Hydrochemical study of metals in the groundwater of the wider area of Koropi

Abstract

Groundwater samples collected twice, during March-April 2009 (wet period) and in November 2009 (dry period), from two aquifer systems, the karstic and granule type, covering the wider area of Koropi, and springs were analyzed for the elements Αs, Cd, Cr, Li, Se, B, Fe, Tl, U, Zn, Κ, Νa, Ca, Mg, Si, S by ICP-MS. The analytical data presented showed a small temporal variability and a significant variation in the Na, Ca, B, As, Li and Se concentrations in both aquifers. The range of B (1-4300 μg/L), As (0.5 - 68 μg/L, Se (0.13 - 230 μg/L) concentrations exceed often the recommended limits for drinking water (10 μg/L). A salient feature is that the Na-enrichment is accompanied by As, Se, Li and Cl and the very good positive correlation between the former and the latter elements. The recorded salinization (sea-water contribution to the aquifers) is attributed to their over exploitation. In general, the evaluation of the chemical characteristics of both aquifers and the lack of any correlation with Cr and Mg point to water contamination by anthropogenic activities rather than of natural sources. Therefore, industries should follow regulate for the restriction of heavy metal releases into the environment, and citizens should be informed about the potential risk for diseases connected with the use of water from drilling wells and the Loumparda springs.