Groundwater origins and mixing pattern in the multilayer aquifer system of the Gafsa-south mining district: a chemical and isotopic approach

Major ion geochemistry and environmental isotopes were used to identify the origins and the mineralisation processes of groundwater flowing within the three aquifer levels of the multilayer system of the Gafsa-south mining district (Southwestern Tunisia). It has been demonstrated that groundwaters are characterised by a Ca–Mg–SO₄ water type. Geochemical pattern is mainly controlled by the dissolution of halite, gypsum and/or anhydrite as well as by the incongruent dissolution of dolomite. δ¹⁸O and δ²H values are much lower than the isotopic signature of regional precipitation and fall close to the meteoric water lines, indicating that groundwaters have not been significantly affected by evaporation or mineral–water reactions. The distribution of stable and radiogenic isotopes (δ¹⁸O, δ²H, δ¹³C and ¹⁴C) within the aquifer levels suggests that the deep confined aquifer receives a significant modern recharge at higher altitudes, while, the shallow unconfined aquifer has been mainly recharged under cooler paleoclimatic condition, likely during Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene humid periods. However, waters from the intermediate confined/unconfined aquifer have composite isotopic signatures, highlighting that they are derived from a mixture of the two first end-members.     

Oxygen isotope and deuterium indication of the origin and <Superscript>14</Superscript>C age of the massive ice,Bovanenkovo, Central Yamal peninsula

The conditions and forming time of massive ice were specified (Bovanenkovo gas condensate field, Central Yamal). Here, massive ice lies as stratums, laccoliths, stocks, and lenses. Three thousand boreholes 10–100 m in depth were analyzed. In 260 of them massive ice was broached. The ice foot is situated from 1 to 57 m deep. The maximal thickness of ice broached with boreholes came to 28.5 m; on average, it was about 8 m. The extension of massive ice is sometimes more than 2000 m, and its area is quite often more than 10 km². According to the radiocarbon method, loams of the third terrace, containing and overlapping ice deposits, were formed from 25 000 to 20 000 years ago or somewhat later. These strongly peat loams containing massive ice formed either in shallow sea conditions or during periodical draining conditions of beaches or low laida, where organic matter appeared due to erosion and deposition and accumulated during draining and overgrowing of drains. In more inclement conditions than at present, loam deposits were frozen immediately, forming massive ice, which occupied the barely water-saturated layers. The oxygen isotope composition (δ18O) of massive ice samples varied from −12.49‰ (here and further, relative to SMOW) to −22.95‰. The deuterium concentration (δD) varied from −91.7 to −177.1‰. Deuterium kurtosis (d _exc) varied from 3.4 to 10.6‰. In one seam outcrop, the content of stable isotopes varied significantly. Here, at a depth of 0.2–0.8 m, the δ¹⁸O content varied by more than 10‰ (from −12.49 to −22.75), and the δD content, from −91.7 to −171.9‰. Such variations testify about ice extraction upon freezing of water-saturated grounds in a closed system. According to palynological analysis of ice stratums, numerous remains of unicellular green algae and diatoms were revealed. It is possible that this is evidence of the existence of a fresh well, which was a source of water, feeding the layer. Most probably these were near-bottom silt waters of a large lake or desalted bay, which were frozen syngenetically. This accentuates the new type of massive ice, syncriogenic segregative ice, which probably formed 25 000–20 000 yr BP.     

A Geochemical study of the groundwater in the Misli basin and environmental implications

The aim of this study was to determine geochemical properties of groundwater and thermal water in the Misli Basin and to assess thermal water intrusion into shallow groundwater due to over-extraction. According to isotope and hydrochemical analyses results, sampled waters can be divided into three groups: cold, thermal, and mixed waters. Only a few waters reach water–rock chemical equilibrium. Thermal waters in the area are characterized by Na⁺–Cl⁻–HCO₃⁻, while the cold waters by CaHCO₃ facies. On the basis of isotope results, thermal waters in the Misli basin are meteoric origin. In particular, δ¹⁸O and δ²H values of shallow groundwater vary from −10.2 to −12.2‰ and −71.2 to −82‰, while those of thermal waters range from −7.8 to −10.1‰ and from −67 to −74‰, respectively. The tritium values of shallow groundwater having short circulation as young waters coming from wells that range from 30 to 70 m in depth vary from 10 to 14 TU. The average tritium activity of groundwater in depths more than 100 m is 1.59 ± 1.16, which indicates long circulation. The rapid infiltration of the precipitation, the recycling of the evaporated irrigation water, the influence of thermal fluids and the heterogeneity of the aquifer make it difficult to determine groundwater quality changes in the Misli Basin. Obtained results show that further lowering of the groundwater table by over-consumption will cause further intrusion of thermal water which resulted in high mineral content into the fresh groundwater aquifer. Because of this phenomenon, the concentrations of some chemical components which impairs water quality in terms of irrigation purposes in shallow groundwaters, such as Na⁺, B, and Cl⁻, are highy probably expected to increase in time.     

Geochemistry of heavily exploited aquifers in the Emilia-Romagna region (Po Valley, northern Italy)

 More than 5 800 chemical analyses on water samples collected during 1987–1995 from 528 monitoring wells located in the southernmost part of the Po Valley (Emilia-Romagna region, northern Italy), one of the most urbanized, industrialized and agriculturally developed areas of Italy, have been processed. The analysis of data showed that: (1) waters are discharging from both confined and unconfined aquifers; (2) the water in the unconfined aquifer(s) is Ca(Mg)-HCO₃ in composition while confined ones are Na-Cl and/or Na-(HCO₃); (3) both confined and unconfined aquifer samples have δ¹⁸O and δD isotopic values of meteoric signature; (4) waters from both the aquifers are at least 40 years old; (5) the pumping rate has caused subsidence, particularly where the aquifer(s) is (are) unconfined; (6) the unconfined aquifer(s) is exposed to the risk of NO₃ pollution; (7) considering the present "pressure" (i.e. pumping rate) on this natural environment by human activity, care must be taken in the future to preserve this "strategic" resource. Received: 27 October 1997 · Accepted: 12 March 1998     

Recent sedimentary records from the Arabian Sea

An attempt is made to understand the redox conditions that prevailed in the north eastern continental margins of the Arabian Sea and in the nearby deep water regions during the past few centuries using short undisturbed sediment cores. The geochronology is accomplished using²¹⁰Pb excess method and the proxy indicators chosen for productivity and associated redox changes are CaCO₃, organic matter (OM), Mn and U along with major elements Fe and Al. Such changes in principle are related to high productivity in the overlying waters which in turn depend on monsoonal intensity that causes upwelling responsible for increase in productivity. Alongwith the published data on gravity cores from the same region, our measurements suggest the following: At ∼ 300 m water depth, south of 21°N, the sediment-water interface at depths of ∼ 300 m had been anoxic during the time span represented by the presently studied cores for approximately ∼ 700y as evidenced by low Mn/Al (< 0.7 × 10⁻²) and high U/Al (> 10⁻⁴) weight ratios. In some adjacent deeper regions, however, the environment turned oxic around ∼ 200 y BP. Whereas both Mn and Ra were lost to the overlying waters in the anoxic regions (depth ∼340m), the Mn that diffused from deeper sections appears to have mineralized at the sediment-water-interface. Studies of this type on long undisturbed cores from the margins of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, involving several proxies and geochronology by more than one method are needed to understand short term environmental (and monsoonal intensity) changes of the recent past with high resolution.     

Salinization of groundwater in the North German Basin: results from conjoint investigation of major, trace element and multi-isotope distribution

Conjoint consideration of distribution of major, rare earth elements (REE) and Y (combined to REY) and of H, O, C, S, Sr isotopes reveals that four types of groundwater are distinguishable by their chemical composition presented by spider patterns. REY patterns indicate thermo-saline deep water and two types of shallow saline groundwaters. Presence of connate waters is not detectable. Sr isotope ratios distinguish three sources of Sr: fast and slow weathering of biotite and K-feldspar in Pleistocene sediments, respectively, and dissolution of limestones. δ¹³C(DIC) indicate dissolution of limestone under closed and open system conditions. Numerous samples show δ¹³C(DIC) > 13‰ which is probably caused by incongruent dissolution of calcite and dolomite. The brines from below 1,000 m represent mixtures of pre-Pleistocene seawater or its evaporation brines and infiltrated post-Pleistocene precipitation. The shallow waters represent mixtures of Pleistocene and Recent precipitation salinized by dissolution of evaporites or by mixing with ascending brines. The distribution of water types is independent on geologic units and lithologies. Even the Tertiary Rupelian aquiclude does not prevent salinization of the upper aquifer.     

Hydrogeology and hydrogeochemistry of Günyüzü semi-arid basin (Eski?ehir, Central Anatolia)

Groundwater is often the only water source in semi-arid regions of Turkey. Günyüzü Basin, located in the Sakarya River basin, SW of Eskişehir, exhibits semi-arid conditions. The study area is composed of Paleozoic metamorphic rocks, Eocene granitic rocks, Neogene sedimentary rocks, and Quaternary alluvium. In the basin, Paleozoic Marbles are the main reservoir rocks for hot and cold water, bordered by impermeable diabases dykes at the sides and by impermeable granites and schists. Neogene-aged limestones, conglomerates and alluvium represent the other significant aquifers. Water samples chosen to exemplify the aquifer characteristics, were collected from springs and wells in both the dry and the wet seasons. The cation and anion permutation of the samples show that carbonates are the dominant lithology in the formation of chemical composition. δ¹⁸O (−11.2 to −8.9‰) and δ²H (−79 to −60‰) isotopic values show that all waters (thermal and cold) are meteoric in origin. The hydrological, hydrochemical, and isotopic properties of the waters reveal that there exist two main groups of groundwater systems; one of these is deep circulating, while the other one is shallow. Tritium values, 0–4 TU (Tritium Unit) indicate the presence of old, static water in these aquifer systems.     

The first deep Quaternary groundwater capture in Switzerland: combined use and environmental benefits

 Foresighted and determined local authorities, purposeful exploration (i.e. by seismic reflection) and extensive testing led to the discovery of a substantial groundwater resource near the community of Seon (Switzerland) at a depth of 268–305 m. Production tests revealed a hydraulic conductivity of ∼5.10–5 m/s, transmissivity of ∼5.10–4 m²/s and a storage coefficient of ∼2% in the aquifer. Pumping up to 1500 l/min is sustainable; the water quality complies chemically and bacteriologically with drinking-water requirements. The residence time of several 10³ years, determined by isotope techniques, guarantees protection from surface contamination. The elevated temperature of 19.5  °C of the produced water enables combined use for drinking water and space heating. The environmental benefits are substantial: the emission reduction amounts up to 780 tons/year CO₂ and 1 ton/year SO₂. Received: 21 September 1998 · Accepted: 10 February 1999     

Hydrogeochemical and isotopic investigation of the Bursa-Oylat thermal waters, Turkey

The Oylat spa is located 80 km southeast of Bursa and 30 km south of Ineg?l in the Marmara region. With temperature of 40°C and discharge of 45 l/s, the Oylat main spring is the most important hot water spring of the area. Southeast of the spa the Forest Management spring has a temperature of 39.4°C and discharge of 2 l/s. The G?z spring 2 km north of the spa, which is used for therapy of eye disease, and cold waters of the Saadet village springs with an acidic character are the further important water sources of the area. EC values of Main spring and Forest Management hot spring (750–780 μS/cm) are lower than those of Saadet and G?z spring waters (2,070–1,280 μS/cm) and ionic abundances are Ca > Na + K > Mg and SO₄ > HCO₃ > Cl. The Oylat and Sızı springs have low Na and K contents but high Ca and HCO₃ concentrations. According to AIH classification, these are Ca–SO₄–HCO₃ waters. Based on the results of δ¹⁸O, ²H and ³H isotope analyses, the thermal waters have a meteoric origin. The meteoric water infiltrates along fractures and faults, gets heated, and then returns to surface through hydrothermal conduits. Oylat waters do not have high reservoir temperatures. They are deep, circulating recharge waters from higher enhanced elevations. δ¹³C_DIC values of the Main spring and Forest Management hot spring are −6.31 and −4.45‰, respectively, indicating that δ¹³C is derived from dissolution of limestones. The neutral pH thermal waters are about +18.7‰ in δ³⁴S while the sulfate in the cold waters is about +17‰ (practically identical to the value for the neutral pH thermal waters). However, the G?z and Saadet springs (acid sulfate waters) have much lower δ³⁴S values (~+4‰).     

Investigation of groundwater mineralization in the Hammamet–Nabeul unconfined aquifer,north-eastern Tunisia: geochemical and isotopic approach

Detailed hydrogeochemical and isotopic data of groundwaters from the Hammamet–Nabeul unconfined aquifer are used to provide a better understanding of the natural and anthropogenic processes that control the groundwater mineralization as well as the sources of different groundwater bodies. It has been demonstrated that groundwaters, which show Na–Cl and Ca–SO₄–Cl water facies, are mainly influenced by the dissolution of evaporates, the dedolomitization and the cation-exchange process; and supplementary by anthropogenic process in relation with return flow of irrigation waters. The isotopic signatures permit to classify the studied groundwaters into two different groups. Non-evaporated groundwaters that are characterized by depleted δ ¹⁸O and δ ²H contents highlighting the importance of modern recharge at higher altitude. Evaporated groundwaters with enriched contents reflecting the significance infiltration of return flow irrigation waters. Tritium data in the studied groundwaters lend support to the existence of pre-1950 and post-1960 recharge. Carbon-14 activities in shallow wells that provide evidence to the large contamination by organic ¹⁴C corroborate the recent origin of the groundwaters in the study area.     

Thecamoebians and palynological assemblage in Gautami-Godavari River mouth,India: Environment and sea level since 3000 years

Palaeoclimate and palaeoecological study was carried out using palynological and thecamoebian evidences buried in ∼4 m vertically exposed sediment section (12 km inland from the present shoreline) of Late Holocene age along the banks of Gautami-Godavari River and from three shallow cores from its Nilarevu tributary, Andhra Pradesh. Inferred climatic periods include (1) a basal cold/arid period (∼3000-2000 yrs BP) with dominance of Botryococcus and other fresh water algal remains coupled with abundance of 25 species of thecamoebians indicating shallow and lentic ecosystem during most of the period and (2) a relatively warm/wet conditions (since ∼2000 yrs BP) reveal lotic fresh water ecosystem characterized by the evidences of tree palynotaxa and low percentage of thecamoebians. The three shallow cores (0.5–1 m) near the mouth (∼8 km stretch) of the Nilarevu tributary reveal fluvio-marine deposition in the top 50–80 cm sediment unlike the deeper fresh water depositional environment suggesting sea water ingression in the recent decades. The study illustrates that the Gautami-Godavari River delta gradually prograded since ∼3000 yrs BP until 100–150 yrs unlike the intermittent relative sea level rise and fall recorded during the same period in the contemporary south-east deltaic areas.     

Interaction between deep and shallow groundwater systems in areas affected by Quaternary tectonics (Central Italy): a geochemical and isotope approach

Hydro- and isotope geochemistry are used to refine groundwater conceptual models in two areas of central Italy (Acque Albule Basin and Velino River Valley) affected by extensional Quaternary tectonics, where deep and shallow groundwater flow systems are interacting. The role of geology, of recent deposits filling the plains and of main tectonic features controlling groundwater flowpaths and deep-seated fluids emergences are investigated and discussed. Environmental isotopes (²H and ¹⁸O) confirm recharge in the surrounding carbonate aquifers, and meteoric origin of both shallow and deep groundwater. Major ion chemistry indicates a mixing between shallow Ca-HCO₃ groundwater from carbonate aquifers and deep Ca-HCO₃-SO₄ groundwater, characterised by higher salinity and temperature and high concentration in sulphates. Isotopic composition of dissolved sulphates (δ ³⁴S and δ ¹⁸O) and dissolved inorganic carbon (δ ¹³C), henceforth indicated as DIC, are used to verify the presence of different sources of groundwater, and to validate the mixing model suggested by the major ion analyses. Sulphate isotope composition suggests a marine origin for the groundwater characterised by elevated sulphate concentration, whose source is present in the deep buried sequences. Carbon isotope composition confirms the role of a DIC source associated to CO₂ degassing of a deep reservoir. Groundwater conceptual models are improved underlining the importance of Plio-Pleistocene sequences filling the tectonic depression. In the Acque Albule area, the travertine plateau represents a mixing stratified aquifer, where deep groundwater contribution is spread into the shallow aquifer. The alluvial–clastic–lacustrine leaky aquifer of Velino Valley enables a complete mixing of shallow and deep groundwater allowing spot-located discharge of deep groundwater along tectonic patterns and facilitating sulphate reduction in the lacustrine sediments, explaining locally the presence of H₂S.     

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.     

Occurrence of hydrogen sulfide in the ground water of Kuwait

Hydrogen sulfide occurs in high concentration (10–200 mg/l) in different parts of Kuwait City and its suburbs at relatively shallow depths (15–40 m from the surface). This was revealed by drilling through the aquifer system underlying the city and sampling and analyzing the ground water at the drilled locations. The near-absence of coliform bacteria in the sulfide-rich zones, the presence of sulfur-reducing bacteria in the deep (>80 m) Dammam Formation aquifer and a linear positive relation between the concentration of hydrogen sulfide and the total dissolved solids content suggested non-anthropogenic origin of the sulfide in the ground water of Kuwait. The upward movement of sulfide-rich water from depth and its differential flushing by surface recharge through outcrops of the aquifers appear to have given rise to the present distribution of hydrogen sulfide in the aquifers underlying the Kuwait City.     

Depth colonization of eelgrass (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Zostera marina</Emphasis>) and macroalgae as determined by water transparency in Danish coastal waters

We present a comparative analysis of lower depth limits for growth of eelgrass, large brown algae and other macroalgae measured by SCUBA-diving along 162 transects in 27 Danish fjords and coastal waters, coupled to 1,400 data series of water chemistry (especially nitrogen) and Secchi depth transparency collected between March and October. Danish coastal waters are heavily eutrophied and characterized by high particle concentrations, turbid water and lack of macrophyte growth in deep water. Median values are 3.6 m for Secchi depth and median lower-depth limits are 4.0 m for eelgrass, 5.3 m for brown algae and 5.0 m for other macroalgae. Depth limits for growth of eelgrass and macroalgae increase linearly with transparency in the coastal waters. The relationships are highly significant (p<10⁻⁶) and transparency accounts for about 60% of the variability of depth limits. Eelgrass extends approximately to half the maximum depth of macroalgae, presumably because of greater respiratory costs to maintain the below-ground rhizomes and roots of eelgrass, which often constitutes half the plant weight. As a reflection of the importance of total nitrogen (TN) in controlling phytoplankton biomass and thus Secchi depth in coastal marine waters, we found that TN could explain 48–73% of the variation in depth limits of eelgrass and macroalgae, according to a multiplicative model (Y=aX^b). As with Secchi depth, the relationship to eelgrass showed a lower slope, reflecting the higher respiratory costs of eelgrass. The models show great sensitivity and a profound quantitative response with proportional effects on Secchi depth and depth limits when total-N concentrations are reduced.     

Cenomanian–Turonian transition in a shallow water sequence of the Sinai, Egypt

Environmental and depositional changes across the Late Cenomanian oceanic anoxic event (OAE2) in the Sinai, Egypt, are examined based on biostratigraphy, mineralogy, δ¹³C values and phosphorus analyses. Comparison with the Pueblo, Colorado, stratotype section reveals the Whadi El Ghaib section as stratigraphically complete across the late Cenomanian–early Turonian. Foraminifera are dominated by high-stress planktic and benthic assemblages characterized by low diversity, low-oxygen and low-salinity tolerant species, which mark shallow-water oceanic dysoxic conditions during OAE2. Oyster biostromes suggest deposition occurred in less than 50 m depths in low-oxygen, brackish, and nutrient-rich waters. Their demise prior to the peak δ¹³C excursion is likely due to a rising sea-level. Characteristic OAE2 anoxic conditions reached this coastal region only at the end of the δ¹³C plateau in deeper waters near the end of the Cenomanian. Increased phosphorus accumulations before and after the δ¹³C excursion suggest higher oxic conditions and increased detrital input. Bulk-rock and clay mineralogy indicate humid climate conditions, increased continental runoff and a rising sea up to the first δ¹³C peak. Above this interval, a dryer and seasonally well-contrasted climate with intermittently dry conditions prevailed. These results reveal the globally synchronous δ¹³C shift, but delayed effects of OAE2 dependent on water depth.     

Hydrogeochemical study of the thermal and mineralized waters of the Banaz (Hamamboğazi) area,western Anatolia,Turkey

The Hamamboğazi spa in western Turkey was built around natural hot springs with discharge temperatures in the range of 30–54°C; the waters have near neutral pH values of 6.50–7.10 and a TDS content between 2,694 and 2,982 mg/l. Thermal water with a temperature of 47.5–73°C has been produced at 325 l/s from five wells since 1994, causing some springs to go dry. A management plan is required in the study area to maximize the benefits of this resource, for which currently proposed direct uses include heating in the district and greenhouses, as well as balneology in new spas in the area. The best use for the water from each spring or well will depend on its temperature, chemistry and location. The thermal waters are mixed Na–Mg–HCO₃–SO₄ fluids that contain a significant amount of CO₂ gas. The chemical geothermometers applied to the Hamamboğazi thermal waters yield a maximum reservoir temperature of 130°C. Isotope results (¹⁸O, ²H, ³H) indicate that the thermal waters have a meteoric origin: rainwater percolates downward along fractures and faults, is heated at depth, and then rises to the surface along fractures and faults that act as a hydrothermal conduit. The basement around the Banaz Hamamboğazi resort is comprised of Paleozoic metamorphic schist and marbles exposed 8 km south and 15 km north of Banaz. Mesozoic marble, limestone and ophiolitic complex are observed a few km west and in the northern part of Banaz. These units were cut at a depth of 350–480 m in boreholes drilled in the area. Overlying lacustrine deposits are composed of fine clastic units that alternate with gypsum, tuff and tuffites of 200–350 m thickness. The marble and limestones form the thermal water aquifer, while lacustrine deposits form the impermeable cap.     

The hydro geochemical characterization of ground waters in Tunisian Chott’s region.

Tunisian Chott’s region is one of the most productive artesian basins in Tunisia. It is located in the southwestern part of the country, and its groundwater resources are developed for water supply and irrigation. The chemical composition of the water is strongly influenced by the interaction with the basinal sediments and by hydrologic characteristics such as the flow pattern and time of residence. The system is composed of an upper unconfined “Plio-Quaternary” aquifer with a varying thickness of 20–200 m, an intermediate confined/unconfined “Complex Terminal” aquifer about 100 m in thickness and a deeper “Continental Intercalaire” aquifer about 150 m in thickness separated by thick clay and marl layers. The dissolution of evaporites and carbonates explains part of the contained Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, SO₄²⁻ and Cl^-, but other processes, such carbonate precipitation, also contributes to the water composition. The stable isotope composition of waters establishes that the deep groundwater (depleted as compared to present corresponding local rainfall) is ancient water recharged probably during the late Pleistocene and the early Holocene periods. The relatively recent water in the Plio-Quaternary aquifer is composed of mixed waters resulting presumably from upward leakage from the deeper groundwater.     

Mixing of shallow and deep groundwater as indicated by the chemistry and age of karstic springs

Large karstic springs in east-central Florida, USA were studied using multi-tracer and geochemical modeling techniques to better understand groundwater flow paths and mixing of shallow and deep groundwater. Spring water types included Ca–HCO₃ (six), Na–Cl (four), and mixed (one). The evolution of water chemistry for Ca–HCO₃ spring waters was modeled by reactions of rainwater with soil organic matter, calcite, and dolomite under oxic conditions. The Na–Cl and mixed-type springs were modeled by reactions of either rainwater or Upper Floridan aquifer water with soil organic matter, calcite, and dolomite under oxic conditions and mixed with varying proportions of saline Lower Floridan aquifer water, which represented 4–53% of the total spring discharge. Multiple-tracer data—chlorofluorocarbon CFC-113, tritium (³H), helium-3 (³He_trit), sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)—for four Ca–HCO₃ spring waters were consistent with binary mixing curves representing water recharged during 1980 or 1990 mixing with an older (recharged before 1940) tracer-free component. Young-water mixing fractions ranged from 0.3 to 0.7. Tracer concentration data for two Na–Cl spring waters appear to be consistent with binary mixtures of 1990 water with older water recharged in 1965 or 1975. Nitrate-N concentrations are inversely related to apparent ages of spring waters, which indicated that elevated nitrate-N concentrations were likely contributed from recent recharge.The online version of the original article can be found at     

Mixing of shallow and deep groundwater as indicated by the chemistry and age of karstic springs

Large karstic springs in east-central Florida, USA were studied using multi-tracer and geochemical modeling techniques to better understand groundwater flow paths and mixing of shallow and deep groundwater. Spring water types included Ca–HCO₃ (six), Na–Cl (four), and mixed (one). The evolution of water chemistry for Ca–HCO₃ spring waters was modeled by reactions of rainwater with soil organic matter, calcite, and dolomite under oxic conditions. The Na–Cl and mixed-type springs were modeled by reactions of either rainwater or Upper Floridan aquifer water with soil organic matter, calcite, and dolomite under oxic conditions and mixed with varying proportions of saline Lower Floridan aquifer water, which represented 4–53% of the total spring discharge. Multiple-tracer data—chlorofluorocarbon CFC-113, tritium (³H), helium-3 (³He_trit), sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)—for four Ca–HCO₃ spring waters were consistent with binary mixing curves representing water recharged during 1980 or 1990 mixing with an older (recharged before 1940) tracer-free component. Young-water mixing fractions ranged from 0.3 to 0.7. Tracer concentration data for two Na–Cl spring waters appear to be consistent with binary mixtures of 1990 water with older water recharged in 1965 or 1975. Nitrate-N concentrations are inversely related to apparent ages of spring waters, which indicated that elevated nitrate-N concentrations were likely contributed from recent recharge.An erratum to this article can be found at