Abstract
Ranchi urban area (257 km2) depends on aquifers for 30 % of its total drinking-water supply of 17 million m3 year−1. Local hydrostratigraphy is represented by a heterogeneous, weathered and fractured aquifer system, typical of the Precambrian suite of rocks in the Indian subcontinent. Intensive development of the fractured aquifers, up to 200 m below ground, has lowered the hydraulic head and resulted in dwindling yields from fractures during the summer. To understand the groundwater flow regime and aquifer recharge mechanism, the present study examines δ18O and δD variation in aquifer-specific samples along with water levels, yield of the fractures, EC and Cl–. Three types of groundwater have been identified based on isotopic composition and d-excess values, each representing different recharge source-water and pathways. The major source of recharge for the aquifers is infiltration from rainfall. Two large reservoirs and an excavated lake within the study area contribute to the recharge process but insignificantly. Isotopic compositions and the relatively low EC and low Cl– concentrations of high-yielding bore wells in some places indicate the presence of fast-conducting fracture zones receiving copious recharge from rainfall. Such fractures can be developed further through bore wells for drinking supply with due provision for artificial recharge.
Résumé
La zone urbaine de Ranchi (257 km2) dépend d’aquifères pour 30 % de ses besoins totaux en eau potable soit 17 million m3 an–1. L’hydrostratigraphie locale est représentée par un système hétérogène de roches aquifères altérées et fracturées, typique de la colonne précambrienne du Sous-continent Indien. Une exploitation intensive des aquifères fracturés, jusqu’à 200 m de profondeur, a abaissé la cote piézométrique avec comme résultat des débits de fractures décroissants durant l’été. Pour comprendre le régime d’écoulement de l’aquifère et son mécanisme de recharge, la présente étude examine la variation δ18O et δD dans des échantillons spécifiques d’eau de l’aquifère selon les niveaux de l’eau, le débit des fractures, EC et Cl–. Trois types d’eau souterraine ont été identifiés sur la base de la composition isotopique et des valeurs d-excédentaires, chacune représentant différentes sources de recharge et trajectoires d’écoulement. La source majeure de recharge des aquifères est l’infiltration d’eau de pluie. Deux grands réservoirs et un lac excavé dans le domaine de l’étude contribuent au processus de recharge mais de façon insignifiante. Les compositions isotopiques et les concentrations EC et Cl– relativement basses dans les puits à haut débit forés en quelques emplacements indiquent la présence de zones de fractures très conductrices recevant une copieuse recharge de chutes de pluie. De telles fractures peuvent être d’avantage développées par forages pour l’alimentation en eau potable ainsi que pour la provision dédiée à la recharge artificielle.
Resumen
El área urbana de Ranchi (257 km2) depende de los acuíferos para el 30% de su abastecimiento de agua potable, que es de 17 millones de m3 año–1. La hidroestratigrafía local está representada por un sistema acuífero fracturado, meteorizado y heterogéneo, típico del conjunto de rocas del Precámbrico en el subcontinente Indiano. El desarrollo intensivo de los acuíferos fracturados, hasta 200 m por debajo del terreno, ha reducido la carga hidráulica y como resultado rendimientos decrecientes de las fracturas durante el verano. Para entender el régimen de flujo subterráneo y el mecanismo de recarga del acuífero, el presente estudio examina la variación de δ18O y δD en muestras específicas del acuífero mediante los niveles de agua, el rendimiento de las fracturas, EC y Cl–. Se identificaron tres tipos de agua subterránea en base a la composición isotópica y los valores de d-excesos, cada uno representando diferente fuentes de recarga de agua y trayectorias. La mayor fuente de recarga para los acuíferos es la infiltración a partir de la lluvia. Dos grandes reservorios y un lago excavado dentro del área de estudio contribuyen al proceso de recarga pero en forma no significativa. Las composiciones isotópicas y las relativamente bajas EC y concentraciones de Cl- en los pozos de altos rendimientos en algunos lugares indican la presencia de zonas de fracturas de una rápida conducción que es receptora de una recarga copiosa a partir de la lluvia. Tales fracturas pueden ser desarrolladas además a través de pozos para el abastecimiento con la provisión por recarga artificial.
Resumo
A área urbana de Ranchi (257 km2) está dependente de aquíferos em cerca de 30% do seu abastecimento total de água potável de 17 milhões de m3 ano–1. A hidroestratigrafia local é representada por um sistema aquífero heterogéneo, meteorizado e fraturado, típico do conjunto de rochas do Pré-Câmbrico do subcontinente Indiano. O desenvolvimento intensivo dos aquíferos fraturados, até aos 200 m abaixo do solo, diminuiu a carga hidráulica e resultou em produtividades cada vez menores das fraturas durante o verão. Para se compreender o regime de escoamento da água subterrânea e o mecanismo de recarga aquífera, o presente estudo analisa as variações de δ18O e δD em amostras de aquíferos específicos, juntamente com os níveis da água, a produtividade das fraturas, a CE e o Cl–. Com base na composição isotópica e em valores de excesso de deutério, foram identificados três tipos de água subterrânea, cada um representando diferentes origens da água de recarga e diferentes percursos. A maior fonte de recarga dos aquíferos é a infiltração a partir da precipitação. Dois grandes reservatórios e um lago escavado dentro da área de estudo contribuem para o processo de recarga, mas de forma insignificante. As composições isotópicas e os valores relativamente baixos de CE e das concentrações de Cl– dos furos de elevada produtividade em alguns locais indicam a presença de zonas de fratura de condução rápida, que recebem abundante recarga a partir da precipitação. Estas fraturas podem ser mais desenvolvidas através de furos para abastecimento de água, com a provisão adequada por recarga artificial.
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Acknowledgements
The authors are thankful to S. C. Dhiman, S. Kunar and S. Gupta of Central Ground Water Board for their help and suggestions. The last author is indebted to M. Sen of National Geophysical Research Institute for help and useful suggestions. The authors extend sincere thanks to Lokender Kumar and K. K. Jha for their help during preparation of the manuscript. The authors are grateful to the anonymous reviewers for their efforts in enhancing the clarity and presentation of the report. The opinions expressed in the report are the authors’ personal opinions and not of their affiliated departments/institutes.
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Saha, D., Dwivedi, S.N., Roy, G.K. et al. Isotope-based investigation on the groundwater flow and recharge mechanism in a hard-rock aquifer system: the case of Ranchi urban area, India. Hydrogeol J 21, 1101–1115 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-013-0974-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-013-0974-3