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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Groundwater quality in Tennessee

Journal Article · · Journal of the Tennessee Academy of Science; (USA)
OSTI ID:6942082
The US Geological Survey, Tennessee District, recently summarized the background water quality of the principal aquifers in Tennessee. Chemical constituents and physical properties of groundwater in Tennessee generally do not exceed the national drinking water standards. Water in sand aquifers is commonly soft and slightly acidic, with small concentrations of dissolved solids. In several regions, increased iron and sulfate concentrations result from the dissolution of pyrite and other iron- and sulfur-bearing minerals. In carbonate aquifers, geochemical interactions cause increases in hardness and alkalinity along most flow paths. Saline water occurs in deep aquifers or within poorly developed solution openings in flatlying carbonate rocks. Nitrate is seldom a problem in Tennessee's ground waters. Through its cooperative program, statewide groundwater quality monitoring networks are being initiated by the Tennessee District which increase the knowledge of groundwater quality in Tennessee.
OSTI ID:
6942082
Journal Information:
Journal of the Tennessee Academy of Science; (USA), Journal Name: Journal of the Tennessee Academy of Science; (USA) Vol. 64:2; ISSN 0040-313X; ISSN JTASA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English