Hydrogeologic Factors Affecting Trace Element Mobility

by Kenneth D. Schmidt, Kenneth D. Schmidt and Associates, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Irrigation and Drainage

Abstract:

Alluvial deposits often comprise the aquifer beneath irrigated lands in the southwestern U.S. The presence of buried stream channels in, and layering of, shallow alluvial deposits are highly significant in determining the direction and rate of groundwater flow. Once the physical part of the groundwater flow system is understood, an understanding of geochemical processes can be used to predict the mobility of various trace elements in deep percolation water. Some of these elements are nearly as mobile as the groundwater itself, whereas some others are relative immobile. Trace elements of greatest concern are mobile anions, which are derived from natural geologic deposits. These elements have been mobilized by irrigation practices, and are important with respect to potential uses of groundwater or surface water.

Subject Headings: Trace elements | Groundwater flow | Alluvial channels | Percolation | Irrigation | Hydrogeology | Stream channels

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