Ground Water · 2000 · 23 citations · 9 references
Natural ResourcesEarth SciencesWater Resources ManagementGroundwater HydrologyGroundwater ManagementWell LoggingAquifer CharacterizationAquifer FlowGroundwater ContaminationGroundwater QualityGroundwater Resource AssessmentWell HydraulicsAquifer Water BudgetArsenic ContaminationConcentration ProfilesGroundwater Quality AssessmentGroundwater Quality ImpactsSpinner LoggingWater Quality ImpactsWell Water Quality
Abstract A method of computing the vertical distributions of solute concentrations in aquifer strata penetrated by an existing well or borehole can be developed from a simple solute mass/water balance approach. This approach allows refinement of site characterization without the cost of drilling additional wells or using other site characterization methods. This method also allows pre‐diction of the water quality impacts of different well construction and screening options when the vertical distribution of flows from an aquifer and the aquifer water concentrations are known or can be estimated. Data requirements and methods of data collection for use of the technique are reviewed. Flowmeter or spinner logging surveys indicate the flow contribution of each portion of the well. When depth‐specific samples are collected under the same pumping conditions as the spinner logging, a solute mass/water balance approach allows vertical concentration distributions in the aquifer to be estimated. Application to a well containing arsenic concentrations that approach the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 50 μ/L indicates that water with arsenic concentrations of nearly 100 μ/L enters the well from a particular stratum.
9