Processes affecting the distribution of selenium in shallow ground water of agricultural areas, western San Joaquin Valley, California

Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1988 · Water Resour. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/WR024i004p00516· OSTI ID:7096307

Deverel, S J; Fujii, R

A study was undertaken to evaluate the processes affecting the chemistry of shallow ground water associated with agricultural drainage systems in the western San Joaquin Valley, California. The study was prompted by a need for an understanding of selenium mobility in areas having high selenium concentrations in a shallow ground water. Ground water samples were collected along transects in three artificially drained fields where the age of the drainage system varied. Selenium concentrations in the drain water also varied. Isotopic enrichment and chemical composition of the ground water samples indicate that saline- and selenium-enriched water has evolved as a result of evaporation of transpiration of ground water. This evaporated, isotopically enriched water is being displaced by more recent, less saline irrigation water percolating through the root zone. This displacement seems to be a process whereby sodium chloride and sodium sulfate water is being replaced by more dilute calcium sulfate and calcium bicarbonate water.

• Research Organization: Geological Survey, Sacramento, CA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7096307
• Journal Information: Water Resour. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Water Resour. Res.; (United States) Vol. 24:4; ISSN WRERA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520200* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AGRICULTURAL WASTES
CALIFORNIA
CHEMISTRY
CONTAMINATION
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FEDERAL REGION IX
GROUND WATER
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MASS TRANSFER
MONITORING
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANIC WASTES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
RURAL AREAS
SELENIUM
SEMIMETALS
USA
WASTES
WATER
WATER CHEMISTRY