Abstract
The combination of major element geochemistry, stable ({delta}{sup 18}O, {delta}{sup 2}H) and radioactive ({sup 3}H, {sup 14}C) isotopes has provided a comprehensive understanding of the natural and anthropogenic processes that control groundwater mineralization as well as the sources of different groundwater bodies within the Hammamet-Nabeul unconfined aquifer (Cap Bon peninsula, northeastern Tunisia). The geochemical examination shows the dominance of Na-Cl and Ca-SO{sub 4} water types resulting from the dissolution of halite and gypsum, the dedolomitization and the cation exchange process. Additionally, the return flow process in relation with the long term flood irrigation practice contributes to the mineralization by producing high amounts of nitrate. The stable isotope signatures reveal the existence of two groundwater groups. The non-evaporated groundwaters with relatively depleted contents, reflecting recharge at higher altitudes; and evaporated groundwaters with enriched contents highlighting the influence of return flow of irrigation waters. Tritium contents in these two groups provide evidence of the presence of pre- 1950 and post-1960 recharge periods. Carbon-14 activities in shallow wells, in spite of their contamination by organic {sup 14}C, confirm the recent origin of the groundwaters in the study area. (author)
Ben Moussa, A.;
Zouari, K.;
[1]
Kurttas, T.
[2]
- Laboratory of Radio-Analysis and Environment, ENIS, Sfax (Tunisia)
- Isotope Hydrology Section, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna (Austria)
Citation Formats
Ben Moussa, A., Zouari, K., and Kurttas, T.
Hydrochemical and Isotopic Investigation of Groundwater in the Hammamet-Nabeul Aquifer System, North-Eastern Tunisia.
IAEA: N. p.,
2013.
Web.
Ben Moussa, A., Zouari, K., & Kurttas, T.
Hydrochemical and Isotopic Investigation of Groundwater in the Hammamet-Nabeul Aquifer System, North-Eastern Tunisia.
IAEA.
Ben Moussa, A., Zouari, K., and Kurttas, T.
2013.
"Hydrochemical and Isotopic Investigation of Groundwater in the Hammamet-Nabeul Aquifer System, North-Eastern Tunisia."
IAEA.
@misc{etde_22123092,
title = {Hydrochemical and Isotopic Investigation of Groundwater in the Hammamet-Nabeul Aquifer System, North-Eastern Tunisia}
author = {Ben Moussa, A., Zouari, K., and Kurttas, T.}
abstractNote = {The combination of major element geochemistry, stable ({delta}{sup 18}O, {delta}{sup 2}H) and radioactive ({sup 3}H, {sup 14}C) isotopes has provided a comprehensive understanding of the natural and anthropogenic processes that control groundwater mineralization as well as the sources of different groundwater bodies within the Hammamet-Nabeul unconfined aquifer (Cap Bon peninsula, northeastern Tunisia). The geochemical examination shows the dominance of Na-Cl and Ca-SO{sub 4} water types resulting from the dissolution of halite and gypsum, the dedolomitization and the cation exchange process. Additionally, the return flow process in relation with the long term flood irrigation practice contributes to the mineralization by producing high amounts of nitrate. The stable isotope signatures reveal the existence of two groundwater groups. The non-evaporated groundwaters with relatively depleted contents, reflecting recharge at higher altitudes; and evaporated groundwaters with enriched contents highlighting the influence of return flow of irrigation waters. Tritium contents in these two groups provide evidence of the presence of pre- 1950 and post-1960 recharge periods. Carbon-14 activities in shallow wells, in spite of their contamination by organic {sup 14}C, confirm the recent origin of the groundwaters in the study area. (author)}
place = {IAEA}
year = {2013}
month = {Jul}
}
title = {Hydrochemical and Isotopic Investigation of Groundwater in the Hammamet-Nabeul Aquifer System, North-Eastern Tunisia}
author = {Ben Moussa, A., Zouari, K., and Kurttas, T.}
abstractNote = {The combination of major element geochemistry, stable ({delta}{sup 18}O, {delta}{sup 2}H) and radioactive ({sup 3}H, {sup 14}C) isotopes has provided a comprehensive understanding of the natural and anthropogenic processes that control groundwater mineralization as well as the sources of different groundwater bodies within the Hammamet-Nabeul unconfined aquifer (Cap Bon peninsula, northeastern Tunisia). The geochemical examination shows the dominance of Na-Cl and Ca-SO{sub 4} water types resulting from the dissolution of halite and gypsum, the dedolomitization and the cation exchange process. Additionally, the return flow process in relation with the long term flood irrigation practice contributes to the mineralization by producing high amounts of nitrate. The stable isotope signatures reveal the existence of two groundwater groups. The non-evaporated groundwaters with relatively depleted contents, reflecting recharge at higher altitudes; and evaporated groundwaters with enriched contents highlighting the influence of return flow of irrigation waters. Tritium contents in these two groups provide evidence of the presence of pre- 1950 and post-1960 recharge periods. Carbon-14 activities in shallow wells, in spite of their contamination by organic {sup 14}C, confirm the recent origin of the groundwaters in the study area. (author)}
place = {IAEA}
year = {2013}
month = {Jul}
}