Return to HydroWeb HomepageISSN 1058-3912
Electronic journal of the International Association
for Environmental Hydrology
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JEH Volume 7 (1999), Paper 2, January 1999 Posted
January 27, 1999
GROUNDWATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF A COASTAL AQUIFER USING GEOELECTRICAL
TECHNIQUES
D. Gnanasundar and L. Elango
Dept. of Geology, Anna University, Chennai (Madras), India
ABSTRACT
Geoelectrical measurements using the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES)
method are well suited to the investigation of alluvial aquifers with large
resistivity contacts. They have also been commonly used to estimate groundwater
quality. VES was conducted in a coastal aquifer lying south of Chennai
city, Madras, India, using a Schlumberger configuration with 80 locations
in a rectangular grid pattern and a maximum AB/2 separation of 33 m. The
results of data analysis indicate the occurrence of a fresh water ridge
along the central part of the coastal aquifer. The eastern and western
margins of the aquifer were found to have groundwater of poor quality.
Sea water intrusion has occurred at some locations along the east coast
with the interface located 200 - 450 m from the coast. Poor water quality
along the western margin is due to the influence of the Buckingham canal.
Reference: Gnanasundar, D. and L. Elango; Groundwater Quality
Assessment of a Coastal Aquifer Using Geoelectrical Techniques, Journal
of Environmental Hydrology, Vol. 7, Paper 2, January 1999.
Dr. L. Elango
Dept. of Geology
Anna University
Chennai 600 025
India elango 34@hotmail.com
E-mail: elango34@hotmail.com