Evaluation of the sulfate dynamics in groundwater by means of environmental isotopes

Elevated sulfate concentrations and their heterogeneous distribution in the drinking water catchment area Torgau-Mockritz (Germany) were investigated by means of multiple isotope signatures such as 834S, delta18O-H2O, deltaD, tritium, and 85K5r. delta34S values of the groundwater sulfate vary between -19...+ 37 per thousand CDT. No simple correlation exists between sulfate concentrations and delta34S. Superimposition of different sulfur sources and mobilization processes combined with a complicated groundwater movement create a complex distribution pattern. The oxidation of reduced sedimentary sulfur has to be regarded as a main source of dissolved sulfate at least regionally. Tritium and 14C data revealed that old groundwater can be excluded as source for high sulfate contents. Correlated temporal variations in the concentrations of tritium and sulfate are observed in deeper sampling positions. Highly variable delta18O and 8D, as detected in parts of the catchment area, indicate local influences of surface water infiltration into the aquifer. The spatial distribution of isotope signatures enables the identification of zones with descending younger water or hindered groundwater movement and hence provides useful hints for flow modeling.