bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Uranium Mining and Milling on Ground Water in the Grants Mineral Belt, New Mexico
Authors: Kaufmann Robert F. , Eadie Gregory G. , Russell Charles R. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTGround‐water contamination from uranium mining and milling results from the infiltration of mine, mill, and ion‐exchange plant effluents containing elevated concentrations of radium, selenium, and nitrate. Available data indicate that radium concentrations in the discharge waters of a producing mine tend to increase substantially as the ore body is developed. Whereas natural background radium concentrations are generally about several picocuries/liter (pCi/l), 100 to 150 pCi/l appear in the effluents of operating mines. The discharge of such highly contaminated mine effluents to streams and seepage from tailings ponds, creates a long‐lived source of ground‐water contamination. Seepage of mill tailings at two active mills ranges from 126,000 to 491,000 m3/yr and, to date, has contributed an estimated 2400 Curies of uranium, radium, and thorium to the ground‐water reservoir. The shallow aquifer in use and downgradient from another mill has been grossly contaminated with selenium, attributable to excessive seepage from a nearby tailings pond.Radium, selenium, nitrate and, to a lesser extent, uranium, are of most value as indicators of ground‐water contamination. Gross alpha results are not consistent indicators of radium or uranium in water, although uranium does appear to be the principal contributor of alpha activity. Accurate radium‐s226 analyses yield the most information for radiological evaluation of drinking water.To date, no adverse impacts on municipal groundwater supplies have been observed. However, industry‐sponsored environmental monitoring programs are inadequately designed and implemented, and may not define the full, long‐term impact of mining and milling operations on the ground‐water quality of the study area.
Evidence of Salt‐Water Intrusion in Southeastern Long Island
Authors: Anderson M. P. , Berkebile C. A. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTA preexisting network of 124 wells used for fire protection in the Town of Southampton, Long Island, New York, was monitored during a one‐year period for groundwater levels and chloride concentrations. Water from 26 wells had chloride concentrations of 50 mg/l or greater and in 17 wells the chloride concentration exceeded 200 mg/l. Most of these wells are located in two densely populated areas. The possibility of widespread intrusion in one of these areas has not been previously documented. In addition, detailed water‐table contour maps are presented for selected areas within the Town.
Wastewaters in the Vadose Zone of Arid Regions: Geochemical Interactionsa
Authors: Runnells Donald D. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTBecause of increasingly stringent laws governing discharge of fluid wastes to surface waters, the alternative of discharge to the subsurface has become attractive. The physical‐chemical processes that prevail in the subsurface are not well understood, but they are clearly not identical to processes of purification in surface waters. For example, in the subsurface the process of oxidation may be of little value in significantly reducing the concentration of discharged contaminants; in contrast, oxidation plays an important role in purifying surface waters. Eleven physical‐chemical processes can be identified as having potential value for purifying wastes discharged to the subsurface, as follow: dilution, buffering of pH, precipitation by reaction, hydrolysis, oxidation or reduction, filtration, volatilization, biological assimilation, radioactive decay, membrane filtration, and sorption.Discharge to the vadose zone may be a safe means of disposal of wastes in arid regions. But it is necessary to carefully test the suitability of a particular site for a particular waste. Processes of purification in the vadose zone can be incorporated into a workable plan of discharge if adequate studies and safeguards are employed. Regulations governing subsurface discharge should take into account the physical‐chemical processes that may act to purify the waste fluids. In one set of experiments, a soil from Sulfur Springs, New Mexico was capable of removing large quantities of dissolved molybdenum and copper from a synthetic mill water, and the soil was able to quantitatively retain the copper during subsequent leaching by fresh and metal‐free mill waters. Such studies permit rational plans of discharge to be developed.
Potential Replacement of Septic Tank Drain Fields by Artificial Marsh Wastewater Treatment Systemsa
Authors: Fetter C. W. , Sloey W. E. , Spangler F. L. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTIndividual subsurface liquid waste disposal has been cited as a source of ground‐water contamination. Wastewater treatment systems using emergent marsh vegetation planted in a gravel substrate in a plastic‐lined trench could be used to treat septic tank effluent. A pilot plant treating unchlorinated primary municipal effluent achieved the following reductions in mass: BOD5‐77%; COD‐71%; orthophosphate–35%; total phosphorus–37%; nitrate–22%; coliform bacteria–99.9%. While such treatment is possible only during the growing season, it could be useful at summer cottages, camping areas, resorts and roadside rest areas. Marsh treatment systems are inexpensive to operate and virtually automatic.
Prediction of Future Nitrate Concentrations in Ground Watera
Authors: Young C. P. , Oakes D. B. , Wilkinson W. B. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTOver the last few years rises in the nitrate content of ground water from wells and springs in the principal aquifers of the United Kingdom have been observed. In a number of cases the concentrations have exceeded the WHO lower recommended limit. In order to determine the reason for the rise, to assess whether it will continue and the eventual nitrate levels, the Water Research Centre has undertaken an extensive programme of drilling and sampling on the Chalk and Bunter Sandstone, and by August 1976, twenty‐two sites had been examined. This work has established that high nitrate concentrations (peaks up to 60 mg/l NO3‐N have been observed) are present in the unsaturated aquifers at fertilized arable/ley sites. At unfertilized grassland sites nitrate concentrations are low (less than 4 mg/l NO3‐N) and below fertilized established grassland values are in the intermediate range. At one farm site near Winchester, models to predict the rate of movement of nitrate through the unsaturated and saturated Chalk have been developed. These suggest that the nitrate levels at this site will remain at an essentially constant value of about 4 mg/l NO3‐N until the late 1970's when they will rise progressively to about 4 mg/l NO3‐N. The models have been checked against tritium data and the approach is now being extended to other sites.
Monitoring Cyclic Fluctuations in Ground‐Water Qualitya
Authors: Pettyjohn Wayne A. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTThe chemical quality of water in many shallow and surficial aquifers exhibits cyclic fluctuations. These fluctuations are caused by the intermittent flushing of contaminants into the ground during recharge events. The contaminants may be natural or reflect man's activities, particularly waste disposal schemes.Over the past 12 years an oil‐field brine contaminated aquifer in central Ohio has been monitored. Data from three closely‐spaced wells tapping selected parts of the aquifer indicate that brine is flushed into the ground during recharge events and that each contaminated mass maintains much of its integrity as it sinks to the bottom of the aquifer and then migrates laterally to the adjacent river. The most concentrated mass that covers the largest area infiltrates during the spring recharge period, but less concentrated and smaller masses may occur any time rainfall is sufficient to overcome the soil‐moisture deficiency.Because of the cyclic nature of recontamination events, care and common sense must be exercised in the extrapolation of quality data, particularly in regard to estimation of contaminant flushing rates.
Land Subsidence and Cracking Due to Ground‐Water Depletiona
Authors: Bouwer Herman 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTSubsidence of the land surface due to ground‐water overdraft is caused by an increase in the intergranular pressure in unconsolidated aquifers and other underground materials. For unconfined aquifers, this increase is the result of a loss of buoyancy of solid particles in the zone dewatered by the falling water table. For confined aquifers, increases in intergranular pressure are caused by decreases in the upward hydraulic pressure against the bottom of the upper confining layer, due to a drop in piezometric surface. Compression of layers in which the intergranular pressure is increased can be calculated with elastic or logarithmic theory. Sample calculations yield rates of subsidence that agree with those observed, i.e., about 5 to 50 cm (2 to 20 inches) per 10‐m (33‐ft) drop in ground‐water level. Ground‐water depletion can also produce surface cracks, particularly above discontinuities in bedrock depth along the periphery or in other parts of subsiding basins. Calculations based on the rotating‐slab theory show that the initial surface width of such cracks is about 1 cm (0.5 inch), which agrees with field observations.
Limitations of the Electrical Resistivity Method in Landfill Investigations
Authors: Klefstad Gilbert , Sendlein Lyle V. A. , Palmquist Robert C. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTThe electrical resistivity method has been used to delineate shallow zones of ground‐water contamination resulting from solid waste disposal sites. Application of this method to sites located in alluvial deposits in Iowa revealed that the degree of success of the method was directly related to the degree of contamination. A detailed investigation of the interrelationship between electrical resistivity, material variation, and water quality was conducted in the alluvial deposits of the Skunk River at Ames, Iowa. The lateral variation of materials at this site resulted in a large, natural scatter in the resistivity response. The decrease in resistivity due to contamination was not greater than this natural scatter and thus could not be detected. These results suggested a relationship between the scatter levels at any site and the minimum degree of contamination necessary to be detected. The minimum level of contamination which can be detected over the natural scatter is herein called the threshold value. The threshold value must be known before the resistivity method can be applied with confidence.
Effect of Vegetation on Landfill Stabilization
Authors: Molz Fred J. , Browning V. Douglas 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTSix types of vegetation were established successfully on lysimeters containing sanitary landfill materials. The vegetation grew well with the roots penetrating several refuse layers within one year. Leachate analysis indicated that vegetation and evapotranspiration (ET) reduced leachate volume and increased the rate of refuse decomposition. This was accompanied by production of a more potent leachate and a substantial increase in cumulative chemical oxygen demand. Therefore, this study suggests more potential ground‐water pollution in a shorter period of time when vegetation is planted on a landfill. The net effect of ET on the stabilization of any particular landfill will be the result of a complex interaction involving climate, vegetation, soil type, cover material, landfill geometry, and other variables. This makes extrapolation of our results to a particular field situation rather difficult.
A Hazard of Subdividing Farmland
Authors: Whitlock Willis W. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTChanging land‐use patterns are occurring in all areas of the United States, especially those lands surrounding urban centers. Previously farmed land is being converted to residential subdivisions of one‐quarter to one‐half acre lots with on‐site water supply and sewage disposal systems (well and septic). This in itself can present problems which are recognized and usually (now) provided for. There are also hazards resulting from the original uses of the land that have not been anticipated.This paper is concerned with the high nitrate nitrogen levels (U.S.P.H.S., 1962, Note 1) in ground water resulting from long‐term farming. Natural chemical and biological activity will break down manure to persistent nitrate that is then leached into the water table. Subsequent subdivision of the land, well installation and consumption of the contaminated ground water constitutes a problem that has been medically recognized since 1945, but not by the drilling industry or environmental health personnel.Regulations of the Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (Note 2) provide for a required series of bacteriological and chemical samples prior to the water supply being put into service. To date, the tests are usually conducted after occupancy, if at all. In Harford County, Maryland, at least four subdivisions have been shown to have areas of excessive nitrate nitrogen (up to 60 ppm) showing the need for stringent enforcement of existing regulations.
Trends of Selected Ground‐Water Constituents from Infiltration Galleries, Southeast Nassau County, New Yorka
Authors: Sulam Dennis J. , Ku Henry F. H. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTLong‐term records of ground‐water quality indicate that in an unsewered area of southeast Nassau County, New York, certain constituent concentrations increased substantially from 1910 to 1975. Most of the increases virtually parallel the rate of population growth and number of houses that discharge waste water through cesspools and septic tanks. Data sites used for this study were two abandoned infiltration galleries in Wantagh and Massapequa that withdraw water from the shallow aquifer. Ranges in constituent concentrations, in milligrams per liter, during 1910–75 were:
The Significance and Prediction of Observation Well Response Delay in Semiconfined Aquifer‐Test Analysis
Authors: Black J. H. , Kipp K. L. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTThe concept of the observation well as a measuring instrument with its own response characteristics is developed, and a method for response evaluation is derived based on methods of slug‐test analysis. The effect of well response time upon the results of semiconfined aquifer tests is calculated and a series of type curves is produced. The ambiguity of observation well response affected leaky aquifer tests is demonstrated.A method for calculating well response time based on estimates of aquifer parameters and observation well dimensions is also presented to aid the proper design of aquifer tests. It is recommended that a slug test should be performed on every observation well used in confined or semiconfined aquifer tests.
Application of the Drill‐Stem Test to Hydrogeology
Authors: Hackbarth D. A. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTDrill‐stem tests may be useful for such hydrogeological purposes as regional ground‐water or geothermal resource studies. Water samples, hydraulic head and hydraulic conductivity may be obtained from these tests.Analysis of 41 drill‐stem tests conducted for a regional ground‐water study reveals that maximum pressures recorded during a test should exceed 30 percent of the full scale of the pressure gauge used in the case of bourdon‐type instruments. Use of drill‐stem‐test data without consideration for percent deflection of the pressure recorder, even with evaluation of mechanical quality will mean that individual values of pressure head may be as much as 30 percent different from that which would be obtained in an observation well. The error is random and has a median value approximating that which would be observed in a well completed over the same interval. Use of large numbers of drill‐stem tests will produce hydraulic head maps which agree with those produced by conventional observation wells.
Cyclic Storage, Where Are You Now?
Authors: Thomas Harold E. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTThis paper presents ten theses summarizing: The cyclic pattern of precipitation and runoff in the Central Valley of California and the need for cyclic storage to insure regularity and continuity in water supply; the inadequacy of surface‐water storage because of evaporation losses and probable interference with ground‐water recharge; the blasted hopes of Federal and State water agencies for control and management of the ground‐water reservoir, because of potential conflict with private property rights; the artificial recharge by private and local enterprise; increasing emphasis in Federal and State programs upon surface reservoirs at increasing cost in money and water; the tendency of Federal policy to focus on the needs and clamors for irrigation water, with subsidies; and the availability of water from Federal projects now under construction for artificial recharge and subsurface storage, a first step to a long‐range program of cyclic storage.
Use of Laboratory Data to Predict Sulfate Sorption During Artificial Ground‐Water Recharge
Authors: Wood Warren W. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTSulfate sorption data determined from laboratory investigations were used to predict movement of sulfate during a field experiment of artificial ground‐water recharge in a basin near Lubbock, Texas. Laboratory studies confirmed that sulfate sorption is controlled in the system by surface area, content of iron oxides and hydroxides, and pH. Predicted sulfate distribution in the unsaturated zone was made by assuming constant one‐dimensional flow. Where these assumptions were met, predictions were generally good at shallow depths and for short times.At greater depths and longer times, these assumptions combined with other factors, such as changes in effective porosity, variable mineralogy, changing hydrodynamic dispersion coefficients, and variable infiltration rates contributed to the failure of the predicted values to match the observed data.It appears that sulfate distribution in the unsaturated zone during artificial recharge can be predicted by using easily derived laboratory data if the flow conditions in the field can be described adequately.
HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY MEASUREMENTS UTILIZING HEAT‐SHRINKABLE TUBING
Authors: Buss David R. , Trexler Bryson D. , Kneller William A. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTHydraulic conductivity studies of a consolidated pozzolanic material indicate that heat‐shrinkable tubing can be utilized to encase cylinders for use in a permeameter. The materials required for encasement of a sample include: heat‐shrinkable tubing, hose clamps, polyvinyl chloride discs, glass tubing, and an electric oven. The procedure requires that the assembled PVC discs, filters, shrinkable tubing, and sample be placed on a support stand in an electric oven for three to four minutes at a temperature between 450–500° F. Upon removal from the oven, hose clamps are placed around each PVC disc. The method has several advantages. It saves time and expenses over conventional methods such as pneumatic pressurized core holders or triaxial testing units and preserves the original interstitial bore spaces of the sample.
Results of Pumping Tests in Crystalline‐Rock Aquifersa
Authors: Uhl Vincent W. , Sharma G. K. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTThe Evangelical Lutheran Church (E.L.C.) Water Development Project, headquartered in Betul, Madhya Pradesh, India, has been involved since 1971 in developing ground‐water supplies in the Satpura Hill Region of Central India. To date, over 400 wells have been drilled in crystalline rocks and more than 100 of these wells have been pump‐tested to determine aquifer hydrologic characteristics.Crystalline rocks crop out in roughly 20 percent of the Satpura Hill Region and the main rock types are granite, gneiss, and schist. The crystalline‐rock country is gently undulating and ground‐water flow systems are of the local type being limited to small drainage basins of a few square miles in area.The controlled testing and detailed analysis of over 100 pumping tests provided an excellent opportunity to evaluate the applicability of standard analytical models for the analysis of pumping tests in crystalline‐rock aquifers.Step‐test data were analyzed by Rorabaugh's (1953) method and by a graphical method. The results indicate that well losses are significant in a number of wells tested and appear to be related to non‐Darcian flow in the aquifer adjacent to a pumped well.Constant‐rate pumping tests were used to determine aquifer transmissivity. Time‐drawdown data were analyzed by the Cooper‐Jacob (1946) approximation to the Theis (1935) equation and recovery data were analyzed by the residual drawdown method. Aquifer transmissivity ranged over two orders of magnitude from 102 to 104 gpd/ft (1.24 to 1.24 × 102 m2/day). Pumping‐test results often enabled the prediction of aquifer conditions, such as limited aquifers, recharge and leakage boundaries, and aquifer dewatering.
Aquifer Storage of Heated Water: Part I — A Field Experiment
Authors: Molz Fred J. , Warman James C. , Jones Thomas E. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTElectrical power plant and solar heating systems have been proposed wherein confined ground‐water aquifers are used as temporary storage reservoirs for thermal energy in the form of moderate to high temperature water (140°F‐400°F; 60°C‐204°C). The Water Resources Research Institute of Auburn University has performed an aquifer storage experiment involving warm water (97°F; 36°C). The objectives of the experimental program were to begin actual testing of the concept of heat storage in aquifers and to provide data for calibration of mathematical models describing the simultaneous transport of water and heat. Phase I consisted of drilling an exploratory well at the selected field site near Mobile, Alabama. Phase II involved construction of the central injection well, three observation wells, and performance of preliminary pumping tests. Phase III was devoted to construction of the remainder of the observation well field, performance of final pumping tests, and measurement of aquifer thermal properties; while Phase IV was devoted to a cycle of warm‐water injection, storage, and recovery. It was concluded that heat storage aquifers must have low natural pore velocities, and care must be taken not to clog the injection well with solids or precipitated chemicals. Swelling of clays in the storage formation must be minimized, and hydraulic pressures capable of breaching the confining layers must be avoided. Mechanical and chemical clogging problems may be minimized by using formation water as influent to the heating system. For a 36‐day storage of 2 million gallons, the calculated energy recovery factor of 0.69 was considered promising. Future research should be directed toward experimental studies involving larger volumes of water and high‐injection temperatures. Study should be directed also to the geochemistry problem and the effect of high temperatures on the mechanical and hydraulic properties of clay confining layers.
The Use of Multiple Linear Regression in Simulating Ground‐Water Level Responses
Authors: Hodgson Frank D. I. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTThe simulation of water table responses is discussed and the use of multiple linear regression as a modelling technique is considered. It is calibrated and validated against actual field data from the Vryburg aquifer in South Africa. The model permits the consideration of changes in properties of recharge, discharge and aquifer parameters simultaneously. By use of such a model, water table responses in the Vryburg area can be simulated six years ahead of time, using rainfall and discharge through pumping as the only input parameters. This technique can be regarded as a rapid, first approximation and low‐cost procedure which is unsurpassed as far as time and costs are concerned.