Elemental and isotopic geochemistry in the hydrothermal area of Chaves,Vila Pouca de Aguiar (northern Portugal)

Chaves thermal waters (76°C) are the most important external manifestations of low-temperature geothermal systems occurring in Portuguese mainland. They are related to crystalline granitic rocks. This paper describes the use of the environmental isotopic composition (oxygen-18, deuterium, and tritium) of hot and cold waters of the Chaves area as an important hydrogeological tool to solve specific problems arising in the appraisal of the geothermal resources of the area (e.g., origin and age of waters, recharge area, and underground flow paths).¹⁸O and D analyses seem to confirm the meteoric origin of Chaves thermal waters. The local altitude dependence of meteoric waters was determined by¹⁸O and D analyses of superficial and shallow groundwaters of the Chaves plain and its bordering mountains. Chaves thermal waters seem to be related to meteoric waters, infiltrated on the highest topography areas (Bolideira granitic outcrop NE Chaves), that percolate at great depth and emerge in a discharge area at lower altitude (Chaves plain). Chaves thermal waters showing little oxygen-18 shift and low tritium concentrations could be considered external manifestations of an old geothermal system in which the isotopic water-rock interaction is adjusted to equilibrium.     

The gold area of Jales (northern Portugal)

The hydrothermal gold quartz veins of Jales cut Hercynian granitic rocks, Pre-Ordovician, Ordovician and Silurian schists. They occur along Hercynian NNE-SSW, NE-SW and WNW-ESE faults and are probably related to the Jales granite. Some are over 2 km long and have a thickness of 0.02–2 m. The only exploited quartz veins are from Campo and Desvio which contain several ore-shoots (25t Au exploited since 1933). The veins from Jales area also have good Au reserves. Quartz and arsenopyrite dominate in the gold quartz veins with a banded structure. Electrum and gold are included in sulphides, sulphosalts and quartz and also in veinlets cutting these minerals. Silver occurs in electrum, argentite, galena, freibergite and polyargyrite. Several minerals were analysed by electron microprobe. The primary minerals, some showing recurrences, belong to six paragenetic stages formed between 550 and 30°C and separated by faulting.     

Geochemistry of tourmaline (schorlite) from granites,aplites and pegmatites from Northern Portugal

The major, minor and trace element chemistry of schorlites from Hercynian granitoids in Northern Portugal indicates that the composition of schorlites varies systematically in comagmatic sequences of granite, aplite and pegmatite. The compositional variation appears to be the result of a magmatic fractionation process. A subsequent recrystallization has not appreciably altered the chemistry of these schorlites. Schorlite coexisting with biotite and muscovite contains more Ti, Mg, La, ∑Ce and less Fe²⁺ + Fe³⁺ than sehorlite coexisting with muscovite alone.     

Geochemistry of microgranular enclaves and host granite from Telões (Vila Pouca de Aguiar), Northern Portugal

At Telões, a subaluminous medium- to coarse-grained porphyritic biotite granite, crops out along the Vila Real NNE–SSW fault. It is a post-tectonic granite of 299±3 Ma old given by U–Pb isotopic data on zircon. It contains metaluminous to subaluminous tonalitic, granodioritic and monzogranitic enclaves. All granitoids have Fe²⁺-biotite and some enclaves contain magnesiohornblende and subsolidus actinolite. Monzogranitic enclaves show obvious similarities to the host granite. Linear array between enclaves and host granite is observed in Rb–Sr typical isochron diagram and gives the age of 286±11 Ma and (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)₀=0.7063±0.0011. Microgranular enclaves have δ¹⁸O values similar to those of the hosting granite. Microgranular enclaves are hybrid rocks probably formed by mixing between a tonalitic enclave magma and a host granite magma as supported by the modelling of major and trace elements. The similar isotopic signatures suggest a subsequent partial equilibration of the enclaves and granite magmas.     

Geoarchaeology of Pleistocene open-air sites in the Vila Nova da Barquinha-Santa Cita area (Lower Tejo River basin, central Portugal)

This paper aims to provide insight into human occupation and landscape change during the Pleistocene in a central area of the Lower Tejo basin (Portugal). Detailed geomorphological mapping, coupled with lithostratigraphy, sedimentology and luminescence dating, supports the identification of a complete terrace staircase sequence. It consists of six gravely terraces located below the culminant (Pliocene) basin unit. A chronological framework for the sedimentary sequences and associated human industries is proposed and correlated with marine oxygen isotope stages (MIS): T1 terrace, not dated; T2, not dated; T3, >300 ka; T4, ∼300-160 ka (MIS8, MIS7 and MIS6); T5, ∼136-75 ka (MIS5); T6, ∼62-30 ka (MIS3); colluvium and aeolian sands, ∼30-14 ka (MIS2); valley fill deposits, ∼14 ka to present (MIS1). The oldest artefacts were found at the base of the T4 terrace, with the local stratigraphic level dated to ≥175 ± 6 ka (Middle Pleistocene). The lithic assemblages collected from distinct stratigraphic levels (T4, T5 top, T6 terraces and colluvium) are characterized by the predominance of opportunistic technological choices, a feature that can be attributed partly to the preferential exploitation of the available raw material, dominated by local-sourced quartzites and quartz pebbles. The adaptation to local raw material (texture and volume), together with subsistence patterns and behaviours, could explain the rarity of Acheulian types (handaxes and cleavers) and picks in the T4 terraces of the Tejo tributaries; this is in contrast to the same terrace of the Tejo valley, in which these types are found. Interpretation of the environmental conditions (controlled by climate and glacio-eustatic sea-level changes) affecting the hunter-gatherer human groups is also presented.     

青海三江北段拉地贡玛地区印支期花岗岩地球化学特征及地质意义

拉地贡玛地区花岗岩处于金沙江缝合带内,区域上隶属西金乌兰—金沙江缝合带的物质组成部分,在研究区属通天河构造岩浆岩带.据出露岩石类型,将其划分为3个单元:拉地贡玛花岗闪长岩(T3γδ)、日阿日曲石英闪长岩(T3δο)、缅切英云闪长岩(T3δi).岩浆侵位时代为晚三叠世;侵入岩体是以高硅富铝、多碱质和挥发组分为特征的兼具I型和S型花岗岩,属过铝质花岗岩;轻重稀土分馏程度明显,轻稀土富集,Eu、Ce呈弱负异常,Rb、Th、Ba等元素富集,Y、Yb、Cr等元素亏损,具I型和S型花岗岩的特点,与火山弧钙碱性花岗岩特征相似.研究区花岗岩形成构造环境与晚三叠世多彩—当江构造混杂带的俯冲作用有关,是与俯冲汇聚构造环境有关的大陆碰撞弧型花岗岩.     

张广才岭北部苇河花岗岩基的地球化学特征与岩石成因

张广才岭北部苇河花岗岩基的地质学、岩相学、全岩主量和微量及锆石Hf 同位素的详细解析显示: 苇河花岗岩基主体岩性为花岗闪长岩、二长花岗岩、正长--碱长花岗岩及少量的石英闪长岩和英云闪长岩,不同岩石类型之间呈侵入接触关系。岩石富硅富铝,为准铝质--弱过铝质岩石( A/CNK = 0. 97 ～ 1. 03) ,全碱( K₂O + Na₂O) 含量为6. 56% ～ 9. 10%,主要为高钾钙碱性系列I 型花岗岩。稀土和微量元素组成上,均富集LREE、Rb、Th、U、K、Hf,相对亏损Nb、Ta、P、Ti,δEu 从中等程度负异常到弱正异常。不均匀的锆石Hf 同位素成分( εHf ( t) = ( － 6. 68 ～ + 12. 13) ,TDM2 = 464 ～ 1 657 Ma) 表明,岩浆主体来源于显生宙--新元古代时期从亏损地幔中增生的基性下地壳物质,局部同化了更古老的地壳物质。     

Geochemistry of granitoids and their minerals from Rebordelo–Agrochão area, northern Portugal

Deformed Hercynian peraluminous granitoids ranging from tonalite to granite crop out in the Rebordelo–Agrochão area, northern Portugal and some of them contain tonalitic and granodioritic enclaves. Variation diagrams of major and trace elements of the rocks, biotites and sphenes show fractionation trends. The most- and the least-deformed samples of granite and their biotites also define fractionation trends. There is decrease in all rare earth element (REE) contents and increase in the Eu anomaly in REE patterns from the most- to the least-deformed samples of granite. All the granitoids define a whole-rock Rb–Sr errorchron. A whole-rock Rb–Sr isochron for the least-deformed samples of granite yields an age of 357±9 Ma and an initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of 0.7087±0.0007. Geochemical modelling suggests that the tonalitic magma evolved by AFC (fractional crystallization of magnesiohornblende, plagioclase, quartz, biotite and ilmenite, and assimilation of metasediments) to originate tonalitic and granodioritic enclaves, granodiorite and granite. δ¹⁸O values support this mechanism. The tonalite is hybrid and derived by interaction of a mantle-derived magma and crustal materials.     

The influence of geological factors on radon risk in groundwater and dwellings in the region of Amarante (Northern Portugal)

The region of Amarante (Northern Portugal) is composed of Hercynian tardi-tectonics granites and Paleozoic metasediments. Petrographic observations and SEM studies show that uranium is mainly contained within the rock in heavy accessory minerals such as apatite, zircon, monazite, uraninite, thorite and thorianite. The geological, geochemical and radiological data obtained suggest that the radon concentrations in dwellings of the studied area are mainly related with the uranium content of the rocks. Indeed, the highest contents were observed in granite AT2 of Padronelo (18.2 ppm) and the granite AT1 of Telões (10.3 ppm), with metasediments showing much lower uranium contents of 1.6 ppm; radon concentrations were evaluated in dwellings, using CR-39 passive detectors, and the results obtained in winter conditions suggest that the most productive geological units are the granites AT2 and AT1, with geometric means of 430 and 220 Bq/m³, respectively, while the metasediments show the lowest value of 85 Bq/m³. Some moderate radiometric anomalies, where uranium contents can double typical background values, were found in relation with specific fault systems of the region affecting granitic rocks, thus increasing radon risk; this is an indication of uranium mobility, likely resulting from the leaching of primary mineral supports as uraninite. Groundwater radionuclide contents show a wide range of results, with the highest activities related with granitic lithologies: 2,295 Bq/l for radon, 0.83 Bq/l for gross α and 0.71 Bq/l for gross β, presenting metasediments much lower values, in good agreement with other results obtained. Absorbed dose measured with gamma spectrometers in direct contact with the rocks is directly related with the uranium contents of the rocks, and thus works as a fast proxy for radon risk. It is concluded that radon risk is moderate to high in the granitic areas of the Amarante region and low in the metasediments of the same region.     

Geochemistry of the Adamello massif (northern Italy)

The Tertiary Adamello massif, outcropping over an area of more than 550 km² in the southern Alps (northern Italy) is composed mainly of granitoid rocks (granodiorite, tonalite, quartz diorite) with minor amounts of diorite and gabbro. The major and trace element composition of these rocks is comparable to calc-alkaline volcanic rocks of continental margins. The granitoid rocks display spatial and temporal variations in their composition, particularly in Na, P, Sr, La, Nb and Y contents and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios. The variations were probably produced by concurrent contamination/wall-rock assimilation and fractional crystallization of high-alumina basaltic magma.     

Geochemistry of coexisting aplites and pegmatites and of their minerals from central northern Portugal

The major-, minor- and trace-elements chemistry of Hercynian granitoids and their minerals from the central area of northern Portugal indicates that the composition of the rocks and also of their minerals varies in the comagmatic sequence of granite, aplite and pegmatite. The compositional variation appears to be the result of a magmatic fractionation process and the minor and trace elements play an important role mainly in the trend aplite→pegmatite coexisting in the same vein, particularly for the minerals. A subsequent recrystallization of granites and aplites apparently did not alter the chemistry.     

福建沿海铝质A型花岗岩的地球化学及岩石成因

以乌山、金刚山和新村三个典型岩体为例,系统研究了福建沿海铝质Ａ型花岗岩的地质和地球化学特征。研究结果表明,铝质Ａ型花岗岩常含有锰铝榴石、富锰白云母等特征的富铝矿物,化学成分上相对富铝,为一套准铝到弱过铝的岩石组成,并具有贫磷、贫钛,氧化指数较低等特征。与碱性花岗岩相比,其Ｎｂ、Ｔａ、Ｚｒ、Ｈｆ、Ｇａ、Ｙ和Ｚｎ等元素的含量及稀土总量和Ｇａ／Ａｌ比值均偏低,但轻、重稀土的分馏程度（尤其是重稀土的分馏程     

Geothermobarometry in metasediments of the southern Grossvenediger area (Tauern Window, Austria)

Metasediments in the southern Grossvenediger area (Tauern Window, Austria) were studied along a cross-section through rocks of increasing metamorphic grade from the margin of the Tauern Window in the south to the base of the Upper Schieferhülle, including the Eclogite Zone, in the north. In the southern part of the cross-section there is no evidence for a pre-late Alpine metamorphic history in the form of high-pressure relics or pseudomorphs. Mineral assemblages are characterized by the stability of tremolite + calcite, biotite + calcite and biotite + chlorite + calcite. In the northern part a more complete Alpine metamorphic evolution is preserved. Primary high-pressure assemblages are dolomite + quartz, tremolite + zoisite, zoisite + dolomite + quartz + phengite I and probably tremolite + dolomite + phengite I. Secondary, post-kinematic assemblages [tremolite + calcite, talc + calcite, phengite II + chlorite + calcite (+ quartz), biotite + chlorite + calcite, biotite + zoisite + calcite] formed as a result of the dominant late Alpine metamorphic overprint. The occurrence of biotite + zoisite + calcite is confined to the northernmost area and defines a biotite–zoisite–calcite isograd. P–T estimates based on standard thermobarometric techniques and on stability relationships of tremolite + calcite + dolomite + quartz and zoisite give consistent results. P–T conditions of the main Tertiary metamorphic overprint were 525° C, P= 7.5 ± 1 kbar in the northern part of the cross-section. The southern part was metamorphosed at lower temperatures of 430–470° C. The Si-content of phengites from this area is almost as high as that of phengites from the Eclogite Zone (Si^max= 3.4 pfu). Pressures > 10 kbar at 420° C are suggested by phengite barometry according to Massone & Schreyer (1987). In the absence of high-pressure relics or pseudomorphs, these phengites, which lack late Alpine re-equilibration, are the only record that rocks of the southern part probably also experienced an early non-eclogitic high-pressure metamorphism.     

Microstructures of intergrown phyllosilicate grains from Verrucano metasediments (northern Apennines, Italy)

Interleaved phyllosilicate grains (IPG) of various compositions are widespread in low-grade Verrucano metasediments of the northern Apennines (Italy). They are ellipsoidal or barrel shaped, up to 300–400 μm long and they are often kinked and folded; phyllosilicate packets occur as continuous lamellae or as wedge-shaped layers terminating inside the grain. Using electron microscopy techniques (SEM, TEM) six types of IPG have been distinguished on the basis of their mineralogical composition: (1) Chl+Ms ± Kln; (2) Chl+ Ms+Pg ± Kln; (3) Ms+Prl ± Pg; (4) Ms+Prl+Su; (5) Ms+Prl+Chl+Su; (6) Su+Ms. Types (1) and (2) are mainly composed of chlorite, with Ms and Pg as minor phases; Kln grows on Ms in highly weathered samples. Types (3), (4), (5), and (6) are composed of muscovite, with intergrown Prl, Chl, Su and new-formed muscovite. The IPG show all kinds of contacts: from coherent grain boundaries with parallel basal planes and along-layer transitions to low- and high-angle grain boundaries. The IPG formed on pristine minerals such as chlorite and muscovite. The transformations took place during the prograde and retrograde metamorphic path of the rocks: they were facilitated by deformation and they occurred in equilibrium with a fluid phase, which allowed cation diffusion. Prograde reactions [Chl = Ms (or Pg); Ms = Prl; Ms = Chl] involve dehydration and sometimes a decrease in volume, whereas retrograde reactions (Ms = Kln; Ms = Su) involve hydration and an increase in volume. These transformations do not simply occur through an interchange of cations, but often involve deep structural changes: transitions from one phyllosilicate to another generally proceed through dissolution-recrystallization reactions. In conclusion, Verrucano IPG represent microstructural sites which have not completely equilibrated with the whole rock and whose mineral assemblage depends on the original composition of the microstructural sites. Received: 20 June 1996 / Accepted: 3 February 1997     

新疆北部卡拉麦里地区黄羊山碱性花岗岩的岩石成因

北疆地区晚古生代后碰撞岩浆活动以大面积分布碱性花岗岩为特征。侵位于晚石炭世的黄羊山碱性花岗岩体是北疆地区产于300Ma左右后碰撞伸展环境中的典型的花岗岩体之一,以正εNd(t)值(+5.06～+6.67)和年轻的tDM(501～878Ma)为特征。黄羊山碱性花岗岩包括钠铁闪石碱性花岗岩和角闪石碱长花岗岩,为过碱质到弱过铝质,岩石化学属钾玄岩系列和高钾钙碱性系列;稀土元素配分曲线为典型的"V"字形,具明显的负Eu异常;富集大离子亲石元素和高场强元素,显著亏损Ba、Sr、P2O5、TiO2。根据这种碱性花岗岩高εNd(t)值和tDM与区域内洋壳年龄吻合度较好的特征,推测其可能源岩应为洋盆闭合时洋壳残片转化而来的年轻地壳。模拟计算得出,黄羊山碱性花岗岩中幔源组分的比例可达88%～92%。在维宪末期-谢尔普霍夫末期的萨吾尔运动之后,软流圈物质上涌所携带的巨大热能加热了区域范围内的地壳,先期抵达的幔源岩浆所携带的热能进一步加热并熔融了下地壳镁铁质物质,形成北疆地区～300Ma的碱性花岗岩。同时,本文也说明了洋壳残片通过构造运动归并到陆壳当中亦可能是某些地区在某些地质时期大陆地壳增生的重要方式之一。     

Geochemistry of the Granites in the Tamuqi Area on Southern Margin of Tarim Block

This study shows that the intrusive rocks distributed in the Aoyiqieke-Tamuqi area on the southern margin of the Tarim Block are composed of gabbro, diorite, granodiorite and granite, which constitute regionally a nearly EW-trending tectono-magmatic belt. Petrochemically the diorite, granodiorite and granite belong to the calc-alkaline, high-K series, with Na₂O/K₂O ratios varying between 0.83 and 2.63. M/F ratios in the diorite are within the range of 0.44–0.70 and those of the granodiorite ( granite) are 0.45–0.87. Petrochemistry data show that the intrusive complexes are of the I type and their ΣREE is slightly variable, within the range of 178.31–229.01 × 10⁻⁶. The LREE/HREE ratios of the diorite and granite are 3.78–5.13 and 6.69–7.66, respectively. The plutons usually show moderate negative Eu anomalies with δEu values ranging from 0.53 to 0.82, showing almost no difference among different rocks. The (La/Yb)_N values of diorite and granite are 12.39−14.86 and 22.07−26.03, respectively. The diorite and granite possess very similar REE distribution patterns, indicating that they were both derived from the same source. As for their trace element ratios, the diorite has higher Nb/Ta ratios than the granite, which are 15.73−17.16 and 12.03−15.01, respectively. It can be seen that the Nb/Ta ratios of the diorite are much closer to the average mantle (17.5). Their Zr/Hf ratios are very close to each other, within the range of 29−34. Th/Y ratios in the diorite are 0.42−0.80 (all less than unity) while those of the granite are 1.02−2.04. Some difference is also noticed in Ti/V between the diorite and the granite (52.6−54.2 for the former and 52.6−54.2 for the latter). As compared with ocean ridge granites, both diorite and granite are characterized by remarkable LILE enrichment, as well as by moderate negative Ba and postive Ce anomalies. The contents of Nb and Ta in the diorite and granite are equivalent to those of the ocean ridge granites, but the contents of Zr, Hf, Sm, Y, and Yb are all lower than those of the ocean ridge granites, indicating that these granites are similar to the island-arc granites of Chile. From their geochemical characteristics, it is considered that the intrusive rocks in the area studied were formed in an island-arc environment at the continental margin.     

西藏羌塘中部玛依岗日地区印支期花岗岩的地球化学特征

羌塘中部玛依岗日地区出露有一处印支期强过铝质钙碱性花岗岩(SP),属于S型花岗岩(CPGs的一种),不同于西藏南部广大的过铝质花岗岩(MPGs)。该花岗岩的地球化学特征表现为:A/CNK>1,刚玉标准分子的质量分数均大于1.21%,低Sr、Ba、Ti,富K、Rb、Th,稀土元素球粒陨石标准化曲线具有略微右倾的V字形特征,具较强烈的Eu负异常(δEu=0.26～0.53,平均0.36)。CaO/Na2O<0.3,表明源岩为泥质岩石;Al2O3/TiO2<100,表明其为高温型(≥875℃)花岗岩。另外,该花岗岩(SP)与蓝片岩、榴辉岩的形成时代相同。在印支期晚期冈瓦纳大陆与欧亚大陆碰撞的过程中,炽热的幔源岩浆的底侵或注入引起了地壳中泥质源岩的脱水熔融,最终形成了该区的过铝质钙碱性花岗岩。     

Geochemistry of hybrid granitoid rocks and of their biotites from central northern Portugal and their petrogenesis

In the area of Franzilhal, S. Lourenço and Pombal, central northern Portugal, occur rocks ranging from hornblende-biotite tonalite to muscovite-biotite granite. The distribution of some major and trace elements in the rocks and in the biotite shows an apparent calc-alkalic trend of differentiation. The behaviour of K, Li, Rb, Cs and K/Rb, Cr.10³/Fe³⁺, Ni.10³/Mg, Li.10³/Mg, Cs.10³/K ratios of the rocks and of F of biotite cannot be explained by mineral fractionation, but can be described in terms of hybridization. The tonalite, granodiorites and biotite-muscovite granite are hybrid rocks formed by assimilation of pelitic sediments and dolomitic marbles by the granite magma. The fO₂ values range from 10^?14.8 to 10^?16.3; fO₂ attains higher values during the crystallization of hybrid rocks than in the uncontaminated muscovite-biotite granite (GIII) magma. The fH₂O and PH₂O values generally increase and the fH₂O/fHF ratio decreases in the hybrid rocks from tonalite to biotite-muscovite-bearing granodiorite and is smaller than in the uncontaminated granite magma.     

Early Proterozoic syn-and postcollision granites in the northern part of the Baikal fold area

Early Proterozoic granitoids are of a limited occurrence in the Baikal fold area being confined here exclusively to an arcuate belt delineating the outer contour of Baikalides, where rocks of the Early Precambrian basement are exposed. Geochronological and geochemical study of the Kevakta granite massif and Nichatka complex showed that their origin was related with different stages of geological evolution of the Baikal fold area that progressed in diverse geodynamic environments. The Nichatka complex of syncollision granites was emplaced 1908 ± 5 Ma ago, when the Aldan-Olekma microplate collided with the Nechera terrane. Granites of the Kevakta massif (1846 ± 8 Ma) belong to the South Siberian postcollision magmatic belt that developed since ～1.9 Ga during successive accretion of microplates, continental blocks and island arcs to the Siberian craton. In age and other characteristics, these granites sharply differ from granitoids of the Chuya complex they have been formerly attributed to. Accordingly, it is suggested to divide the former association of granitoids into the Chuya complex proper of diorite-granodiorite association ～2.02 Ga old (Neymark et al., 1998) with geochemical characteristics of island-arc granitoids and the Chuya-Kodar complex of postcollision S-type granitoids 1.85 Ga old. The Early Proterozoic evolution of the Baikal fold area and junction zone with Aldan shield lasted about 170 m.y. that is comparable with development periods of analogous structures in other regions of the world.     

An assessment of the risk associated with urban development in the Thiaroye area (Senegal)

Water quality data from 56 wells, aquifer characteristics, soil types and land use in the city suburb of Dakar were compared to assess the effects of land use on the Thiaroye groundwater quality. The study area encompassed an unsewered densely populated zone, agricultural land, low density villages, and undeveloped land located in the sand dunes. A method similar to GIS technologies was applied to evaluate the degree of vulnerability of the different parts of the aquifer in relation to urban development, land use and aquifer characteristics. The aquifer parameters (hydraulic conductivity, groundwater level depth, recharge, soil type) were re-evaluated qualitatively into three class rankings (high, moderate and low), depending on the likelihood for contaminants reaching the water table, then combined using the two matrix Boolean logic based approaches to identify the nine classes of vulnerability assessed in the aquifer domain. An attempt was made to explain the distribution of nitrate concentration with the assessed vulnerability. In the area assessed, in the densely populated zone running from Pikine, to Thiaroye and Yeumbeul, very high nitrate concentrations correspond with the highest vulnerability index (H1). Nitrate contamination in this area is a consequence of point-source seepage from individual septic systems improperly built in this area. In the eastern part of the aquifer, high nitrate concentrations at Deni B. Ndao, Mbawane and Golam localities coincide with a moderate vulnerability assessment. The major source of nitrate in these areas is induced by agricultural activities.