Abstract
Knowledge about the hydrochemical conditions of deep groundwater is crucial for the design and operation of geothermal facilities. In this study, the hydrochemical heterogeneity of the groundwaters in the Malm aquifer, Germany, is assessed, and reasons for the extraordinarily high H2S concentrations in the central part of the Bavarian Molasse Basin are proposed. Samples were taken at 16 sites, for a total of 37 individual wells, to analyze cations, anions, gas loading and composition. The hydrochemical characteristics of the Malm groundwater in the center of the Molasse Basin are rather heterogeneous. Although the groundwater in the central basin is dominated by meteoric waters, there is a significant infiltration of saline water from higher strata. Care has to be taken in the interpretation of data from geothermal sites, as effects of chemical stimulation of the boreholes may not be fully removed before the final analyses. The distribution of H2S in the gas phase is correlated to the gas loading of the water which increases in the central basin. Temperatures, isotopic data and the sulfur mass balance indicate that H2S in the central basin is related to thermochemical sulfate reduction (south of Munich) and bacterial sulfate reduction (north of Munich).
Résumé
La connaissance de l’état hydrochimique des eaux souterraines profondes est cruciale pour la conception et l’exploitation des installations géothermales. Dans la présente étude, l’hétérogénéité hydrochimique des eaux de l’aquifère du Malm (Allemagne) est évaluée et les causes des concentrations extraordinairement élevées de H2S dans la partie centrale du Bassin Molassique Bavarois exposées. Des échantillons ont été prélevés sur 16 sites, dans au total 37 puits privés, en vue d’une analyse des cations, des anions, de la pression et composition du gaz. Les caractéristiques hydrochimiques de la nappe du Malm dans le centre du Bassin Molassique sont plutôt hétérogènes. Bien que les eaux souterraines de cette partie du bassin soient sous la dépendance des eaux météoriques, il y a une infiltration significative d’eaux salées depuis les couches surincombantes. Du soin doit être apporté à l’interprétation des données sur les sites géothermaux car les effets de la stimulation chimique des forages peuvent ne pas avoir été totalement éliminés avant la réalisation des analyses finales. La distribution du H2S dans la phase gazeuse est corrélée à la pression des gaz de l’eau, qui croît dans la partie centrale du bassin. Les températures, les données isotopiques et l’équilibre massique des sulfures indiquent que le H2S y est lié à la réduction des sulfates par voie thermochimique (Sud de Munich) et par voie bactérienne (Nord de Munich).
Resumen
El conocimiento acerca de las condiciones hidroquímicas del agua subterránea profunda es crucial para el diseño y la operación de las instalaciones geotermales. En este estudio, se evalúa la heterogeneidad hidroquímica del agua subterránea en el acuífero Malm, Alemania, y se proponer las razones de las extraordinariamente altas concentraciones de H2S en la parte central de la cuenca de Bavarian Molasse. Para analizar cationes, aniones, composición y carga de gas se tomaron muestras en 16 sitios, en un total de 37 pozos individuales. Las características hidroquímicas del agua subterránea del Malm en el centro de la cuenca Molasse son bastante heterogéneas. Aunque el agua subterránea en la cuenca central está dominada por aguas meteóricas, hay una significativa infiltración de agua salina desde estratos más altos. Se debe tener cuidado en la interpretación de los datos de los sitios geotermales, ya que los efectos de estimulación química de las perforaciones no pueden ser totalmente removidos antes del análisis final. Se correlacionó la distribución de H2S en la fase gaseosa con la carga de gas del agua que se incrementa en la cuenca central. Las temperaturas, los datos isotópicos y el balance de masa de sulfuro indican que el H2S en la cuenca central está relacionada a la reducción termoquímica del sulfato (sur de Munich) y a reducción bacterial de sulfato (norte de Munich).
Resumo
O conhecimento das condições hidroquímicas das águas subterrâneas profundas é crucial para o projeto e operação de instalações geotérmicas. Neste estudo, a heterogeneidade hidroquímica das águas subterrâneas do aquífero Malm, na Alemanha, é avaliado, e são propostas razões para as concentrações extremamente elevadas de H2S na parte central da Bacia de Molasso da Baviera. As amostras foram colhidas em 16 locais, para um total de 37 furos individuais, para analisar catiões, aniões, a quantidade de gás e a sua composição. As caraterísticas hidroquímicas da água subterrânea do Malm, no centro da Bacia de Molasso, são bastante heterogéneas. Embora a água subterrânea na bacia central seja dominada pelas águas meteóricas, existe uma infiltração significativa de água salina a partir de camadas superiores. E necessário ter cuidado na interpretação dos dados provenientes de sítios geotérmicos, visto que os efeitos da estimulação química dos furos não podem ser completamente removidos antes das análises finais. A distribuição de H2S na fase gasosa está correlacionada com a carga de gás da água, que aumenta na bacia central. Temperaturas, dados isotópicos e o balanço de massa de enxofre indicam que o H2S na bacia central está relacionado com a redução termoquímica do sulfato (a sul de Munique) e com a redução bateriana de sulfato (a norte de Munique).
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Acknowledgements
Financial support by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety is gratefully acknowledged. We also would like to thank our project partners FU Berlin, Germany (coordinator), Erdwerk GmbH, Munich, Germany, and LfU Bayern, Munich, Germany for their support and D. Kirste for his very helpful suggestions during the review process.
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Published in the theme issue “Hydrogeology of Shallow Thermal Systems”
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Mayrhofer, C., Niessner, R. & Baumann, T. Hydrochemistry and hydrogen sulfide generating processes in the Malm aquifer, Bavarian Molasse Basin, Germany. Hydrogeol J 22, 151–162 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-013-1064-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-013-1064-2