In certain regions the heavy mineral concentrations of groundwater are low (within the permissible limit of WHO). Should we monitor those aquifers, if yes, then why?
Well,
Sometimes, although the concentration of total dissolved solids is low, the concentration of one or more trace elements is higher than the standard recommended limits.
Regards
Continuous monitoring ( or at least some additional time points) are required to determine trends over time (are levels increasing or decreasing ?) are new impacts likely to change those concentrations ?
Yes, the concentration of heavy metals in the water should be monitored even if it is low because it is known that the concentration of the heavy metals may increase over time if there is a source of natural or industrial pollution close to the water.
Best Regards Sudip Saha
The heavy mineral concentrations of groundwater are not constant they keep changing according to seasons and impurities may be added by various factors, unless we monitor regularly we can not assure the quality of potable water even a small change in quantities of certain elements like Pb, As, Ni...in ppm/ ppb level will effect whole quality of water.
I think we should use the right term "heavy metals" in groundwater. Some people use it as "heavy minerals" and this misuse causes confusion. Heavy metal such as Cu, Zn, and Cd is a trace element which can be measured chemically in groundwater. It can be found adsorbed on clay or organic particles. Most heavy metals have a high atomic number, atomic weight and density greater than 5.0 g/cm3. Heavy metals include some metalloids, transition metals, basic metals, lanthanides, and actinides. Conversely, in geosciences, a heavy mineral such as zircon , monazite and tourmaline is a mineral with a density that is greater than 2.9 g/cm3. The reason of this misuse is probably some heavy minerals can be exist in elemental form.
Sudip Saha the purpose of conducting heavy metals study is not limited only to the areas actually having contamination but the purpose is to monitor the changes in groundwater quality over the time due to human activities and plan in advance to avoid any alarming situation in the future.
Research is sometimes conducted to affirm the early report or monitor the trend in existing report.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Engineering
- Modeling