Estimation of Groundwater Quality and Background Level in Boseong Area, South Korea

Abstract

The groundwater quality in Boseong area was characterized and their background concentrations were estimated based on the chemical data obtained from 200 groundwater samples collected during July 2019. Groundwater data were classified into two groups: Group 1 with NO 3 -< 44.3 mg/L and Group 2 with NO 3 -≥ 44.3 mg/L. Results of t-tests indicate that groundwaters in Group 2 are significantly higher in water temperature and Ca concentration and significantly lower in F, As, Pb and Zn concentrations. It was also revealed that groundwaters Group 2 are closely linked to low pH, alkalinity, NH 4 , NO 2 , F, As, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn levels, and high EC and water temperature. Background concentrations were estimated using the the BRIDGE method. The results depicted the higher levels in NO 3 , NH 4 , PO 4 , As, Fe, Mn than the ones estimated by MOE and KECO (2018;, which were prepared for the three catchment units in Boseong. The results of this study are believed to have more reliability because more data were used.