The hydrochemistry of crystalline bedrock groundwater in Norway

Abstract

1604 groundwater samples collected from Precambrian and Palaeozoic crystalline bbedrock aquifers and 72 groundwater samples from Quaternary aquifers were analysed for radon, pH, and major and minor elements. A representative subset of 476 samples of bedrock groundwater was further analysed for trace elements. There appears to be a degree of lithological control on radon, fluoride, uranium and many trace elements. \rThere appears to be a degree of lithological control on radon, fluoride, uranium and many trace element, typically manifested as elevated concentrations in granitic groundwaters and depletions in anorthostic groundwaters. However, even within a distinct lithology, the concentration of a particular element in groundwater may span over 4 orders of magnitude, suggesting that other (kinetic and hydrodynamic) factors are equally important. A significant percentage of the analysed hardrock groundwaters do not fulfil the Norwegian standards for drinking water quality...