GEOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN NEWCASTLE, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA

P. Nolakana; A. Siad; H. Solomon

doi:10.17721/1728-2713.74.11

Authors

P. Nolakana Applied Geology, Earth Science Department University of the Western Cape, South Africa
A. Siad Applied Geology, Earth Science Department University of the Western Cape, South Africa
H. Solomon Applied Geology, Earth Science Department University of the Western Cape, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17721/1728-2713.74.11

Keywords:

Groundwater Geochemistry, Major Ion Chemistry, Hydro-chemical Facies (Water types)

Abstract

Hydrogeochemical investigations were carried out in Newcastle, in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa to identify the major geochemical processes that control groundwater chemistry. 31 samples were collected and analysed for Magnesium (Mg2+), Calcium (Ca2+), Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), Chloride (Cl-), Sulfate (SO42-), Bicarbonate (HCO3-), Nitrate (NO3-), Fluoride (F-), pH, TDS and EC. Classical hydro-chemical methods; facies analysis and major ion analysis were used to further understand the composition controlling processes. It was inferred from the hydro-chemical facies, major ion scatter plots that the major process affecting the groundwater chemistry in the area is rock-water interaction. The ionic concentration is due to silicate weathering, carbonate weathering and ion exchange processes.

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