Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1080/10256010701360132
Title (Primary) Anomalous fluoride concentration in groundwater - is it natural or pollution? A stable isotope approach
Author Marimon, M.P.C.; Knöller, K.; Roisenberg, A.
Source Titel Isotopes in Environmental and Health Studies
Year 2007
Department ISOHYD
Volume 43
Issue 2
Page From 165
Page To 175
Language englisch
Keywords Fertiliser contamination; Fluoride; Groundwater; Hydrogen-2; Nitrogen-15; Oxygen-18; Sulphur-34
Abstract Fluoride anomalies (up to 11 mg/l) have been detected in groundwater of the central region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Southern Brazil, in an area where fluorosis is endemic. Two hypotheses are investigated concerning the fluoride origin: lithochemical affiliation from regional rock or contamination by fertilisers application. These hypotheses are discussed based on the stable isotope data of water, nitrate, and sulphate, which indicates that the local precipitation is the main groundwater recharge source. The isotopic composition of groundwater sulphate is similar to that of fertiliser sulphate. However, a conclusive assignment of groundwater sulphate to fertiliser origin is not indicated because further possible sulphate sources fall into the same isotopic range. In contrast, the isotopic composition of dissolved nitrate suggests that there is no direct relationship to the use of NPK fertilisers. Hence, an origin of the high fluoride content in groundwater related to long-term rock-water interactions seems likely.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=2043
Marimon, M.P.C., Knöller, K., Roisenberg, A. (2007):
Anomalous fluoride concentration in groundwater - is it natural or pollution? A stable isotope approach
Isot. Environ. Health Stud. 43 (2), 165 - 175 10.1080/10256010701360132