Mobile sediment in an urbanizing karst aquifer: implications for contaminant transport |
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| Authors: | B J Mahler L Lynch P C Bennett |
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| Institution: | (1) Department of Geological Sciences, University of Texas, Austin, TX, 78712, US |
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| Abstract: | Here we investigate geochemical characteristics of sediment in different compartments of a karst aquifer and demonstrate
that mobile sediments in a karst aquifer can exhibit a wide range of properties affecting their contaminant transport potential.
Sediment samples were collected from surface streams, sinkholes, caves, wells, and springs of a karst aquifer (the Barton
Springs portion of the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer, Central Texas) and their mineralogy, grain-size distribution,
organic carbon content, and specific surface area analyzed. Statistical analysis of the sediments separated the sampling sites
into three distinct groups: (1) streambeds, sinkholes, and small springs; (2) wells; and (3) caves. Sediments from the primary
discharge spring were a mix of these three groups. High organic carbon content and high specific surface area gives some sediments
an increased potential to transport contaminants; the volume of these sediments is likely to increase with continued urbanization
of the watershed.
Received: 13 April 1998 · Accepted: 6 October 1998 |
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| Keywords: | Karst Sediment Contaminant transport |
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