Hydrochemistry of groundwater and its assessment for irrigation purpose in coastal Jeffara Aquifer, southeastern Tunisia

Groundwater is of a paramount importance in arid areas, as it represents the main water resource to satisfy the different needs of the various sectors. Nevertheless, coastal aquifers are generally subjected to seawater intrusion and groundwater quality degradation. In this study, the groundwater quality of the coastal Jeffara aquifer (southeastern Tunisia) is evaluated to check its suitability for irrigation purposes. A total of 74 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for various physical and chemical parameters, such as, electrical conductivity, pH, dissolved solids (TDS), Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, HCO₃, and SO₄. Sodium adsorption ratio, magnesium adsorption ratio, Sodium percentage, and permeability index were calculated based on the analytical results. The analytical results obtained show a strong mineralization of the water in the studied aquifer. TDS concentrations range from 3.40 to 18.84 g?L^?1. Groundwater salinity was shown to be mainly controlled by sodium and chloride. The dominant hydrochemical facieses are Na–Cl–Ca–SO₄, mainly as a result of mineral dissolution (halite and gypsum), infiltration of saline surface water, and seawater intrusion. Assessment of the groundwater quality of the different samples by various methods indicated that only 7% of the water, in the northwest of the study area, is considered suitable for irrigation purposes while 93% are characterized by fair to poor quality, and are therefore just suitable or unsuitable for irrigation purposes.     

Hydrogeochemistry and water quality assessment of shallow aquifers in the western flanks of Southern Western Ghats,SW India

The present study deals with the hydrogeochemistry and water quality of shallow aquifers in two important river basins—the Ithikkara and Kallada river basins—draining the south western flanks of Western Ghats in Kerala, South West India. Well water samples were collected from 20 dug wells with a depth range of 1 m below ground level (mbgl) to 18.2 mbgl during pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons of the year 2011–2012. These samples were analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters following standard methods and were evaluated for their interrelations and drinking water suitability. The pH of the water samples shows wide variation from highly acidic to highly alkaline water. About 80% of pre-monsoon samples recorded Fe²⁺ concentration above the permissible limit of drinking water standard. Water Quality Index (WQI) shows that majority of the well water samples fall in the category of excellent–good for drinking purpose. The results of the irrigation suitability assessment using the procedures like Percent Sodium, Sodium Absorption Ratio, Residual Sodium Carbonate, Kelly Index, Permeability Index, and Magnesium Hazard reveal that the well waters of the study area are fit for irrigation purpose. Na⁺/Cl^? ratio reflects the release of sodium to water due to silicate weathering. The samples have a Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ ratio equal or greater than 2 indicating the effect of silicate minerals in contributing Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions to the well water. The saturation indices reveal that groundwater is supersaturated with SiO₂. Among the causative factors that determine the hydrochemical quality of well water samples, silicate weathering plays a pivotal role with significant input of ions from anthropogenic sources.     

Assessment of groundwater quality and hydrochemical characteristics in Farashband plain,Iran

Groundwater in Farashband plain, Southern Iran, is the main source of water for domestic and agricultural uses. This study was carried out to assess the overall water quality and identify major variables affecting the groundwater quality in Farashband plain. The hydrochemical study was undertaken by randomly collecting 84 groundwater samples from observation wells located in 13 different stations covering the entire plain in order to assess the quality of the groundwater through analysis of major ions. The water samples were analyzed for various physicochemical attributes. Groundwater is slightly alkaline and largely varies in chemical composition; e.g., electrical conductivity (EC) ranges from 2314 to 12,678 μS/cm. All the samples have total dissolved solid values above the desirable limit and belong to a very hard type. The abundance of the major ions is as follows: Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Ma²⁺ > K⁺ and Cl^? > SO₄ ^2– > HCO₃ ^?. Interpretation of analytical data shows three major hydrochemical facies (Ca–Cl, Na–Cl, and mixed Ca–Mg–Cl) in the study area. Salinity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, and sodium percentage (Na%) indicate that most of the groundwater samples are not suitable for irrigation as well as for domestic purposes and far from drinking water standard. A comparison of groundwater quality in relation to drinking water standards showed that most of the water samples are not suitable for drinking purposes. Based on the US salinity diagram, most of samples belong to high salinity and low to very high sodium type.     

Rare earth elements,neodymium and strontium isotopic systematics in mineral waters: evidence from the Massif Central,France

Rare Earth Elements (REEs), and Sr and Nd isotope distributions, have been studied in mineralized waters from the Massif Central (France). The CO₂-rich springs are characterized by a neutral pH (6–7) associated with total dissolved solids (TDS) from 1 to 7 g l⁻¹. The waters result from the mixing of very mineralized water pools, thought to have equilibrated at a temperature of around 200°C with superficial waters. These two mineral water pools evidenced by Sr isotopes and dissolved REEs could reflect 2 different stages of water–rock interaction and an equilibrium with different mineral assemblages.The concentrations of individual dissolved REEs and total dissolved REEs (ΣREE), in the mineral waters examined, vary over several orders of magnitude but are not dependent on the main parameters of the waters (TDS, T°C, pH, Total Organic C). The dissolved REE concentrations presented as upper continental crust normalized patterns show HREE enrichment in most of the samples. The time evolution of REE patterns does not show significant fluctuations except in 1 borehole, located in the Limagne d’Allier area, which was sampled on 16 occasions over an 18 month period. Ten samples are HREE-enriched, whereas 6 samples show flat patterns.The aqueous speciation of REEs shows that CO²⁻₃ complexes dominate (>80%) over the free metal, F⁻, SO²⁻₄ and HCO⁻₃ complexes. The detailed speciation demonstrates that the fractionation of REEs (i.e. the HREE enrichment) in CO₂-rich and pH neutral fluids is due essentially to the predominance of the CO²⁻₃ complexes.The Sr isotopic composition of the mineral waters in the Massif Central shows different mixing processes; in the Cézallier area at least 3 end-member water types exist. The most dilute end-member is likely to originate as poorly mineralized waters with minimal groundwater circulation. Two other mineralized end-members are identified, although the link between the geographical location of spring outflow and the mixing proportion between the 2 end-members is not systematic. The range in ϵ_Nd(0) for mineralized waters in the Massif Central correlates well with that of the known parent rocks except for 4 springs. One way to explain the ϵ_Nd(0) in these instances is a contribution from drainage of volcanic rocks. The isotopic systematics help to constrain the hydrogeological models for this area.     

A study on hydrochemical characteristics of surface and sub-surface water in and around Perumal Lake,Cuddalore district,Tamil Nadu,South India

Hydrogeochemical investigations are carried out in and around Perumal Lake, Cuddalore district, South India in order to assess its suitability in relation to domestic and agricultural uses. The water samples (surface water = 16; groundwater = 12) were analyzed for various physicochemical attributes like pH, electrical conductivity (EC), sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), chloride (Cl⁻), bicarbonate (HCO₃ ⁻), sulfate (SO₄ ²⁻), phosphate (PO₄), silica (H₄SiO₄) and total dissolved solids (TDS). Major hydrochemical facies were identified using Piper trilinear diagram. Hydrogeochemical processes controlling the water chemistry are water–rock interaction rather than evaporation and precipitation. Interpretation of isotopic signatures reveals that groundwater samples recharged by meteoric water with few water–rock interactions. A comparison of water quality in relation to drinking water quality standard proves that the surface water samples are suitable for drinking purpose, whereas groundwater in some areas exceeds the permissible limit. Various determinants such as sodium absorption ratio (SAR), percent sodium (Na%), residual sodium carbonate (RSC) and permeability index (PI) revealed that most of the samples are suitable for irrigation.     

Hydrochemistry of reservoirs of Damodar River basin, India: weathering processes and water quality assessment

Water samples collected from the six reservoirs of Damodar River basin in pre- and post-monsoon, have been analysed, to study the major ion chemistry and the weathering and geochemical processes controlling the water composition. Ca, Na and HCO₃ dominate the chemical composition of the reservoir water. The seasonal data shows a minimum concentration of most of the ions in post-monsoon and a maximum concentration in pre-monsoon seasons, reflecting the concentrating effects due to elevated temperature and increased evaporation during the low water level period of the pre-monsoon season. Water chemistry of the reservoirs strongly reflects the dominance of continental weathering aided by atmospheric and anthropogenic activities in the catchment area. Higher concentration of SO₄ and TDS in Panchet, Durgapur and Tenughat reservoirs indicate mining and anthropogenic impact on water quality. The high contribution of (Ca+Mg) to the total cations, high concentration of dissolved silica, relatively high (Na+K)/TZ⁺ ratio (0.3) and low equivalent ratio of (Ca+Mg)/(Na+K) suggests combined influence of carbonate and silicate weathering. Kaolinite is the possible mineral that is in equilibrium with the water, implying that the chemistry of reservoir water favours kaolinite formation. The calculated values of SAR, RSC and sodium percentage indicate the ‘excellent to good quality’ of water for irrigation uses.     

Hydrogeochemical characterization and groundwater quality assessment in Al-Hasa,Saudi Arabia

Fifty groundwater samples were collected from Al-Hasa to analyze the pH, electrical conductivity (EC, dS m^?1), total dissolved solids (TDS), major anions (HCO₃^?, CO₃^2?, Cl^?, SO₄^2?, and NO₃^?), major cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺), and total hardness. The analyzed data plotted in the Piper, Gibbs, and Durov diagrams, and water quality index (WQI) were calculated to evaluate the groundwater geochemistry and its water quality. The results reveal that most of the investigated samples are Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, SO₄^2?, Cl^? and Na⁺, and HCO₃^? water types using the Piper diagram. Na⁺?>?Ca²⁺?>?Mg²⁺ are the dominant cations, while Cl^??>?HCO₃^??>?SO₄^2??>?CO₃^2? are the dominant anions. Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) values varied from 0.79 to 10; however, the Kelly ratio (KR) ranged between 0.1 and 2.2. The permeability index (PI) showed that well water is suitable for irrigation purposes with 75% or more of maximum permeability. The US salinity diagram revealed that the water quality classes of studied waters were CIII-SI, CIII-SII, and CIV-SII, representing height hazards of salinity and medium- to low-sodium hazard. The water quality index (WQI) results indicated that total dissolved solids are out of the drinking water standard limits in Saudi Arabia. The WQI revealed that 38% of the studied wells were considered as poor water (class III), 52% are found as very poor water class (IV), and 10% are unsuitable water for drinking class (V).     

Hydrogeochemistry and groundwater quality assessment of the multilayered aquifer in Lower Kelantan Basin,Kelantan, Malaysia

Continual expansion of population density, urbanization, agriculture, and industry in most parts of the world has increased the generation of pollution, which contributes to the deterioration of surface water quality. This causes the dependence on groundwater sources for their daily needs to accumulate day by day, which raises concerns about their quality and hydrogeochemistry. This study was carried out to increase understanding of the geological setup and assess the groundwater hydrogeochemical characteristics of the multilayered aquifers in Lower Kelantan Basin. Based on lithological data correlation of exploration wells, the study area can be divided into three main aquifers: shallow, intermediate and deep aquifers. From these three aquifers, 101 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for various parameters. The results showed that pH values in the shallow, intermediate and deep aquifers were generally acidic to slightly alkaline. The sequences of major cations and anions were Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺ and HCO₃^? > Cl^? > SO₄^2? > CO₃^2?, respectively. In the intermediate aquifer, the influence of ancient seawater was the primary factor that contributed to the elevated values of electrical conductivity (EC), Cl^? and total dissolved solids (TDS). The main facies in the shallow aquifer were Ca–HCO₃ and Na–HCO₃ water types. The water types were dominated by Na–Cl and Na–HCO₃ in the intermediate aquifer and by Na–HCO₃ in the deep aquifer. The Gibbs diagram reveals that the majority of groundwater samples belonged to the deep aquifer and fell in the rock dominance zone. Shallow aquifer samples mostly fell in the rainfall zone, suggesting that this aquifer is affected by anthropogenic activities. In contrast, the results suggest that the deep aquifer is heavily influenced by natural processes.     

Assessment of hydrogeochemistry and contamination of Varamin deep aquifer,Tehran Province,Iran

The present study investigates the hydrogeochemistry and contamination of Varamin deep aquifer located in the southeast of Tehran province, Iran. The study also evaluates groundwater suitability for irrigation uses. The hydrogeochemical study was conducted by collecting and analyzing 154 groundwater samples seasonally during 2014. Based on evolutionary sequence of Chebotarev, the aquifer is in the stage of SO₄ + HCO₃ in the north half of the plain and it has evolved into SO₄ + Cl in the south half. The unusual increase in TDS and Cl^? toward the western boundaries of the aquifer indicates some anomalies. These anomalies have originated from discharge of untreated wastewater of Tehran city in these areas. The studied aquifer contains four dominant groundwater types including Na–Ca–SO₄ (55%), Na–Ca–HCO₃ (22%), Na–Cl (13%) and Ca–Cl (10%). The spatial distributions of Na–Cl and Ca–Cl water types coincide with observed anomalies. Ionic relationships of SO₄ ^2? versus Cl^? and Na⁺ versus Cl^? confirm that water–rock interaction and anthropogenic contribution are main sources of these ions in the groundwater. The main processes governing the chemistry of the groundwater are the dissolution of calcite, dolomite and gypsum along the flow path, and direct ion exchange. Reverse ion exchange controls the groundwater chemistry in the areas contaminated with untreated wastewater. Based on Na% and SAR, 10.3 and 27% of water samples are unsuitable for irrigation purposes, respectively. Regarding residual sodium carbonate, there is no treat for crop yields. Only 6% of water samples represent magnesium adsorption ratios more than 50% which are harmful and unsuitable for irrigation.     

Geochemical Appraisal of Groundwater Quality in Ottapidaram Taluk,Thoothukudi District,Tamil Nadu using Graphical and Numerical Method

Groundwater qualities of coastal aquifers in the Ottapidaram taluk of Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu have been extensively monitored in post monsoon seasons in 2014 to assess its suitability in relation to domestic and drinking uses in four regions (N-S-EW). 34 groundwater samples were analyzed for various physicochemical attributes like pH, electrical conductivity (EC), Total dissolved solid (TDS), Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, HCO₃, CO₃, SO₄, NO₃, PO₄. Most of these parameters fall under not permissible limits. The western part of the study area is highly polluted from K, Cl, HCO₃ due to industrial/agriculture activity. The southern part is less polluted compared to other region. Hydrogeochemical processes controlling the water chemistry (Gibbs) indicates that most of groundwater samples fall at rock-weathering supremacy zone. Geochemical processes and temporal variation in the groundwater in this area are influenced by evaporation processes, ion exchange and dissolution of minerals. Major cation and anion ionic interaction indicate that weathering reactions have an inconsequential role in the hydrochemical processes of the shallow groundwater system. As a result of the hydrogeochemical analysis, seawater intrusion, aquifer rock weathering, sewer leakage are the overriding factors that determine the major ionic composition. The appropriate management plan is necessary to preserve precious groundwater resources.     

Geochemical constraints for the origin of thermal waters from western Turkey

The combined chemical composition, B and Sr isotopes, and the basic geologic setting of geothermal systems from the Menderes Massif in western Turkey have been investigated to evaluate the origin of the dissolved constituents and mechanisms of water–rock interaction. Four types of thermal water are present: (1) a Na–Cl of marine origin; (2) a Na–HCO₃ type with high CO₂ content that is associated with metamorphic rocks of the Menderes Massif; (3) a Na–SO₄ type that is also associated with metamorphic rocks of the Menderes Massif with H₂S addition; and (4) a Ca–Mg–HCO₃–SO₄ type that results from interactions with carbonate rocks at shallow depths. The Na–Cl waters are further subdivided based on Br/Cl ratios. Water from the Cumalı Seferihisar and Bodrum Karaada systems are deep circulated seawater (Br/Cl=sea water) whereas water from Çanakkale–Tuzla (Br/Cl<sea water) are from dissolution of Messinian evaporites. Good correlations between different dissolved salts and temperature indicate that the chemical composition of the thermal waters from non-marine geothermal systems is controlled by: (1) temperature dependent water–rock interactions; (2) intensification of reactions due to high dissolved CO₂ and possibly HCl gasses; and (3) mixing with overlying cold groundwater. All of the thermal water is enriched in B. The B isotopic composition (δ¹¹B=2.3‰ to 18.7‰; n=6) can indicate either leaching of B from the rocks, or B(OH)₃ degassing flux from deep sources. The large ranges in B concentrations in different rock types as well as in thermal waters from different systems suggest the water-rock mechanism. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of the thermal water are used to differentiate between solutes that have interacted with metamorphic rocks (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio as high as 0.719479) and carbonate rocks (low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of 0.707864).     

Assessing the hydrogeochemistry and water quality of the Aji-Chay River,northwest of Iran

Aji-Chay River is one of the most important surface reservoirs of northwest of Iran, because it passes through Tabriz city and discharges to Urmia Lake, one of the largest permanent salty lakes in the world. The main objectives of the present study are to evaluate its overall water quality and to explore its hydrogeochemical characteristics, including the potential contamination from heavy metals and metalloids such as Co, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Cr, Al and As. For this purpose, 12 water samples were collected from the main river body and its tributaries within Tabriz plain. The Piper diagram classified water samples mainly into Na–Cl and secondary into Ca–HCO₃ and mixed Ca–Mg–Cl types, denoting a profound salinization effect. The cross-plots showed that natural geochemical processes including dissolution of minerals (e.g., carbonates, evaporites and silicates), as well as ion exchange, are the predominant factors that contribute to fluvial hydrogeochemistry, while anthropogenic activities (industrial and agricultural) impose supplementary effects. Cluster analysis classified samples into two distinct clusters; samples of cluster B appear to have elevated electrical conductivity (EC) values and trace metals concentrations such as Co, Pb and Cd, while SiO₂ and Zn are low in comparison with the samples of the cluster A. The main processes controlling Aji-Chay River hydrogeochemistry and water quality were identified to be salinization and rock weathering. Both are related with geogenic sources which enrich river system with elevated values of Na⁺, Cl^?, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, SO₄ ^2? and EC as a direct effect of evaporites leaching and elevated values of Pb and Cd as an impact from the weathering process of volcanic formations. According to the US salinity diagram, all of the water samples are unsuitable for irrigation as having moderate to bad quality.     

Control of nutrient concentrations in the Seekonk-Providence River region of Narragansett Bay,Rhode Island

Six synoptic samplings of nutrient concentrations of the water column and point-source inputs (rivers, sewage treatment plants) were conducted in the Seekonk-Providence River region of Narragansett Bay. Concentrations of nutrients (NH₄ ⁺, NO₂ ^?+NO₃ ^?, PO₄ ^?3, dissolved silicon, particulate N, particulate C) were predicted using a conservative, two-layer box model in order to assess the relative influence of external inputs and internal processes on observed concentrations. Although most nutrients were clearly affected by processes internal to the system, external input and mixing explained most of the variability in and absolute magnitude of observed concentrations, especially for dissolved constituents. In the bay as a whole, two functionally distinct regions can now be identified: the Seekonk-Providence River, where dissolved nutrient concentrations are externally controlled and lower Narragansett Bay where internal processes regulate the behavior of nutrients. A preliminary nitrogen budget suggests that the Seekonk-Providence River exports some 95% of the nitrogen entering the system via point sources and bottom water from upper Narragansett Bay.     

Groundwater circulation and hydrogeochemical evolution in Nomhon of Qaidam Basin,northwest China

In this study, analysis of hydrogeological conditions, as well as hydrochemistry and isotopic tools were used to get an insight into the processes controlling mineralization, recharge conditions, and flow pattern of groundwater in a typical arid alluvial-lacustrine plain in Qaidam Basin, northwest China. Analysis of the dissolved constituents reveals that groundwater evolves from fresh water (TDS =300–1000 mg/l) to saline water (TDS ≥5000 mg/l) along the flow paths, with the water type transiting from HCO ₃?Cl–Na ?Mg to HCO ₃?Cl–Na, and eventually to Cl–Na. Groundwater chemical evolution is mainly controlled by water–rock interaction and the evaporation–crystallization process. Deuterium and oxygen-18 isotopes in groundwater samples indicate that the recharge of groundwater is happened by meteoric water and glacier melt-water in the Kunlun Mountains, and in three different recharge conditions. Groundwater ages, estimated by the radiogenic (³H and ¹⁴C) isotope data, range from present to Holocene (～28 ka). Based on groundwater residence time, hydrogeochemical characteristics, field investigation, and geological structure distribution, a conceptual groundwater flow pattern affected by uplift structure is proposed, indicating that shallow phreatic water is blocked by the uplift structure and the flow direction is turned to the northwest, while high pressure artesian water is formed in the confined aquifers at the axis of the uplift structure.     

Hydrochemistry of groundwater in a coastal region of Cuddalore district, Tamilnadu, India: implication for quality assessment

A hydrogeochemical investigation was conducted in a coastal region of Cuddalore district to identify the influence of saltwater intrusion and suitability of groundwater for domestic and agricultural purposes. The geology of the study area comprises of sandstone, clay, alluvium, and laterite soils of Tertiary and Quaternary age. A total of 18 groundwater samples were analyzed for 14 different water quality parameters and the result indicates higher concentrations of ions like Cl (3,509 mg/l), Na (3,123 mg/l), and HCO₃ (998 mg/l) when compared with WHO, BIS, and ISI standards. A positive correlation (r ²?=?0.82) was observed between Na and Cl, indicating its sources from salt water intrusion. Three factors were extracted with a total variance of 64% which indicates the sources of salinization, cation exchange, and anthropogenic impact to the groundwater. The Piper trilinear diagram indicates both Na–Cl and mixed Na–HCO₃–Cl-type, indicating that groundwater was strongly affected by anthropogenic activities. The plot of (Ca?+?Mg)/(K?+?Na) indicates evidences of cation exchange and salt water intrusion. The (Ca–0.33*HCO₃)/ SO₄ plot indicates salt water intrusion for elevated SO₄ levels rather than gypsum dissolution. The spatial distribution of total dissolved solid indicates the saline water encroachment along the SW part of the study area. As per sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), 50% of the samples with <10 SAR are suitable for irrigation and >10 SAR indicates that water is unsuitable for irrigation purposes. The residual sodium carbonate classification indicates that 50% of the samples fall in safe and 50% of the samples fall in bad zones and prolonged usage of this water will affect the crop yield. The Chloro Alkaline Index of water indicates disequilibrium due to a higher ratio of Cl?>?Na–K, indicating the influence of salt water intrusion. The Permeability Index of the groundwater indicates that the groundwater from the study area is moderate to good for irrigation purposes.     

Hydrogeochemistry of coal mine water of North Karanpura coalfields,India: implication for solute acquisition processes,dissolved fluxes and water quality assessment

Mine water samples collected from different mines of the North Karanpura coalfields were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), major anions, cations and trace metals to evaluate mine water geochemistry and assess solute acquisition processes, dissolved fluxes and its suitability for domestic, industrial and irrigation uses. Mine water samples are mildly acidic to alkaline in nature. The TDS ranged from 185 to 1343 mg L^?1 with an average of 601 mg L^?1. Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ are the dominant cations, while SO₄ ^2? and HCO₃ ^? are the dominant anions. A high concentration of SO₄ ^2? and a low HCO₃ ^?/(HCO₃ ^? + SO₄ ^2?) ratio (<0.50) in the majority of the water samples suggest that either sulphide oxidation or reactions involving both carbonic acid weathering and sulphide oxidation control solute acquisition processes. The mine water is undersaturated with respect to gypsum, halite, anhydrite, fluorite, aluminium hydroxide, alunite, amorphous silica and oversaturated with respect to goethite, ferrihydrite, quartz. About 40% of the mine water samples are oversaturated with respect to calcite, dolomite and jarosite. The water quality assessment shows that the coal mine water is not suitable for direct use for drinking and domestic purposes and needs treatment before such utilization. TDS, TH, F^?, SO₄ ^2?, Fe, Mn, Ni and Al are identified as the major objectionable parameters in these waters for drinking. The coal mine water is of good to suitable category for irrigation use. The mines of North Karanpura coalfield annually discharge 22.35 × 10⁶ m³ of water and 18.50 × 10³ tonnes of solute loads into nearby waterways.     

Identifying the Sources of Solutes in Karst Groundwater in Chongqing,China: a Combined Sulfate and Strontium Isotope Approach

Groundwater from karst subterranean streams is among the world’s most important sources of drinking water supplies, and the hydrochemical characteristics of karst water are impacted by both natural environment and people. Therefore, the study of hydrochemistry and its solutes’ sources is very important to ensure the normal function of life support systems. In this paper, thirty?five representative karst groundwater samples were collected from different aquifers (limestone and dolomite) and various land use types in Chongqing to trace the sources of solutes and relative hydrochemical processes. Hydrogeochemical types of karst groundwater in Chongqing were mainly of the Ca?HCO3 type or Ca (Mg)?HCO3 type. However, some hydrochemical types of karst groundwater were the K+Na+Ca?SO4 type (G25 site) or Ca?HCO3+SO4 type (G26 and G14 site), indicating that the hydrochemistry of these sites might be strongly influenced by anthropogenic activities or unique geological characteristics. The dissolved Sr concentrations of the studied groundwater ranged from 0.57 to 15.06 μmmol/L, and the 87Sr/86Sr varied from 0.70751 to 0.71627. The δ34S?SO42? fell into a range of ?6.8‰?21.5‰, with a mean value of 5.6‰. The variations of both 87Sr/86Sr and Sr values of the groundwater samples indicated that the Sr element was controlled by the weathering of limestone, dolomite and silicate rock. However, the figure of 87Sr/86Sr vs. Sr2+/[K++Na+] showed that the anthropogenic inputs also obviously contributed to the Sr contents. For tracing the detailed anthropogenic effects, we traced the sources of solutes collected karst groundwater samples in Chongqing according to the δ34S value of potential sulfate sources. The variations of both δ34S and 1/SO42? values of the groundwater samples indicated that the atmospheric acid deposition (AAD), dissolution of gypsum (GD), oxidation of sul?de mineral (OS) or anthropogenic inputs (SF: sewage or fertilizer) have contributed to solutes in karst groundwater. The influence of oxidation of sul?de mineral, atmospheric acid deposit and anthropogenic inputs to groundwater in Chongqing karst areas was much widespread.     

Hydrochemical assessment of pond and stream water near abandoned barite mine sites in parts of Oban massif and Mamfe Embayment,Southeastern Nigeria

Hydrochemical studies were carried out in parts of Oban Massif and Mamfe Embayment, Southeastern Nigeria to examine the contributions of barite mining activities on water quality. Pond and stream water samples were collected from six abandoned barite mines and adjoining streams areas during dry and wet seasons. These samples were analysed for physicochemical parameters using standard techniques. The results showed that the quality of water samples in the vicinity of barite mine sites was characterized by low pH, low mineralization, high suspended solids and deep colour. Sodium (Na⁺) and calcium (Ca²⁺) are the dominant cations and bicarbonate (HCO₃ ^?) and sulphate (SO₄ ^2?) the dominant anions. The low concentration of dissolved silica, relatively high concentrations of Na⁺, HCO₃ ^? and SO₄ ^2? suggest a combined influence of silicate, carbonate and weathering of mine spoils. The total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, electrical conductivity and major ions (except Na⁺ and K⁺) are higher for water draining barite mines from Cretaceous sediments, while Na⁺, K⁺, Ba²⁺ are higher in basement rock areas. Correlation and factor analyses suggest that the main components of the water samples are related to anthropogenic, geogenic, mineralization and environmental controls, while Gibbs diagram plots indicate weathering as the main process controlling the chemistry of water. Computed values of hardness and some irrigational parameters showed that the pond and stream water samples are generally soft and can be used for irrigation. Generally, the water quality satisfied the WHO (2008) and NIS (2007) standards for domestic, agriculture and industrial. However, there is the need to assess the impact of the pollution on the ecosystem and human health while remediation measures are being considered.     

Geochemistry and anthropogenic inputs of metals in a tropical lake in Venezuela

Lake Valencia is a tropical lowland lake in north-central Venezuela. Lake bottom sediments were collected from 25 locations in April, 1988. At 2 locations water pH, conductivity, dissolved O₂ and temperature were measured at successive depths. After drying, 5 sediment samples were sieved into 5 mechanical fractions. Each was extracted with 1 M HNO₃ and analysed for AI, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb and Zn. The <63 μm fraction of all samples was similarly analysed. Water temperatures declined with depth (1°C/25 m) from approximately 26°C. Conductivity varied little with depth but dissolved O₂ contents indicated anoxic conditions < 25 m. Water pH (8.8–9.4) was consistent with high dissolved carbonates. There was little consistent relationship between grain size and sediment metal contents. Approximate baseline metal contents were calculated from 21 of 25 samples. The average composition of the sediments corresponded to an ideal mixture of shales/carbonate rocks as 0.5–0.7/0.5-0.3. Five samples from alluvial fans near the mouths of rivers traversing urban-industrial zones had compositions different from the other sediments. Generally, Ph, Zn, Ni, Cd and Cu were anthropogenically enriched by factors of 2–16. The major sources of pollutants were identified as domestic and industrial activities affecting the rivers that traverse the lakeside cities of Maracay and Valencia. Sodium, Mg, Ca, Mn and CO₃⁻ showed natural enrichment arising from carbonate precipitation following a physical mixing of 2 sedimentary components (biogenic carbonate and terrigenous material). Low geochemical mobility of metallic elements in neutral-basic and reducing waters, a processes of bury and mixture of sediments and precipitation of carbonate result in only 10% of the lake area being affected by contamination. Isoline plots of elements in the bottom sediments supported a hypothesis that material mixing, physical transport and carbonate precipitation are the main controls of spatial distribution patterns.     

Hydrogeochemical analysis and evaluation of groundwater quality in the Gadilam river basin,Tamil Nadu,India

Water samples were collected from different formations of Gadilam river basin and analyzed to assess the major ion chemistry and suitability of water for domestic and drinking purposes. Chemical parameters of groundwater such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), Sodium (Na⁺), Potassium (K⁺), Calcium (Ca⁺), Magnesium (Mg⁺), Bicarbonate (HCO₃  ^-_{3}^{\ \,-}), Sulphate (SO₄  ^-_{4}^{\ \,-}), Phosphate (PO₄  ^-_{4}^{\ \,-}) and Silica (H₄SiO₄) were determined. The geochemical study of the aquatic systems of the Gadilam river basin show that the groundwater is near-acidic to alkaline and mostly oxidizing in nature. Higher concentration of Sodium and Chloride indicates leaching of secondary salts and anthropogenic impact by industry and salt water intrusion. Spatial distribution of EC indicates anthropogenic impact in the downstream side of the basin. The concentration levels of trace metals such as Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Bromide (Br), Iodide (I) and Aluminium (Al) have been compared with the world standard. Interpretation of data shows that some trace metals such as Al, Ni and Pb exceed the acceptable limit of world standard. Geophysical study was carried out to identify the weathered zone in the hard rock and contaminated zone by anthropogenic impact in the downstream of river Gadilam. A few of the groundwater samples in the study area were found to be unsuitable for domestic and drinking purposes.