ISSN:
1573-1421
Keywords:
Trace elements
;
ground water quality
;
monitoring network
;
hydrogeochemistry
;
multivariate statistics
;
pollution
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Geosciences
Notes:
Abstract Concentration levels of the trace elements Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, Y, and Zn in the shallow Dutch ground water were studied. Data were extracted from the data base of the Dutch National Ground Water Quality Monitoring Network, a network set up to monitor the diffuse contamination. The network contains over 350 sites at a low density of about 1 per 100 km2. The sites are sampled once a year at two depths (approx. 10 and 25 m below surface). A two-step multivariate statistical approach was used, in which the major element chemistry was used to define water types. Within each water type, trace element behavior could be coupled to distinct geochemical processes: dilution, acidification and weathering, carbonate dissolution, oxidation/reduction, and ion exchange. In recently infiltrated acid rain water in low buffering capacity sands, the anthropogenic influence indirectly caused mobilization of Al (median 430 μg/l), Cd (0.6 μg/l), Co (14 μg/l), Cu (2.7 μg/l), Ni (16 μg/l), Y (11 μg/l), and Zn (50 μmg/l). In carbonate bearing sediments the acidification is neutralized, and the mentioned trace elements remain immobile. Arsenic and Cr have higher concentrations levels in ground waters with a slightly reducing character and are possibly governed by the dissolution of iron-manganese hydroxides. Boron, Li, and Sr have high concentrations (respectively 875, 80, 2700 μg/l) in the water type related to a seawater source. Strontium is related to carbonate dissolution in all other water types (medians ranging from 100 to 1000 μg/l). Barium shows a complex behaviour. It is concluded that the high Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, and Zn concentrations are anthropogenically induced. High Ba and Cr concentrations are inferred to be due to natural processes.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00240853
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