Monitoring and physical-chemical modeling of conditions of natural surface and underground waters forming in the Kola North

Abstract

Processes of surface and underground water forming in the Khibiny massif have been studied using a physical-chemical model of the "water-rock-atmosphere-organic substance" system. The obtained model solutions are indicative of the fact that formation of surface and underground water of the Khibiny massif takes place on the whole in the framework of the considered system without attracting a hypothetical outside source of pollutants. The results are of practical and methodological importance for assessment of prediction of the man-induced impact on water systems in conditions of Subarctic.

Assessment of Khibiny Alkaline Massif groundwater quality using statistical methods and water quality index

“…Based on the results of the calculation, it is likely that the elevated Al concentration in the groundwater under consideration and its association with pH values can indicate the mobilization of Al into the aqueous phase from Al‐bearing minerals. This is supported by the outcomes of recent geochemical analyses conducted in the Khibiny Alkaline Massif area according to which Al leaching from Al‐bearing minerals is promoted in groundwater at the significant depths where reduction conditions are formed …”

“…Factor 3 included colour and turbidity with strong positive loadings values of 0.87 and 0.76, respectively (Table ). According to the results of the calculation, factor 1 was in favour of the weathering processes responsible for Al release to groundwater due to pH changes . Factors 2 and 3, including hardness, colour, and turbidity, represented the physical and organoleptic characteristics of the groundwater, providing an explanation for 25.37% of the dataset total variance.…”

“…There have been a limited number of studies on Khibiny Alkaline Massif groundwater quality based on the quantitative analysis of field datasets and physico‐chemical modelling reported in the literature up to this point . Taking this into consideration, as well as the harmful effect of elevated aluminum concentrations on groundwater quality, the current study has been conducted.…”