Concentration and size distribution of particles in abstracted groundwater

C.G.E.M. Van Beek, A.H. de Zwart, M. Balemans, J.W. Kooiman, C. van Rosmalen, H. Timmer, J. Vandersluys, P.J. Stuijfzand

    Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    Particle number concentrations have been counted and particle size distributions calculated in groundwater derived by abstraction wells. Both concentration and size distribution are governed by the discharge rate: the higher this rate the higher the concentration and the higher the proportion of larger particles. However, the particle concentration in groundwater derived from abstraction wells, with high groundwater flow velocities, is much lower than in groundwater from monitor wells, with minimal flow velocities. This inconsistency points to exhaustion of the particle supply in the aquifer around wells due to groundwater abstraction for many years. The particle size distribution can be described with the help of a power law or Pareto distribution. Comparing the measured particle size distribution with the Pareto distribution shows that particles with a diameter >7 μm are under-represented. As the particle size distribution is dependent on the flow velocity, so is the value of the "Pareto" slope β. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)868-878
    JournalWater Research
    Volume44
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2010

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