Comparison of the results of quantitative and non‐quantitative tracer tests for determination of Karst conduit networks: An example from the Traligill Basin, Scotland

Abstract

AbstractThe relative advantages of fluorescent dyes and Lycopodium spores as tracers are discussed. The major advantage of fluorescent dyes is that they may be detected quantitatively. Thus, in combination with discharge measurements, a dye mass balance can be prepared for tracer tests in karst conduits, which permits elucidation of the underground network. The advantages of this procedure are illustrated by comparison of the networks derived from non‐quantitative (Lycopodium and dye) and quantitative (fluorescent dye) tracer methods in the Traligill Basin, Scotland. These tests also suggest that Lycopodium does not give a true indication of travel time, due to sedimentation underground. This could also cause contamination problems in later tests. For non‐quantitative tracer tests, sensitive methods are necessary if incorrect inferences on conduit networks are to be avoided. In general, however, quantitative tests give much less ambiguous results, and are therefore to be preferred.