Geochemical relations and distribution of selected trace elements in ground water of the northern part of the western San Joaquin Valley, California

Abstract

Specific objectives of the report are (1) to provide an overview of the nature and variability of the major-ion chemistry of ground water in the study area, (2) to examine the age and origin of ground water in different parts of the ground-water-flow system by using environmental isotopes and supporting major-ion chemistry, (3) to describe the distribution of selected trace elements in the ground-water-flow system in relation to the dominant factors and processes that affect them, and (4) to assess the relations among major ions and trace elements in ground water by using multivariate analyses and the consistency of these relations with the distributions of major ions and trace elements. The report focuses on the distribution of arsenic, boron, molybdenum, and selenium, the elements most likely to affect ground-water quality in the area.