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A multivariate statistical approach to identify the spatio-temporal variation of geochemical process in a hard rock aquifer

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Abstract

A study has been carried out in crystalline hard rock aquifers of Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, to identify the spatial and temporal variations and to understand sources responsible for hydrogeochemical processes in the region. Totally, 216 samples were collected for four seasons [premonsoon (PRM), southwest monsoon (SWM), northeast monsoon (NWM), and postmonsoon (POM)]. The Na and K ions are attributed from weathering of feldspars in charnockite and fissile hornblende gneiss. The results also indicate that monsoon leaches the U ions in the groundwater and later it is reflected in the 222Rn levels also. The statistical relationship on the temporal data reflects the fact that Ca, Mg, Na, Cl, HCO3, and SO4 form the spinal species, which are the chief ions playing the significant role in the geochemistry of the region. The factor loadings of the temporal data reveal the fact that the predominant factor is anthropogenic process and followed by natural weathering and U dissolution. The spatial analysis of the temporal data reveals that weathering is prominent in the NW part and that of distribution of U and 222Rn along the NE part of the study area. This is also reflected in the cluster analysis, and it is understood that lithology, land use pattern, lineaments, and groundwater flow direction determine the spatial variation of these ions with respect to season.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to express their sincere thanks to University Grants Commission (UGC), India, for providing the necessary financial support to carry out this study with vide reference to UGC letter No. F: 39-143/2010 (SR) dated 27 December 2010.

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  1. C. Singaraja

    Present address: Department of Geology, Presidency College, Chennai, 600005, India

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Earth Sciences, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, 608002, India

    C. Thivya, S. Chidambaram, R. Thilagavathi, C. Singaraja, V. S. Adithya & M. Nepolian

  2. Department of Applied Geology, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University, CDT 250, 98009, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia

    M. V. Prasanna

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  1. C. Thivya
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Thivya, C., Chidambaram, S., Thilagavathi, R. et al. A multivariate statistical approach to identify the spatio-temporal variation of geochemical process in a hard rock aquifer. Environ Monit Assess 187, 552 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-015-4738-5

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