Unit 08b Advanced Hydrogeology.ppt

Unit 08b : Advanced Hydrogeology Groundwater Chemistry Groundwater Analysis It is not feasible (or sensible) to attempt to measure all possible constituents present in groundwaters. A “routine” analysis involves measuring a standard set of constituents. The “routine” analysis forms the basis for assessing the suitability of the water for human consumption or various agricultural and industrial uses. Major Constituents ( 5 mg/L) Calcium Magnesium Sodium Bicarbonate Chloride Sulphate pH Alkalinity TDS Conductivity Total Hardness Silicon Carbonic Acid Other Reported Results pH is routinely recorded that measures the hydrogen ion concentration (-log[H+]). Conductivity (electrical) is routinely measured in mS/m (TDS ? 0.66 Ec). TDS is the total dissolved solids measured as the residue on evaporation. Total alkalinity (expressed as mg/L CaCO3) measures the acid-neutralizing capacity of a water sample. It is an aggregate property, primarily due to the carbonate, bicarbonate, and hydroxide content. Total hardness (expressed as mg/L CaCO3) is another aggregate property of a water sample. Hardness measures the concentration of multivalent cations, particularly calcium and magnesium. Minor Constituents (0.01 to 10 mg/L) Potassium Iron Ammonium Carbonate Fluoride Bromide Nitrate/Nitrite Carbon Dioxide Oxygen Boron Strontium Trace Constituents ( 100 mg/L) Li 3 Be 4 Al 13 Sc 21 Ti 22 Cr 24 Mn 25 Co 27 Ni 28 Cu 29 Ru 44 Ag 47 Cd 48 In 49 Sn 50 Sb 51 Cs 55 Ba 56 La 57 Ce 58 Organic Constituents Humic acid Fulvic Acid Carbohydrates Amino Acids Tannins Lignins Hydrocarbons Acetate Propionate Routine Analysis A “routine” analysis usually includes all the major constituents (except carbonic acid). All the minor constituents (except B and Sr that tend to be regarded as trace consituents) are also to be expected. Example Routine Analysis mg/L Calcium 1 Magnesium 1 Sodium 550 Potassium 3.5 Iron 8.7 Total Hardness 8 _______________________ pH 7.7 Conductivity 23 mS/m