Einfluss von Methaneinträgen auf die Hydrochemie des Münsterländer Kiessandzuges

The Münsterländer Kiessandzug, a Quaternary trench structure, forms an important groundwater reservoir and is of great importance for the regional drinking water supply in north-west Germany (“Münsterland”). Since 2004, the Ruhr-University Bochum has been investigating the Aldruper Mark, evaluating the quantitative and qualitative potential for drinking water abstraction in the area. Due to intensive agricultural utilisation, a high nitrate influx into groundwater is expected. Therefore, this study was focused on contamination of groundwater with nitrate as well as on the nitrate degradation capacity of the sediments. However, present analyses show low nitrate concentrations and a reductive groundwater environment. To find the causes of these reducing conditions, it is necessary to examine the geological and hydrochemical situation with respect to the environment and the substratum of the investigated area: the MünsterländerCretaceous basin is underlain by Carboniferous sand- and mudstones which are degasing methane to some extent. This methane was detected in deep observation wells in the second aquifer of the Münsterländer Kiessandzug. In its central area, low concentrations of nitrate as well as low sulphate concentrations and positive δ³⁴S_sulfate-isotope data indicate active sulphate reduction is occurring in the groundwater. Furthermore, a corresponding sulphide content was found in these Quaternary soils (“secondary pyrite”). An input of methane in the aquifer is discussed as a possible reason for sulphate reduction in the deep aquifer.     

Arsenic pollution in groundwater: a self-organizing complex geochemical process in the deltaic sedimentary environment,Bangladesh

The presence of considerable concentrations of As (Sonargon: below detection limit (bdl)-1.46 mg/l; Faridpur: bdl-1.66 mg/l) and some other elements (like B, F, U) in groundwater of the Ganges-Meghna-Brahmaputra (G-M-B) rivers flood plain indicate that several millions of people are consuming contaminated water. Conditions regulating the mobilization and diagenetic behavior of arsenic in sediments are not well characterized, although understanding these conditions is essential in order to predict the modes of transfer of this contaminant from sediments to groundwater. Analyses of vertical profiles of total arsenic and iron as well as easily soluble As and reducible (reactive) iron concentrations in sediments of the Ganges and Meghna flood plains show no arsenic-enriched layer up to 36-m depth. However, arsenic content in sediments is relatively higher than mean crustal concentration, showing some peaks (Sonargaon: 27.9 mg/kg; 3 m, 31.5 mg/kg; 9 m, 27.30 mg/kg; 16 m, 37.70 mg/kg; 29.5 m, Faridpur: 19.80 mg/kg; 6 m, 26.60 mg/kg; 14.5 m, 29.40 mg/kg; 25 m) depending on the periodical differences in sedimentary cycling of arsenic, metal (hydr)oxides and organic matter. Seasonal changes have no clear or consistent effect on the groundwater arsenic concentrations; with the exception of a small-scale localized irregular change (10-16%). However, easily reducible metal oxides and hydroxides were significant factors affecting the retention of arsenic by sediments during leaching. The biogeochemical cycling of arsenic and iron is closely coupled in deltaic systems where iron oxy-hydroxides provide a carrier phase for the deposition of arsenic in sediments. Analytical results of mimic leaching experiments strongly supported the reduction (Fe oxy-hydroxides) mechanism for arsenic mobilization in alluvial aquifer of deltaic sedimentary environment of G-M-B rivers flood plain.     

Methodische und hydrogeochemische Aspekte der zonaren Grundwasserüberwachung an Deponien und Altlasten

In addition to the hydrogeological setting, monitoring of landfills and contaminated sites has to consider space and time aspects of physico-chemical processes in the subsurface. The zonal monitoring approach ( Dörhöfer et al. 1991) provides a firm hydraulic basis for the evaluation of compound-specific transport behaviour and mechanisms linked to early warning capabilities. The complexity of the hydrogeological settings becomes clear when hydrogeological units and subunits, which in turn are monitored individually, are defined. Monitoring of contaminants at landfills must better take into account the hydrochemical as well as rock geochemical knowledge about retardation and attenuation processes. The monitoring concept has to aim at hydrochemical groundwater zones with indicator substances of high vulnearbility and retardation capabilities. The usual (passive) point monitoring of downgradient groundwater flow using (non-pumped) wells, must be given up in complex cases for an (active) integral monitoring concept using pumped wells or drainage elements. The selection of triggering concentration values for remediation must be adjusted to the zone boundaries and should take the efficiency of mitigation processes into consideration. The inner monitoring zone(s) can be defined, used and monitored as natural buffer zones for contaminants.     

Groundwater salinization in the Saloum (Senegal) delta aquifer: minor elements and isotopic indicators

The hydrochemistry of minor elements bromide (Br), boron (B), strontium (Sr), environmental stable isotopes (18O and 2H) together with major-ion chemistry (chloride, sodium, calcium) has been used to constrain the source(s), relative age, and processes of salinization in the Continental Terminal (CT) aquifer in the Saloum (mid-west Senegal) region. Seventy-one groundwater wells which include 24 wells contaminated by saltwater and three sites along the hypersaline Saloum River were sampled to obtain additional information on the hydrochemical characteristics of the groundwater defined in previous studies. Use of Br against Cl confirms the Saloum River saline water intrusion up to a contribution of 7% into the aquifer. In addition to this recent intrusion, a relatively ancient intrusion of the Saloum River water which had reached at least as far as 20 km south from the source was evidenced. The high molar ratio values of Sr/Cl and Sr/Ca indicate an additional input of strontium presumably derived from carbonate precipitation/dissolution reactions and also via adsorption reactions. The variable B concentrations (7-650 microg/L) found in the groundwater samples were tested against the binary mixing model to evaluate the processes of salinization which are responsible for the investigated system. Sorption of B and depletion of Na occur as the Saloum river water intrudes the aquifer (salinization) in the northern part of the region, whereas B desorption and Na enrichment occur as the fresh groundwater flushing displaces the saline waters in the coastal strip (refreshening). In the central zone where ancient intrusion prevailed, the process of freshening of the saline groundwater is indicated by the changes in major-ion chemistry as well as B desorption and Na enrichment. In addition to these processes, stable isotopes reveal that mixing with recently infiltrating waters and evaporation contribute to the changes in isotopic signature.     

Groundwater pollution on the Zambian Copperbelt: deciphering the source and the risk

The protection of groundwater resources is of great importance in many semi-arid and sub-tropical environments. The Copperbelt of Zambia is one such environment and due to the high proportion of tailings impoundments, residue heaps, high-density informal settlements and extensive sulfidic ore deposits in the region, its groundwater resources are under threat of anthropogenic or geogenic pollution. One such pollutant plume is investigated in this study, to determine its origin, rate of progression and the environmental and health risk it poses. Geological and geochemical investigation strongly suggests an upslope tailings impoundment as the source of contaminants, with the edge of the pollution plume lying 500-700 m downstream of the impoundment. Although cobalt, nickel and zinc concentrations were elevated within the polluted groundwater, the concentrations are low as a result of sulfide precipitation and adsorption within the aquifer, and meets guidelines for drinking water quality. Attenuation of heavy metals is linked to tailings dam and aquifer pH, with the high buffering capacity of each implying that these processes of attenuation are likely to continue removing harmful metals from the aquifer. Thus, it appears unlikely that the contaminated groundwater will present a major environmental risk at this site. However, tailings impoundments are widespread throughout the Copperbelt: sites with low tailings dam buffer capacity and in catchments on crystalline bedrock geology, groundwater pollution through tailings dam leachate may liberate high concentrations of heavy metals into the shallow groundwater, potentially posing a serious human health risk to the communities using the water resources and an environmental risk to the downstream ecosystems.     

Radon im Grundwasser des Mühlviertels (Oberösterreich)

In the occurrence areas of selected crystalline rocks—mainly granites—the Radon-222 content of groundwater has been investigated. The results show a significant correlation with the Uranium concentrations in the rocks. The Uranium concentrations were between 1 and 15 ppm, while the Radon-222 concentrations were between 0.2 and 719.5 Bq/l. To identify Radon-decreasing effects like degasification and admixture of surface water, CO₂ partial pressures and Oxygen-18 in water samples were determined and the local hydrological situation has been taken under consideration. Samples which showed clear evidence of Radon-decreasing effects were excluded from further evaluation because they would not represent the full empiric potential of Radon emanation in the aquifer. In combination with geological maps, petrologic information and airborne radiometry, Radon-222 analyses in groundwater can provide important data for Radon potential mapping. The significance of the groundwater Radon analyses can be improved by supplementary hydrochemical and hydrological isotope investigations.     

Isotopenanalytische Charakterisierung tiefliegender Grundwässer im Raum der Fürstenwalde-Gubener-Störungszone

Isotope variations were studied especially in deep situated groundwater wihtin the hydrogeological complicate fault zone of Fürstenwalde-Guben. ¹⁴ C, tritium and δD values were compared with hydrochemical data. A good correlation was found regarding depth profiles as well as between the related mean values classifying all samples by their chemical composition in five groups. The lowered mean deuterium contents of the samples of one group show an influence of water, formed in cooler climatic periods. On the other hand deuterium is frequently enriched in the most mineralized waters. The effect of coal degradation processes by aerated waters on the radiocarbon content is demonstrated regarding a case study in a small coal basin near Leipzig with former underground mining.     

内蒙古巴彦乌拉砂岩型铀矿床成因

通过对巴彦乌拉铀矿床含矿含水层水化学样品和氢氧同位素样品测试结果的分析得知,目的层段地下水分为Na HCO_3型水(高矿化度)和Na_2SO_4型水。两水型对应的自然环境为油田水环境和地表水环境,水化学特征和H-O同位素特征显示目的层段地下水为混合水,是深部油田水和地表溶滤水的混合。H-O同位素还显示目的层段地下水经历了水—岩作用,地下水的高矿化度主要由此产生,水文地球化学特征指示油田水所处的源区地层处于半封闭半开启状态,还原作用不彻底,有地表溶滤水的渗入,水交替迟缓。在差异隆升作用的影响下,被活化了的马尼特坳陷盆缘断裂和盆中深大断裂成为油田水上涌至目的层段的通道,油田水携带的CH_4、H_2S等还原剂一方面造成了目的层段的后生蚀变现象,另一方面与地表渗入的溶滤水中的碳酸铀酰反应,将碳酸铀酰中的六价铀还原成四价铀从水中沉淀析出堆积成矿。     

Effects of peat and water quality parameters on groundwater arsenic contamination in Bangladesh

To clarify the effect of peat and groundwater quality parameters on groundwater arsenic (As) contamination, As concentrations and the source of nitrogen (N) in groundwater and peat, and oxidation‐reduction potential (ORP) and ammonium‐N concentration of groundwater were compared between As‐contaminated and uncontaminated areas in Bangladesh. Groundwater in the contaminated area had a reducing ORP with a high ammonium‐N concentration, whereas groundwater in the uncontaminated area had a non‐reducing ORP with a low ammonium‐N concentration. Peat was present only in the contaminated area, whose As concentration was very high, indicating the critical role of peat in groundwater As contamination. The source of N in peat and groundwater was identified as chemical N fertilizer. N present in peat and groundwater served as a nutrient, enhancing microbial activity. In the reducing ORP condition, As was thought to be released intensively to groundwater by the mechanism of reductive release.     

Water quality, nutrients and the European union's Water Framework Directive in a lowland agricultural region: Suffolk, south-east England

The water quality of 13 rivers in the lowland, agricultural county of Suffolk is investigated using routine monitoring data for the period 1981 to 2006 collected by the Environment Agency of England and Wales (EA), and its predecessors, with particular emphasis on phosphorus (as total reactive phosphorus, TRP) and total (dissolved and particulate) oxidised nitrogen (TOxN — predominantly nitrate NO₃). Major ion and flow data are used to outline fundamental hydrochemical characteristics related to the groundwater provenance of base-flow waters. Relative load contributions from point and diffuse sources are approximated using Load Apportionment Modelling for both TRP and TOxN where concurrent flow and concentration data are available. Analyses indicate a mixture of point and diffuse sources of TRP, with the former being dominant during low flow periods, while for TOxN diffuse sources dominate.Out of 59 sites considered, 53 (90%) were found to have annual average TRP concentrations greater than 0.05 mg P l^− 1, and 36 (61%) had average concentrations over 0.120 mg P l^− 1, the upper thresholds for ‘High’ and ‘Good’ ecological status, respectively. Correspondingly, for TOxN, most of the rivers are already within 70% of the 11.3 mg N l^− 1 threshold, with two rivers (Wang and Ore) being consistently greater than this.It is suggested that the major challenge is to characterise and control point-source TRP inputs which, being predominant during the late spring and summer low-flow period, coincide with the peak of primary biological production, thus presenting the major challenge to achieving ‘good’ ecological status under the Water Framework Directive. Results show that considerable effort is still required to ensure appropriate management and develop tools for decision-support.     

Mercury speciation analyses in HgCl(2)-contaminated soils and groundwater--implications for risk assessment and remediation strategies

Since the 19th century, mercury(II)chloride (HgCl(2)) has been used on wood impregnation sites to prevent wooden poles from decay, leaving behind a legacy of highly contaminated soil/aquifer systems. Little is known about species transformation and mobility of HgCl(2) in contaminated soils and groundwater. At such a site the behaviour of HgCl(2) in soils and groundwater was investigated to assist in risk assessment and remediation. The soil is low in organic carbon and contains up to 11,000 mg Hg/kg. Mercury (Hg) concentrations in groundwater decrease from 230 to 0.5 microg/l within a distance of 1.3 km. Hg species transformations in soil and aqueous samples were analysed by means of solid-phase Hg pyrolysis and CV-AAS. In aqueous samples, Hg species were distinguished between ionic/reactive Hg and complex-bound Hg. Potential mobility of Hg in soils was studied through batch experiments. Most Hg in the soil is matrix-bound HgCl(2), whereas in the aquifer secondary formation to Hg(0) could be observed. Aqueous Hg speciation in groundwater and soil solutions shows that an average of 84% of soluble Hg exists as easily reducible, inorganic Hg species (mostly HgCl(2)). The proportion of complex-bound Hg increases with distance due to the transformation of inorganic HgCl(2). The frequent occurrence of Hg(0) in the aquifer suggests the formation and degassing of Hg(0), which is, in addition to dilution, an important process, lowering Hg concentrations in the groundwater. High percentage of mobile Hg (3-26%) and low seepage fluxes will result in continuous Hg release over centuries requiring long-term groundwater remediation. Results of soluble Hg speciation suggest that filtering materials should be adapted to ionic Hg species, e.g. specific resins or amalgamating metal alloys.     

河南省浅层地下水水化学特征研究

为了全面反映河南省地下水环境问题及其严重程度,使已有的环境地质调查成果更好地服务于国民经济建设。本文在充分收集前人环境、水文、地质资料的基础上,以重点城市居住区为研究对象,在地下水问题严重区加密取样、核查,并基于含盐量,划分了氟化物、碘化物、锰、铁以及不同水化学类型的分布范围和分布面积;同时将不同年度含盐量进行类比,找出了各地区地下水环境演化过程和污染原因,总结了原生劣质地下水的成因及存在地区;并对河南省开采运用地下水提出有效、切实可行的合理化建议。     

Einfluß der Vorlagerung auf das Temperaturverhalten von selbstverdichtendem Beton

Influence of storage Conditions on the Temperature Behaviour of Self‐Compacting Concrete Intensive experimental studies were carried out at TU Vienna, A. Porr AG and MFPA Leipzig/Leipzig University in order to investigate the resistance and spalling behaviour of fire exposed selfcompacting concrete. In particular it was investigated how different fibre amounts and the storage conditions before testing (air or water) affect the temperature behaviour. In the following on a choice of experiments will be reported.     

Biological and functional responses of in situ bioassays with Chironomus riparius larvae to assess river water quality and contamination

Single species responses have the potential to measure impacts at earlier stages than more traditional methods based in community structure. This study evaluates a bioassay with biological (survival, development, growth) and functional (post-exposure feeding rate) responses of Chironomus riparius larvae to assess water quality and contamination in rivers. The bioassay with C. riparius third instar larvae was performed, in autumn and spring, in reference sites and in organic and metal contaminated sites in Portuguese rivers. Biotic, physical and chemical parameters were determined for each site. The relationship between both bioassays responses and biotic indices (IBMWP and IASPT) and the physical and chemical parameters of respective sites were determined. In general biotic indices were able to discriminate between contaminated and not contaminated sites although they demonstrated a poor ability to detect low level of metal contamination during autumn. IASPT was negatively related to ammonia concentrations in both seasons. No significant differences in survival and post-exposure feeding rate were found between sites. Development was inhibited in the most metal contaminated site during autumn, but pH and ammonia concentrations in water accounted for 82% of developmental variation during this season. Growth was highly inhibited in the most metal contaminated site during both seasons. In autumn, growth was also inhibited in the low metal contaminated site and, during this season, pH and Mn and Fe concentrations in water samples accounted for 97% of growth variation between sites. The results suggest that in situ bioassay with C. riparius larvae using growth as the endpoint is a responsive and suitable tool that can be used as bioindicator of metal pollution and to biomonitor water quality in metal contaminated rivers.     

Identifying Land Contaminated by Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Solvents

This paper provides a method of identifying land contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents by sampling and analysing soil gas. Relationships are presented which enable levels of soil gas contamination to be related to levels of soil and groundwater pollution. Two case studies are presented. Soil gas surveying of an industrial site with severe groundwater pollution demonstrated that standards for contaminated land are insufficient to protect groundwater. Solvent levels in groundwater were one to two orders of magnitude higher than UK permitted concentrations in drinking water, whereas soil contamination values did not reach polluted levels. Surveying of a site occupied by a disused fire station showed significant differences in patterns of soil gas and groundwater pollution. This is explained by direct pollution of groundwater though the well at the site and/or possible flow of polluted groundwater to the site from adjacent areas.     

Carbamazepine as a possible anthropogenic marker in the aquatic environment: investigations on the behaviour of Carbamazepine in wastewater treatment and during groundwater infiltration

Sewage treatment plant (STP) effluents are significant sources of pharmaceutical residues in surface waters, where high concentrations of the antiepileptic drug Carbamazepine have been detected. The solids retention time (SRT) is the most important parameter for the design of STPs. It relates to the growth rate of microorganisms and to effluent concentrations. The influence of SRT on the removal of Carbamazepine was studied on lab-scale plants. The results from these tests were then validated on several full-scale plants. Due to the lack of suitable receiving waters and groundwater resources, one of these STPs has to infiltrate the treated wastewater into unsaturated soil. Here, groundwater samples at equal distances from the infiltration point were taken to estimate the behaviour of Carbamazepine during soil passage and within the groundwater. This antiepileptic drug seems to be very persistent in the environment, therefore qualifying as a suitable marker for anthropogenic influences in the aquatic environment.     

Integrated understanding of urban land, groundwater, baseflow and surface-water quality--the City of Birmingham, UK

Integrated understanding of urban land, groundwater (shallow and deep), baseflow and surface-water quality relationships is required for effective urban water-quality management. Chemical quality data from across these media have been collected for the Birmingham (UK) aquifer--River Tame conurbation to assess chemical transport from contaminated land to groundwater to baseflow to surface water. Although metals concentrations were high in soils, low leachability and attenuation caused concentrations in groundwaters and baseflow discharging to surface water to be generally low with only sporadic elevated concentrations attributed to localised point sources. Hydrocarbon VOCs (volatile organic compounds) were similarly absent or at low concentration attributable to their ready natural attenuation. Chlorinated VOCs, however, were widely encountered in groundwater, discharging as baseflow to surface water and impacting surface-water quality. This is attributed to their DNAPL (dense nonaqueous-phase liquid) properties and relative recalcitrance although there was some evidence of biodegradation, albeit insufficient to protect surface water and groundwater abstraction receptors. Some inorganic trends were evident across the various media; nitrate was the most significant quality concern. Generic conclusions are drawn on urban water-quality management and the need for risk-based management strategies to optimise use of urban, sporadically contaminated groundwater in conjunction with surface water highlighted.     

Behaviour of alkylphenol polyethoxylate surfactants in the aquatic environment—III. Occurrence and elimination of their persistent metabolites during infiltration of river water to groundwater

The behaviour of various persistent metabolites derived from nonylphenol polyethoxylate (NPnEO) surfactants was studied during infiltration of river water to groundwater at two field sites situated in the northern part of Switzerland (Glatt River and Sitter River). Nonylphenol (NP), nonylphenol monoethoxylate (NP1EO), nonylphenol diethoxylate (NP2EO), nonylphenoxy acetic acid (NP1EC) and nonylphenoxy(ethoxy) acetic acid (NP2EC) were observed in the two investigated rivers at relatively high concentrations with average values of the individual types of nonylphenolic compounds ranging from 1.8 to 25 μg/l. The average concentrations of NP, NP1EO and NP2EO in groundwater were significantly lower (range <0.1–1 μg/l) suggesting an efficient elimination of these compounds during infiltration. In contrast, the elimination of nonylphenoxy carboxylic acids was less efficient. Most of the observed elimination occurred in the first 2.5 m of the aquifer, while further decrease in concentration was rather slow. In one sampling period, residual concentrations of nonylphenolic compounds up to 7.2 μg/l were detected in a pumping station used for drinking water supply which is situated 130 m from the Glatt River bed. Concentrations of NP, NP1EO and NP2EO in both river water and groundwater showed a pronounced seasonal variability with higher values observed during winter. The data suggest that low temperatures, which prevail in winter, significantly reduce the elimination efficiency of NP and to a lesser extent of NP1EO, while the behaviour of NP2EO was not affected. Such a behaviour indicates biogical transformation as the responsible elimination process. A comparison of average elimination efficiences of nonylphenolic compounds with those of pentachlorphenol (PCP) and nitrilotriacetate (NTA) gives the following sequence: NTA ≧ NP2EO > NP1EO > NP > PCP > NP1EC = NP2EC.     

Integrated understanding of urban land, groundwater, baseflow and surface-water quality—The City of Birmingham, UK

Integrated understanding of urban land, groundwater (shallow and deep), baseflow and surface-water quality relationships is required for effective urban water-quality management. Chemical quality data from across these media have been collected for the Birmingham (UK) aquifer—River Tame conurbation to assess chemical transport from contaminated land to groundwater to baseflow to surface water. Although metals concentrations were high in soils, low leachability and attenuation caused concentrations in groundwaters and baseflow discharging to surface water to be generally low with only sporadic elevated concentrations attributed to localised point sources. Hydrocarbon VOCs (volatile organic compounds) were similarly absent or at low concentration attributable to their ready natural attenuation. Chlorinated VOCs, however, were widely encountered in groundwater, discharging as baseflow to surface water and impacting surface-water quality. This is attributed to their DNAPL (dense nonaqueous-phase liquid) properties and relative recalcitrance although there was some evidence of biodegradation, albeit insufficient to protect surface water and groundwater abstraction receptors. Some inorganic trends were evident across the various media; nitrate was the most significant quality concern. Generic conclusions are drawn on urban water-quality management and the need for risk-based management strategies to optimise use of urban, sporadically contaminated groundwater in conjunction with surface water highlighted.     

Vitellogenin in tilapia male fishes exposed to organochlorine pesticides in Ouémé River in Republic of Benin

In many African countries, the economy largely depends on agriculture. Pesticides are therefore likely to represent an important source of xenoestrogens in contaminated rivers and lagoons. The largely uncontrolled use of diverse pesticides led us to hypothesize that these agents, and particularly organochlorine compounds, may pose a serious problem in the Republic of Benin. To verify our hypothesis, tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron) from five sites in the southern part of the main Ouémé River were analyzed. Ouémé River drains the southern region of the country. Vitellogenin (Vtg) was used as an indicator of contaminated sites. This approach has its limitations, because there are a wide variety of man-made chemicals present in the aquatic environment likely to induce Vtg in male fish. Therefore, in this study this approach allows us to define potential contaminated target sites. In order to determine whether the presence of Vtg could be attributable to pesticides, organochlorine pesticides in the flesh of tilapia were also analyzed. Significant amounts of Vtg in fish from contaminated sites were detected, and were correlated with organochlorine pesticide levels in tissue. These results indicate that organochlorine pesticides are present in the Ouémé River and that these compounds can act as endocrine modulators in this ecosystem. Eating fish from contaminated rivers, such as the Ouémé River, may contribute to the accumulation of high concentrations of these pesticides in the body, leading to exposure to their negative effects.