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Geochemistry of groundwater from a rhyolite aquifer, Northwest Iran

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Abstract

Chemical data on groundwater composition in rhyolitic hard rock aquifers with limited global occurrence are rarely found. In this research geochemistry of Mahabad Rhyolite Aquifer, NW Iran, was studied considering major ions, silica and trace elements measured in wet and dry seasons. Based on the results, the mean silica content was 18 mg l−1, less than the average of the rhyolitic waters. However, the relatively higher electrical conductivity (EC) of 418 µS cm−1 was measured. Based on a PHREEQCI model, the weathering of the silicate minerals and dissolution of carbonated intercalations turns groundwater dominantly into Ca–HCO3 type, enhancing EC, pH and silica concentration along the flow path. Trace elements of Sr, Ba and Pb were measured at highest concentrations, the later with an average value of 83 ppb exceeds the drinking guidelines. Cluster analysis confirms biotite weathering and barite dissolution as the main sources of the trace elements in the groundwater. The results signify geochemical features of rhyolitic groundwater which can be a useful tracer of mixing in flow systems containing variety of aquifers including rhyolites.

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Acknowledgements

The cooperation of the Shahrood University of Technology is highly acknowledged. The authors would like to thank any anonymous reviewers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran

    S. Kurdehlachin, H. Jafari & R. Bagheri

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  1. S. Kurdehlachin
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  2. H. Jafari
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  3. R. Bagheri
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Correspondence to H. Jafari.

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Kurdehlachin, S., Jafari, H. & Bagheri, R. Geochemistry of groundwater from a rhyolite aquifer, Northwest Iran. Environ Earth Sci 77, 704 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-018-7886-4

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