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Source of salinity in the groundwater of Lenjanat Plain, Isfahan, Iran

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Abstract

The present study aimed at identifying the salinity source in the groundwater of Lenjanat Plain. To do so, non-isotopic geochemical methods were employed: groundwater samples were collected seasonally from 33 wells widespread in the area, and physicochemical parameters as well as major and minor elements were measured in the 132 samples. The data collected from the field and laboratory measurements were interpreted through statistical and hydrogeochemical graphs, mass ratios and saturation indexes obtained from modeling. The results revealed that hydrogeochemical properties of the study aquifer were controlled by rock/water interactions including ion exchange, dissolution of evaporation deposits (halite and gypsum) and precipitation/dissolution of carbonates. Based on the values of Cl/Br ratio in Lenjanat groundwater (329–4,492), dissolution of evaporation deposits in aquifer was the main cause for groundwater salinity. Considering the Lenjanat groundwater geochemical properties, the data confirm the reported Cl/Br ratios for groundwater affected by the dissolution of evaporation deposits (Cl/Br > 300) and overlaps with the range of Cl/Br ratios for domestic sewage effluent groundwater. Selecting the best chemical components and their ratios in non-isotopic geochemical methods provides an accurate distinction between sources of groundwater salinity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geology Department, Earth Science Faculty, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

    Hamid Reza Nassery & Zahra Kayhomayoon

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  1. Hamid Reza Nassery
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  2. Zahra Kayhomayoon
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Correspondence to Zahra Kayhomayoon.

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Nassery, H.R., Kayhomayoon, Z. Source of salinity in the groundwater of Lenjanat Plain, Isfahan, Iran. Environ Earth Sci 68, 413–427 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-012-1746-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-012-1746-4

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