Isotopic composition of sulfate as a tracer of natural and anthropogenic influences on groundwater geochemistry in an urban sandstone aquifer, Birmingham, UK

摘要: Abstract Development and management of urban groundwater resources is limited in practice by a lack knowledge the nature, distribution sources contamination an aquifer that may have had complex land use abstraction history. Sulfate associated with many solute to this study dual isotope (δ18O δ34S) “fingerprinting” SO 4 2 - assess contribution different investigated. Groundwater (70 locations) surface water samples from city Birmingham on Triassic Sherwood sandstone been analyzed for inorganic chemical isotopic composition. Isotopic compositions various also determined. derived pyrite oxidation during recharge through Quaternary Drift deposits characteristically depleted 18O 34S compared other ubiquitous unconfined zone groundwater, though source has increased markedly following draw down induced aquifer. In unpolluted groundwaters are dissolution evaporite minerals (confined zone) rainfall (unconfined zone). Unfortunately, composition cannot distinguish between made-ground (i.e. artificial man-made ground, usually demolition waste) sewage , which constitute major contributions polluted at most sites. Contributions spilt industrial acids do distinctive seen metal-working former Estimates these way provide useful check “calibration” pollutant flux models groundwater.