Department of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology

The author describes a history and present activities of the Department of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geolog

A probabilistic approach to assessment of the quality of drinking water

Knowledge of uncertainty in analytical results is of prime importance in assessments of compliance with requirements set out for the quality of water intended for human consumption. Assessments of drinking water quality can be performed using either a deterministic or a probabilistic method. In the former approach, every single result is referred directly to the parametric value, while in the probabilistic method uncertainty related to analytical results is taken into account during the decision-making process. In the present research, laboratory uncertainty and uncertainty determined on the basis of results of analyses of duplicate samples collected in two Polish cities were compared and used in the probabilistic approach of water quality assessment. Using the probabilistic method, more results were considered to be “above the parametric value”. Most excesses were observed when the maximum allowable uncertainty as set out in the Regulation of the Minister of Health of 7 December 2017 was used, which is due to the highest values of these uncertainties. The lowest values above parametric values in the probabilistic approach were observed when measurement uncertainty was considered

Selected hydrochemical ratios of waters from inflows at level VI in "Wieliczka" Salt Mine

Relationships between major ions, such as Cl− , SO4 2− and Na+ and some microelements, may serve as good indicators of genesis and chemical transformations occurring during groundwater flow. The chemical composition of water from inflows at the level VI of “Wieliczka” Salt Mine is formed mainly by the dissolution of different types of salts caused by waters circulating in complicated systems of semipermeable rocks and fractured sandstones. This complicated geological structure is additionally disturbed by seven centuries of mining activity. Individual inflows are recharged by different flow systems, thus water/rock contact times are different. The authors analysed basic hydrochemical ratios: sodium/ chlorides (rNa+ /rCl− ), sulphides/chlorides (rSO4 2−·100/rCl− ) and chlorides/iodides (Cl− /I− ). The obtained results proved that hydrochemical ratios may serve as a supporting tool for better assessment of water threats in the western part of “Wieliczka” Salt Mine

Guidance on Sampling and Monitoring for Lead in Drinking Water

This report gives guidance on the assessment of lead in drinking water at national level in the framework of the work agreed by the Parties of the Protocol Water and Health. The guidance focuses on the case that nothing is known about the lead problem in water supply. The guidance proposes creating plumbosolvency maps of every water supply zone on which basis representative zones are selected for monitoring. The Random Daytime sampling protocol is the key method. On the basis of the monitoring results an estimate of the lead problem at national level can be made.JRC.I.2-Chemical assessment and testin

Thermal springs and active fault network of the central Colca River basin, Western Cordillera, Peru

Thermal springs are prevalent water discharges along the Andes of Southern Peru. They are connected with neotectonic movements and high heat flow of the Nazca-South America subduction zone. The aim of the work is to present hydrogeochemical and isotopic characteristics of thermal springs, as well as associated efflorescences precipitating in their vicinity and relationship of geothermal areas to active fault network. The study area is located in the central Colca River basin, between Sibayo and Canco in the Western Cordillera of the Andes in southern Peru. The sampled thermal springs discharge from different sedimentary and magmatic rock formations (Jurassic-Cretaceous to Quaternary) and are situated on altitude range: 1380-2140 m a.s.l. (Colca Canyon floor), 3300-3800 m a.s.l. (Colca Valley floor) and 4330-4750 m a.s.l. (N slopes of the extinct Hualca Hualca volcano). The hydrogeochemical and isotopic (delta D and delta 18O) characteristics of thermal waters in the study area indicates that the reservoir waters originate from a mixture of meteoric and magmatic fluids, with reservoir temperatures, estimated by Na-K geothermometry, varying between 180-220°C and exceeding 240°C in case of Paclla springs at the Colca Canyon floor. The temperature of the thermal water discharges varied from 30°C to 93°C. Different mixing ratio of deep-originated fluids with meteoric waters at shallow depth results in dilution of chloride (Na-Cl) waters controlled by magma degassing and by water-rock interactions and enriching with SO4-2 and HCO3- ions. TDS of these waters varied from 1370 mg/L to 4398 mg/L. Another group of thermal springs constitute outflows of shallow steam-heated meteoric water which are dominantly sulphate and bicarbonate waters, with significantly lower TDS (275-1270 mg/L). Efflorescences accompanying the studied springs form mainly white, yellow and colourless coatings, encrustations and single crystals. Dominating mineral phases are K, Al, Mg, Fe, Na, Ca, NH4 sulphates, Ca, Na carbonates and Na, Ca-Al chlorides. Elemental sulphur was also identified. In many cases, especially in the area of Paclla/Llahuar and Pinchollo, studied thermal springs show clear correlation with crustal normal and strike-slip faults. In other sectors their relation to active faults is less pronounced

Thermal springs and active fault network of the central Colca River basin, Western Cordillera, Peru

Thermal waters and vapor discharges (hot springs, geysers, solfataras, and fumaroles) are common phenomena in volcanic regions at active plate boundaries, and the Central Andes are no exception. The Colca River basin in S Peru is a highly diversified and complex thermal region with unresolved questions on the origin of thermal fluids, reservoir temperature, and connections with tectonic and/or volcanic activity. To answer these, we used hydrogeochemical analysis of 35 water samples from springs and geysers, together with isotopic (δ18O and δD) analysis, chemical and mineral studies of precipitates collected in the field around these outflows, and field observations. We aimed (1) to recognize the geochemistry of thermal waters and precipitates in the central part of the Colca River basin, (2) to identify fluid sources and their origin, (3) to estimate the temperature of a potential geothermal reservoir, and (4) to discuss the regional active tectonic and volcanic framework of this geothermal region and mutual relationships. Our results corroborate a heterogeneous and complex geothermal system in the central part of the Colca River basin, with contrasting hydrogeochemical and physical properties, variable isotope composition, different reservoir temperatures, and associated precipitates around thermal springs. Processes controlling water chemistry are closely related to the Ampato-Sabancaya magmatic chamber's activity and tectonic structures that allow complex interactions of meteoric waters with magmatic fluids and gases. With a considerable gradient of pressure owing to local relief and deep incision in the Colca Canyon, these processes led to the differentiation of the thermal waters into three main groups. (1) Chloride-rich, mainly sodium chloride, thermal waters are of meteoric origin but mature within the geothermal reservoir possibly fed by magma degassing. These waters' chemical and isotopic composition results from water-rock interaction and mixing with magmatic waters within the reservoir. These waters discharge at the bottom of the Colca Canyon and Valley, presenting a broad hydrogeochemical spectrum and highly variable mineral phases precipitating at the outflows. The reservoir temperature estimated for these waters ranges from 180 to 200 °C. The group of hottest springs and geysers at the bottom of the Colca Canyon waters are fully equilibrated, with the reservoir temperature ~ 240 °C. (2) Sulfate-rich waters are shallow meteoric waters heated by ascending gases that form an independent group referring to the local water circulation, often controlled by tectonic barriers. (3) Bicarbonate-rich waters are the intermediate meteoric waters, divided into two hydrochemical groups: waters partially equilibrated with reservoir rocks and more similar to chloride-rich waters or additionally enriched with SO4 and more similar to sulfate-rich waters. Studied thermal springs show a clear spatial correlation with active and seismogenic crustal W- to NW-tracing normal and strike-slip faults. These act as barriers to infiltrating meteoric waters, provide pathways to hydrothermal solutions and gases assisting in meteoric water heating, and yield passages for pressured by lithostatic load and heated waters to ascend to the surface

Human Health Risk Assessment of Trace Elements in Tap Waterand the Factors Influencing Its Value

(1) Background: The influence of tap water fittings construction and internal pipe-work on the release of heavy metals was investigated. (2) Methods: A statistical approach was applied for the examination of the chemistry of tap water in five different cities in southern Poland. In total, 500 samples were collected (from 100 to 101 samples in each city). The sampling protocol included information on the construction of the water supply network and the physicochemical parameters of measured tap water. (3) Results: The statistical analysis allowed to extract the crucial factors that affect the concentrations of trace elements in tap water. Age of connection, age of tap, age of pipe-work as well as material of connection, material of pipe-work and material of appliance reveal the most significant variability of concentrations observed for As, Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn. Calculated cancer risks (CRs) decrease with the following order of analysed elements Ni > Cd > Cr > As = Pb and can be associated with the factors that affect the appearance of such elements in tap water. The hazard index (HI) was evaluated as negligible in 59.1% of the sampling points and low in 40.1% for adults. For children, a high risk was observed in 0.2%, medium in 9.0%, negligible in 0.4%, and low for the rest of the analysed samples

A probabilistic approach to assessment of the quality of drinking water

Knowledge of uncertainty in analytical results is of prime importance in assessments of compliance with requirements set out for the quality of water intended for human consumption. Assessments of drinking water quality can be performed using either a deterministic or a probabilistic method. In the former approach, every single result is referred directly to the parametric value, while in the probabilistic method uncertainty related to analytical results is taken into account during the decision-making process. In the present research, laboratory uncertainty and uncertainty determined on the basis of results of analyses of duplicate samples collected in two Polish cities were compared and used in the probabilistic approach of water quality assessment. Using the probabilistic method, more results were considered to be “above the parametric value”. Most excesses were observed when the maximum allowable uncertainty as set out in the Regulation of the Minister of Health of 7 December 2017 was used, which is due to the highest values of these uncertainties. The lowest values above parametric values in the probabilistic approach were observed when measurement uncertainty was considered

Drinking of tap water is smart, but how do it better? – A tap water quality research

Drinking tap water has recently become popular. It is a way to fight with the tons of garbage (disposable, plastic bottles). However, many people are afraid of water quality. The research was performed in December 2015 in Krakow, during one week. 56 samples were collected. The samples were taken in different times of the day and in the two types of building (old one with installation from the 80s and new one with installation built in past few years). Samples were taken by two qualified operators. The first sample was collected at the morning at 6 a.m., before anyone uses the tap. The second one after the tap was flushed and then the third one after 30 minutes stagnation. At the evening was taken one sample (after using the tap all day).The aim of the research was to check the quality of drinking water in the end-user. The results show that quality of tap water in Krakow is good, also in the end-user, but the concentration of chemical elements are changing during the flushing and using of the tap

Pit Lakes Affected by a River Contaminated with Brines Originated from the Coal Mining Industry: Evolution of Water Chemistry in the Zakrzówek Horst Area (Krakow, Southern Poland)

Long-term coal mining activities in the Upper Silesia significantly affect the environment in southern Poland. Discharges of brines (with TDS reaching over 110 g/L) from mines are the main source of pollution of many rivers in Poland, including the Vistula River. The Zakrzówek horst is a small geological structure composed of the Upper Jurassic limestones. These limestones were exploited in several quarries. In the largest one (the “Zakrzówek” quarry), exploitation reached the depth of 36 m below the water table, i.e., about 32 m below the average water level in Vistula River which flows 700 m from the quarry. An important part of this inflow into quarries came from the contaminated Vistula River, with a chloride concentration over 2 g/L. The exploitation ceased in 1991, and dewatering ended in 1992. In the old quarry area, pit lakes appeared, which are unique because they present an example of a post-mining site affected by the riverine water contaminated with brines. Investigations of physicochemical parameters of water in the Zakrzówek area were carried out in the period of 1990–2020. Results showed that the largest pit lake was initially meromictic with a distinct stratification. After several years, holomictic conditions developed due to the surface layer freshening and convective mixing