Groundwater characterization in Kudankulum site, Tamil Nadu - an isotope study

Isotope characterization of groundwater is generally carried out to identify the source and origin of recharge, interconnection between shallow zone and deep zone, impact of surface water bodies on groundwater, contribution from precipitation etc.. The Global Meteoric Water Line (GMWL, δD=8xδ¹⁸O+10), the locus of precipitation water over whole of the globe, established by Craig, is used to understand the hydrological set up influencing the groundwater presence. Any deviation from GMWL allows us to interpret the extent of evaporation and condensation and other physical processes. Stable isotopes are generally reported as δ values in parts per thousand. The present study is carried out in Kudankulam site of Tamil Nadu to understand factors influencing the groundwater recharge and dynamics over a period of a decade. The impact of construction of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNP) on the hydrological situation is also examined