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Engineering Geology

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E n g i n e e r i n g G e o l o g y<br />

Table 4.6. Chemical analysis of representative groundwaters<br />

Bourne, Summerfield, Thornton,<br />

Location Gravesend Watford Lincs. Great Worcs. Sherwood Northumberland<br />

Aquifer Chalk Chalk Oolite Sandstone Fell Sandstone<br />

Ca 280 115 135 40 60<br />

Mg 31 5 9 12 60<br />

Na 2750 18<br />

K 98 15 4 8<br />

CO 3 153 147 138 56<br />

SO 4 700 39 150 26 38<br />

Cl 5000 20 24 19 22<br />

NO 3 35 ND 2 30<br />

TDS 9370 384 491 213 ND<br />

CH 255 245 230 93 ND<br />

N-CH 1755 64 145 97 ND<br />

Note: TDS = total dissolved solids; CH = carbonate hardness; N-CH = non-carbonate hardness;<br />

ND not determined. Classification of TDS (mg l -1 ): fresh = less than 1000; slightly saline = 1000 to 3000;<br />

moderately saline = 3000 to 10,000; very saline = 10,000 to 35,000; briny = over 35,000. Classification<br />

of hardness (mg l -1 as CaCO 3 ): soft = under 60; moderately hard = 60–120; hard = 120–180;<br />

very hard = over 180.<br />

whether there is sufficient time for dissolution of minerals to proceed to the point where the<br />

solution is in equilibrium with the reaction. Residence time depends on the rate of groundwater<br />

movement, and this usually is very slow beneath the water table. As the character of groundwater<br />

in an aquifer frequently changes with depth, it is possible at times to recognize zones<br />

of different qualities of groundwater (Elliot et al., 2001).<br />

The solution of carbonates, especially calcium and magnesium carbonate, is principally due<br />

to the formation of weak carbonic acid in the soil horizons where CO 2 is dissolved by soil<br />

water. Calcium in sedimentary rocks is derived from calcite, aragonite, dolomite, anhydrite<br />

and gypsum. In igneous and metamorphic rocks, calcium is supplied by the feldspars, pyroxenes,<br />

amphiboles and the less common minerals such as apatite and wollastonite. Because<br />

of its abundance, calcium is one of the most common ions in groundwater. Bicarbonate is<br />

formed when calcium carbonate is attacked by carbonic acid. Calcium carbonate and bicarbonate<br />

are the dominant constituents found in the zone of active circulation and for some<br />

distance under the cover of younger strata. The normal concentration of calcium in groundwater<br />

ranges from 10 to 100 mg l -1 . Such concentrations have no effect on health, and it has been<br />

suggested that as much as 1000 mg l -1 may be harmless (Edmunds and Smedley, 1996).<br />

Magnesium, sodium and potassium are less common cations, and sulphate, chloride and<br />

nitrate (to some extent) are less common anions, although the latter may be present in<br />

significant concentrations in some groundwaters. Dolomite is the common source of magnesium<br />

184

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