Heavy metal and trace element distributions in groundwater in natural slopes and highly urbanized spaces in Mid-Levels area, Hong Kong

Groundwater for drinking and industrial purposes: A study of water stability and human health risk assessment from black sand mineral rich coastal region of Kerala, India

Tempero-spatial analysis of groundwater to disseminate the level of drinking water quality and industrial suitability to meet the developmental requirement of a region is a significant area of research. Accordingly, groundwater quality and geochemical interactions prevailed in a black sand mineral rich coastal village is systematically presented in appraisal of drinking and industrial uses for economic engineering purposes. The study area focused is Alappad village, Kollam, Kerala, India has numerous ecological features in a sustainable perspective. The region is unique with placer deposits where an alluvial soil aquifer-saline water-freshwater interaction occurs. This dynamics decides the pertinent hydro geochemistry, potable and designated uses of ground water in season wise. Coastal area is hereby presented based on water quality parameters predicted with the health risk assessment model with a view on human health and cancer risk due to ions (Pb, Ni, Cu, Ba, Fe, Al, Mn, Zn) in groundwater.. To ascertain industrial usage, ground water is evaluated by Langelier saturation index (LSI), Ryznar stability index (RSI), Aggressive index (AI), Larson-Skold index (LS) and Puckorius scaling index (PSI) and inferences are complemented. Chemical weathering and evaporation processes are the natural factors controlling hydrochemistry of this aquifer. This complex coastal system has Nemerow pollution index (NPI) of moderate pollution for total dissolved ions of Fe and lesser for Cu, and Cr present in groundwater. LSI indicates, water is scale forming but non corrosive (46% in PRM, 20% in MON and 47% in POM). Water quality index (WQI) in POM (ranged 28.7-79.9) was excellent for drinking, followed by PRM (23.6-218.2) and MON (33.4-202.7) seasons. This groundwater bears temporary hardness with the dominance of Ca-Mg-HCO3 water type. Health risk assessment of non-carcinogenic risk index of trace metals (Fe, Zn, Mn, and Pb) revealed, children are at 'low risk' and 'medium' risk with Ni and Cu. The carcinogenic risk index indicated 93% of samples were high Ni induced cancer risk for children, and 87% for adults due to long term ingestion (drinking water intake) pathway. Studies specific on placer mineral deposited coastal region of India are not sufficiently reported with a focus on the above perspectives. Growing need of rare earths for material, device and energy applications, placer mineral explorations can destabilise the coastal hydrosphere. Interrelations of mineral soil - water chemistry prevailed and health hazard predicted would kindle a set of sustainable deliberations. This study summarises the drinking and industrial use of coastal groundwater for future development and human well-being on the basis of quality criteria, corrosion proneness, water stability and health risk factors.

Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment of exposure to trace elements in groundwater resources of Sari city, Iran

The daily intake of trace elements through water resources and their adverse health effects is a critical issue. The purpose of this research was to assess the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of exposure to iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As) in groundwater resources of Sari city, Iran. The concentrations of the trace elements in a total number of 66 samples from the groundwater sources were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The hazard index (HI) levels of exposure to the trace elements from the groundwater sources for adults, teenagers, and children were 0.65, 0.83, and 1.08, respectively. The carcinogenic risk values of Cr and As in the groundwater sources for children, teenagers, and adults were 0.0001, 0.00009, 0.00007, 0.0003, 0.0002, and 0.0001, respectively, causing a total carcinogenic risk value higher than the acceptable range, and removing Cr and As from the groundwater resources is recommended for safe community water supply.

Spatio-temporal variation of groundwater chemistry in the Upper Oti Basin of Ghana

The Oti Basin is located at northeastern part of Ghana. Two major geological formations of Voltaian sedimentary supergroup exist: Kwahu-Morago and Oti-Pendjari groups. A total of 133 groundwater samples and 7 surface water samples were collected for two major seasons, viz. dry season (February, 2020) and wet season (November, 2020), and analysed for cations and anions. This is to determine the sources of ions, including pollutants and the reactions that promote them for sustainable groundwater management. Results of major ions revealed groundwater is potable base on the WHO permissible limits. Wet season nitrate and sulphate were higher than that of dry season, suggesting anthropogenic influence. Pearson's correlation shows major contributors of total dissolved solids were Mg, Na and HCO₃ with a correlation (r = 0.439, 0.874 and 0. 945) respectively. In the wet season, major contributors were TH, Mg, Na, SO₄ and HCO₃ with correlation (r = 0.548, 0.537, 0.856, 0.530 and 0.936) respectively. Gibbs plot suggests chemical weathering and precipitation to be the main contributors to the water chemistry. The dominant hydrochemical facies within the basin for both seasons was Na-K-HCO₃ water type. The plot of Ca²⁺  + Mg²⁺ vs. HCO3^-  + SO4^2- suggests both silicate weathering and ion exchange processes are taking place within the basin. Mineral stability diagrams signify kaolinite as the most stable mineral phase in the groundwater. Chloro-alkaline indices were negative for both seasons leading to base-exchanged softened water production. Consequently, majority of ions evolved from natural geochemical processes whilst nitrate and sulphate presence might be due to anthropogenic sources.

Spatial distribution and health risk assessment of dissolved heavy metals in groundwater of eastern China coastal zone

Environmental changes and human activities have deteriorated the quality of groundwater, which is an important source of freshwater in coastal areas. The Jiangsu Coastal Zone (JCZ), which is a typical area of the eastern China coastal zone (ECCZ), has a great demand for clean water resources due to its dense population. The groundwater in the JCZ is affected by both human activities and seawater intrusion. However, research on heavy metals in the groundwater of the JCZ is limited. This study investigated the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of heavy metals in coastal groundwater of Jiangsu Province and conducted a health risk assessment (HRA). Relatively high concentrations of Cu, Cd, Pb, Co, Zn, and Ba existed in the northern JCZ, while As and B predominated in the central JCZ. The main heavy metal pollutants in the groundwater are B and As, with mean values at 0.61 mg/L and 0.02 mg/L, exceeding the standard rate reaching 48.28% and 18.07% respectively. The HRA results showed that B had the largest hazard quotient (HQ), accounting for 50.22% of the total HQs, and As was attributed to the pollutant with the largest cancer risk (CR), accounting for 99.74% of the total CRs. According to the results of the correlation analysis, heavy metals in the groundwater of JCZ mainly originated from industrial pollution, seawater intrusion, and mineral dissolution. Seawater intrusion increases the content of As and B in groundwater, leading to higher health risks. Therefore, the government should strengthen the supervision of seawater intrusion by implementing more effective water resource management policies, or adopting engineering measures such as installing subsurface physical barriers to prevent and control seawater intrusion.

Submarine Groundwater Discharge from an Urban Estuary to Southeastern Bay of Bengal, India: Revealed by Trace Element Fluxes

Submarine groundwater discharge and associated trace element fluxes from the Coleroon River estuary to south bay, India, has been attempted, because increasing trace elements could result in harmful algal blooms and eutrophication. Trace elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Mo, Ba, Pb, Th, and U) in surface water, pore, and groundwater samples were monitored for 10 days in three locations (A, B, and C) by considering tidal fluctuations. The trace elements Al, Cr, Fe, Ni, Zn, Sr, Mo, Pb, Th, and U were greater and found to be influenced by processes, such as fresh groundwater discharge and seawater intrusion. Lower Mn, Cu, and Ba signifies impact due to sediment adsorption, mixing, and elemental exchange during fresh groundwater and seawater mixing. Salinity versus trace element plot infers greater trace element mobility with cumulative salinity influenced by the conformist behavior of freshwater, seawater, and mixing. The calculated submarine groundwater discharge supported dissolved trace elements fluxes were 107,047.8 n mol d^-1 m^-1 for location A, 183,520.2 n mol d^-1 m^-1 for location B, and 181,474.4 n mol d^-1 m^-1 for location C, respectively. Variations in dissolved trace elements fluxes are attributed to variations in pH, free redox environment in the aquifer, adsorption or desorption by sediments, and the environmental cycle of marine organisms.

Monitoring of pre- and post-monsoon groundwater quality of north-eastern Haryana region using GIS

The present paper is the result of an investigation carried out to analyse the quality of sub-surface water in the districts of Yamunanagar and Ambala of the province of Haryana in India. The investigation was necessitated as the area combines the presence of industrial, commercial and residential units close to each other. A total of 30 groundwater samples were taken each during the months of April and September of 2017 and were appraised for analytical parameters, hydro-geochemical constituents and metal ions. Eight locations were observed to have an abnormal presence of only one element and were, therefore, classified to be falling in the 'Grey-Zone'. Matedi Bus Stand (Sample number - 23) was found to be adversely influenced by the presence of the most of chemical elements and thus was categorized as the 'Red Zone'. For the combined data of post-monsoon and pre-monsoon periods of 2017, the spatial distribution of pH, TDS, TA and TH showed that 100%, 90%, 91.67% and 93.33% of samples, respectively, fall under allowable limits of groundwater quality. Spatial distribution of hydro-chemical elements and metal ions showed that 96.11% of samples for cations, 98.33% for anions and 93.33% for Fe are in the 'allowable' category of groundwater. A comparison of laboratory results with the GIS maps prepared during the study has been found to be in good agreement. The classification of samples pursuance to their hydro-chemical facies indicated that most of the samples fall in Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺- H C O 3 - -Cl^- and Na⁺- H C O 3 - -Cl^- type.

Making 'Chemical Cocktails' - Evolution of Urban Geochemical Processes across the Periodic Table of Elements

Urbanization contributes to the formation of novel elemental combinations and signatures in terrestrial and aquatic watersheds, also known as 'chemical cocktails.' The composition of chemical cocktails evolves across space and time due to: (1) elevated concentrations from anthropogenic sources, (2) accelerated weathering and corrosion of the built environment, (3) increased drainage density and intensification of urban water conveyance systems, and (4) enhanced rates of geochemical transformations due to changes in temperature, ionic strength, pH, and redox potentials. Characterizing chemical cocktails and underlying geochemical processes is necessary for: (1) tracking pollution sources using complex chemical mixtures instead of individual elements or compounds; (2) developing new strategies for co-managing groups of contaminants; (3) identifying proxies for predicting transport of chemical mixtures using continuous sensor data; and (4) determining whether interactive effects of chemical cocktails produce ecosystem-scale impacts greater than the sum of individual chemical stressors. First, we discuss some unique urban geochemical processes which form chemical cocktails, such as urban soil formation, human-accelerated weathering, urban acidification-alkalinization, and freshwater salinization syndrome. Second, we review and synthesize global patterns in concentrations of major ions, carbon and nutrients, and trace elements in urban streams across different world regions and make comparisons with reference conditions. In addition to our global analysis, we highlight examples from some watersheds in the Baltimore-Washington DC region, which show increased transport of major ions, trace metals, and nutrients across streams draining a well-defined land-use gradient. Urbanization increased the concentrations of multiple major and trace elements in streams draining human-dominated watersheds compared to reference conditions. Chemical cocktails of major and trace elements were formed over diurnal cycles coinciding with changes in streamflow, dissolved oxygen, pH, and other variables measured by high-frequency sensors. Some chemical cocktails of major and trace elements were also significantly related to specific conductance (p<0.05), which can be measured by sensors. Concentrations of major and trace elements increased, peaked, or decreased longitudinally along streams as watershed urbanization increased, which is consistent with distinct shifts in chemical mixtures upstream and downstream of other major cities in the world. Our global analysis of urban streams shows that concentrations of multiple elements along the Periodic Table significantly increase when compared with reference conditions. Furthermore, similar biogeochemical patterns and processes can be grouped among distinct mixtures of elements of major ions, dissolved organic matter, nutrients, and trace elements as chemical cocktails. Chemical cocktails form in urban waters over diurnal cycles, decades, and throughout drainage basins. We conclude our global review and synthesis by proposing strategies for monitoring and managing chemical cocktails using source control, ecosystem restoration, and green infrastructure. We discuss future research directions applying the watershed chemical cocktail approach to diagnose and manage environmental problems. Ultimately, a chemical cocktail approach targeting sources, transport, and transformations of different and distinct elemental combinations is necessary to more holistically monitor and manage the emerging impacts of chemical mixtures in the world's fresh waters.

Application of algae for heavy metal adsorption: A 20-year meta-analysis

The use of algae to adsorb heavy metals is an efficient and environmentally friendly treatment for contaminated water and has attracted widespread research attention. In this study, a meta-analysis of the heavy metal adsorption capacity of algae from five different phyla and the factors influencing these capacities was conducted. Phaeophyta was found to have a high heavy metal adsorption capacity, whereas Bacillariophyta had a relatively low adsorption capacity; Chlorophyta, Rhodophyta, and Cyanophyta had moderate adsorption capacities. Non-living algae were more effective in practical applications than living algae were. Algal biomass had a relatively high adsorption efficiency of 1-10 g/L, which did not increase significantly when algal concentration increased. The algal adsorption efficiency for initial heavy metal concentrations of 10-100 mg/L was higher than for concentrations of greater than 100 mg/L. The results further show that algal adsorption of heavy metals reached a maximum capacity of 80-90% within 20 min. Heavy metal adsorption by algae was not temperature-dependent, and it was more effective in moderately to weakly acidic environments (pH = 4-7.5). Considering these aspects for practical applications, algae from some phyla can effectively be used for heavy metal biosorption in contaminated water.

Sources and behavior of trace elements in groundwater in the South Eastern Desert, Egypt

Due to water scarcity, the groundwater will represent an essential source of water in many communities worldwide. This study was carried out to investigate the main hydrogeochemical characteristic of trace elements composition, their sources, and its vulnerability in groundwater to the human population. Fifteen groundwater samples were collected from boreholes and hand dug wells from the South Eastern Desert, Egypt, and analyzed for Al, As, B, Fe, Mn, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sr, Th, U, V, and Zn using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Multivariate analyses were applied to identify the distribution and potential source of trace elements. The groundwater is tapped from the Miocene and the fractured basement rock aquifers. The mean concentrations of trace elements exceed the guideline values of all organizations, except in some wells for Zn, Cu, and Co. Cationic trace elements declined in the order of Mn > Fe > Zn > Al > V > Ni > Rb > Sr > U > Cu > Cr > Co > Cd > Pb > Th > Sb > Hg. Oxyanions As (mean 15.48 mg/L) and B (mean 1.24 mg/L) showed very high concentrations and higher than the average WHO concentrations in water suggesting potential adverse toxicity to all aquatic organisms. Five factor analyses indicated that different geochemical contributions are involved in the chemical characteristics of groundwater in the study area. Water-rock interaction and dissolution processes in bed rocks from different coastal Miocene deposits, meta-volcanics, basic-ultrabasic rocks, granitic and meta-sediments, seawater intrusion, residential wastes, and mining activities, in addition to the pH/Eh conditions, adsorption, and surface complexation during the chemical weathering are the main factors influence the trace elements distribution in groundwater. Results from this study for the six different groundwater aquifers are a unique insight into the sources and mobility of the observed trace elements in the groundwater and can be used in the assessment of contamination for drinking water wells. The association of trace elements from different aquifers might be useful in tracers studies of water-rock interaction. Due to the enrichment of trace elements in nearshore and crystalline groundwater aquifers in the study area and in similar areas worldwide, treatment technologies, and sustainable water management processes should be applied to prevent severe risks to the communities.

Tracing controlling factors of riverine chemistry in a headwater tributary of the Yangtze River, China, inferred from geochemical and stable isotopic signatures

The Jialing River is the second largest headwater tributary of the Yangtze River in China, therefore, the river water has been contaminated and water quality is deteriorated. Hence, this study aims to find the main controling factors of riverine chemistry. 52 water samples were collected for the determination of major ions and environmental isotopes of δ¹⁸O and δ²H. Stoichiometry of geochemical data with mixing end members and multivariate statistical analysis were employed with integrated GIS approach for data interpretations. The δ¹⁸O and δ²H of the Jialing River Basin (JRB) were used to define the origin of river water from meteoric water and water in the spring season is affected by high evaporation and evaporates dissolution. The average TDS 301 mg/L that is higher than the Yangtze River. In the JRB, 80% of the anion in water samples represented HCO₃^- (207 mg/L) and SO₄^2- (80 mg/L) while 80% of the cations were accounted by Ca²⁺ (59.8 mg/L) and Mg²⁺ (17.9 mg/L). The water chemistry mainly derived from the water rock interaction. Piper plot indicated that Ca-Mg-HCO₃^- was the most dominant water type and most ions derived from carbonate weathering by H₂SO₄ and H₂CO₃. The stoichiometry results further confirmed carbonate weathering is dominant than silicate weathering. Evaporate ions were modified by anthropogenic sources. Agricultural inputs are higher than the industry and atmospheric inputs. Redundancy analysis showed that most contributive land-use type in explaining riverine chemistry was the cultivate land (62.6, 66.4, and 67.9%) at all buffer scales of 30, 20, and 10 km, respectively. Forest and grasslands mostly correlate with Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl^-, SO₄^2-, EC, pH, and HCO₃^- while anthropogenic land-use types such as cultivated and construction lands correlate with Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^-, and NO₃^-. These results revealed that the lithology of the basin mainly controlled the upstream water chemistry while downstream riverine chemistry was controlled by both lithology and anthropogenic inputs. Nevertheless, this study suggested that explicitly determining the controlling factors of riverine chemistry involves a complex process and combination of different chemical constituents and factors on river water. However, this study managed to provide useful information to further understanding of the geochemical process in JRB.

Immutable heavy metal pollution before and after change in industrial waste treatment procedure

This study compared state of pollution around an intermediate treatment plant of industrial wastes before and after the change of its treatment procedure. Bulk atmospheric deposition, surface soil, suspended particulate matter and groundwater were collected after the plant changed main operation to waste crushing and volume reduction. Their heavy metals content were comparatively investigated with the previous results obtained when it was burning wastes. The bulk heavy metals deposition showed a clear distance-related attenuation both in burning and crushing periods, indicating that the plant was the main emissions source in either case. High concentrations of heavy metals in suspended particles, soil, and groundwater during the crushing period indicated their diffusion to water environment over time. The bulk atmospheric heavy metals deposition decreased significantly, 0.20~ 0.49 times for Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb and 0.69~0.94 times for Cr, during the crushing period than burning period. However, change of their enrichment factors was not significant. It may indicate that the pollution state did not change qualitatively in a bulk deposition basis and quantitatively in a depositing particle basis. The results showed that heavy metals deposition is dominated by suspended and precipitated particulate matters that adsorb and transport the metals.

Heavy metal(loid)s and organic contaminants in groundwater in the Pearl River Delta that has undergone three decades of urbanization and industrialization: Distributions, sources, and driving forces

Urbanization and industrialization have increased groundwater resource demands, and may drive the change of heavy metal(loid)s and organic chemicals in groundwater in the Pearl River Delta (PRD), southern China. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the distributions, sources, and driving forces of heavy metal(loid)s and organic chemicals in groundwater in the PRD is vital for water resource management in this region. In this study, eight heavy metal(loid)s and fifty-five organic chemicals in groundwater across the PRD were investigated. The results show that undrinkable groundwater related to heavy metal(loid)s was mainly due to high concentrations of Fe (19.3%) and As (6.8%). Eighteen organic contaminants were detected in groundwater in the PRD, where the most frequently detected organic contaminant was naphthalene, and its detection rate was 2.51%. In 5.3% of all groundwater samples, one or more organic contaminants were found. All detected organic contaminants, except ones without allowable limits, in groundwater were at concentrations below allowable limits of China. The mean concentrations of heavy metal(loid)s in granular aquifers were higher than those in fissured and karst aquifers, especially for Fe and As. Except Se, the mean concentrations of other heavy metal(loid)s and the frequency of detection of organic contaminants in groundwater in urbanized and peri-urban areas were higher than those in non-urbanized areas, especially for Hg, Co, and organic contaminants. Fe, As, and Se in groundwater mainly originated from the release of Fe/As/Se rich sediments. The former two were driven by reduction reactions, while the latter was driven by oxidation resulting from the infiltration of NO₃^-. In contrast, other five heavy metal(loid)s and organic contaminants in groundwater mainly originated from the anthropogenic sources, such as the infiltration of industrial sewage. It is evident that urbanization and industrialization are two powerful driving forces for heavy metal(loid)s and organic contaminants in groundwater in the PRD.

Geospatial distribution of metal(loid)s and human health risk assessment due to intake of contaminated groundwater around an industrial hub of northern India

The study focused on analyzing concentrations of metal(loid)s, their geospatial distribution in groundwater around an industrial hub of northern India. Human health risk posed due to the intake of contaminated groundwater was also evaluated. For this, 240 samples were assayed using inductively coupled plasma emission spectrophotometer. For risk assessment, the methodology proposed by US Environmental Protection Agency was adopted. Geometric mean of Al, As, Mo, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn was 193.13, 27.35, 4.22, 2.85, 92.81, 14.97, 271.78, 25.76, 54.75, 19.50, 16.94, and 1830.27 μg/l, respectively. Levels of Al (84%), As (63%), Ni (63%), Pb (49%), and Se (41%) exceeded the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Principal component analysis is accounted for ~ 88% of the total variance and reflected pollution loads of Al, As, Mo, Cr, Fe, Se, and Pb in the groundwater. Based on it, four sources of metal(loid)s, namely geogenic (34.55%), mixed (industrial and agricultural, 26.76%), waste dumping (15.31%), and industrial (11.25%) were identified. Semi-variogram mapping model demonstrated significant geospatial variations of the metal(loid)s. Hazard index (HI) suggested potential non-carcinogenic risks to the inhabitants due to As, Al, Ni, Se, and Pb, which were the largest contributors. Based on maximum concentrations of metal(loid)s, HI for child and adult was above unity. Arsenic was identified as the most hazardous pollutant that may have chronic carcinogenic health implications. At western side of study area, carcinogenic health risks exceeded critical threshold of 1 × 10^-4, indicating that As posed health risks to residents by intake of groundwater.

Optimizing surface and contributing areas of bioretention cells for stormwater runoff quality and quantity management

Bioretention cells (BCs) have received increasing attention in stormwater quality and quantity management. Selecting a suitable implementation level of BCs to concurrently achieve multiple performance targets (e.g., first flush reduction, peak flow reduction, and runoff volume reduction) is essential and often challenging. This study proposes a method for formulating suitable sizing criteria for multi-objective stormwater management. The performance of BCs of different areas is assessed first using the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) and then look-up curves (i.e., the performance target versus the required area of BCs) for each of the performance targets and the multi-objective cases are derived. In some cases, the available area of BCs is limited; to account for the multi-objective management interests and maximize the system-wide benefits, an optimal contributing drainage area for BCs should be selected. A method is therefore developed to solve this optimization problem. A case study of Hong Kong shows that the required area of BCs increases non-linearly with increased performance targets. With a limited area of BCs, larger contributing areas are favorable if no special emphasis is placed on the intensive control of peak flow reduction. Design standards (e.g., the intensity of the design storm), evaluation methods (e.g., depth threshold of the initial portion of runoff), and management preference all exert some influence on the resultant sizing criteria and optimization results. Carefully selecting these catchment-specific evaluation methods should lead to more appropriate sizing criteria and thus promote more efficient BC adoption.

Assessment of stream water chemistry and impact of geothermal fluid in the up-Buyuk Menderes Basin, Turkey

The discharge of geothermal fluid into the natural water environment may lead to serious damages. In this study, the impact of geothermal waste water on surface water has been investigated in the up-Buyuk Menderes River, Turkey. Thermal return water from district heating and from thermal bath in the Sandıklı region were the most important source of major solutes and trace elements to the up-Buyuk Menderes River and tributaries. The thermal contribution causes a drastic increase in Na, SO₄ ions, EC, and temperature of surface waters. The concentrations of As, Al, B, Fe, Cr, Li, S, P, Pb, U, Mn, and Zn are increasing dramatically downstream of thermal water inputs in the Kufi Creek tributary. In addition to natural thermal water inputs, water quality was impacted by anthropogenic trace and major element inputs from surface waters. The increased of some trace elements (Al, As, B, Cu, Cd, Fe, Mn, P, U) in surface water are related to anthropogenic activities such as agricultural activities, sewage effluents, and stockyards in the study area. Additionally, surface water quality of the up-Buyuk Menderes River and tributaries was evaluated according to standards given by the Environmental Protection Agency of both Turkey and USA. Our study demonstrates the influence of thermal water inputs on water quality of surface waters.

Assessment of major ions and trace elements in groundwater supplied to the Monterrey metropolitan area, Nuevo León, Mexico

The Monterrey metropolitan area (MMA) is the third greatest urban area and the second largest economic city of Mexico. More than four million people living in this megacity use groundwater for drinking, industrial and household purposes. Thus, major ion and trace element content were assessed in order to investigate the main hydrochemical properties of groundwater and determine if groundwater of the area poses a threat to the MMA population. Hierarchical cluster analysis using all the groundwater chemical data showed five groups of water. The first two groups were classified as recharge waters (Ca-HCO₃) coming from the foothills of mountain belts. The third group was also of Ca-HCO₃ water type flowing through lutites and limestones. Transition zone waters of group four (Ca-HCO₃-SO₄) flow through the valley of Monterrey, whereas discharge waters of group 5 (Ca-SO₄) were found toward the north and northeast of the MMA. Principal component analysis performed in groundwater data indicates four principal components (PCs). PC1 included major ions Si, Co, Se, and Zn, suggesting that these are derived by rock weathering. Other trace elements such as As, Mo, Mn, and U are coupled in PC2 because they show redox-sensitive properties. PC3 indicates that Pb and Cu could be the less mobile elements in groundwater. Although groundwater supplied to MMA showed a high-quality, high mineralized waters of group 5 have NO₃^- concentrations higher than the maximum value proposed by international guidelines and SO₄^2-, NO₃^-, and total dissolved solid concentrations higher than the maximum levels allowed by the Mexican normative.

Evaluations of groundwater contamination by leachates around Olusosun open dumpsite in Lagos metropolis, southwest Nigeria

A major cause of groundwater pollution in urban areas is contamination by leachates emanating from municipal solid waste dumpsites. The study evaluated the quality of water of selected boreholes and wells around Olusosun open solid waste dumpsite in Lagos metropolis, using water quality index (WQI) rating and geospatial techniques. Water samples were randomly collected from fifteen boreholes and five wells downslopes of the dumpsite. The samples were analysed for the physico-chemical parameters and heavy metals. Factor Analysis was employed to analyse the information content of the water quality indicators to determine their appropriateness for indexing. The spatial distribution of the WQIs determined using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation procedure. Results showed that the waters were generally acidic with 85% of pH values below the range suggested by WHO for drinking water. All samples contained concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) in quantities higher than the recommended limit of 2.0 mg/l (average = 4.97 mg/l), while 40% of the samples contained concentration of K above the recommended limit. The concentration of heavy metals was generally low. The major cations (Mg, Na, and K) were highly positively correlated, and were positively correlated with pH, TA, TAL, TH and Cl. Negative correlations were observed between TDS, NO3(-) and PO4(3-); NO3(-) and Ag; and DO with the heavy metals. Eighteen parameters consisting of pH, EC, TDS, TA, TAL, TH, Cl, NO3(-), PO4(3-), Mg, Na, K, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cd, Ag and Pb were found to be the main indicators of groundwater pollution caused by landfill leachate percolation. Evaluation of the WQIs indicated that 35% of the water samples were unsuitable for consumption, while 15%, 15% and 35% were in the good, very good and excellent categorises, respectively. The degree of suitability of the borehole and well waters was closely related to proximity to the dumpsite. It is imperative that appropriate remediation strategies are adopted to forestall further contamination of the groundwater by leachates in the area.

Significance of groundwater discharge along the coast of Poland as a source of dissolved metals to the southern Baltic Sea

Fluxes of dissolved trace metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) via groundwater discharge along the southern Baltic Sea have been assessed for the first time. Dissolved metal concentrations in groundwater samples were less variable than in seawater and were generally one or two orders of magnitude higher: Cd (2.1-2.8nmolL(-1)), Co (8.70-8.76nmolL(-1)), Cr (18.1-18.5nmolL(-1)), Mn (2.4-2.8μmolL(-1)), Pb (1.2-1.5nmolL(-1)), Zn (33.1-34.0nmolL(-1)). Concentrations of Cu (0.5-0.8nmolL(-1)) and Ni (4.9-5.8nmolL(-1)) were, respectively, 32 and 4 times lower, than in seawater. Groundwater-derived trace metal fluxes constitute 93% for Cd, 80% for Co, 91% for Cr, 6% for Cu, 66% for Mn, 4% for Ni, 70% for Pb and 93% for Zn of the total freshwater trace metal flux to the Bay of Puck. Groundwater-seawater mixing, redox conditions and Mn-cycling are the main processes responsible for trace metal distribution in groundwater discharge sites.

Impacts of human activity modes and climate on heavy metal "spread" in groundwater are biased

Groundwater quality deterioration has attracted world-wide concerns due to its importance for human water supply. Although more and more studies have shown that human activities and climate are changing the groundwater status, an investigation on how different groundwater heavy metals respond to human activity modes (e.g. mining, waste disposal, agriculture, sewage effluent and complex activity) in a varying climate has been lacking. Here, for each of six heavy metals (i.e. Fe, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cd and Cu) in groundwater, we use >330 data points together with mixed-effect models to indicate that (i) human activity modes significantly influence the Cu and Mn but not Zn, Fe, Pb and Cd levels, and (ii) annual mean temperature (AMT) only significantly influences Cu and Pb levels, while annual precipitation (AP) only significantly affects Fe, Cu and Mn levels. Given these differences, we suggest that the impacts of human activity modes and climate on heavy metal "spread" in groundwater are biased.

Enrichment and mechanisms of heavy metal mobility in a coastal quaternary groundwater system of the Pearl River Delta, China

The risks posed by heavy metal mobilization strongly depend on the pathways that the metals follow, with the sediment-water pathway representing a direct risk to groundwater contamination. Monitoring and sequential extraction experiments in the laboratory generally have limitations with respect to understanding the mechanisms of heavy metal mobilization in the field. The Quaternary coastal groundwater system of the Pearl River Delta, China was chosen as the study area to understand heavy metal enrichment and mobility. Heavy metals including V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ba, Pb, Mo, Cd, Sr, Ga, Ge, Rb, and Cs in both sediments and groundwater were analyzed. Geochemical parameters including Fe2O3, MnO, sedimentary organic matter, and carbonate content as well as hydrochemical parameters including K(+), Na(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), NH4(+), SO4(2-), Cl(-), HCO3(-), pH, TDS, and dissolved organic carbon were also measured. The enrichment of heavy metals in the solid sediment phase as well as the mobilization mechanisms of heavy metals in groundwater are discussed as informed by Pearson's correlation analysis. Hydrochemical analyses demonstrated that the mobility of V, Ba, Cr, Rb, and Cs is closely related to the decomposition of buried sedimentary organic matter; the mobility of Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd is closely linked with the reductive dissolution of Fe-Mn oxides; and the mobility of Co, Ni, Cu, Ba, Zn, Pb, Cd, Mn, Sr and Ga is probably controlled by ion exchange processes. This study demonstrates that heavy metal mobility in the field is not entirely consistent with the potential mobility as indicated by sediment analysis, due to the complicated hydrogeochemical conditions in the groundwater system, and suggests that comprehensive geochemical and hydrochemical studies are useful ways to understand the mobility mechanisms of heavy metals in the field.

Assessment of metal contamination in groundwater and soils in the Ahangaran mining district, west of Iran

In this study, 28 groundwater and 13 soil samples from Ahangaran mining district in Hamedan Province, west of Iran were collected to evaluate the level of contamination. Average concentrations of As, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Sb, and Ni in groundwater samples were 1.39, 3.73, 2.18, 9.37, 2.35, 4.44, and 5.50 μg/L (wet season), and 11.64, 4.92, 4.32, 14.77, 5.43, 4.12, and 0.98 μg/L (dry season), respectively. Results of groundwater samples analysis showed that the average of analyzed metals in the wet and dry seasons were below the permissible limits, except As in the dry season which displays concentrations that exceed US EPA water quality criteria recommended for drinking water. Also, the heavy metal pollution index (HPI) values in each sampling station were less than the critical index limit and were suitable for drinking. Factor analysis revealed that variables influential to groundwater quality in one season may not be as important in another season. Average concentrations of Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb, and Zn in soil samples were 2.61, 31.44, 0.51, 55.90, 1284.9, 21.26, and 156.04 mg kg(-1), respectively. The results of the geoaccumulation index (I geo) showed the following decreasing order: Pb > Zn > Cu > As > Sb > Cd > Ag. Potential ecological risk index (RI) suggests that the contamination in the investigated area is moderate to very high risk and the ranking of the contaminants in decreasing order is Ag > Sb > Pb > Cd > As > Cu > Zn.

Human health risk assessment via drinking water pathway due to metal contamination in the groundwater of Subarnarekha River Basin, India

Groundwater samples were collected from 30 sampling sites throughout the Subarnarekha River Basin for source apportionment and risk assessment studies. The concentrations of As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, Sr, V and Zn were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results demonstrated that concentrations of the metals showed significant spatial variation with some of the metals like As, Mn, Fe, Cu and Se exceeding the drinking water standards at some locations. Principal component analysis (PCA) outcome of four factors that together explained 84.99 % of the variance with >1 initial eigenvalue indicated that both innate and anthropogenic activities are contributing factors as source of metal in groundwater of Subarnarekha River Basin. Risk of metals on human health was then evaluated using hazard quotients (HQ) and cancer risk by ingestion for adult and child, and it was indicated that Mn was the most important pollutant leading to non-carcinogenic concerns. The carcinogenic risk of As for adult and child was within the acceptable cancer risk value of 1 × 10(-4). The largest contributors to chronic risks were Mn, Co and As. Considering the geometric mean concentration of metals, the hazard index (HI) for adult was above unity. Considering all the locations, the HI varied from 0.18 to 11.34 and 0.15 to 9.71 for adult and child, respectively, suggesting that the metals posed hazard by oral intake considering the drinking water pathway.

Annual and seasonal variability of metals and metalloids in urban and industrial soils in Alcalá de Henares (Spain)

Contamination of urban and industrial soils with trace metals has been recognized as a major concern at local, regional and global levels due to their implication on human health. In this study, concentrations of aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), thallium (Tl), vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn) were determined in soil samples collected in Alcalá de Henares (Madrid, Spain) in order to evaluate the annual and seasonal variation in their levels. The results show that the soils of the industrial area have higher metals concentrations than the urban area. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the two principal sources of trace metal contamination, especially Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the urban soils of Alcalá can be attributed to traffic emissions, while As, Ni and Be primarily originated from industrial discharges. The seasonal variation analysis has revealed that the emission sources in the industrial area remain constant with time. However, in urban areas, both emissions and emission pathways significantly increase over time due to ongoing development. Currently, there is no hypothesis that explains the small seasonal fluctuations of trace metals in soils, since there are many factors affecting this. Owing to the fact that urban environments are becoming the human habitat, it would therefore be advisable to monitor metals and metalloids in urban soils because of the potential risks to human health.

Establishing the importance of human health risk assessment for metals and metalloids in urban environments

Rapid development, industrialisation, and urbanisation have resulted in serious contamination of soil by metals and metalloids from anthropogenic sources in many areas of the world, either directly or indirectly. Exponential urban and economic development has resulted in human populations settling in urban areas and as a result being exposed to these pollutants. Depending on the nature of the contaminant, contaminated urban soils can have a deleterious effect on the health of exposed populations and may require decontamination, recovery, remediation and restoration. Therefore, human health risk assessments in urban environments are very important. In the case of Spain, there are few studies regarding risk assessment of trace elements in urban soils, and those that exist have been derived mainly from areas potentially exposed to industrial contamination or in the vicinity of point pollution. The present study analysed Al, As, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Ti, Tl, V and Zn soil concentrations in and around the city of Alcalá de Henares (35 km NE of Madrid). Soil samples were collected in public parks and recreation areas within the city and in an industrial area on the periphery of the city. From these results, an assessment of the health risk for the population was performed following the methodology described by the US EPA (1989). In general, it was observed that there could be a potential increased risk of developing cancer over a lifetime from exposure to arsenic (As) through ingestion of the soils studied (oral intake), as well as an increased risk of cancer due to inhalation of chromium (Cr) present in re-suspended soils from the industrial area. Our group has previously reported (Granero and Domingo, 2002; Peña-Fernández et al., 2003) that there was an increased risk of developing cancer following exposure to As in the same soils in a previous study. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the levels of contaminants in these soils, especially As and Cr as these have been found to exceed safe levels for human health.

Molybdenum distributions and variability in drinking water from England and Wales

An investigation has been carried out of molybdenum in drinking water from a selection of public supply sources and domestic taps across England and Wales. This was to assess concentrations in relation to the World Health Organization (WHO) health-based value for Mo in drinking water of 70 μg/l and the decision to remove the element from the list of formal guideline values. Samples of treated drinking water from 12 water supply works were monitored up to four times over an 18-month period, and 24 domestic taps were sampled from three of their supply areas. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were apparent in Mo concentration between sources. Highest concentrations were derived from groundwater from a sulphide-mineralised catchment, although concentrations were only 1.5 μg/l. Temporal variability within sites was small, and no seasonal effects (p > 0.05) were detected. Tap water samples collected from three towns (North Wales, the English Midlands, and South East England) supplied uniquely by upland reservoir water, river water, and Chalk groundwater, respectively, also showed a remarkable uniformity in Mo concentrations at each location. Within each, the variability was very small between houses (old and new), between pre-flush and post-flush samples, and between the tap water and respective source water samples. The results indicate that water distribution pipework has a negligible effect on supplied tap water Mo concentrations. The findings contrast with those for Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, and Cd, which showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in concentrations between pre-flush and post-flush tap water samples. In two pre-flush samples, concentrations of Ni or Pb were above drinking water limits, although in all cases, post-flush waters were compliant. The high concentrations, most likely derived from metal pipework in the domestic distribution system, accumulated during overnight stagnation. The concentrations of Mo observed in British drinking water, in all cases less than 2 μg/l, were more than an order of magnitude below the WHO health-based value and suggest that Mo is unlikely to pose a significant health or water supply problem in England and Wales.

Sources of mercury in groundwater and soils of west Gijón (Asturias, NW Spain)

This work aimed to determine the cause of the presence of high concentrations of mercury in several springs that exhibit a low concentration of metals in the bedrocks of their recharge areas in Gijón, NW Spain and the extent of this contamination. On the basis of geological mapping, different lithological substrata were analysed at the regional scale with the objective of establishing the base level of mercury in natural soils. The mercury content was simultaneously analysed in several water samples, and the following parameters were also determined: major anions and cations, As, Pb, δ(34)S, and δ(18)OSO4. The soils of the recharge area of the springs exhibited Hg concentrations that were higher than the base level established for sandstone at the regional level, and four of the total number of springs analysed exhibited Hg concentrations higher than 1 μg/l. In addition, the sulphate concentration exceeded the values that this type of aquifer shows in other parts of the region. A comparison between the regionally geochemical background of soils and mercury concentration in springs and soils of the study area did not exhibit a direct relationship, suggesting an anthropogenic and timely origin (most likely from industrial emissions) for this metal. The δ(34)S and δ(18)OSO4 values of dissolved sulphate from the springs with a higher Hg concentration also indicate an anthropogenic origin.

Occurrence and distribution of selected heavy metals and boron in groundwater of the Gulf of Khambhat region, Gujarat, India

The concentration of selected heavy metals, like As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn as well as B, was measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) in groundwater samples from various locations in the Gulf of Khambhat (GoK), an inlet of the Arabian Sea in the state of Gujarat, India, during post-monsoon, winter, and pre-monsoon seasons in a year. Most heavy elements are characterized by low mobility under slightly alkaline and reducing conditions; concentrations in confined aquifers are smaller than the maximum permissible values for drinking water. The temporal changes indicate that a majority of metals is entering the aquifer during monsoon. Principle component analysis of the heavy metal data suggests that Co, Cu, Cd, and Zn are interrelated with each other and derived significantly from anthropogenic route, while input of Pb and Cr may be due to atmospheric deposition in the study area. Both weathering of rocks and anthropogenic input were found to be main sources of elements in the groundwater. The heavy metal levels in groundwaters of the GoK region in comparison with some of the European and Asian sites were higher; however, these metal levels were found to be comparable with few urban sites in the world.

Appraisal of heavy metals in groundwater in Chennai city using a HPI model

Heavy metal contamination in Chennai city was evaluated using a heavy metal pollution index (HPI) model in conjunction with the spatial distribution maps. Metals such as Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in the groundwater were determined using standard methods and the resultant data was utilized in the development of a HPI model. The metal concentrations showed a dominance in the order of Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Cd respectively. About 14.3 % of the samples (n = 2), exhibited high HPI (>38) and the highest value, HPI = 97.55, has been recorded from Thiruvanmiyur area. Statistical analysis revealed a positive correlation between metals such as Cd and Cr (r = 0.606), Cd and Cu (r = 0.601), Cr and Cu (r = 0.464) and Pb and Zn (r = 0.416), suggested their common origin. The spatial distribution maps of heavy metals and the HPI suggested that the SW region, especially Adyar and Thiruvanmiyur regions are highly contaminated with the metals. Industrialisation and improper waste dumping were identified as the major cause for the accumulation of metals in the groundwater of Chennai city.

Hydrogeochemical characterization of contaminated groundwater in Patancheru industrial area, southern India

The groundwater is one of the most contaminated natural resources in Patancheru industrial area due to unplanned and haphazard industrial growth and urbanization without following basic pollution control norms. The rapid industrialization initiated in early 1970 has started showing up its after effects few years later in the form of physiochemical contamination of the both surface and groundwater bodies of the area. It has resulted in local people being deprived of safe drinking water, plant and aquatic life has severely affected, and situation is deteriorating over the years in the area in spite of some preventive and remedial measures being initiated. The focus of the present study is to understand the chemical characteristics of groundwater and geochemical processes the contaminant water is undergoing which are normally imprinted in its ionic assemblages. The water samples collected in pre- and post-monsoon seasons from forty two groundwater and four surface water sources were analyzed for major constituents such as Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Na(+), K(+), CO (3) (-) , HCO (3) (-) , Cl(-), SO (4) (2-) , NO (3) (-) , and F(-), and selected samples were tested for ten important trace metals like Fe, Pb, Bi, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Cd. Na(+) among cations and Cl(-) among anions dominate the water in both the seasons where as Ca(2+), HCO (3) (-) , and Cl(-) show significant reduction in their ionic strength in post-monsoon. The groundwater in general is of mixed type, but most of it belong to Na(+)-Cl(-), Na(+)-HCO (3) (-) , Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-HCO (3) (-) , and Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-Cl(-) facies. The Na(+) and Ca(2+) are in the transitional state with Na(+) replacing Ca(2+) and HCO (3) (-) -Cl(-) due to physiochemical changes in the aquifer system. The evaluation of hydrochemistry through various ionic indices, ratios, and plots suggest that silicate-carbonate weathering, ion exchange, dissolution, and evaporation processes are responsible for origin of the present chemical status of the groundwater which is also controlled by the contamination from extraneous sources that could have accelerated the dissolution processes. Gibbs plots authenticate that the evolution of water chemistry is influenced by interaction of percolating water with aquifer matrix apart from anthropogenic enrichment of elements which get over concentrated due to evaporation.

Trace element concentration in groundwater, Tuticorin city, Tamil Nadu, India

The aim of the present study is to investigate the pollution vulnerability of groundwater aquifers in the coastal regions of Tuticorin city, Tamil Nadu, India. Fourteen samples were analyzed to determine the concentration of trace elements (Pb, Zn, Cd, Hg, Cr and Cu) in the groundwater. Among the total samples six were collected from industrial areas and eight from non-industrial areas of Tuticorin city. The concentration of trace element ranges from 0.01 to 0.19 mg/kg(-1) for Pb, from 0.01 to 0.16 mg/kg(-1) for Zn, from BDL to 0.21 mg/kg(-1) for Cd, from BDL (Below Detection Limit) to 0.023 mg/kg(-1) for Hg, from 0.02 to 0.18 mg/kg(-1) for Cr and from 0.01 to 0.16 mg/kg(-1) for Cu. The trace element concentration in groundwater is higher than the WHO suggested maximum permissible limit except Zn and Cu.

Seasonal variations of lead, arsenic, cadmium and aluminium contamination of groundwater in Dhemaji district, Assam, India

Seasonal variations in the concentrations of groundwater with respect to arsenic, lead, cadmium and aluminium has been studied in Dhemaji district of Assam, India. The water samples were collected from 20 different sites in both dry and wet seasons. The metals were analysed by using atomic absorption spectrometer, Perkin Elmer AAnalyst 200 model. The concentrations of aluminium, lead and cadmium in groundwater were found to be significantly elevated. High concentrations of all the metals were recorded in the dry season than in the wet season. Univariate statistics along with skewness, kurtosis and confidence limit have been calculated for both the seasons to test the distribution normality for each metal. Statistical analyses of the data reveal non-uniform distribution of the metals in the area. The metal contamination of groundwater in the district follows the trend Al>Pb>Cd>As in both the seasons.

Trace element concentration in groundwater of Pesarlanka Island, Krishna Delta, India

There is a growing concern over the potential accumulation of trace element concentration in groundwater of coastal aquifer owing seawater encroachment in the last several decades. A total of 29 groundwater samples collected from Pesarlanka Island, Krishna delta, Andhra Pradesh, India were analyzed for 13 trace elements (B, V, Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Cd, Ba, and Pb) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results reveal that B, Fe, Ni, As, Sr, and Pb vary from 11.22 to 710.2, 1.25 to 684.6, 0.02 to 37.33, 27.8 to 282.3, 164.1 to 7,009, and 1.97 to 164.4 microg/l, respectively. Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, V, and Zn are almost within permissible limits for drinking water, but As, Fe, Mn, Pb, B, and Sr are above the permissible limit. The toxic element Pb is 1.64 times more than the maximum permissible limits of drinking water. The minimum value of As is also 2.78 times more, whereas the maximum is 28.2 times the permissible limit. The spatial distributions of alkaline earths (Sr, Ba), transition metals (V, Co, Ni, Fe), metallic elements (Cu, Pb), and (As) were found in considerable variation in the entire Island. Good cross-correlations were found between As, B, Co, and Sr with total dissolved solids and among other trace elements such as B, As, Co, and Sr. The variability observed within the groundwater samples is closely connected to the sea spray input; hence, it is primarily a consequence of geographical and meteorological factors, such as distance from the ocean and time of year. The trace element levels, in particular those of heavy metals, are very low, suggesting an origin from natural sources rather than from anthropogenic contamination. A few trace elements (Sr and B) are found as sensitive parameters responding to changes in fresh to saline groundwater environment. The highly elevated trace elements in this area which may be attributed to marine sediments or death and decay of plants are presented in this paper.

Groundwater quality and hydrogeochemical properties of Torbali Region, Izmir, Turkey

The large demand for drinking, irrigation and industrial water in the region of Torbali (Izmir, Turkey) is supplied from groundwater sources. Almost every factory and farm has private wells that are drilled without permission. These cause the depletion of groundwater and limiting the usage of groundwater. This study investigates spatial and temporal change in groundwater quality, relationships between quality parameters, and sources of contamination in Torbali region. For this purpose, samples were collected from 10 different sampling points chosen according to their geological and hydrogeological properties and location relative to factories, between October 2001 and July 2002. Various physical (pH, temperature, EC), chemical (calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chloride, alkalinity, copper, chromium, cadmium, lead, zinc) and organic (nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, COD and cyanide) parameters were monitored. It was observed that the groundwater has bicarbonate alkalinity. Agricultural contamination was determined in the region, especially during the summer. Nitrite and ammonia concentrations were found to be above drinking water standard. Organic matter contamination was also investigated in the study area. COD concentrations were higher than the permissible limits during the summer months of the monitoring period.

Hydrochemistry of urban groundwater, Seoul, Korea: the impact of subway tunnels on groundwater quality

Hydrogeologic and hydrochemical data for subway tunnel seepage waters in Seoul (Republic of Korea) were examined to understand the effect of underground tunnels on the degradation of urban groundwater. A very large quantity of groundwater (up to 63 million m3 year(-1)) is discharged into subway tunnels with a total length of 287 km, resulting in a significant drop of the local groundwater table and the abandonment of groundwater wells. For the tunnel seepage water samples (n = 72) collected from 43 subway stations, at least one parameter among pathogenic microbes (total coliform, heterotrophic bacteria), dissolved Mn and Fe, NH4+, NO3(-), turbidity, and color exceeded the Korean Drinking Water Standards. Locally, tunnel seepage water was enriched in dissolved Mn (avg. 0.70 mg L(-1), max. 5.58 mg L(-1)), in addition to dissolved Fe, NH4+, and pathogenic microbes, likely due to significant inflow of sewage water from broken or leaking sewer pipes. Geochemical modeling of redox reactions was conducted to simulate the characteristic hydrochemistry of subway tunnel seepage. The results show that variations in the reducing conditions occur in urban groundwater, dependent upon the amount of organic matter-rich municipal sewage contaminating the aquifer. The organic matter facilitates the reduction and dissolution of Mn- and Fe-bearing solids in aquifers and/or tunnel construction materials, resulting in the successive increase of dissolved Mn and Fe. The present study clearly demonstrates that locally significant deterioration of urban groundwater is caused by a series of interlinked hydrogeologic and hydrochemical changes induced by underground tunnels.

Spatial distribution of trace metals in the Krka River, Croatia: an example of the self-purification

The spatial distribution of dissolved and total trace metals (Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu) in the Krka River (partly located in the Krka National Park) has been studied using a "clean" sampling, handling and analysis technique. Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) with a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) has been used for trace metal analysis. The Krka River has been divided into the upper and lower flow region with respect to the metals concentration and main physico-chemical parameters. A significant increase in trace metal concentration as the result of the untreated waste water discharge downstream of Knin Town has been registered in the upper flow region. Due to a specific characteristic of the Krka, the so-called self-purification process, a decrease in the elevated trace metals concentration from the water column takes place at numerous small lakes formed by tufa barriers (at the end of the upper flow region). The clean groundwater input at the beginning of the lower flow region additionally contributes to the observed decrease in trace metals concentration in the Krka, maintaining them at a very low level in the remaining region of fresh-water flow. The determined median total concentrations were zinc 120-7400 ng l(-1), cadmium 3-8 ng l(-1), lead 11-250 ng l(-1) and copper 110-440 ng l(-1). Karst rivers, such as the Krka River, with extremely low natural concentrations of trace metals are highly sensitive to the anthropogenic influence. Therefore, such aquatic systems require implementation of strict protection regimes in the entire catchments area.

Use of strontium isotopes to identify buried water main leakage into groundwater in a highly urbanized coastal area

Previous studies indicate that the local aquifer systems in the Mid-Levels, a highly urbanized coastal area in Hong Kong, have commonly been affected by leakage from water mains. The identification of leakage locations was done by conventional water quality parameters including major and trace elements. However, these parameters may lead to ambiguous results and fail to identify leakage locations especially where the leakage is from drinking water mains because the chemical composition of drinking water is similar to that of natural groundwater. In this study, natural groundwater, seepage in the developed spaces, leakage from water mains, and parent aquifer materials were measured for strontium isotope (87Sr/86Sr) compositions to explore the feasibility of using these ratios to better constrain the seepage sources. The results show that the 87Sr/86Sr ratios of natural groundwater and leakage from water mains are distinctly different and thus, they can provide additional information on the sources of seepage in developed spaces. A classification system based on the aqueous 87Sr/86Sr ratio is proposed for seepage source identification.