Analysis of hydrodynamic and hydrochemical behaviour of an aquifer using dialysis cells

Passive multi-level sampling using dialysis membrane diffusion cells is applied to the Chalk aquifer in order to estimate and monitor vertical contaminant distribution. This technique is associated with in situ profiles of field parameters which allow zones of groundwater flow to be established. Through three study cases (confined, semi-confined and unconfined aquifer conditions), the technique shows that vertical chemical heterogeneities are the particular result of flow zonation, or the renewal of water in the upper parts of the aquifer. The aquifer appears stratified or homogeneous according to depth depending on the chemical element being analysed, the sampling period (recharge period or not) and the hydrological situation (unconfined/confined zone). The high vertical resolution of this multi-level sampling also shows the influence of the Chalk lithology on hydrochemical variations, in particular for silica, iron and aluminium, in hardground and marly zones. By using these sampling techniques, the study emphasizes the importance of accurately measuring according to depth certain parameters such as temperature, electrical conductivity and the ratios of the major elements, in particular, Na/K, Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca. Interpretation of these measurements leads to an understanding of the local hydrodynamic and hydrochemical behaviour of an aquifer, and also allows geological heterogeneities to be located.