Early-indicator signals of groundwater contamination: the case of seawater encroachment |
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| Authors: | A J Melloul L C Goldenberg |
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| Institution: | (1) Hydrological Service of Israel, Water Commission, P. O. Box 6381, IL-91063 Jerusalem, Israel, IL;(2) A.M.C., Soreq Technological Center, IL-70600 Yavne, Israel, IL |
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| Abstract: | An early indication of groundwater contamination occurs when pollutant concentrations start to fluctuate and exceed background
values of ambient fresh groundwater. An analysis of a characteristic situation of this type uses data from Israel's coastal
phreatic granular aquifer. The pollutant is generally seawater, and the contamination process involves replacement of freshwater
by encroaching sea- or other saltwater, a process augmented by human activity. The contamination process involves three stages:
(1) groundwater composition remains relatively stable with small salinity content; (2) small salinity changes are perceptible
with reversible fluctuations; and (3) salinity concentration increases at a sharply higher rate. The second stage is a useful
early-indicator signal of contamination. Early-indicator signals of groundwater pollutant concentrations involve "minor" fluctuations
in water chemistry at the advent of the contamination process. The intensity and magnitude of such a salinization/pollution
process at any given location depends upon lithologic matrix, aquifer heterogeneity, and resultant flow domain characteristics,
as well as contaminant properties. If such "signs" are detected at a sufficiently early stage, appropriate management steps
may be taken to rectify further seawater and/or saltwater encroachment.
Received: 23 July 1996 · Accepted: 25 June 1997 |
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| Keywords: | Salt- and seawater encroachment Groundwater contamination Early-indicator signals |
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