Major and Trace Element Content of Shallow Groundwater Associated with Dryland Saline Soils in Southern Alberta

Abstract

Abstract A survey of shallow groundwaters associated with 72 dryland saline sites in southern Alberta was conducted from 1990 to 1992 to determine the major and trace element concentrations in relation to the Canadian drinking and livestock water quality guidelines. The recommended limits for drinking water were exceeded at more than half the sites for total dissolved solids (100%), SO4-S (90%), Se (86%) and Mn (74%), at less than half the sites for As (48%), Fe (40%), Cd (39%), Pb (26%), Cl (22%), NO3-N (11%), B (1%) and Zn (1%), and at none of the sites for Cu. The recommended limits for livestock water were exceeded at more than half the sites for Se (86%), SO4-S (83%) and total dissolved solids (76%), at less than half the sites for As (43% when added and 2% when not added to feed), Pb (24%), Cd (18%), NO3-N (1%) and B (1%), and at none of the sites for Ca, Co, Cu, Mo and Zn. Topographic position, sampling year and cropping practice upslope and in the saline area had a significant (P<0.05) effect on the concentrations of certain elements. We recommend that shallow groundwater near saline areas be tested before it is consumed by humans or livestock.