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Journal of Environmental Hydrology
ISSN 1058-3912 |
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Electronic Journal of the International Association for
Environmental Hydrology
JEH Volume 16 (2008), Paper 14 Posted April 23, 2008 TRACING SOURCES OF POLLUTION IN GROUNDWATER USING HYDROCHEMICAL AND ISOTOPIC METHODS: BEIRUT AND ITS SUBURBS
Véronique Kazpard1,2 2Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission, Beirut, Lebanon 3Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon ABSTRACT Analyses of hydrochemical and stable isotopes of deuterium and oxygen-18 were conducted on groundwater samples that tap into a limestone aquifer in Beirut city and its suburbs. The analyses document the chemical and isotopic characteristics of the natural groundwater and establish its origin. Hydrochemical data are classified on the basis of dominant anions. Mineral groundwater quality was found to be affected by different pollution sources in the southern suburb of Beirut. Isotopic analyses delineate two major groundwater groupings. The first is influenced by direct recharge into the aquifer from precipitation. The second, showing elevated mineral characteristics, is influenced by a secondary evaporation process that results in isotopic enrichment of groundwater. Investigation of the isotopically enriched d15N samples shows the origin of nitrate pollution to be from infiltration of either animal waste or septic systems to groundwater. Reference: Kazpard, V., Z. Saad, and A. El Samrani. 2008. Tracing sources of pollution in groundwater using hydrochemical and isotopic methods: Beirut and its suburbs. Journal of Environmental Hydrology, Vol. 16, Paper 14. CONTACT: Zeinab Saad Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission CNRSL PO Box 11-8281 Beirut, Lebanon E-mail: zsaad@cnrs.edu.lb |
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