Example of O- and H-isotope use to identify surface water pollution in groundwater

摘要

Varying levels of pollution were observed in water samples taken from observation boreholes that surround a waste disposal site and a waste water treatment works. In an attempt to establish which of the sources was responsible for groundwater pollution, water samples were taken and analyzed for the isotopes ~(18)O and deuterium. The O- and H- isotopes were used successfully to define the level of influence recharge from surface pollution sources had on observation boreholes. From these results conclusions could be made on the relative impact of one of the two possible sources of pollution. This allows for decisions on the management of the facility to focus on elimination of the surface water bhody as a source of pollution.