Trace element pollution in groundwater using nuclear analytical methods

Neutron activation and X-ray fluorescence methods were used in trace level analysis of groundwater. The results of the determination of indigenous elements as well as those deriving from pollution in urban, industrial and agricultural regions are presented. The concentration distribution of different elements in groundwater, metallic and non-metallic, were obtained. Investigating the relationship of water quality and trace element concentration, a linear correlation was found. Case studies demonstrate that the data collected on trace element occurrences in groundwater enable the localization of pollutant sources and can be very useful in predicting the movement of pollutants. (author)