Geochemistry, Groundwater and Pollution

Not only do natural processes exert control over groundwater quality, but in recent years the effect of pollution, such as nitrate from fertilizers and acid rain, has also had a significant impact. What is worrying is that due to the long residence time of groundwater in the invisible subsurface environment, the effect of this pollution may only become apparent tens to hundreds of years afterwards. Therefore, a proper comprehension of the processes occurring in aquifers is required in order to predict what the effect of present day human activities will be on that scale. Presented here is a quantitative approach to the study of this interdisciplinary science concerned with the chemistry in the subsurface environment. Practical examples of applications are incorporated.Appelo, C. A. is the author of 'Geochemistry, Groundwater and Pollution', published 1993 under ISBN 9789054101055 and ISBN 9054101059.