Abstract
The chemical composition of the Quaternary aquifer in Old Krakow was studied. Thirty water samples were collected from wells in the years 2002, 2009 and 2012. The water chemistry of groundwater in Old Krakow is associated mainly with anthropogenic impact. The water samples represent manly five-ion type: Ca-Na-Cl-HCO 3 -SO 4, Ca-Na-Cl-SO 4 -HCO 3 and Ca-Na-HCO 3 -SO 4 -Cl, the multi-ion water type is typical for polluted water. The results of groundwater studies in Krakow between 2002-2012 showed that the chemical composition of water is being constantly affected by ancient human activities. The predominance of chloride and nitrate ions can be connected with a large number of the contamination sources. The main sources of contamination are accumulations of the anthropogenic soils and the cultural deposits containing organic, communal waste and sewage which are gathered in the oldest parts of Krakow.
Highlights
The complicated geological structure within Old Krakow is connected with the presence of numerous horsts and grabens
The Quaternary aquifer in the Krakow area is formed by sands containing calcium carbonate, natural water should belong to Ca-HCO3 type
Due to calcium carbonate occurring in Quaternary sands and the surrounding Jurassic limestone, calcium and bicarbonate should dominate in this water
Summary
The complicated geological structure within Old Krakow is connected with the presence of numerous horsts and grabens It contributes to the changes in groundwater flow (Kleczkowski 2003). The changes in the Quaternary aquifer chemistry were caused by centuries-old activities of the people living in the agglomeration – mainly by sewage poured out into the streets, leachate from municipal landfills, and activities of craftsmen and trade (Motyka et al 2012). This can be seen in a mosaic arrangement of concentrations of individual components in relatively small areas. The reduction in groundwater recharge for Quaternary aquifer results in extended time of water self-cleaning
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