The hydrogeochemistry of Norwegian bedrock groundwater - selected parameters (pH,F,Rn,U,Th,B,Na,Ca) in samples from Vestfold and Hordaland, Norway
Morland, Geir; Strand, Terje; Reimann, Clemens; Siewers, Ulrich; Hall, Gwendy E.M.; Bjorvatn, Kjell; Banks, David; Skarphagen, Helge
Abstract
Over 300 samples of bedrock groundwater from Hordaland county and the Oslo rift lithologies of Vestfold county have been collected and analysed for radon and fluoride. A selection of 150 samples have been analysed for a large range of major and trace parameters by ICP-AES and ICP-MS techniques at two different laboratories. 53% of all waters contravene recognised drinking water limits for at least one of the following parameters: pH,U,Rn,F and Na. The majority of these contraventions are identified in the Hordaland area (64% contravention) with a rete of only 28% contravention in Vestfold. Maximum levels of 2mg\/L, 6840Bq\/L and 9.2 mg\/L were recorded for U, Rn and F, respectively. These findings have implications for water resource policy in a country where ground- water is actively being promoted as an alternative to vulnerable surface water sources. Bedrock groundwater may still be considered a viable resource provided that effort is invested in compiling hydrochemical hazard maps for bedrock groundwater and provided that consumers and water suppliers are willing to accept the need for a degree of water treatment in some cases.