Dating problems with selected mining lakes and the adjacent groundwater body in Lusatia,Germany

This study presents selected results, applying environmental tracers to investigate lake water–groundwater interactions at two study sites located in Lusatia, Germany. The focus of the investigations were two meromictic pit lakes and their adjacent aquifers. In order to follow hydrodynamic processes between lake and groundwater, mixing patterns within the lakes as well as ages of lake and groundwater, water samples of ground- and lake water were collected at three occasions, representing summer and winter conditions in the aquatic systems. The water samples were analysed for stable isotopes (deuterium, oxygen-18) and tritium and sulphurhexafluoride (SF₆ concentration). Lake water profiles of conductivity and ¹⁸O could validate the permanent stratification pattern of both the lakes. Groundwater data sets showed a heterogeneous local distribution in stable isotope values between rain and lake water. A two-component mixing model had been adopted only from ¹⁸O data to determine lake water proportions in the surrounding groundwater wells in order to correct measured tritium and SF₆ concentrations in groundwater samples. This procedure had been hampered by upstream-located wells indicating strong ¹⁸O enrichment in groundwater samples. However, rough groundwater ages were estimated. For both study sites, Piston flow ages between 12.9 and 27.7 years were calculated. The investigations showed the good agreement between two different environmental dating tools, considering the marginal data sets.     

Estimation of groundwater recharge via deuterium labelling in the semi-arid Cuvelai-Etosha Basin,Namibia

The stable water isotope deuterium (²H) was applied as an artificial tracer (²H₂O) in order to estimate groundwater recharge through the unsaturated zone and describe soil water movement in a semi-arid region of northern central Namibia. A particular focus of this study was to assess the spatiotemporal persistence of the tracer when applied in the field on a small scale under extreme climatic conditions and to propose a method to obtain estimates of recharge in data-scarce regions. At two natural sites that differ in vegetation cover, soil and geology, 500?ml of a 70?% ²H₂O solution was irrigated onto water saturated plots. The displacement of the ²H peak was analyzed 1 and 10 days after an artificial rain event of 20 mm as well as after the rainy season. Results show that it is possible to apply the peak displacement method for the estimation of groundwater recharge rates in semi-arid environments via deuterium labelling. Potential recharge for the rainy season 2013/2014 was calculated as 45 mm a^?1 at 5.6 m depth and 40 mm a^?1 at 0.9 m depth at the two studied sites, respectively. Under saturated conditions, the artificial rain events moved 2.1 and 0.5 m downwards, respectively. The tracer at the deep sand site (site 1) was found after the rainy season at 5.6 m depth, corresponding to a displacement of 3.2 m. This equals in an average travel velocity of 2.8 cm d^?1 during the rainy season at the first site. At the second location, the tracer peak was discovered at 0.9 m depth; displacement was found to be only 0.4 m equalling an average movement of 0.2 cm d^?1 through the unsaturated zone due to an underlying calcrete formation. Tracer recovery after one rainy season was found to be as low as 3.6?% at site 1 and 1.9?% at site 2. With an in situ measuring technique, a three-dimensional distribution of ²H after the rainy season could be measured and visualized. This study comprises the first application of the peak displacement method using a deuterium labelling technique for the estimation of groundwater recharge in semi-arid regions. Deuterium proved to be a suitable tracer for studies within the soil–vegetation–atmosphere interface. The results of this study are relevant for the design of labelling experiments in the unsaturated zone of dry areas using ²H₂O as a tracer and obtaining estimations of groundwater recharge on a local scale. The presented methodology is particularly beneficial in data-scarce environments, where recharge pathways and mechanisms are poorly understood.     

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     

Erfahrungen und Ergebnisse der Isotopenanwendung im Industriezweig Braunkohle

This paper presents results of a study carried out in order to assess the applicability of ³²Si for groundwater dating. Measurements of ³²Si in soil samples of the unsaturated zone, of drainage waters and plant material give a basis for estimating the ³²Si initial concentration in groundwater. Different aquifers with groundwater of young and moderate ages have been selected for groundwater studies. For obtaining independent age information tritium was found to be a suitable reference isotope. A quantitative interpretation of the ³²Si data is generally complicated by geochemical processes, preferably in the unsaturated zone. Favourable conditions concerning the use of ³²Si in hydrogeology seem to exist in phreatic sandy aquifers, in limestone aquifers, and, depending on the thickness and composition of the unsaturated zone, in sandstone aquifers. Further improvements of the ³²Si method needs a better understanding of the geochemical processes affecting this isotope.     

Hydrology of the North Klondike River: carbon export,water balance and inter-annual climate influences within a sub-alpine permafrost catchment

Arctic and sub-arctic watersheds are undergoing significant changes due to recent climate warming and degrading permafrost, engendering enhanced monitoring of arctic rivers. Smaller catchments provide understanding of discharge, solute flux and groundwater recharge at the process level that contributes to an understanding of how larger arctic watersheds are responding to climate change. The North Klondike River, located in west central Yukon, is a sub-alpine permafrost catchment, which maintains an active hydrological monitoring station with a record of >40 years. In addition to being able to monitor intra-annual variability, this data set allows for more complex analysis of streamflow records. Streamflow data, geochemistry and stable isotope data for 2014 show a groundwater-dominated system, predominantly recharged during periods of snowmelt. Radiocarbon is shown to be a valuable tracer of soil zone recharge processes and carbon sources. Winter groundwater baseflow contributes 20?% of total annual discharge, and accounts for up to 50?% of total river discharge during the spring and summer months. Although total stream discharge remains unchanged, mean annual groundwater baseflow has increased over the 40-year monitoring period. Wavelet analysis reveals a catchment that responds to El Niño and longer solar cycles, as well as climatic shifts such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation.

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

Soil water balance in the Lake Chad Basin using stable water isotopes and chloride of soil profiles

ABSTRACT

The Lake Chad Basin (LCB) is an endorheic transboundary catchment highly vulnerable to drought. For effective groundwater management, recharge areas need identification and replenishment quantification. At present, little research exploring unsaturated zone water flow processes and groundwater recharge are available. In this study, 12 vertical soil profiles were analysed for stable water isotopes and chloride concentration to estimate evaporation and groundwater renewal. Most δ¹⁸O and δ²H isotope profiles reveal typical arid environment patterns, with maximum enrichment at depths between 2.5 and 20?cm and depletion towards the surface (atmospheric influence) and depth (mixing and diffusion). Average annual dry season evaporation rates in Salamat and Waza Logone range from 5 to 30?mm, in Bahr el Ghazal and Northern Lake Chad from 14 to 23?mm. According to the chloride mass balance (CMB), the average annual recharge rate is estimated between 3 and 163?mm in Salamat and Waza Logone and less than 1 mm in Bahr el Ghazal and Northern Lake Chad. Based on the CMB results, potential recharge sites were identified, while estimated soil evaporation corresponds to plant water use at the initial growing stage, which is an important component in irrigation water management.     

Insights from stable isotopes of water and hydrochemistry to the evolutionary processes of groundwater in the Subei lake basin,Ordos energy base,Northwestern China

ABSTRACT

Changes in groundwater evolutionary processes due to aquifer overexploitation show a world-wide increase and have been of growing concern in recent years. The study aimed to improve the knowledge of groundwater evolutionary processes by means of stable water isotopes and hydrochemistry in a representative lake basin, Ordos energy base. Groundwater, precipitation, and lake water collected during four campaigns were analysed by stable isotopes and chemical compositions. Results showed that temperature effect predominated the isotope fractionation in precipitation, while evaporation and inadequate groundwater recharge were the key factors explaining high salinity and isotopic enrichment in lake water. Additionally, the Kuisheng Lake was a preferential area of groundwater recharge, while the Subei Lake received less sources from underlying aquifer due to the combined effects of low permeable zone and upstream groundwater captured by the production wells. The homogeneous isotope signatures of groundwater may be ascribed to the closely vertical hydraulic connectivity between the unconfined and the confined aquifers. Isotopically enriched groundwater pumping from well field probably promoted isotopic depletion in groundwater depression cone. These findings not only provide the conceptual framework for the inland basin, but also have important implications for sustainable groundwater management in other groundwater discharge basins with arid climate.     

Stable isotopic and geochemical variability within shallow groundwater beneath a hardwood hammock and surface water in an adjoining slough (Everglades National Park,Florida, USA)

Data from a 10-month monitoring study during 2007 in the Everglades ecosystem provide insight into the variation of δ¹⁸O, δD, and ion chemistry in surface water and shallow groundwater. Surface waters are sensitive to dilution from rainfall and input from external sources. Shallow groundwater, on the other hand, remains geochemically stable during the year. Surface water input from canals derived from draining agricultural areas to the north and east of the Everglades is evident in the ion data. δ¹⁸O and δD values in shallow groundwater remain near the mean of?2.4 and?12 ‰, respectively. ¹⁸O and D values are enriched in surface water compared with shallow groundwater and fluctuate in sync with those measured in rainfall. The local meteoric water line (LMWL) for precipitation is in close agreement with the global meteoric water line; however, the local evaporation line (LEL) for surface water and shallow groundwater is δ D=5.6 δ¹⁸O+1.5, a sign that these waters have experienced evaporation. The intercept of the LMWL and LEL indicates that the primary recharge to the Everglades is tropical cyclones or fronts. δ deuterium to δ¹⁸O excess (D_ex values) generally reveal two moisture sources for precipitation, a maritime source during the fall and winter (D _ex>10 ‰) and a continental-influenced source (D _ex<10 ‰) in the spring and summer.     

Identification of the nitrate contamination sources of the Brusselian sands groundwater body (Belgium) using a dual-isotope approach

Isotopic fingerprinting is an advanced technique allowing the classification of the nitrate source pollution of groundwater, but needs further development and validation. In this study, we performed measurements of natural stable isotopic composition of nitrate (¹⁵N and ¹⁸O) in the groundwater body of the Brussels sands (Belgium) and studied the spatial and temporal dynamics of the isotope signature of this aquifer. Potential nitrogen sources sampled in the region had isotopic signatures that fell within the corresponding typical ranges found in the literature. For a few monitoring stations, the isotopic data strongly suggest that the sources of nitrate are from mineral fertiliser origin, as used in agriculture and golf courses. Other stations suggest that manure leaching from unprotected stockpiles in farms, domestic gardening practices, septic tanks and probably cemeteries contribute to the nitrate pollution of this groundwater body. For most monitoring stations, nitrate originates from a mixing of several nitrogen sources. The isotopic signature of the groundwater body was poorly structured in space, but exhibited a clear temporal structure. This temporal structure could be explained by groundwater recharge dynamics and cycling process of nitrogen in the soil-nitrogen pool.     

Stable water isotope patterns in a climate change hotspot: the isotope hydrology framework of Corsica (western Mediterranean)

The Mediterranean is regarded as a region of intense climate change. To better understand future climate change, this area has been the target of several palaeoclimate studies which also studied stable isotope proxies that are directly linked to the stable isotope composition of water, such as tree rings, tooth enamel or speleothems. For such work, it is also essential to establish an isotope hydrology framework of the region of interest. Surface waters from streams and lakes as well as groundwater from springs on the island of Corsica were sampled between 2003 and 2009 for their oxygen and hydrogen isotope compositions. Isotope values from lake waters were enriched in heavier isotopes and define a local evaporation line (LEL). On the other hand, stream and spring waters reflect the isotope composition of local precipitation in the catchment. The intersection of the LEL and the linear fit of the spring and stream waters reflect the mean isotope composition of the annual precipitation (δ_P) with values of?8.6(±0.2) ‰ for δ¹⁸O and?58(±2) ‰ for δ²H. This value is also a good indicator of the average isotope composition of the local groundwater in the island. Surface water samples reflect the altitude isotope effect with a value of?0.17(±0.02) ‰ per 100 m elevation for oxygen isotopes. At Vizzavona Pass in central Corsica, water samples from two catchments within a lateral distance of only a few hundred metres showed unexpected but systematic differences in their stable isotope composition. At this specific location, the direction of exposure seems to be an important factor. The differences were likely caused by isotopic enrichment during recharge in warm weather conditions in south-exposed valley flanks compared to the opposite, north-exposed valley flanks.     

Isotopes to assess sustainability of overexploited groundwater in the Souss–Massa system (Morocco)

Groundwater depletion and changes in isotopic and chemical contents constitute the main indicators of overexploitation, recharge, and flow paths in the Souss–Massa aquifer. These indicators highlight processes concerning sustainability of water resources in the aquifer (e.g. surface/groundwater interaction, recharge processes, and marine intrusion). The spatial variation of stable and radioactive isotopic contents indicates a mixing of modern and old water within the system. Recent recharge was observed mainly along the Souss River (the major surface-water drainage in the study area) and in the irrigated areas. Mapping of chemical and isotopic variation shows that the area is affected by abstraction, irrigation water return, and the evolution of modern recharge in time and space. The processes, distribution, and timing of groundwater flow are influenced by short- and long-term effects; long-term recharge is dependent on climatic conditions. This study can be used to make informed decisions about water-resource allocation and alternative management practices.     

Isotopic Assessment of Sources and Processes Affecting Sulfate and Nitrate in Surface Water and Groundwater of Luxembourg

Abstract

Surface water and deep and shallow groundwater samples were taken from selected parts of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg to determine the isotopic composition of nitrate and sulfate, in order to identify sources and/or processes affecting these solutes. Deep groundwater had sulfate concentrations between 20 and 40mg/L, δ³⁴S_sulfate values between ?3.0 and ?20.0‰, and δ¹⁸O_sulfate values between +1.5 and +5.0‰ nitrate was characterized by concentrations varying between <0.5 and 10mg/L, δ¹⁵N_nitrate values of ～?0.5‰, and δ¹⁸O_nitrate values ～+3.0‰. In the shallow groundwater, sulfate concentrations ranged from 25 to 30mg/L, δ³⁴S_sulfate values from ?20.0 to +4.5‰, and δ¹⁸O_sulfate values from ～+0.5 to +4.5‰ nitrate concentrations varied between ～10 and 75mg/L, δ¹⁵N_nitrate values between +2.5 and +10.0‰, and δ¹⁸O_nitrate values between +1.0 and +3.0‰. In surface water, sulfate concentrations ranged from 10 to 210mg/L, δ³⁴S_sulfate values varied between ?9.3 and +10.9‰, and δ¹⁸O_sulfate values between +3.0 and +10.7‰ were observed. Nitrate concentrations ranged from 10 to 40mg/L, δ¹⁵N_nitrate values from +6.5 to +12.0‰, and δ¹⁸O_nitrate values from ?0.4 to +4.0‰. Based on these data, three sulfate sources were identified controlling the riverine sulfate load. These are soil sulfate, dissolution of evaporites, and oxidation of reduced S minerals in the bedrock. Both groundwater types were predominantly influenced by sulfate from the two latter lithogenic S sources. The deep groundwater and a couple shallow groundwater samples had nitrate derived mainly from soil nitrification. All other sampling sites were influenced by nitrate originating from sewage and/or manure. A decrease in nitrate concentration observed along one of the rivers was attributed to denitrification. It appears that sulfate within Luxembourg's aquatic ecosystem is mainly of lithogenic origin, whereas nitrate is often derived from anthropogenic activities.     

Analysis of n(87Sr)/n(86Sr), δ88Sr/86SrSRM987 and elemental pattern to characterise groundwater and recharge of saline ponds in a clastic aquifer in East Austria

Elemental and isotopic pattern of n(⁸⁷Sr)/n(⁸⁶Sr) and δ⁸⁸Sr/⁸⁶Sr_SRM987 were used to characterise groundwater and recharge of saline ponds in a clastic aquifer in East Austria. Therefore, shallow, artesian and thermal groundwaters of the investigated aquifer along with rainfall and rivers were analysed using (MC) ICP-MS. The n(⁸⁷Sr)/n(⁸⁶Sr) ratio and elemental pattern changed with aquifer depth as a result of progressing bedrock leaching and dissolution with increasing groundwater residence time. The n(⁸⁷Sr)/n(⁸⁶Sr) ratio of shallow groundwater below saline ponds of 0.71019?±?0.00044 was significantly different from thermal groundwater of 0.71205?±?0.00035 (U, k?=?2). In contrast to previous theories, this result suggested no recharge of saline ponds by upwelling paleo-seawater. Isotope pattern deconvolution revealed that rainfall accounted to about 60% of the n(⁸⁷Sr)/n(⁸⁶Sr) ratio of shallow groundwater below saline ponds. The δ⁸⁸Sr/⁸⁶Sr_SRM987 values of groundwater decreased from about 0.25 ‰ in most shallow, to predominantly negative values of about –0.24 ‰ in artesian groundwater. This result indicated leaching and dissolution of weathered minerals. In turn, the δ⁸⁸Sr/⁸⁶Sr_SRM987 of deep thermal groundwater showed positive values of about 0.12 ‰, which suggested removal of ⁸⁶Sr from solution by carbonate precipitation. These results highlight the potential of δ⁸⁸Sr/⁸⁶Sr_SRM987 signature as an additional geochemical tracer.     

Deuterium as Natural Tracer in Groundwater from Neighbouring Area of Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve

Abstract

Measurements of deuterium content of the groundwater from neighbouring area of Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve show that the waters are meteoric in origin, but at the same time the results showed that the water for three sampling points could not originate from local groundwater and have their recharge area at high altitude and a considerable distance.

According to the δD values the following categories of waters were delineated:

• (1) waters that belong to an confined aquifer in limestone and have their recharge in high altitude region, higher than 1000m (δD < -80‰)

  (2) waters tributary to the Danube river that have a small variability in time of δD values (δD > - 75‰)
  (3) local infiltration waters, situated in the West of the investigated area towards the continental platform of the Dobroudja, with high variability in time of δD values, due to seasonal effect (δD > - 70‰)
  (4) waters originated in mixing processes between the waters with different isotopic content. The one endmember is heavier isotopic water that belongs to local recharged waters (local infiltration waters and waters tributary to Danube river) and the other endmember is the isotopically light water.

     

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.     

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.     

Calculated self- and foreign-gas-broadened linewidths for SF6

Collision processes involving the sulfur hexafluoride molecule are of considerable interest in many fields of investigations. In this work, linewidths of SF₆ broadened by He, Ar, O₂, N₂, HF, and SF₆ at 300 K have been calculated in the framework of the Anderson-Tsao-Curnutte theory of pressure broadening. These linewidths have also been computed at 100 and 200K, so that a temperature dependence can be estimated.     

Groundwater of the Crimean peninsula: a first systematic study using stable isotopes

ABSTRACT

Karst springs in the Main Range of the Crimean Mountains and the Crimean Piedmont show a restricted range of values (δ¹⁸O?=?–10.5 to –8.0 ‰, δ²H?=?–72 to –58 ‰), somewhat more negative than the weighted mean of meteoric precipitation. This suggests preferential recharge at higher elevations during winter months. Groundwater tapped by boreholes splits in three groups. A first group has isotopic properties similar to those of the springs. The second group shows significantly lower values (δ¹⁸O?=?–13.3 to –12.0 ‰, δ²H?=?–95 to –82 ‰), suggesting recharge during colder Pleistocene times. The third group has high isotope values (δ¹⁸O?=?–2.5 to +1.0 ‰, δ²H?=?–24 to –22 ‰); the data points are shifted to the right of the Local Meteoric Water Line, suggesting water–rock exchange processes in the aquifer. These boreholes are located in the Crimean Plains and discharge mineralized (ca. 25 g L^?1) thermal (65°C) water from a depth of 1600–1800 m. Groundwater associated with mud volcanoes on the Kerch peninsula have distinct isotope characteristics (δ¹⁸O?=?–1.6 to +9.4 ‰, δ²H?=?–30 to –18 ‰). Restricted δ²H variability along with variable and high δ¹⁸O values suggest water–rock interactions at temperatures exceeding 95 °C.     

Geochemical and isotopic evidences from groundwater and surface water for understanding of natural contamination in chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) endemic zones in Sri Lanka

Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is the main health issue in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. Despite many studies carried out, causative factors have not been identified yet clearly. According to the multidisciplinary researches carried out so far, potable water is considered as the main causative factor for CKDu. Hence, the present study was carried out with combined isotopic and chemical methods to understand possible relationships between groundwater; the main drinking water source, and CKDu in four endemic areas in the dry zone. Different water sources were evaluated isotopically (²H, ³H and ¹⁸O) and chemically from 2013 to 2015. Results revealed that prevalence of CKDu is significantly low with the groundwater replenished by surface water inputs. It is significantly high with the groundwater stagnated as well as groundwater recharged from regional flow paths. Thus, the origin, recharge mechanism and flow pattern of groundwater, as well as geological conditions which would be responsible for natural contamination of groundwater appear as the main causative factors for CKDu. Therefore, detailed investigations should be made in order to identify the element(s) in groundwater contributing to CKDu. The study recommends providing drinking water to the affected zones using water sources associated with surface waters.     

Isotopic assessment of sources and processes affecting sulfate and nitrate in surface water and groundwater of Luxembourg

Surface water and deep and shallow groundwater samples were taken from selected parts of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg to determine the isotopic composition of nitrate and sulfate, in order to identify sources and/or processes affecting these solutes. Deep groundwater had sulfate concentrations between 20 and 40 mg/L, delta34S(sulfate) values between -3.0 and -20.0 per thousand, and delta18O(sulfate) values between +1.5 and +5.0 per thousand; nitrate was characterized by concentrations varying between < 0.5 and 10 mg/L, delta15N(nitrate) values of approximately -0.5 per thousand, and delta18O(nitrate) values approximately +3.0 per thousand. In the shallow groundwater, sulfate concentrations ranged from 25 to 30 mg/L, delta34S(sulfate) values from -20.0 to +4.5 per thousand, and delta18O(sulfate) values from approximately +0.5 to +4.5 per thousand; nitrate concentrations varied between approximately 10 and 75 mg/L, delta15N(nitrate) values between +2.5 and +10.0 per thousand, and delta18O(nitrate) values between +1.0 and +3.0 per thousand. In surface water, sulfate concentrations ranged from 10 to 210 mg/L, delta34S(sulfate) values varied between -9.3 and +10.9 per thousand, and delta18O(sulfate) values between +3.0 and +10.7 per thousand were observed. Nitrate concentrations ranged from 10 to 40 mg/L, delta15N(nitrate) values from +6.5 to +12.0 per thousand, and delta18O(nitrate) values from -0.4 to +4.0 per thousand. Based on these data, three sulfate sources were identified controlling the riverine sulfate load. These are soil sulfate, dissolution of evaporites, and oxidation of reduced S minerals in the bedrock. Both groundwater types were predominantly influenced by sulfate from the two latter lithogenic S sources. The deep groundwater and a couple shallow groundwater samples had nitrate derived mainly from soil nitrification. All other sampling sites were influenced by nitrate originating from sewage and/or manure. A decrease in nitrate concentration observed along one of the rivers was attributed to denitrification. It appears that sulfate within Luxembourg's aquatic ecosystem is mainly of lithogenic origin, whereas nitrate is often derived from anthropogenic activities.