Fluoride characterization by principal component analysis in the hydrochemical facies of Serra Geral Aquifer System in Southern Brazil.

Abstract

Principal component analysis is applied to 309 groundwater chemical data information from wells in the Serra Geral Aquifer System. Correlations among seven hydrochemical parameters are statistically examined. A four-component model is suggested and explains 81% of total variance. Component 1 represents calcium-magnesium bicarbonated groundwaters with long time of residence. Component 2 represents sulfated and chlorinated calcium and sodium groundwaters; Component 3 represents sodium bicarbonated groundwaters; and Component 4 is characterized by sodium sulfated with high fluoride facies. The components' spatial distribution shows high fluoride concentration along analyzed tectonic fault system and aligned on northeast direction in other areas, suggesting other hydrogeological fault systems. High fluoride concentration increases according to groundwater pumping depth. The Principal Component Analysis reveals features of the groundwater mixture and individualizes water facies. In this scenery, it can be determined hydrogeological blocks associated with tectonic fault system here introduced.

• Authors: Arthur Nanni, Ari Roisenberg, Jandyra M G Fachel, Gilberto Mesquita, Cristiano Danieli
• Journal: Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias (An Acad Bras Cienc) Vol. 80 Issue 4 Pg. 693-701 (Dec 2008) ISSN: 1678-2690 [Electronic] Brazil
• PMID: 19039492 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Fluorides

Topics

• Brazil
• Fluorides (analysis)
• Fresh Water (chemistry)
• Principal Component Analysis