. While the ejecta surface area was determined from the measured size distribution and a geometric configuration governed by a single linear dimension, a complete analytical representation of the comminution and ejection process will require considerable further study and experimentation.

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RésuméFragmentation des rocs mous et durs On rapporte des expériences faites pour étudier la fragmentation de rocs mous et durs, en particulier: du schiste vert et du diorite, soumis aux chocs produits par des boules d'acier de 6,35 mm de diamètre ou par des balles. Les spécimens de rocs au laboratoire étaient des disques de 140 mm de diamètre et d'épaisseurs diverses. La vitesse d'impact des boules lancées d'un canon à gaz comprimé était comprise entre 50 et 260 m/s, tandis que celle des balles tirées d'un canon à poudre était comprise entre 340 et 2500 m/s. On a aussi fait des expériences à l'extérieur en lançant des projectiles d'artillerie de 20 et 40 mm de diamètre contre un mur vertical de schiste vert dans une carrière; la vitesse d'impact était comprise entre 610 et 880 m/s.On a déterminé la taille et la distribution des fragments détachés des diverses cibles, et dans certains cas par une technique photographique la vitesse des fragments. On a mesuré la taille des cratères et des trous produits par les projectiles et, dans certains cas, la déformation plastique du schiste vert a été notée. En plus, dans quelques expériences initiales, l'énergie transférée à un pendule balistique a été determinée. Un effort majeur a été consacré à la mesure de l'énergie des ondes produites par le choc dans les disques de diorite en utilisant une éprouvette sectionnée, munie de jauges de contrainte électrique, et recollée. La conformation des fissures le long d'une coupe diamètrale a été coloriée pour la rendre visible et pour la photographier.Sur un domaine de six décades d'énergie initiale, la profondeur de pénétration dans le schiste correspond d'une manière assez satisfaisante à l'impulsion et à l'énergie initiale; donc le phénomène peut être représenté dans ce domaine par une cible visqueuse. L'énergie de fragmentation, égale à la différence entre l'énergie initiale et la somme de trois termes: l'énergie des ondes dans la cible, l'énergie cinétique des fragments et celle du projectile sortant, est de l'ordre de 70 a 85 pourcent.On n'a pu que déterminer des limites supérieures et inférieures de l'énergie requise pour former les surfaces des fissures à cause de la difficulté de déterminer l'aire de ces surfaces. La surfaces des fragments a été établie, d'après l'hypothèse que la distribution de leurs tailles et leurs configurations géométriques pouvaient être déterminées par une seule mesure de longeur. Cependant, pour arriver à une théorie complète concernant la perte d'énergie et le processus de fragmentation, il faudra une étude et des expériences beaucoup plus étendues.

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With 15 Figures     

Statistical analysis of the hydrogeochemical evolution of groundwater in hard rock coastal aquifers of Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu, India

The study of groundwater hydrogeochemistry of a hard rock aquifer system in Thoothukudi district has resulted in a large geochemical data set. A total of 100 water samples representing various lithologies like Hornblende Biotite Gneiss, Alluvium Marine, alluvium Fluvial, Quartzite, Charnockite, Granite and Sandstone were collected for two different seasons and analyzed for major ions like Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, HCO₃ ^?, Cl^?, SO₄ ^2?, NO₃ ^?, PO₄ ^?, F^? and H₄SiO₄. Statistical analysis of the data has been attempted to unravel the hidden relationship between ions. Correlation analyses and factor analyses were applied to classify the groundwater samples and to identify the geochemical processes controlling groundwater geochemistry. Factor analysis indicates that sea water intrusion followed by leaching of secondary salts, weathering and anthropogenic impacts are the dominant factors controlling hydrogeochemistry of groundwater in the study area. Factor score overlay indicate major active hydrogeochemical regimes are spread throughout the Eastern, Northwestern and Southeastern parts of the study area. The dominant ions controlling the groundwater chemistry irrespective of season are Cl^?, Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, SO₄ ^2?, K⁺ and NO₃ ^?. An attempt has also been made to note the seasonal variation of the factor representations in the study area. This study also illustrates the usefulness of statistical analysis to improve the understanding of groundwater systems and estimates of the extent of salinity/salt water intrusion.     

Groundwater solute chemistry,hydrogeochemical processes and fluoride contamination in phreatic aquifer of Odisha,India

The work investigates the major solute chemistry of groundwater and fluoride enrichment(F~-) in the shallow phreatic aquifer of Odisha.The study also interprets the hydrogeochemical processes of solute acquisition and the genetic behavior of groundwater F~-contamination.A total of 1105 groundwater samples collected from across the state from different hydro-geomorphic settings have been analyzed for the major solutes and F~-content.Groundwater is alkaline in nature(range of pH: 6.6–8.7; ave.: 7.9) predominated by moderately hard to very hard types.Average cation and anion chemistry stand in the orders of Ca~(2+) Na~+ Mg~(2+) K~+and HCO_3~- Cl~- SO_4~(2-) CO_3~(2-)respectively.The average mineralization is low(319 mg/L).The primary water types are Ca-Mg-HCO_3 and Ca-Mg-Cl~-HCO_3, followed by Na-Cl, Ca-Mg-Cl, and Na-Ca-Mg-HCO_3~-Cl.Silicate-halite dissolution and reverse ion exchange are the significant processes of solute acquisition.Both the geogenic as well as the anthropogenic sources contribute to the groundwater fluoride contamination,etc.The ratio of Na~+/Ca~(2+) 1.0 comprises Na-HCO_3(Cl) water types with F~- 1.0 mg/L(range 1.0–3.5 mg/L)where the F~-bears geogenic source.Positive relations exist between F~-and pH, Na~+, TDS, and HCO_3~-.It also reflects a perfect Na-TDS correlation(0.85).The ratio of Na~+/Ca~(2+) 1.0 segregates the sample population(F~- range: 1.0–4.0 mg/L) with the F derived from anthropogenic sources.Such water types include Ca-Mg-HCO_3(Cl) varieties which are recently recharged meteoritic water types.The F~-levels exhibit poor and negative correlations with the solutes in groundwater.The Na-TDS relation remains poor(0.12).In contrast, the TDS levels show strong correlations with Ca~(2+)(0.91), Mg~(2+)(0.80) and even Cl~-(0.91).The majority of the monitoring points with the anthropogenic sources of groundwater F~-are clustered in the Hirakud Canal Command area in the western parts of the state, indicating the role of irrigation return flow in the F~-contamination.     

Use of geostatistical models in DNAPL source zone architecture and dissolution profiles assessment in spatially variable aquifer

Following the accidental subsurface release of dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs), spatial variability of physical and chemical soil/contaminant properties can exert a controlling influence on infiltration pathways and organic entrapment. DNAPL spreading, fingering, and pooling typically result in source zones characterized by irregular contaminated regions with complex boundaries. Spatial variability in aquifer properties also influences subsequent DNAPL dissolution and aqueous transport dynamics. An increasing number of studies have investigated the effects of subsurface heterogeneity on the fate of DNAPL; however, previous work was limited to the examination of the behavior of single-component DNAPL in systems with simple and well-defined aqueous and solid surface chemistry. From a DNAPL remediation point of view, such an idealized assumption will bring a large discrepancy between the designs based on the model simulation and the reality. The research undertaken in this study seeks to stochastically explore the influence of spatially variable porous media on DNAPL entrapment and dissolution profiles in the saturated groundwater aquifer. A 3D, multicomponent, multiphase, compositional model, UTCHEM, was used to simulate natural gradient water flooding processes in spatially variable soils. Porosity was assumed to be uniform or simulated using sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS) and sequential indicator simulation (SIS). Soil permeability was treated as a spatially random variable and modeled independently of porosity, and a geostatistical method was used to generate random distributions of soil permeability using SGS and SIS (derived from measured grain size distribution curves). Equally possible 3D ensembles of aquifer realizations with spatially variable permeability accounting of physical heterogeneity could be generated. Tetrachloroethene (PCE) was selected as a DNAPL representative as it was frequently discovered at many contaminated groundwater sites worldwide, including Thailand. The randomly generated permeability fields were incorporated into UTCHEM to simulate DNAPL source zone architecture under 96-L hypothetical PCE spill in heterogeneous media and stochastic analysis was conducted based on the simulated results. Simulations revealed considerable variations in the predicted PCE source zone architecture with a similar degree of heterogeneity, and complex initial PCE source zone distribution profoundly affected PCE recovery time in heterogeneous media when subject to natural gradient water flush. The necessary time to lower PCE concentrations below Thai groundwater quality standard ranged from 39 years to more than 55 years, suggesting that spatial variability of subsurface formation significantly affected the dissolution behavior of entrapped PCE. The temporal distributions of PCE saturation were significantly altered owing to natural gradient water flush. Therefore, soil heterogeneity is a critical factor to design strategies for characterization and remediation of DNAPL contaminated sites. The systematic and comprehensive design algorithm developed and described herein perhaps serves as a template for application at other DNAPL sites in Thailand.     

Groundwater quality assessment using integrated geochemical methods,multivariate statistical analysis,and geostatistical technique in shallow coastal aquifer of Terengganu,Malaysia

Extensive agricultural, residential, and industrial activities have increased demand for water supplies, which can lead to groundwater quality degradation. The integration of geochemical methods, multivariate statistical analysis, and geostatistical approaches were carried out on 169 groundwater samples to elucidate the regional factors and processes that influencing the geochemical composition of groundwater in coastal shallow aquifer of Terengganu, Malaysia. Hydrochemical modelling revealed that the abundance of Ca and Mg was contributed by carbonate and silicate weathering while higher HCO₃ and Cl were resulted from reverse ion exchange reaction. Therefore, the dominant hydrogeochemical facies of groundwater was Ca-Mg-HCO₃-Cl type. The influence of salinization resulting from seawater mixing to the groundwater was corroborated by Cl/HCO₃ ratio, which affected around 50.9% of the groundwater samples slightly or moderately. Spatial mapping using ordinary kriging found that the threat of sea water intrusion is more prominent in the major river confluence especially around Terengganu and Marang River in the northeast and Dungun and Kemaman River confluence in southeast of study area. Moreover, factor analyses concluded that salinization, anthropogenic activities, reverse ion exchange, weathering processes, agricultural impact, and seasonal variations were the factors that regulate 63% of the major ion chemistry in study area. Finally, these findings showed the importance of understanding the hydrochemical characteristics for effective utilization, aquifer protection, and prediction of changes to minimize the effects of salinization and reduce human pollution such as agriculture and urbanization. It is essential steps in order to safeguard the utilization of groundwater resources for future generations.     

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...     

Quantitative study of geochemical processes in the Dogger aquifer,Paris Basin,France

The quantification of geochemical reactions in hydrothermal aquifers requires an exhaustive approach because of their interdependence. All chemical elements likely to have a quantitative influence on dissolution or precipitation reactions have to be taken into account. Geochemical constraints the number of which equals the number of the chemical elements, were determined with the help of chemical analyses of the solution. In the case study of the Dogger aquifer (Paris Basin, France), 12 elements are taken into account (Al, C, Cl, Ca, F, H, K, Mg, Na, O, S, Si). Three constraints apply to water-activity, neutrality and conservation of chloride in aqueous solutions. The determination of the remaining constraints was based on saturation indices, stability diagrams of minerals and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO₂). The present-day solutions are at equilibrium with respect to nine minerals (albite, anhydrite, chalcedony, calcite, dolomite, fluorite, kaolinite, K-feldspar and illite or chlorite). Thus, it was demonstrated that the composition of these solutions (including computed pCO₂) is only a function of temperature and chloride content. Moreover, it was possible to test the validity of the geochemical system by computing its speciation and comparing these theoretical results with actual chemical analyses (pH and concentrations). Finally, geochemical simulations were used in predicting what quantities would be dissolved or precipitated, as either the temperature or the chlorinity varied. Although the rock is predominantly calcareous, these quantities could not be determined if the influence of the aluminosilicates were neglected. This chemical component approach with which one can pose and solve rigorously the chemical equilibrium problem constitutes a prerequisite for the quantitative study of geochemical processes related to fluid flow.     

Factors controlling mechanisms of groundwater salinization and hydrogeochemical processes in the Quaternary aquifer of the Eastern Nile Delta, Egypt

In this study, combining interpretations of conservative dissolved ions and environmental isotopes in water were used to investigate the main factors and mechanisms controlling groundwater salinization and hydrogeochemical processes in the Eastern Nile Delta, Egypt. Hydrogeochemical and isotopic study has been carried out for 61 water samples from the study area. Total dissolved solid (TDS) contents of groundwater are highly variable rising along flowpath from the south (410 mg/L) to the north (14,784 mg/L), implying significant deterioration and salinization of groundwater. Based on TDS and ionic ratios, groundwater samples were classified into three groups. In low-saline groups, water chemistry is greatly influenced by cation exchange, mineral dissolution/precipitation, anthropogenic pollutants and mixing with surface water. Whilst, in high-saline groups, water chemistry is affected by salt-water intrusion, reverse cation exchange and evaporation. The chemical constituents originating from saline water sources, reverse ion exchange and mineral dissolution are successfully differentiated using ionic delta and saturation index approaches. The δ¹⁸O–δ²H relationship plots on a typical evaporation line, suggesting potential evaporation of the recharging water prior to infiltration. Isotope evidence concludes that the groundwater have been considerably formed by mixing between depleted meteoric water recharged under different climatic conditions and recently infiltrating enriched surface water and excess of irrigation water. The δ¹⁸O data in conjunction with chloride concentrations provide firm evidence for impact of dissolution of marine-origin evaporite deposits, during past geologic periods, on groundwater salinity in the northern region. Moreover, the relation between ¹⁴C activities and Cl^? concentration confirms this hypothesis.     

苏里格地区山西组烃源岩地化特征及生烃能力评价

鄂尔多斯盆地苏里格地区上古生界地层为海陆交互及河流-湖泊三角洲相的石炭-二叠系含煤岩系。下二叠统山西组发育煤和暗色泥岩二类烃源岩。根据苏里格及周边地区大量钻井岩芯样品的残余有机碳含量,干酪根同位素,有机质显微组份组成,干酪根镜质体反射率（Ro）等地球化学数据,综合分析了下二叠统山西组烃源岩的有机质丰度,类型和热演化程度。采用有机碳产烃率法,分别计算了煤层和暗色泥岩的生烃强度。在此基础上,结合苏里格地区山西组成藏特征,综合评价认为山西组生烃能力居于中等偏低的级别。     

A study on the impact of weathering in groundwater chemistry of a hard rock aquifer

Hydrogeochemistry of groundwater in hard rock terrain are mainly governed by lithology and land use practices. A study area near Madurai region of central Tamil Nadu was selected with various litho-units and a hard rock sedimentary contact with an unconformity. Land use practices in these regions are also varied with lithology. The study was conducted by collecting 54 groundwater samples spatially covering the major litho-units. Collected samples were analyzed for electrical conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), temperature, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, HCO₃, NO₃, H₄SiO₄, PO₄, and SO₄. The results of the samples analyzed found to vary spatially. Dominance of ion shows that the alkalies are predominant and HCO₃ is the dominant anion. Piper facies show that the samples are alkali-carbonate type indicating the predominance of weathering. Most of the parameters exceed the drinking water permissible limit. Standard plots and statistical analysis also indicate weathering as the major process governing the hydrogeochemistry of the groundwater in the region. Relative mobility of cations indicates that the rate of liberation of alkalies from the lithology is more prominent.     

鄂尔多斯沙漠高原白垩系地下水水化学演化的多元统计分析

结合稳定同位素( D、18O、13C) ,应用聚类分析和因子分析两种多元统计分析方法,对鄂尔多斯沙漠高原白垩系含水层地下水水化学演化特征进行研究。结果表明: 研究区环河组和洛河组地下水均可分为3 大类,且大致在地下水补给区、径流区和排泄区分别聚类,每一类的水化学特征和同位素特征均存在一定的差异; 研究区地下水均起源于大气降水,发生了岩盐溶滤、碳酸盐矿物溶解、硫酸盐矿物溶解、硅酸盐矿物溶解和阳离子交换等水文地球化学作用。相对洛河组地下水,环河组地下水水化学演化特征还受到了大气降水稀释作用和酸碱演化的影响。     

Investigation of the hydrogeochemical processes in an alluvial channel aquifer located in a typical Karoo Basin of Southern Africa

An investigation was conducted to assess the hydrogeochemical processes of an alluvial channel aquifer located in a typical Karoo Basin of Southern Africa. The investigation was aimed at identifying and describing the groundwater chemistry evolution and its contribution to the overall groundwater quality. X-ray fluorescent spectrometry (XRF) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) analyses were performed on geological samples to identify and quantify the major element oxides and minerals. The study utilises the conventional Piper diagram, bivariate plots and PHREEQC hydrogeochemical model to analyse groundwater chemistry data obtained during the wet (February and May) and dry seasons (August and December) of 2011. The XRF and XRD results show that the channel deposits are dominated by SiO₂ element oxides and quartz minerals, thus elevated concentrations of silicon (Si⁴⁺) were found in the groundwater. Dolomite and calcite minerals were also detected in the unconsolidated aquifer sediments. The detailed study of the alluvial aquifer system has shown that dissolution of dolomite and calcite minerals and ion exchange are the dominant hydrogeochemical processes influencing the groundwater quality. The groundwater evolves from Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–HCO₃ ^? recharge water that goes through ion exchange with Na⁺ in the clay-silt sediment to give a Na⁺–HCO₃ ^? water type. The groundwater is supersaturated with respect to quartz, dolomite and calcite minerals. The study shows the potential usefulness of simple bivariate plots as a complimentary tool to the conventional methods for analyzing groundwater hydrogeochemical processes.     

南方岩溶含水系统结构识别方法初探

岩溶含水系统因其含水介质的高度不均匀性和各向异性而难以刻画。文章选取鄂西岩溶槽谷区典型的岩溶含水系统为研究对象,基于野外地面调查、裂隙测量、洞穴探测、多源高精度地下水示踪试验、地下水动态监测等传统手段,结合新技术、新方法来综合查明岩溶含水系统的结构,探讨岩溶含水系统的边界结构、岩溶发育主控方向、介质空间结构的识别方法,最终刻画出岩溶含水系统结构的概念模型。文章的研究成果旨在为岩溶山区1∶5万水文地质调查工作思路与方法应用提供参考,为提高全国新一轮1∶5万水文地质调查成果的精度与质量做贡献。