Monsoonal influence on stable isotope signature and arsenic distribution in groundwaters of rural West Bengal: A spatio-temporal study

Authors: Majumder, S., Datta, S., Nath, B., Berner, Z., Sarkar, S. and Chatterjee, D.

Journal: Understanding the Geological and Medical Interface of Arsenic, As 2012 - 4th International Congress: Arsenic in the Environment

Pages: 69-70

Abstract:

According to recent reports, large-scale groundwater abstraction may influence the release of arsenic (As) in groundwater. Using stable isotope data, we examined whether groundwater abstraction controls the hydrochemical evolution of groundwater and release of As in Chakdaha Block, West Bengal. The mean concentration of total As increased by 19% after the monsoon period from 52 μg/L to 61 μg/L; whereas, the mean As(III) concentration was significantly increased by 114% from pre-monsoon to the post-monsoon period from 31 μg/L to 66 μg/L. Isotopic signatures are similar to those previously reported for shallow wells in the area. Although the isotopic signatures are largely controlled by local precipitation, the isotopic composition of the groundwater falls sub-parallel to the Global Meteoric Water Line (GMWL) - evidence that widespread groundwater abstraction for agricultural purposes may contribute to the drawdown of evaporated surface waters. © 2012 Taylor & Francis Group.

Source: Scopus