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Temporal variations in the depth-specific hydrochemistry and sewage-related microbiology of an urban sandstone aquifer, Nottingham, United Kingdom

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Abstract

The temporal and spatial characteristics of groundwater recharge in urban environments remain poorly understood. Depth-specific monitoring of groundwater quality in the Triassic Sandstone underlying the city of Nottingham, UK, indicates that contamination results primarily from sewage and atmospheric sources. The temporal and depth-specific characteristics of microbial and inorganic (e.g. nitrate, chloride, sulphate) contamination over the investigation period differ significantly and reflect the contrasting transport characteristics of surface-loaded solutes and particulate microbial species (bacteria and viruses) in the Triassic Sandstone. Differences result from a variety of factors, which include microbial die-off, dilution, and the contaminant-source characteristics. Observations in this study show that low levels of microbial contamination should be expected at depth in fissured sandstone due to aquifer heterogeneities such as fissuring and the occurrence of mudstone bands, though the magnitude of this contamination will vary over time. Furthermore, urban groundwater-protection measures based on solute-transport estimates may not be applicable to microbial contamination.

Résumé

Les caractéristiques temporelles et spatiales de la recharge de nappes en milieu urbain sont mal connues. Le suivi à une profondeur spécifique de la qualité des eaux souterraines dans les grès triasiques sous la ville de Nottingham (Grande-Bretagne) indique que la contamination provient principalement des égouts et de l'atmosphère. Les caractéristiques temporelles et à des profondeurs spécifiques de la contamination microbienne et minérale (par exemple les nitrates, les chlorures et les sulfates) diffèrent de manière significative au cours de la période d'étude et reflètent les caractères contrastés du transport de solutés acquis en surface et des espèces microbiennes des colloïdes (bactéries et virus) dans les grès du Trias. Des différences résultent d'une variété de facteurs tels que l'extinction microbienne, la dilution et les caractéristiques des sources de contaminants. Des observations faites dans cette étude montrent que les faibles niveaux de contamination microbienne peuvent être trouvés en profondeur dans les grès fissurés du fait d'hétérogénéités comme la fissuration et la présence de niveaux pélitiques indurés, même si l'ordre de grandeur de cette contamination varie au cours du temps. En outre, des mesures de protection des eaux souterraines en milieu urbain basées sur des estimations du transport de solutés peuvent ne pas être applicables à la contamination microbienne.

Resumen

Actualmente, no se conoce con detalle las características temporales y espaciales de la recarga de acuíferos en ambientes urbanos. El muestreo selectivo en profundidad de la calidad de las aguas subterráneas en el acuífero formado por las areniscas Triásicas de la ciudad de Nottingham (Reino Unido) indica que la contaminación procede sobretodo de las aguas residuales y de fuentes atmosféricas. Las características temporales y verticales de la contaminación microbiana e inorgánica (por nitratos, cloruros y sulfatos) detectadas durante la investigación difieren significativamente y reflejan el contraste en el comportamiento dentro del acuífero de los solutos transportados desde la superficie y de las especies particuladas microbianas (bacterias y virus). Las diferencias son consecuencia de factores varios, incluyendo la inactivación microbiana, la dilución y las características de la fuente contaminante. El estudio demuestra que cabe esperar bajos niveles de contaminación microbiana en profundidad en areniscas fisuradas, debido a heterogeneidades tales como las propias fisuras y la intercalación de niveles lutíticos, aunque la magnitud de esta contaminación variará con el tiempo. Más aún, es posible que las medidas de protección de acuíferos en zonas urbanas que se basan en estimaciones de transporte de solutos no sean aplicables a la contaminación microbiana.

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Acknowledgements

This work was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (Grant No. GSTO 21986) and the Environment Agency of England and Wales (Grant No. P2-255/TR). The views expressed are those of the authors. We would also like to thank Jane Sellwood and Jane Shore (Public Health Laboratory Service), the Nottingham City Council, and Severn-Trent Water Public Limited Company for their cooperation, and John Tellam (University of Birmingham) and Paul Dewsbury (University of Sheffield) and Jason Fairbairn (Environment Agency of England and Wales).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Robens Centre for Public and Environmental Health, University of Surrey, Building AW, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK

    A. A. Cronin, K. L. Powell & M. H. Barrett

  2. Department of Geography, University College London, 26 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AP, UK

    R. G. Taylor

  3. GPRG, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK

    S. A. Trowsdale & D. N. Lerner

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  1. A. A. Cronin
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  6. D. N. Lerner
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Correspondence to A. A. Cronin.

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Cronin, A.A., Taylor, R.G., Powell, K.L. et al. Temporal variations in the depth-specific hydrochemistry and sewage-related microbiology of an urban sandstone aquifer, Nottingham, United Kingdom. Hydrogeology Journal 11, 205–216 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-002-0246-0

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