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Monitoring nitrate reduction: hydrogeochemistry and clogging potential in raw water wells
F Ortmeyer1, K Volkova1, F Wisotzky1
1Hydrogeology Department, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|February 5, 2021
Summary
High nitrate levels in groundwater, primarily from agriculture, impact drinking water quality. Nitrate reduction in wells affects hydrochemistry and can lead to mineral precipitation, potentially reducing well productivity.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrogeology
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Agricultural nitrate (NO3-) input challenges drinking water compliance.
- Nitrate reduction alters hydrochemistry, affecting mineral saturation and well yield.
- Mineral precipitation and silting can significantly reduce well productivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate hydrogeochemical evolution in a German waterworks catchment.
- Assess clogging potential in wells due to nitrate contamination.
- Investigate the influence of nitrate reduction on aquifer geochemistry.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of time-dependent and depth-specific ion concentrations in 818 water samples.
- Geochemical investigation of 253 aquifer sediment samples (CS, SEM, aqua regia, dithionite).
- Modeling of saturation indices using PhreeqC to predict mineral precipitation.
Main Results:
- High nitrate input observed in deep Tertiary wells due to Quaternary groundwater admixture.
- Chemolithotrophic nitrate reduction consuming pyrite occurs at the Quaternary-Tertiary boundary.
- Hydrochemistry and saturation indices are significantly influenced by nitrate reduction products.
Conclusions:
- Nitrate reduction significantly impacts well hydrochemistry and clogging potential.
- While well yield changes are not yet observed, future clogging by ochre or sintering is possible.
- Understanding these processes is crucial for sustainable water supply management.
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