A multi-tracer and well-bore flow profile approach to determine occurrence, movement, and sources of perchlorate in groundwater

Applied Geochemistry
By: , and 
Edited by: Z. Zimeng Wang

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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the occurrence, movement and sources of perchlorate in groundwater using a comprehensive set of environmental tracers coupled with discreet borehole data. Potential sources of perchlorate to groundwater at the study site have been attributed to waste disposal and industrial activities as well as to past agricultural operations. Perchlorate concentrations in samples ranged from <1 to 40 g/l, with a median of 6.1 g/l. Concentrations were relativity consistent with depth except at one site where dilution may be occurring due to the infiltration of surface water from Pyrite Creek. Well-bore flow profiles indicated that perchlorate redistribution was occurring via intra-well bore flow at one site where up to 14,000 mg/year of perchlorate could be moving from the shallower to the deeper zones of the alluvial aquifer. Natural attenuation processes of perchlorate do not appear to be widespread in groundwater but does occur in portions of the aquifer adjacent to the Santa Ana River, likely limiting the mobility of perchlorate from the southernmost extent of the mapped plume to areas further down-gradient. Age dating tracers indicate that perchlorate originating from the waste disposal ponds has largely moved through the zones of the aquifer sampled. Age distributions, noble gas temperature, delta neon values and stable isotopes of water indicate that a substantial fraction of perchlorate in groundwater may have been mobilized from the unsaturated zone and/or is from the infiltration of storm water runoff originating from Pyrite Canyon.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title A multi-tracer and well-bore flow profile approach to determine occurrence, movement, and sources of perchlorate in groundwater
Series title Applied Geochemistry
DOI 10.1016/j.apgeochem.2021.104959
Volume 129
Year Published 2021
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) California Water Science Center
Description 104959, 18 p.
First page 1
Last page 18
Country United States
State California
City Jurupa Valley
Other Geospatial Jurupa Mountains, Mira Loma Hills, Pedley Hills, San Sevaine Channel, Santa Ana River, Stringfellow Superfund Site
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