Effect of irrigation on a deep aquifer: a case study from the semi-arid Harran Plain,GAP Project,Turkey

Inappropriate irrigation practices are responsible for the deterioration of groundwater quality in a great number of developing countries, particularly in semi-arid and arid regions. The study was undertaken to determine the variation in groundwater quality of a deep aquifer after surface irrigation was started in the semi-arid Harran Plain, southeast Turkey. Physical and chemical parameters of the groundwater, including pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, bicarbonate, sulphate and nitrate, were determined on a monthly basis from November 2008 to July 2009. The quality of the deep aquifer was assessed hydrochemically in order to determine its suitability for human consumption and agricultural purposes. With the exception of two wells, the measured and analyzed parameters in all the groundwater samples were below the internationally accepted maximum concentrations for human consumption and for agricultural purposes. The study identified a local contamination as a consequence of excess irrigation, high evaporation rates and drainage. It is hoped that the results will assist planners in the proper design and control of irrigation schemes to avoid further deterioration of these important aquifers.     

Analysis of chromosome abnormalities in the Asian swamp eel (Monopterus albus) affected by arsenic contamination near a gold mine area

ABSTRACT

The paper reports a study of chromosome abnormalities (CA/s) in the Monopterus albus near a gold mine area compared to a non-affected area. The arsenic (As) concentrations were determined in the water, sediment and M. albus muscles. The average concentrations of As in the water and sediment samples near the gold mine were higher than allowable by Thailand’s water quality standards. The average concentrations of As in the M. albus samples were lower than the standards. The diploid chromosome number of M. albus in both areas was 2n = 24. The percentage of CA of M. albus in the gold mine area was higher than in the non-affected area. Seven types of CA were single chromatid gap (SCG), fragmentation (F), sister chromatid gap, single chromatid breaks, deletion, sister chromatid fragmentation and centric fusion. In the affected area, the most common CAs in the samples were SCG and F. The specific CA in M. albus samples was SCG on chromosome pair 1. It can be concluded that As contamination caused structural CA, but did not affect the diploid chromosome number in the Asian swamp eel from the gold mine area. The accumulation of As in M. albus has potential effects on human health in consumers of M. albus from this contaminated area.     

The impact of wastewater irrigation on the chemical quality of groundwater

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the groundwater impact of irrigation with industrial wastewater (baker's yeast wastewater, BYW) and to determine if agricultural reuse can be considered as an efficient wastewater treatment method. The impact of the irrigation and the status of the groundwater quality were determined using chemical parameters that are typical contaminants of BYW and characterise the content of total suspended solids (TSSs), organic matter (biochemical and chemical oxygen demands), nutrients (N_org, N‐NH₄, N‐NO₃, N_total, P_total and K), salts (Cl, SO₄ and Na) and pH. The study revealed that BYW irrigation did not cause a significant increase in the content of these parameters in groundwater at a low water table region (WTR). However, at a high WTR, the irrigation had an extremely significant (P < 0.001) impact on the chemical status of groundwater that has been demonstrated by substantially high values of COD, N‐NH₄, Cl, SO₄ and Na.     

Assessment of groundwater quality and its suitability for agricultural usage in and around Rangampeta area,Andhra Pradesh,south India

The aim of this study is to assess the groundwater quality of Rangampeta area for irrigation and domestic purposes. The groundwater samples were analyzed for distribution of chemical elements Ca, Mg, Na, K, Si, HCO₃, CO₃, Cl and SO₄. It also includes pH, electrical conductivity, total hardness, non carbonate hardness and total alkalinity. The parameters like sodium absorption ratio, adjusted sodium absorption ratio, sodium percentage, potential salinity, permeability index and residual sodium carbonate were calculated. The dominant hydrochemical facies of groundwater are Ca–Mg–Cl and Na–Cl Water Types. The Gibbs’s diagram plots suggest that the chemical weathering of rock forming minerals is the major driving force controlling water chemistry in this area. The positive chloro-alkaline indices revealed that the groundwater has suffered ion exchange between Na and K of water with Ca and Mg of soil during its flow.     

Groundwater quality assessment of Dhanbad district, Jharkhand, India

Groundwater quality assessment is important to ensure sustainable safe use of water. However describing the overall water quality in the Dhanbad coal mining area of India is difficult due to the spatial variability of multiple contaminants and wide range of indicators that could be measured. An attempt has been made to study the spatial variation of groundwater quality based on an integrated analysis of physico-chemical parameters and use of Geographic Information System (GIS). Using GIS contouring methods with Arcview 3.2a, spatial distribution maps of Hardness, pH, TDS, HCO₃, SO₄, NO₃, Ca, Mg, Cl, and F have been created. From the Water Quality Index map it is inferred that despite the mining and heavy industry, the quality of water is predominantly good to excellent.     

Hydrochemical characteristics and water quality assessment of surface water and groundwater in Songnen plain, Northeast China

Water quality is the critical factor that influence on human health and quantity and quality of grain production in semi-humid and semi-arid area. Songnen plain is one of the grain bases in China, as well as one of the three major distribution regions of soda saline-alkali soil in the world. To assess the water quality, surface water and groundwater were sampled and analyzed by fuzzy membership analysis and multivariate statistics. The surface water were gather into class I, IV and V, while groundwater were grouped as class I, II, III and V by fuzzy membership analysis. The water samples were grouped into four categories according to irrigation water quality assessment diagrams of USDA. Most water samples distributed in category C1-S1, C2-S2 and C3-S3. Three groups were generated from hierarchical cluster analysis. Four principal components were extracted from principal component analysis. The indicators to water quality assessment were Na, HCO₃, NO₃, Fe, Mn and EC from principal component analysis. We conclude that surface water and shallow groundwater are suitable for irrigation, the reservoir and deep groundwater in upstream are the resources for drinking. The water for drinking should remove of the naturally occurring ions of Fe and Mn. The control of sodium and salinity hazard is required for irrigation. The integrated management of surface water and groundwater for drinking and irrigation is to solve the water issues.     

The influence of the abandoned Kalecik Hg mine on water and stream sediments (Karaburun,Izmir, Turkey)

This study covers the geochemical investigations on water and stream sediments to evaluate the influence from the abandoned Kalecik Hg mine. The groundwater samples (S5, S8, S9, WW10) are neutral, slightly alkaline waters which have pH values varying between 7.3 and 7.5. Electrical conductivity (EC) values of groundwaters for spring samples are low (250-300 microS/cm). However, groundwater obtained from a deep well has a higher EC value of 950 microS/cm. Hg concentrations of groundwater samples vary between 0.01 and 0.13 microg/l. Hg concentrations of other water samples taken from mining area from surface waters and adits are between 0.10 and 0.99 microg/l. Adit water (A4) collected at the mine has the highest Hg content of 0.99 microg/l and a pH of 4.4. Trace element concentrations of mine water samples show variable values. As is observed only in MW1 (310 microg/l). A4 was enriched in Cd, Co and Cr and exceed the Turkish drinking water standards (Türk Standartlari Enstitüsü, 1997). Cu concentrations vary between 6.0 and 150 microg/l and are below the Turkish water standards. Mn concentrations in mine waters are between 0.02 and 4.9 mg/l. Only for sample A4 Mn value (4.9 mg/l) exceeds the standard level. Ni was enriched for all of the mine water samples and exceeds the safe standard level (20 microg/l) for drinking water. Of the major ions SO(4) shows a notable increase in this group reaching 650 mg/l that exceeds the drinking water standards. Stream sediment samples have abnormally high values for especially Hg and As, Sb, Ni, Cr metals. With the exception of sample Ss6 of which Hg concentration is 92 mg/kg, all the other samples have Hg contents of higher than 100 mg/kg. Pollution index values are significantly high and vary between 69 and 82 for stream sediment samples.     

Impact of geochemical stressors on shallow groundwater quality

Groundwater monitoring wells (about 70 wells) were extensively installed in 28 sites surrounding Lake Texoma, located on the border of Oklahoma and Texas, to assess the impact of geochemical stressors to shallow groundwater quality. The monitoring wells were classified into three groups (residential area, agricultural area, and oil field area) depending on their land uses. During a 2-year period from 1999 to 2001 the monitoring wells were sampled every 3 months on a seasonal basis. Water quality assay consisted of 25 parameters including field parameters, nutrients, major ions, and trace elements. Occurrence and level of inorganics in groundwater samples were related to the land use and temporal change. Groundwater of the agricultural area showed lower levels of ferrous iron and nitrate than the residential area. The summer season data revealed more distinct differences in inorganic profiles of the two land use groundwater samples. There is a possible trend that nitrate concentrations in groundwater increased as the proportions of cultivated area increased. Water-soluble ferrous iron occurred primarily in water samples with a low dissolved oxygen concentration and/or a negative redox potential. The presence of brine waste in shallow groundwater was detected by chloride and conductivity in oil field area. Dissolved trace metals and volatile organic carbons were not in a form of concentration to be stressors. This study showed that the quality of shallow ground water could be related to regional geochemical stressors surrounding the lake.     

区域地下水流对王河煤矿水害影响数值模拟

王河煤矿位于荥巩矿区中部,为荥巩矿区水害最为严重的矿井之一.为了分析区域地下水流对王河煤矿水害的影响,本文在分析荥巩矿区地质及水文地质条件的基础上,利用GMS建立了荥巩矿区地下水流三维数值模拟模型,确定了水文地质参数和渗流场分布情况.结果表明,荥巩矿区地下水补给量为1831.12×104m3/a,排泄量为4862.88...     

Hydrogeological and Hydrochemical Study of the Al-Shagaya Field-F, Kuwait

The study area, Al-Shagaya Field-F, is located at the south western part of Kuwait and includes twenty-seven production water wells, tapping the Kuwait Group aquifer. The main objectives of this study were to identify the aquifer type, determine its properties, outline the geological factors and the hydrochemical processes that control the quality of the groundwater of the study area, and to assess the water quality of the Kuwait Group aquifer. Analyses of aquifer test data revealed that the Kuwait Group aquifer acts as a semi-confined to confined aquifer, with a range of transmissivity values between 103 and 1,198 m²/day. The initial water level ranges from 70 to 146 m (M.S.L). The estimated quantity of groundwater entering the study area is about 12,950 m³/day. The chemical analyses show that the groundwater of the study area is a brackish water type, with total dissolved solids ranging from 3,586 to 5,334 mg/l. The aquifer salinity increases in the direction of regional flow towards the NE. The average pH value is 7.7 and the average electrical conductivity is 5,349 s/cm. Groundwater is highly concentrated with Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Cl^- and SO₄^2- and is depleted in HCO₃^- and Mg²⁺ ions. It is characterized by secondary salinity, where the alkaline earths exceed the alkalies and strong acids exceed weak acids. Three groundwater chemical types are recognized: NaCl, Na₂SO₄ and CaCl₂. The NaCl water type is the most abundant in the study area. The main genetic types of water are: MgCl₂ and Na₂SO₄. It is found that the groundwater is oversaturated with respect to aragonite and calcite and undersaturated with respect to anhydrite, gypsum, halite and dolomite. A comparison of the hydrochemical coefficients of Na⁺/Cl^-, SO₄^2-/Cl^- and Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ in the study area with those of seawater and river water shows that the groundwater of the study area is a mixture of marine and continental water.     

Bench-scale study of active mine water treatment using cement kiln dust (CKD) as a neutralization agent

The overall objective of this study was to investigate the potential impact on settled water quality of using cement kiln dust (CKD), a waste by-product, to replace quicklime in the active treatment of acidic mine water. Bench-scale experiments were conducted to evaluate the treatment performance of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) slurries generated using four different CKD samples compared to a control treatment with quicklime (CaO) in terms of reducing acidity and metals concentrations in acid mine drainage (AMD) samples taken from the effluent of a lead/zinc mine in Atlantic Canada. Results of the study showed that all of the CKD samples evaluated were capable of achieving greater than 97% removal of total zinc and iron. The amount of solid alkaline material required to achieve pH targets required for neutralization of the AMD was found to be higher for treatment with the CKD slurries compared to the quicklime slurry control experiments, and varied linearly with the free lime content of the CKD. The results of this study also showed that a potential benefit of treating mine water with CKD could be reduced settled sludge volumes generated in the active treatment process, and further research into the characteristics of the sludge generated from the use of CKD-generated calcium hydroxide slurries is recommended.     

BASELINE GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF GROUNDWATER WITHIN OKITIPUPA SOUTH‐EAST BELT OF THE BITUMINOUS SANDS FIELD OF NIGERIA

Analyses of groundwater samples within the Okitipupa south‐east belt of the bituminous sands field of Nigeria, revealed the present status of the water resources. Low pH values characterized most of the groundwater samples, while other physico‐chemical parameters, including some heavy metals measured, showed varying concentrations ranging between below and above the WHO guideline values for drinking water. Since exploration and exploitation of bitumen are yet to commence in this area, the data serves as baseline information on the groundwater quality, with which impact of future bitumen mining could be progressively monitored.     

Evaluation of wastewater nitrogen transformation in a natural wetland (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia) using dual-isotope analysis of nitrate

The Tuul River, which provides water for the daily needs of many residents of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, has been increasingly polluted by wastewater from the city's sewage treatment plant. Information on water movement and the transformation of water-borne materials is required to alleviate the deterioration of water quality. We conducted a synoptic survey of general water movement, water quality including inorganic nitrogen concentrations, and isotopic composition of nitrogen (δ¹⁵N-NO₃⁻, δ¹⁸O-NO₃⁻, and δ¹⁵N-NH₄⁺) and water (δ¹⁸O-H₂O) in a wetland area that receives wastewater before it enters the Tuul River. We sampled surface water, groundwater, and spring water along the two major water routes in the wetland that flow from the drain of the sewage treatment plant to the Tuul River: a continuous tributary and a discontinuous tributary. The continuous tributary had high ammonium (NH₄⁺) concentrations and nearly stable δ¹⁵N-NH₄⁺, δ¹⁵N-NO₃⁻, and δ¹⁸O-NO₃⁻ concentrations throughout its length, indicating that nitrogen transformation (i.e., nitrification and denitrification) during transit was small. In contrast, NH₄⁺ concentrations decreased along the discontinuous tributary and nitrate (NO₃⁻) concentrations were low at many points. Values of δ¹⁵N-NH₄⁺, δ¹⁵N-NO₃⁻, and δ¹⁸O-NO₃⁻ increased with flow along the discontinuous route. Our results indicate that nitrification and denitrification contribute to nitrogen removal in the wetland area along the discontinuous tributary with slow water transport. Differences in hydrological pathways and the velocity of wastewater transport through the wetland area greatly affect the extent of nitrogen removal.     

Tools for monitoring toxicological and genotoxicological changes in a drinking water treatment plant in Northeast Italy

Drinking water quality can be compromised at different stages, from raw water to treated one. This research aimed to evaluate the toxicity and genotoxicity of groundwater contaminated by fluorinated compounds treated in a drinking water treatment plant, through several bioassays. Water samples underwent chemical analyses and were assayed on Daphnia magna, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Allium cepa, human leukocytes and Salmonella typhimurium. Physical–chemical parameters were always within the Italian legislation limits. Water after filtration and disinfection caused slight toxicity in D. magna; the sample after filtration inhibited the proliferation of P. subcapitata. None of the water samples exerted toxicity in A. cepa. All the analysed samples had genotoxic effects on A. cepa and human leucocytes, while only disinfected water caused mutations in S. typhimurium. A battery composed of tests on D. magna, P. subcapitata, S. typhimurium and A. cepa could represent a useful tool to verify the toxicity/genotoxicity through the water treatment stages and to improve drinking water quality management.     

Scalp hair analysis as a tool in assessing human exposure to heavy metals (S. Domingos mine, Portugal)

Hair samples from the scalp were used in a preliminary assessment of heavy metals exposure (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn and Zn) of the human population living near an abandoned cupric pyrite mine (Mina de S. Domingos, Southeast Alentejo, Portugal). In parallel with the collection of hair samples, individuals from two different communities at the South and North of the mine area answered a questionnaire designed to obtain information about potential exposure pathways to these elements. The questionnaire allowed data collection about the most frequently consumed foodstuffs, drinking water sources, smoking habits, alcohol consumption and health condition. Higher concentrations, and subsequently higher ranges, of Cd, Cu and As were recorded in individuals living near the mine (MSD group), in opposition to individuals living several kilometers apart. Additionally, the concentrations recorded in the hair of some individuals from the MSD group were above the reference values for non-exposed individuals, suggesting their enhanced exposure. However, no significant differences were found for the average concentration of these elements between villages. Individuals from the CP and SC groups presented significantly higher concentrations of Zn and Mn in scalp hair. These results were in agreement with the concentrations of these elements recorded in soil samples. The water supplies of the area do not seem to be potential sources of trace elements for human beings. In opposition, individuals that frequently consume milk and cheese obtained from cattle that usually breeds in the area presented significantly higher concentrations of As and Mn in their scalp hair. Our results suggest that the population of S. Domingos mine area and neighbour localities may be exposed to some of the elements analysed namely Mn and Zn. The most likely exposure pathways seemed to be animal foodstuffs, however, a more detailed analysis of these products, as well as garden vegetables and fruits, should be performed.     

南非西格里夸兰盆地某铁锰矿水文地质条件及矿坑涌水量预测

矿坑涌水是矿坑地下开采面临的首要问题,南非西格里夸兰盆地某铁锰矿属于未开采矿山,主要含水层为第四系松散岩类孔隙水含水层和基岩裂隙含水层.第四系松散岩类孔隙水含水层接受大气降水的入渗补给,主要排泄方式为蒸发和向基岩裂隙含水层补给.基岩裂隙含水,主要接受大气降水和第四系松散岩类孔隙水含水层补给,并沿导水性较好的构造裂隙径流...     

Analysis of vulnerability factors that control nitrate occurrence in natural springs (Osona Region, NE Spain)

Nitrate pollution is one of the main concerns of groundwater management in most of the world's agricultural areas. In the Osona region of NE Spain, high concentrations of nitrates have been reported in wells. This study uses the occurrence of this pollutant in natural springs as an indicator of the sub-surface dynamics of the water cycle and shows how groundwater quality is affected by crop fertilization, as an approach to determine the aquifer vulnerability.Nitrate concentration and other hydrochemical parameters based on a biannual database are reported for approximately 80 springs for the period 2004-2009. The background concentration of nitrate is first determined to distinguish polluted areas from natural nitrate occurrence. A statistical treatment using logistic regression and ANOVA is then performed to identify the significance of the effect of vulnerability factors such as the geological setting of the springs, land use in recharge areas, sampling periods, and chemical parameters like pH and EC, on groundwater nitrate pollution.The results of the analysis identify a threshold value of 7-8 mg NO₃⁻/L for nitrate pollution in this area. Logistic regression and ANOVA results show that an increase in EC or a decrease in pH values is linked to the possibility of higher nitrate concentrations in springs. These analyses also show that nitrate pollution is more dependent on land use than the geological setting of springs or sampling periods. Indeed, the specific geological and soil features of the uppermost layers in their recharge areas do not contribute to the buffering of nitrate impacts on aquifers as measured in natural springs. Land use, and particularly fertilization practices, are major factors in groundwater vulnerability.     

The effect of beaver ponds on the nonpoint source water quality of a stream in Southwestern Wyoming

Currant Creek, a second order stream in southwestern Wyoming, has three large complexes of beaver ponds midway along its 32 km length. To determine whether these ponds improve the quality of water flowing through them, during spring and summer of 1984 and 1985 water samples were taken upstream from, within, and downstream from the pond complexes. During periods of high flow (i.e. spring runoff), concentrations of suspended solids (SS), total phosphorus (TP), sodium hydroxide-extractable phosphorus (NaOH-P, an index of biologically available P) and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) were reduced in water flowing through the beaver ponds. During low flow, beaver ponds had less effect on these parameters. Concentrations of nitrate nitrogen (NO₃-N) were reduced during both high and low flows, while concentrations of ortho-phosphate (ortho-P) did not appear to be affected by beaver ponds. Ammonia nitrogen almost always was at the limit of detection. Regression of NaOH-P versus [SS plus ortho-P] suggested that the primary source of NaOH-P was SS. In general, SS explained a large portion of the variation in TP, TKN, and NaOH-P, and often ortho-P was significantly correlated to TP. The increase in the concentration of most parameters below the area with dam complexes appears to reflect input from bank and channel erosion, and export of SS, TP, TKN and NO₃-N from beaver dam complexes was calculated to be less than that from stream sections above or below the dams. Thus the location of dams should be considered before using them to try and improve water quality. The apparent importance of bank and channel erosion as the primary source of nutrients to Currant Creek contrasts with many watersheds in agricultural areas.     

Estimation of environmental impacts on the water quality of Incesu-Dokuzpınar Springs in Kayseri,Turkey

Industrial and agricultural activities have directly or indirectly affected the concentrations of a large number of inorganic chemicals in groundwater, for example NO₃, N₂, Cl, SO₄, H⁺, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu, B, Pb and Zn, as well as a wide variety of pesticides and other organic compounds. For reactive contaminants like NO₃, it is recommended that a combination of hydrochemical and environmental-tracer analytical approaches might be required to resolve changing inputs from subsequent alterations as causes of concentration gradients in groundwater. The water type of ncesu-Dokuzpnar Springs is mainly Na–Mg–Ca–Cl–HCO₃. Note that the water types of the Springs were directly related to the hydrogeochemical properties of outcrops at the study area. Thus, the high concentration of Ca⁺² and HCO₃ is mainly related to the high CO₂ contents in the marbles, whereas the high Na concentration arises from the existing syenite, volcanic ash, basalt and clay units, although the ncesu-Dokuzpnar Springs cover most of the drinking and irrigation water demands at the study area. Therefore, relevant hydrogeochemical and statistical studies were carried out for estimating the mentioned environmental impacts on the water quality of ncesu-Dokuzpnar Springs.     

Subsurface water quality and quantity from the standpoint of irrigation and livestock

Field studies were undertaken at the Oyo North Agricultural Development Project (ONADEP), Shaki, Nigeria in 1988 and 1989 to evaluate the reliability and quality of subsurface water sources in relation to irrigation and livestock usage. Based on data from 22 water samples, 15 soil types, seasonal consumption of water for 10 major crops and extensive hydrogeological records, it was established that (i) alkalinity and salinity hazards are low, hence the groundwater of the study area is suitable for irrigation, (ii) excessive boron levels might restrict the usage of the groundwater of the study area for livestock, (iii) subsurface water sources, estimated at about 31,000 ML per annum is capable of satisfying only 12% of agricultural and livestock water demand of the study area, and (iv) the area under consideration is not endowed with abundant surface and subsurface water as shown by previous studies.