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

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

Carbon isotopes and geochemical processes in CO2-rich cold mineral water,N-Portugal

This paper summarizes a new outlook on the conceptual model of Melgaço–Messegães CO₂-rich cold (≈18 °C) mineral water systems, issuing in N of Portugal, based on their isotopic (²H, ³H, ¹³C, ¹⁴C and ¹⁸O) and geochemical features. Stable isotopes indicate the meteoric origin of these CO₂-rich mineral waters. Based on the isotopic fractionation with the altitude, a recharge altitude between 513 up to 740 m a.s.l. was estimated, corroborating the tritium results. The lowest ³H content (0 TU) is found in the groundwater samples with the highest mineralization. The mineral waters circulation are mainly related to a granitic and granodioritic environment inducing two different groundwater types (Ca/Na–HCO₃ and Na/Ca–HCO₃), indicating different underground flow paths. Calcium dissolution is controlled by hydrolysis of rock-matrix silicate minerals (e.g. Ca-plagioclases) and not associated to anthropogenic sources. The shallow dilute groundwaters exhibit signatures of anthropogenic origins (e.g. NO₃) and higher Na/Ca ratios. The stable isotopes together with the geochemistry provided no indication of mixing between the regional shallow cold dilute groundwater and mineral water systems. The heavy isotopic signatures identified in the δ¹³C data (δ¹³C = 4.7 ‰, performed on the total dissolved inorganic carbon (TDIC) of CO₂-rich mineral waters) could be derived from a deep-seated (upper mantle) source or associated to methanogenesis (CH₄ source). The negligible ¹⁴C content (≈2 pmC) determined in the TDIC of the mineral waters, corroborates the hypothesis of a mantle-derived carbon source to the mineral groundwater systems or dissolution of carbonate layers at depth.     

Origin of groundwater salinity (current seawater vs. saline deep water) in a coastal karst aquifer based on Sr and Cl isotopes. Case study of the La Clape massif (southern France)

In this study a typical coastal karst aquifer, developed in lower Cretaceous limestones, on the western Mediterranean seashore (La Clape massif, southern France) was investigated. A combination of geochemical and isotopic approaches was used to investigate the origin of salinity in the aquifer. Water samples were collected between 2009 and 2011. Three groundwater groups (A, B and C) were identified based on the hydrogeological setting and on the Cl⁻ concentrations. Average and maximum Cl⁻ concentrations in the recharge waters were calculated (Cl_Ref. and Cl_Ref.Max) to be 0.51 and 2.85 mmol/L, respectively). Group A includes spring waters with Cl⁻ concentrations that are within the same order of magnitude as the Cl_Ref concentration. Group B includes groundwater with Cl⁻ concentrations that range between the Cl_Ref and Cl_Ref.Max concentrations. Group C includes brackish groundwater with Cl⁻ concentrations that are significantly greater than the Cl_Ref.Max concentration. Overall, the chemistry of the La Clape groundwater evolves from dominantly Ca–HCO₃ to NaCl type. On binary diagrams of the major ions vs. Cl, most of the La Clape waters plot along mixing lines. The mixing end-members include spring waters and a saline component (current seawater or fossil saline water). Based on the Br/Cl_molar ratio, the hypothesis of halite dissolution from Triassic evaporites is rejected to explain the origin of salinity in the brackish groundwater.Groundwaters display ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios intermediate between those of the limestone aquifer matrix and current Mediterranean seawater. On a Sr mixing diagram, most of the La Clape waters plot on a mixing line. The end-members include the La Clape spring waters and saline waters, which are similar to the deep geothermal waters that were identified at the nearby Balaruc site. The ³⁶Cl/Cl ratios of a few groundwater samples from group C are in agreement with the mixing hypothesis of local recharge water with deep saline water at secular equilibrium within a carbonate matrix. Finally, PHREEQC modelling was run based on calcite dissolution in an open system prior to mixing with the Balaruc type saline waters. Modelled data are consistent with the observed data that were obtained from the group C groundwater. Based on several tracers (i.e. concentrations and isotopic compositions of Cl and Sr), calculated ratios of deep saline water in the mixture are coherent and range from 3% to 16% and 0% to 3% for groundwater of groups C and B, respectively.With regard to the La Clape karst aquifer, the extension of a lithospheric fault in the study area may favour the rise of deep saline water. Such rises occur at the nearby geothermal Balaruc site along another lithospheric fault. At the regional scale, several coastal karst aquifers are located along the Gulf of Lion and occur in Mezosoic limestones of similar ages. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of these aquifers tend toward values of 0.708557, which suggests a general mixing process of shallow karst waters with deep saline fossil waters. The occurrence of these fossil saline waters may be related to the introduction of seawater during and after the Flandrian transgression, when the highly karstified massifs invaded by seawater, formed islands and peninsulas along the Mediterranean coast.     

Geochemical patterns and origin of alkaline thermal waters in Central Greece (Platystomo and Smokovo areas)

This study investigates the origin and chemical composition of the thermal waters of Platystomo and Smokovo areas in Central Greece as well as any possible relationships of them to the neighboring geothermal fields located in the south-eastern part of Sperchios basin. The correlations between different dissolved salts and the temperature indicate that the chemical composition of thermal waters are controlled by, the mineral dissolution and the temperature, the reactions due to CO₂ that originates possibly by diffusion from the geothermal fields of Sperchios basin and the mixing of thermal waters with fresh groundwater from karst or shallow aquifers. Two major groups of waters are recognized on the basis of their chemistry: thermal waters of Na–HCO₃–Cl type and thermal waters mixed with fresh groundwater of Ca–Mg–Na–HCO₃ type. All thermal waters of the study area are considered as modified by water–rock interaction rainwater, heated in depth and mixed in some cases with fresh groundwater when arriving to the surface. Trace elements present low concentrations. Lithium content suggests discrimination between the above two groups of waters. Boron geochemistry confirms all the above remarks. Boron concentration ranges from 60 μg L^?1 to 10 mg L^?1, while all samples’ constant isotopic composition (δ¹¹B ≈ 10 ‰) indicates leaching from rocks. The positive correlation between the chemical elements and the temperature clearly indicates that much of the dissolved salts are derived from water–rock interactions. The application of geothermometers suggests that the reservoir temperature is around 100–110 °C. Chalcedony temperatures are similar to the emergent temperatures and this is typical of convective waters in fault systems in normal thermal gradient areas.     

Radiocarbon application in dating “complex” hot and cold CO2-rich mineral water systems: A review of case studies ascribed to the northern Portugal

The use of radioactive isotopes plays a very important role in dating groundwater, providing an apparent age of the systems in the framework of the aquifers conceptual modelling making available important features about the water fluxes, such as recharge, horizontal flow rates and discharge. In this paper, special emphasis has been put on isotopic constraints in the use of δ¹³C and ¹⁴C content as a dating tool in some hot (76 °C) and cold (17 °C) CO₂-rich mineral waters discharging in the Vilarelho da Raia–Pedras Salgadas region (N-Portugal). The radiocarbon content determined in these CO₂-rich mineral waters (¹⁴C activity from 4.3 up to 9.9 pmc) is incompatible with the systematic presence of ³H (from 1.7 to 7.9 TU). The δ¹³C values of the studied CO₂-rich mineral waters indicate that the total C in the recharge waters is being masked by larger quantities of CO₂ (¹⁴C-free) introduced from deep-seated (upper mantle) sources. This paper demonstrates that a good knowledge of mineral water systems is essential to allow hydrologists to make sound conclusions on the use of C isotopic data in each particular situation.     

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

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

     

Hydrochemical and isotopic investigation of a sandstone aquifer groundwater in a semi arid region,El Ma El Abiod,Algeria

This work present results of the hydrochemical and isotopic studies on groundwater samples from the study area. Chemical and environmental isotope data are presented and discussed in terms of the origin of dissolved species and of groundwater. All of the investigated groundwater are categorized into two chemical types: low and relatively high mineralized waters type. Interpretation of chemical data, based on both thermodynamic calculations and stability diagrams, suggests that the chemical evolution of groundwater is primarily controlled by water-rock interactions. Interpretation of ¹⁸O and ²H suggests that the recharge of the investigated groundwater may result from differents mechanisms     

A study of234U/238U ratios in groundwaters of Taiyuan area,Shanxi Province

Uranium contents and²³⁴U/²³⁸U ratios have been determined on 29 water samples from the Taiyuan area, Shanxi Province. The results show that the same artesian aquifer has similar uranium contents and²³⁴U/²³⁸U activity ratios, and the deeper aquifers have higher A. R. values but lower uranium contents. The A. R. values increase slightly towards groundwater flow in the artesian aquifers dominated by oxidizing ground waters. The Lancun Spring and the famous Jinci Spring belong to two different karst groundwater systems, i.e., the east and west karst groundwater systems. The recharge area of the Lancun Spring should cover the wide limestone outcrops of middle Ordovician in the northeast. The Ordovician fissure-karst ground water to the Jinci Spring is extensively mixed with fissure water in Carboniferous-Jurassic formations and seepage water from the Fenhe River.     

Iodine budget in surface waters from Atacama: Natural and anthropogenic iodine sources revealed by halogen geochemistry and iodine-129 isotopes

Iodine enrichment in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile is widespread and varies significantly between reservoirs, including nitrate-rich “caliche” soils, supergene Cu deposits and marine sedimentary rocks. Recent studies have suggested that groundwater has played a key role in the remobilization, transport and deposition of iodine in Atacama over scales of millions-of-years. However, and considering that natural waters are also anomalously enriched in iodine in the region, the relative source contributions of iodine in the waters and its extent of mixing remain unconstrained. In this study we provide new halogen data and isotopic ratios of iodine (¹²⁹I/I) in shallow seawater, rivers, salt lakes, cold and thermal spring water, rainwater and groundwater that help to constrain the relative influence of meteoric, marine and crustal sources in the Atacama waters. Iodine concentrations in surface and ground waters range between 0.35 μM and 26 μM in the Tarapacá region and between 0.25 μM and 48 μM in the Antofagasta region, and show strong enrichment when compared with seawater concentrations (I = ∼0.4 μM). In contrast, no bromine enrichment is detected (1.3–45.7 μM for Tarapacá and 1.7–87.4 μM for Antofagasta) relative to seawater (Br = ∼600 μM). These data, coupled to the high I/Cl and low Br/Cl ratios are indicative of an organic-rich sedimentary source (related with an “initial” fluid) that interacted with meteoric water to produce a mixed fluid, and preclude an exclusively seawater origin for iodine in Atacama natural waters. Iodine isotopic ratios (¹²⁹I/I) are consistent with halogen chemistry and confirm that most of the iodine present in natural waters derives from a deep initial fluid source (i.e., groundwater which has interacted with Jurassic marine basement), with variable influence of at least one atmospheric or meteoric source. Samples with the lowest isotopic ratios (¹²⁹I/I from ∼215 to ∼1000 × 10⁻¹⁵) strongly suggest mixing between the groundwater and iodine storage in organic-rich rocks (with variable influence of volcanic fluids) and pre-anthropogenic meteoric water, while samples with higher values (∼2000–93,700 × 10⁻¹⁵) indicate the input of anthropogenic meteoric fluid. Taking into account the geological, hydrologic and climatic features of the Atacama region, we propose that the mean contribution of anthropogenic ¹²⁹I is associated with ¹²⁹I releases during nuclear weapon tests carried out in the central Pacific Ocean until the mid 1990's (¹²⁹I/I = ∼12,000 × 10⁻¹⁵). This source reflects rapid redistribution of this radioisotope on a global scale. Our results support the notion of a long-lived continental iodine cycle in the hyperarid margin of western South America, which is driven by local hydrological and climate conditions, and confirm that groundwater was a key agent for iodine remobilization and formation of the extensive iodine-rich soils of Atacama.     

Residence time of Chalk groundwaters in the Paris Basin and the North German Basin: a geochemical approach

The comparative geochemical and isotopic study of confined and unconfined Chalk groundwaters of the Paris Basin and the N German Basin proves a significant chemical evolution during groundwater flow from the recharge zones to the deep confined aquifer. Different time dependent geochemical parameters have been tested as dating tools: Cation ratios (Sr²⁺/Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺), N–NO⁻₃, noble gas contents as paleotemperature indicators (Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe), radiogenic He, ¹³C, ¹⁴C, ¹⁸O, ²H, ³H. Cation ratios and ¹³C show the importance of incongruent dissolution processes in the Chalk aquifer. Water–rock interactions were taken into account in a multi-step dissolution model to determine radiocarbon groundwater ages. The oldest waters in the confined part of the Paris basin Chalk with maximum ¹⁴C ages of 14,000 a B.P. contain pleistocene recharge components as can be shown by a stable isotope depletion and noble gas temperatures significantly lower than in recent groundwaters. Chalk waters at the Lägerdorf site in Northern Germany show a distinct stratification with respect to residence times and hydrochemistry.     

Multi‐kilometre long pathway of geofluids migration: Clues concerning an ophiolite serpentinization setting possibly responsible for the inferred abiotic provenance of methane in thermal water outflows of the South‐West Carpathians (Romania)

Methane occurrences displaying signatures of a possible abiotic origin had previously been reported in the South‐West Carpathians (Romania). Such an accumulation, at Tisovi?a, was intercepted by a well drilled in an ophiolitic rocks massif, whereas in two other localities—situated tens of kilometres faraway—the concerned methane is released via thermal groundwater outflows that are apparently not associated with any ultramafic products. By using groundwater ionic compositions, corroborated with previously published isotopic (¹³C‐CH₄, ²H‐CH₄, ³He/⁴He) and molecular gas analyses, we assessed in more detail the conjectured abiotic provenance of methane, and quantitatively investigated the hypothesis of a progressive mixing between two, abiotic and thermogenic, methane end‐members. The corresponding geofluids behaviour was modelled by hypothesizing a “concealed” ophiolite serpentinization setting (largely similar to that at Tisovi?a), whose abiotic methane production was “diverted” towards remote discharges at ground surface, via a ~20‐km‐long flowpath supposedly generated by recently operating extensional tectonics.     

Using isotopic,hydrogeochemical-tracer and temperature data to characterize recharge and flow paths in a complex karst groundwater flow system in northern China

Isotopic and hydrogeochemical analysis, combined with temperature investigation, was conducted to characterize the flow system in the carbonate aquifer at Taiyuan, northern China. The previous division of karst subsystems in Taiyuan, i.e. the Xishan (XMK), Dongshan (DMK) and Beishan (BMK) mountain systems, were also examined. The measured δD, δ ¹⁸O and ³He/⁴He in water indicate that both thermal and cold groundwaters have a meteoric origin rather than deep crustal origin. Age dating using ³H and ¹⁴C shows that groundwater samples from discharge zones along faults located at the margin of mountains in the XMK and DMK are a mixture of paleometeoric thermal waters and younger cold waters from local flow systems. ¹⁴C data suggest that the average age was about 10,000 years and 4,000 years for thermal and cold groundwater in discharge zones, respectively. Based on the data of temperature, water solute chemical properties, ¹⁴C, δ ³⁴S_SO4, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and δ ¹⁸O, different flow paths in the XMK and DMK were distinguished. Shallow groundwater passes through the upper Ordovician formations, producing younger waters at the discharge zone (low temperature and ionic concentration and enriched D and ¹⁸O). Deep groundwater flows through the lower Ordovician and Cambrian formations, producing older waters at the discharge zone (high ionic concentration and temperature and depleted D and ¹⁸O). At the margin of mountains, groundwater in deep systems flows vertically up along faults and mixes with groundwater from shallow flow systems. By contrast, only a single flow system through the entire Cambrian to Ordovician formations occurs in the BMK.     

Mixing processes in hydrothermal spring systems and implications for interpreting geochemical data: a case study in the Cappadocia region of Turkey

Mixing is a dominant hydrogeological process in the hydrothermal spring system in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. All springs emerge along faults, which have the potential to transmit waters rapidly from great depths. However, mixing with shallow meteoric waters within the flow system results in uncertainty in the interpretation of geochemical results. The chemical compositions of cold and warm springs and geothermal waters are varied, but overall there is a trend from Ca–HCO₃ dominated to Na–Cl dominated. There is little difference in the seasonal ionic compositions of the hot springs, suggesting the waters are sourced from a well-mixed reservoir. Based on δ¹⁸O and δ²H concentrations, all waters are of meteoric origin with evidence of temperature equilibration with carbonate rocks and evaporation. Seasonal isotopic variability indicates that only a small proportion of late spring and summer precipitation forms recharge and that fresh meteoric waters move rapidly into the flow system and mix with thermal waters at depth. ³H and percent modern carbon (pmC) values reflect progressively longer groundwater pathways from cold to geothermal waters; however, mixing processes and the very high dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) of the water samples preclude the use of either isotope to gain any insight on actual groundwater ages.     

Laser oxygen isotope analysis of weathering goethite from the lateritic profile of Yaou,French Guiana: paleoweathering and paleoclimatic implications

Oxygen isotopic compositions of weathering goethite pseudomorphs after pyrite in the lateritic profile of Yaou, French Guiana, were measured by laser fluorination. The laterite at Yaou is composed of a 25 m thick saprolite overlain by a 3 m thick latosol. Petrographic observations indicate that the pseudomorphic replacement of pyrite by goethite occurs at or near the weathering front and is complete. The goethite pseudomorphs are essentially devoid of Al and are progressively dissolved and partially replaced by a microcrystalline plasma of kaolinite and goethite in the upper horizons (latosol) of the profile.The laser technique used in this study permitted the determination of the δ¹⁸O value of individual grains of goethite and the investigation of grain-to-grain variation within a single sample (horizon) as well as vertical variation with depth. In the latosol, the goethite δ¹⁸O values range from 0.8 to 3.2%‰ and exhibit significant grain-to-grain and vertical variation. This most likely reflects undetected intragrain contamination with microcrystalline kaolinite. In the saprolite, the goethite δ¹⁸O values are consistent, ranging from 1.0 to 1.8%‰ between 3 and 18 m depth, and from 2.5 to 3.3‰ between 23 m depth and the weathering front at 28 m. Oxygen isotope compositions of present groundwater, “soil water” and rainfall at Yaou were also measured, and compared with calculated isotopic compositions for goethite-forming waters. Goethite pseudomorphs in the lower part of the saprolite are in isotopic equilibrium with present groundwater, indicating that they may be forming today or that they formed in the recent past under climatic conditions similar to present conditions. In contrast, goethite pseudomorphs found higher in the profile are not in isotopic equilibrium with present water but with a water depleted in¹⁸O by ≈ 1.50% relative to present groundwater. It is suggested that these low-δ¹⁸O pseudomorphs are probably older and formed under different paleoclimatic conditions, at a time when climatic regimes were possibly more monsoonal than today. This is in agreement with models of climatic evolution derived from pedological considerations.The results of this study suggest that goethite pseudomorphs in ancient saprolites may preserve their original O isotopic composition acquired at the weathering front, and may, therefore, be used as indicators of changes in weathering-climatic conditions during the evolution of a profile.     

Chemical parameters as natural tracers in hydrogeology: a case study of Louros karst system,Greece

The Louros Basin hosts one of the most important karst systems of Epirus Prefecture (Greece) and plays a key role in supplying three counties with drinking water. Aiming to investigate the origin of groundwater and its flow patterns, a multi-tracer approach was used to describe and evaluate the hydrogeology of the system. Therefore, 271 surface water and groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for physicochemical parameters, major ions, and trace and rare earth elements, as well as stable isotopes (δ¹⁸O and δ²H). These data provided meaningful tracing of the water origin, water–rock interaction processes, and relationships among the aquifers. In particular, the elaboration of the major ions supported by the distribution of rare earth elements indicated that there are three aquifers located at different levels hosted in the Senonian and Pantokrator limestone formations. These aquifers are hydraulically interconnected by a cascade and constitute the Louros karst system which is drained by the homonymous river. Hydrochemical and isotopic data revealed that the Louros karst system is isolated from the adjacent northern Ioannina Basin and it is being recharged by precipitation. Higher groundwater salinity, where present, is mainly associated with increased water–rock interaction due to longer and deeper hydrologic flow, favoring the dissolution of evaporitic, carbonate and phosphate minerals.     

Hydrogeochemical and isotopic characteristics of the Ilica geothermal system (Erzurum,Turkey)

In this paper, the hydrochemical isotopic characteristics of samples collected from geothermal springs in the Ilica geothermal field, Eastern Anatolia of Turkey, are examined and described. Low-temperature geothermal system of Ilica (Erzurum, Turkey) located along the Eastern Anatolian fault zone was investigated for hydrogeochemical and isotopic characteristics. The study of ionic and isotopic contents shows that the thermal water of Ilica is mainly, locally fed by groundwater, which changes chemically and isotopically during its circulation within the major fault zone reaching depths. The thermal spring has a temperature of 29–39 °C, with electrical conductivity ranging from 4,000 to 7,510 µS/cm and the thermal water is of Na–HCO₃–Cl water type. The chemical geothermometers applied in the Ilica geothermal waters yielded a maximum reservoir temperature of 142 °C according to the silica geothermometers. The thermal waters are undersaturated with respect to gypsum, anhydrite and halite, and oversaturated with respect to dolomite. The dolomite mineral possibly caused scaling when obtaining the thermal waters in the study area. According to the enthalpy chloride-mixing model, cold water to the thermal water-mixing ratio is changing between 69.8 and 75 %. The δ¹⁸O–δ²H compositions obviously indicate meteoric origin of the waters. Thermal water springs derived from continental precipitation falling on to higher elevations in the study area. The δ¹³C ratio for dissolved inorganic carbonate in the waters lies between 4.63 and 6.48 ‰. In low-temperature waters carbon is considered as originating from volcanic (mantle) CO₂.     

Stable isotopes (2H, 18O and 13C) in groundwaters from the northwestern portion of the Guarani Aquifer System (Brazil)

The groundwater flow pattern of the western part of the Guarani Aquifer System (GAS), Brazil, is characterized by three regional recharge areas in the north, and a potentiometric divide in the south, which trends north–south approximately. Groundwater flow is radial from these regional recharge areas toward the center of Paraná Sedimentary Basin and toward the western outcrop areas at the border of the Pantanal Matogrossense, because of the potentiometric divide. The isotopic composition of GAS groundwater leads to understanding the paleoclimatic conditions in the regional recharge areas. The δ¹⁸O and δ²H isotopic ratios of GAS groundwaters vary, respectively, from –9.1 to –4.8‰ V-SMOW and –58.4 to –21.7‰ V-SMOW. In the recharge zones, enriched δ¹⁸O values are observed, while in the confined zone lighter δ¹⁸O values are observed. These suggest that climatic conditions were 10°C cooler than the present during the recharge of these waters. The δ¹³C ratios in groundwater of GAS, in the study area, vary from –19.5 to –6.5‰ VPDB, increasing along the regional flow lines toward the confined zone. This variation is related to dissolution of carbonate cement in the sandstones.     

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

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

Tracing the sources of strontium in karst groundwater in Chongqing, China: a combined hydrogeochemical approach and strontium isotope

Groundwater quality in karst regions is largely controlled by natural processes and anthropogenic activities. Over the past 10?years, dissolved Sr and its radiogenic isotope, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, were widely used to trace the sources of solutes in groundwater. However, there is little research about hydrogeochemistry and Sr isotopic compositions of the karst groundwater in Chongqing karst area. In this paper, thirty-five representative karst groundwater samples were collected from different aquifers (limestone and dolomite) and various land use types. Hydrochemical types of karst groundwater in Chongqing were mainly of the Ca-HCO₃ type or Ca(Mg)-HCO₃ type. The dissolved Sr concentrations of the studied groundwater ranged from 0.57 to 15.06???mmol/L, and the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr varied from 0.70751 to 0.71627. The groundwater samples from different aquifers and land use types showed distinctive dissolved Sr concentrations and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr. The very positive relationship between Ca/Sr and Mg/Sr in dolomite and limestone aquifers suggests that Ca, Mg and Sr element come mainly from the release of carbonate rock under the groundwater?Crock?CCO₂ gas interaction. According to the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio, the Sr element in karst groundwater in Chongqing was controlled by the weathering of limestone, dolomite and silicate rock (allogenic water in a non-karst area). The relationship ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr versus Sr²⁺/[K⁺?+?Na⁺] shows that the anthropogenic inputs also obviously contribute to the Sr contents. The research results show that the karst groundwater in Chongqing is facing serious crisis of water quality, and needs to be protected further.     

Geochemistry and origin of saline groundwaters in the Fennoscandian Shield

Chemical and isotopic analyses of water from drill holes and mines throughout the Fennoscandian Shield show that distinct layers of groundwater are present. An upper layer of fresh groundwater is underlain by several sharply differentiated saline layers, which may differ in salinity, relative abundance of solutes, and O, H, Sr and S isotope signature. Saline groundwater can be classified into four major groups based on geochemistry and presumed origin. Brackish and saline waters from 50–200 m depth in coastal areas around the Baltic Sea exhibit distinct marine chemical and isotopic fingerprints, modified by reactions with host rocks. These waters represent relict Holocene seawater. Inland, three types of saline groundwater are observed: an uppermost layer of brackish and saline water from 300–900 m depth; saline water and brines from 1000–2000 m depth; and superdeep brines which have been observed to a depth of at least 11 km in the drill hole on the Kola Peninsula, U.S.S.R. Electrical and seismic studies in shield areas suggest that such brines are commonly present at even greater depths. The salinity of all inland groundwaters is attributed predominantly to water-rock interaction. The main solutes are Cl, Ca, Na and Mg in varying proportions, depending on the host rock lithology. The abundance of dissolved gases increases with depth but varies from site to site. The main gas components are N₂, CH₄ (up to 87 vol.%) and locally H₂. The δ¹³C value for methane is highly variable (−25 to −46%), and it is suggested that hydrothermal or metamorphic gases trapped within the surrounding rocks are the most obvious source of CH₄. The uppermost saline water has meteoric oxygen-hydrogen isotopic compositions, whereas values from deeper water plot above the meteoric water line, indicating considerably longer mean residence time and effective low temperature equilibration with host rocks. Geochemical and isotopic results from some localities demonstrate that the upper saline water cannot have been formed through simple mixing between fresh water and deep brines but rather is of independent origin. The source of water itself has not been satisfactorily verified although superdeep brines at least may contain a significant proportion of relict Precambrian hydrothermal or metamorphic fluids.