Abstract
Groundwater quality and geochemical processes were investigated in the endemic areas of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka. Representative groundwater samples (n = 60) were collected from 30 dug wells located in the Anuradhapura district, over the dry and wet seasons. The samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), alkalinity, major cations and major anions. Calcium-magnesium-bicarbonate ion combinations are predominant in this groundwater, and the simultaneous occurrence of high hardness (382–394 mg/L as CaCO3), alkalinity (364–379 mg/L as CaCO3) and ionicity is a salient characteristic. Alkalinity, TDS, hardness, and magnesium exceeded the safe limits for drinking in over half of the samples, regardless of the season. The major ion chemistry (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and HCO3−) is primarily governed by the weathering of carbonate and silicate minerals, ion exchange, and evaporation which is accelerated by the semi-arid climate. Fluoride and chloride inputs are regulated by dissolution of fluoride-bearing minerals and anthropogenic causes, respectively. Saturation indices suggested supersaturation of carbonates and silicates, and undersaturation of evaporites and fluorite. Persistent high ionicity, and hardness of groundwater that is seldom impacted by seasonal variations might be playing a vital role in the genesis of CKDu.
Funder
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Subject
Water Science and Technology,Aquatic Science,Geography, Planning and Development,Biochemistry
Cited by
4 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献