Identifying local and regional groundwater in basins: chemical and stable isotopic attributes of multivariate classification of hydrochemical data,the Lower Virgin River Basin,Nevada, Arizona and Utah,U.S.A

In the Basin and Range Province of the Southwestern U.S.A., deep carbonate groundwater has been suggested as a significant source to many overlying basin-fill alluvial aquifer systems. Notwithstanding, testing this hypothesis is limited by obtaining data from such considerable depths and complex geology.

This study uses δ²H and δ¹⁸O data from springs, rivers, and wells tapping shallow basin-fill groundwater to test the hydrochemical interpretation of deep regional carbonate groundwater flow into the basin-fill aquifers. Stable isotopic and major ion attributes of hydrochemical facies suggest basin-fill alluvial groundwater of the Lower Virgin River Basin is a mixture of precipitation recharge within the Lower Virgin River Basin or the Clover and Escalante Desert Basin northwards, and the deep carbonate flow. The data support the conclusions that in the Lower Virgin River Basin, deep carbonate groundwater is an important source to the alluvial aquifer system and likely accounts for approximately 50% of the alluvial aquifer groundwater. Na⁺, K⁺, and SO₄^2– increase in the basin-fill alluvial groundwaters outside the Virgin River floodplain appears to be related with upwelling of deep regional groundwater, and indicating that the chemical character of the basin-fill alluvial groundwaters are related to the deeper flow systems.     

Evaluation of the Sulfate Dynamics in Groundwater by Means of Environmental Isotopes

Abstract

Elevated sulfate concentrations and their heterogeneous distribution in the drinking water catchment area Torgau-Mockritz (Germany) were investigated by means of multiple isotope signatures such as δ³⁴S, δ¹⁸O-H₂O, δD, tritium, and ⁸⁵Kr. δ³⁴S values of the groundwater sulfate vary between -19…+ 37‰ CDT. No simple correlation exists between sulfate concentrations and δ³⁴S. Superimposition of different sulfur sources and mobilization processes combined with a complicated groundwater movement create a complex distribution pattern. The oxidation of reduced sedimentary sulfur has to be regarded as a main source of dissolved sulfate at least regionally. Tritium and ¹⁴C data revealed that old groundwater can be excluded as source for high sulfate contents. Correlated temporal variations in the concentrations of tritium and sulfate are observed in deeper sampling positions. Highly variable δ¹⁸O and δD, as detected in parts of the catchment area, indicate local influences of surface water infiltration into the aquifer. The spatial distribution of isotope signatures enables the identification of zones with descending younger water or hindered groundwater movement and hence provides useful hints for flow modeling.     

Nachruf Prof. Hübner

Abstract

Representative water samples were collected from different oases in the western desert of Egypt to examine characteristics of Egyptian groundwater. Chemical data recognized two basic groundwater types; alkali bicarbonate and alkali chloride, where sodium has the highest concentration. For each region the median SD, δ¹⁸ 0 and ionic strength of water calculated from their chemical analyses are recorded and plotted.

Generally, the results of isotopic content measurements of the groundwaters from the different oases in the western desert indicate the fossile origin of these waters. The values of δD and δ¹⁸ 0 of the western desert oases' waters are characteristic of old paleowaters from the Nubian sand aquifer. Modern sparse rainfall data suggest that any precipitation will exhibit moderate to large positive isotopic content enrichments and cannot be a source for these waters. They have been in no connection with the Nile water, moreover the change in isotopic composition is due to evaporation which is now ineffective at deeper levels.     

Radiotracer Evaluation of Laterite and Coal-Ash Dust Discharged into Environment

Abstract

In Elbasan steel plant a large quantity of dust is discharged into the environment by laterite fluidized bed calciner and the coal boiler for steam production.

By means of radiotracers the erosion of the laterite in the fluidized bed calciner was estimated experimentally. Based on the experimental data a mathematical model has been constructed for the erosion, which permits calculation of the mass of the dust deriving from erosion when the granulometric composition of the mineral on entry to the calciner is known.

The efficiency of two types of cyclones in laterite calciner and coal boiler, for three granulometric classes of laterite dust and coal-ash was studied.

Ways for reducing the quantity of dust discharged into environment are proposed.     

Sulphur and Oxygen Isotopic Composition of Sulphates in Springs Feeding the Wieprz River and Other Springs of Lublin Upland and Roztocze

Abstract

Springs on Roztocze and Lublin Upland have been studied. Isotopic data are compared with data of chemical analyses. The results of studies allow us to distinguish five types of groundwaters. The differentiation is based upon different lithology; opokas, gaizes, sandy-silty-clay deposits, sands with shell sandstones, marly opokas, marly limestones and soft limestones of chalk type. A correlation can be observed between δ³⁴S and the concentration of Ca or Mg ions also a correlation between HCO₃ ^? ion concentration and δ¹⁸O in sulphates. Probably these correlations are the result of some simultaneous processes, which occur in groundwater. The seasonal variations of the isotopic composition and sulphate concentration were observed in four springs feeding the upper Wieprz. The variations were simultaneous and often similar in these springs. Probably, these variations are caused by the admixture of sulphates coming from shallow water layers (or leached from soil); however the variations of the groundwater level may also change chemical and isotopic composition in groundwater.     

Sulphur and Oxygen Isotopes in Sulphates in Natural Waters: (2) Deep-Waters from Horizons Below Baltic Sea Floor

Abstract

In this paper we consider deep waters from horizons located under the Baltic-Sea bottom. The samples were taken twice from wells bored in Hel peninsula. The δ¹⁸O and δD values of these waters show their glacial origin since they have significantly low values (δ¹⁸O from ?14 to ?11 whereas the modern groundwaters in Gdańsk area have ?10%₀). In contrast to surface waters the sulphates dissolved in these deep waters have rather high and uniform δ¹⁸O values which are correlated with δ¹⁸O of H₂O but not correlated with δ³⁴S. The isotope patterns may be explained assuming that the waters are very old, in which the slow process of oxygen isotope exchange at low temperatures, but extended in time, could enrich the sulphate in heavier oxygen isotopes.     

Interpretation of environmental tracer data for conceptual understanding of groundwater flow: an application for fractured aquifer systems in the Kłodzko Basin,Sudetes, Poland

Environmental isotopes and hydrogeological data have been used for the construction of a conceptual model of fresh groundwater flow in the K?odzko Basin, Sudetes, Poland. The model has allowed the verification of a groundwater circulation scheme resulting from the general morphological assumptions and the recharge role to the surrounding mountains. Combined interpretation of the tritium ages and the isotopic altitude effect allowed determining the volume of water-bearing rock V_r and hydrogeological parameters of systems drained by springs and wells. Prior to the final determination of the recharge zone of individual objects, calculations were made for the thickness of the flow zone (h) and the distance from the recharge zone to the drainage point (L). The recharge areas for springs are located within a distance of 1–1.5 km and are characterized by a width of 0.75–1.65 km. The recharge area of wells is located in significantly longer distances of 2.1–12 km but yet definitely lower width. The recharge of groundwater from the Western direction seems to be obvious for all the wells and springs located westward from Nysa K?odzka River. The eastern component of the recharge appeared during the interpretation of the well in D?ugopole.

Dedicated to Professor Peter Fritz on the occasion of his 80th birthday     

Informationsmöglichkeiten Des Radons in Unterirdischen Wässern

Abstract

The paper deals with the correlation between the Rn-concentration in underground waters and the Ra-concentration in these waters, but also the correlation between Rn-concentration in these waters and Rn-concentrations of gases in rocks around these waters. Essential for the Rn-concentration is the Ra-concentration only in such water which has an extraordinarily high Ra-concentration.

It is mentioned that ²¹⁰Pb-activity is not in balance with the Rn-activity. Solid surfaces absorb this isotope. This absorption was proved by experiments: A sample was kept in a closed bottle for eleven years, and then the concentration of ²¹⁰Pb in this water-sample was measured. Also ²¹⁰Pb and its “daughter-atoms” were searched for on the inside of the bottle. Also measurements of the Rn-concentration and other parameters were carried out in mineral springs near the river Tschicherte. The results will influence the decision, whether a health-resort will be built in this region or not.     

Paleoclimatology

The Lamas Basin is an area covering ～4400 km² situated on the eastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey covered with highly karstified limestone and dolomitic limestone from the Miocene and Mesozoic age, respectively. Owing to the area’s low karstification basement, groundwater in the karst aquifer circulates deep from the surface towards the springs along the coast as well as to the submarine springs. This study aims working out the salinization level and recharge characteristics of the Lamas Basin using environmental isotopes techniques. In the study, the data collected previously to discover, in general terms, the groundwater characteristics within the area are reanalyzed to fulfil the purpose of the study. In conclusion, it is found that the down gradient karst springs discharging along the Mediterranean coast mostly contain groundwater contributions from higher altitudes with depleted δ¹⁸O and δ²H compositions. The δ¹⁸O-altitude effect was determined as approximately?0.12 ‰/100 m which may indicate sea-spray intrusion towards inland. As a result, the salinization level of coastal springs changes ranging between 1.2 % and 17.0 %. Owing to the seawater encroachment, Ca–HCO₃ water type changes to Na–HCO₃ or Na-Cl water by the cation exchange during the dry period. As the unique freshwater potential extends along the coastal area, the groundwater production should be exploited in a way that seawater encroachment is kept at minimum.     

Kontamination und Schutz Des Grundwassers in Der Nähe Von Atomkraftwerken

Abstract

The influence of diffusion, dispersion, retardation and their correlation with groundwater velocities, porosity and radioactivity is discussed in relation to nuclear power plants and their potential influence on groundwater pollution.     

Sulfur Isotopic Composition of H2S and SO4 2− from Mineral Springs in the Polish Carpathians

Abstract

A number of springs in Carpathian Mts. contain dissolved H₂S and SO₄ ^2- in concentrations above 10 mg/dm³. In this study we have investigated the sulfur isotope composition (δ³⁴S) of the dissolved sulfur species in the springs from the flysch area in the Carpathian Mts. along the tectonic dislocation. It is believed that some of these springs may carry a major fraction of dissolved sulfur species of extremely deep sulfur (of mantle origin), which is subjected to SO₄ ^2-—H₂S isotope exchange at high temperatures. The original isotopic compositions may be modified by reduction/oxidation at low temperatures and by admixture of sulfur from other sources.

In order to distinguish the sulfur of mantle origin we investigated δ³⁴S of dissolved sulfide and sulfate and on the basis of known concentrations we calculated δ³⁴S of total dissolved sulfur. The isotope fractionation between sulfate and sulfide helped to distinguish the sulfur origin. Evaluating the sulfur isotope exchange, we selected 4 springs which likely have only weakly disturbed sulfur of mantle origin.     

PB- Und Sr-Isotopensignaturen AlS Herkunftsindikatoren Für Anthropogene Und Geogene Kontaminationen

Abstract

In isotope geochemistry, natural differences in isotope abundance ratios of heavy elements (e.g. Sr, Nd, Pb) allow the use of specific isotopic signatures as tracers for these and genetically related elements. Examples of such applications in the field of anthropogeochemistry will be presented for lead and strontium.     

Combustion of slugs of propane and air moving up through an incipiently fluidized bed

A mathematical model is proposed to show the evolution of temperature, chemical composition and energy release or transfer in slugs, clouds and particulate phase, in a fluidized bed where there are slugs, of a mixture of air and propane, moving up through the particulate phase previously set in the state of incipient fluidization with air. The analysis begins as the slugs are formed at the orifices of the distributor, until they explode inside the bed or emerge at the free surface. The model also makes the analysis of what happens in the gaseous mixture that leaves the free surface of the fluidized bed until the propane is thoroughly burnt. It is essentially built upon a simple quasi-global mechanism for the combustion reaction and the mass and heat transfer equations from the two-phase model of fluidization. The aim was not to propose a new modelling approach, but to combine classical models, one concerning the reaction kinetics and the other the bed hydrodynamic aspects, to obtain a better insight on the events occurring inside a fluidized bed reactor, enhancing the understanding of this type of reactor. Experimental data to balance with the numerical model were obtained through tests on the combustion of commercial propane, in a laboratory scale fluidized bed, using four sand particle sizes: 400–500, 315–400, 250–315 and 200–250 μ m. The mole fractions of CO₂, CO and O₂ in the flue gases and the temperature of the fluidized bed were measured and compared with the numerical results.     

Application of stable isotopes and hydrochemical analysis in groundwater aquifers of Argolis Peninsula (Greece)

The present study examines the isotopic and hydrochemical composition of 18 inland spring waters and 3 coastal karstic spring waters, covering the period between October 2005 and March 2008. The stable isotopes (¹⁸O, ²H) processing has revealed the absence of significant evaporation phenomena and that the origin of fresh water samples is meteoric. Using ¹⁸O values in rainfall waters, an average line of isotopic depletion with altitude has been constructed, extracting a rate of?0.45‰/100 m as typical for the study area. Furthermore, the mean altitude of recharge of the springs has been estimated by plotting the groundwater sampling points on a δ¹⁸O versus altitude diagram. Hydrochemistry results have shown that the dissolution of carbonate, flysch and ophiolitic formations defines the hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater. Moreover, seawater intrusion in the coastal area is significantly high, causing the water in the three karstic springs to be brackish.     

Isotope and Trace Gas Analyses as Tools to Assess Water Protection Zones in a Rural Area

Abstract

An example is presented for the application of groundwater age dating by tritium and chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) measurements to assess water protection zones. The investigation area is located in a rural area close to Osnabrück (Lower Saxony, Germany). Samples from 13 drinking water supply wells were collected in November 1995.

By using an exponential model, groundwater residence times were calculated for the wells. The tritium and CFC data showed comparable residence times with slightly higher values derived from the CFCs (especially F113). Most of the wells showed residence times around or below 10 years indicating a rather high vulnerability with respect to anthropogenic contaminations.     

Cryptanalysis of a chaos-based cryptosystem with an embedded adaptive arithmetic coder

In this paper,we analyse a new chaos-based cryptosystem with an embedded adaptive arithmetic coder,which was proposed by Li Heng-Jian and Zhang J S (Li H J and Zhang J S 2010 Chin.Phys.B 19 050508).Although this new method has a better compression performance than its original version,it is found that there are some problems with its security and decryption processes.In this paper,it is shown how to obtain a great deal of plain text from the cipher text without prior knowledge of the secret key.After discussing the security and decryption problems of the Li Heng-Jian et al.algorithm,we propose an improved chaos-based cryptosystem with an embedded adaptive arithmetic coder that is more secure.     

Oxygen and Carbon Isotope Variations of Carbonates and Silicates from the Carbonatite Massif Tiksheozero (Northern Karelia)

Abstract

Carbon and oxygen isotope compositions have been determined for carbonate minerals from different types of carbonatites (large carbonatite bodies, veins, eruptive breccia), as well as from different temperature classes of carbonatites (according to Samoilov [1]). It could be shown, that only high temperature carbonatites exhibit small variations of δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C falling in the range of “high temperature mantle carbonates”, whereas low temperature calcites and dolomites show wide variations in δ¹⁸O. These changes in both isotope and mineral compositions of low temperature carbonatites are interpreted as a result of repeated interaction with fluids. The oxygen isotope ratios in most of the eruptive breccia have been changed by secondary processes. The primary deep-seated isotope record has been preserved only in samples, in which carbonate occurs as fine-grained calcite groundmass.

Preliminary results on oxygen isotope composition of different silicate minerals (amphibole, magnetite, biotite, albite, apatite) indicate isotope equilibrium for the mineral pair calcite-amphibole with isotope temperatures representing superimposed processes.     

Cytochrom P450-Enzyminduktion bei Rauchern. Untersuchungen mit dem 13C-Coffein-Atemtest

Research carried out in the last 40 years has shown the scientific importance of groundwater circulation both in the Northern Adriatic sea bed and within the uppermost sedimentary layers of the Venice lagoon and of the Venice plain. Hydrodynamic processes are strictly controlled by a well-cemented sedimentary horizon lying under and around Venice (‘caranto’), which plays the role of regional aquitard. This layer was attributed to the subaerial cementation of the Flandrian (8–10?ka Before Present) sedimentary surface. The caranto is generalised as a continuum horizon, being an easy explanation for several environmental, hydrogeological and geotechnical problems, e.g., a base layer for landfills, a confining layer for deep aquifers and the best substratum for locating the oak wooden pile-dwelling needed to support the largest buildings.

The preservation of the isotope signal within the deep aquifers and aquiclude system records the changes in surface and groundwater characteristics and suggests the present and past recharge regimes. In this region, the heavily perturbed hydrodynamic conditions do not allow for the use of isotopic signals to derive a correct reconstruction of the present recharge. The perturbations induced by the intensive anthropogenic activity force to follow climate evolution by considering deep groundwater and pore waters. In addition, the presence of carbonatic rocks inside terrigeneous sediments affects the reconstruction of the past. Results indicate that carbonatic rocks are created by seepage, through the sediments, of gaseous carbon compounds from decaying organic layers. The gas interactions with the intra-sedimentary saline and fresh waters produce CO₂, inducing the cementation of the sediments.     

Platinized Magnesium as Reducing Agent for Hydrogen Isotope Analysis

Abstract

Platinized magnesium has recently been proposed as a new reducing agent for the conversion of small quantities of water to hydrogen in a flame-sealed borosilicate glass tube at 400°C for isotopic analysis. The reagent, Mg-Pt, in contrast to zinc can be prepared in every laboratory by coating a magnesium granulate with a thin layer of platinum by reaction with H₂PtCl₆·6H₂O dissolved in acetone-ether mixture. Excellent reproducibility of the isotope ratios in hydrogen gas prepared from water samples has been obtained using 4 μl of water and 120 mg of the reagent.     

Superconductor order parameter symmetry in UPd Al

The heavy fermion compound UPd₂Al₃ has attracted much interest on account of the coexistence of antiferromagnetism and superconductivity at temperatures below 2 K. The antiferromagnetic fluctuations provide, principally via inelastic neutron scattering, a window on the low frequency dynamics in this material. By an analysis of neutron scattering data, and taking into consideration results from other experimental probes, it is suggested which sheet(s) of the f-electron Fermi surface may play an active role in forming the superconducting state in UPd₂Al₃. The proposed scheme sheds new light on previously reported anomalies in this material. Received 16 July 1999