Mass balance simulation and its application to refining flow field in Binchang area, China

Li, Yunfeng; Jiangxia, Wang; Wu, Yaoguo; Xu, Zhen; Fu, Xiaogang; Hou, Guangcai

doi:10.1007/s00254-006-0511-y

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 2 publications

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“…In principle, the hydrogeochemical components at downgradient points equal the hydrogeochemical components at an upgradient point, plus variations of the components along the flow path where the interaction of groundwater and rock, evaporation, and mixing of different waters occur (Li et al, 2007). Theoretically, mass balance simulation is similar to mass balance reaction modelling (Plummer et al 1983;Plummer 1993), which can be described as follows:…”

Section: Mass Balance Simulationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mass balance simulation and principal components analysis applied to groundwater resources: Essaouira basin (Morocco)

Fernandes

Carreira

Bahir³

2009

Environ Earth Sci

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The water resources of the Essaouira coastal basin (west of Marrakesh) are characteristic of a semi-arid climate and are severely impacted by the climate in terms of quantity and quality. Considering the importance of the Essaouira aquifer in the groundwater supply of a vast region (nearly 1,200 km 2 ), a research study was conducted in order to better understand groundwater evolution in this aquifer system. It is a coastal aquifer located on the Atlantic coastline, southern Morocco, and salinization problems have been reported. Covering the Palaeozoic bedrock, the sedimentary series range from the Triassic to the Quaternary. Besides the possibility of seawater intrusion problems, the geological structures delineate a syncline bordered by the Tidzi diapir (of Triassic age) outcropping to the east and south. This is a recharge area for the aquifer, whereas the main groundwater flow direction is from SE to NW towards the Atlantic Ocean. In spite of the occurrence of calcareous and dolomitic levels, all waters in the Essaouira basin are of the Na-Cl-type. Based on a range of experimental methodologies, combined with PCA and geochemical modelling, it was possible to identify the mineralization processes occurring in the groundwater system, and the importance of the water-rock interaction in the water chemistry. Scenarios were tested using a simple mass balance model through the PHREEQC programme. The reaction path was assumed to be such that waters observed at shallow depths evolved to more mineralized waters. An important contribution of water-rock interaction in groundwater mineralization was found, corroborating the influence of preferential recharge from the Tidzi diapir in the water's signature. Anthropogenic contamination was also identified and could lead to serious problems with groundwater degradation in the near future, in a country with scarce water resources.

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Section: Mass Balance Simulationmentioning

confidence: 99%