Abstract

The evolution of groundwater quality at the dry zone in Sri Lanka was investigated through chemical and isotopic analyses of field samples. The results indicated that the occurrence of high concentrations of major ions in the groundwater, and high electric conductivity were synonymous with large seasonal changes. Chloride and sodium were the major ions, which contributed to the increase in electric conductivity in both the rainy and dry seasons. In the groundwater, sodium-chloride was present in the final stage of the Chebotarev series. Evaporation and enrichment by air borne salts contributed to very high concentrations (E.C, chloride et al.) in some areas. Conversely, water seepage by water from a tank caused dilution, and the concentrations of major ions in the nearby groundwater were low. The isotopically lighter groundwater was found at the ridge of the valley in the rainy season. Under very heavy precipitation conditions, the slope of the regression line relating δD and δ18O to deuterium excess for groundwater were close to 8 and 10, respectively. In other cases, these slopes were much less, suggesting that the groundwater was strongly affected by the evaporation process.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.