The chemistry of Norwegian groundwaters: II. The chemistry of 72 groundwaters from quaternary sedimentary aquifers

Banks, D. , Midtgård, A.K., Frengstad, B., Krog, J.R. and Strand, T. (1998) The chemistry of Norwegian groundwaters: II. The chemistry of 72 groundwaters from quaternary sedimentary aquifers. Science of the Total Environment, 222(1-2), pp. 93-105. (doi: 10.1016/S0048-9697(98)00292-7)

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Abstract

Seventy-two samples of groundwater derived from Norwegian Quaternary (largely glaciofluvial or glacial) aquifers were analysed for a wide range of major and minor hydrochemical parameters. The waters exhibit a relatively uncomplex evolution from Na-Cl dominated, immature waters (which reflect marine salts in precipitation) to Ca-HCO3 dominated waters via calcite dissolution. The median pH of these waters is 7.37, in contrast to similar waters from crystalline bedrock aquifers with a median pH of 8.07. The water samples provide little evidence of significant acidification or sulphatisation of groundwaters by `acid rain'. In fact, a positive correlation emerges between non-marine sulphate and alkalinity/pH, suggesting dominantly lithological sources for non-marine sulphate. No groundwaters from Quaternary deposits exceed maximum recommended concentrations for Rn, F− and Na, while 10% fall outside the required pH range. This again contrasts with bedrock aquifers where 30% of waters are non-compliant with respect to one or more of these parameters.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Banks, Mr David
Authors: Banks, D., Midtgård, A.K., Frengstad, B., Krog, J.R., and Strand, T.
Subjects:Q Science > QD Chemistry
Q Science > QE Geology
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
Journal Name:Science of the Total Environment
ISSN:0048-9697

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