Hydro-geochemical simulation of the mixing balance of exploitation and reinjection of geothermal fluid

This paper targets its research at the exploitation–reinjection well of geothermal fluid of one geothermal heating project in Tianjin, China, examines such factors as ground temperature, CO_2 partial pressure and stratum lithology, and simulates the changes in the main component contents of geothermal fluids mixed at different proportions in the exploitation and reinjection well. The research findings show that the mixed fluids are increasingly similar in nature to the reinjected water as the reinjection process goes on. It's suggested that the manual method should be used to ensure the reinjected water has the similar mineralization as the exploited ground water in the process of reinjection and some acceptable adjustments should be made according to the specific component and water temperature. The study on water-rock balance calculation shows that PHREEQC can simulate the complicated chemical reactions related to water when the transfer of solute happens, so the necessary technological supports are given for the reasonable development and protection of geothermal resources.

Assessment of the Groundwater Quality in Parts of Imo River Basin, Southeastern Nigeria: The Case of Imo Shale and Ameki Formations

Hydro-geochemical survey is undertaken in parts of Imo River Basin, Southeastern Nigeria, particularly in the geologic formations of Imo Shale and Ameki, to assess the quality of groundwater. Eleven samples of groundwater are obtained from various boreholes in the study area and subjected to physico-chemical analysis using standard laboratory techniques. The study is aimed at the assessment of the groundwater quality indicators namely: pH, electrical conductivity (N), phosphate (PO4), sulphate (SO4), nitrate(NO3-) and total dissolved solids (TDS). The result shows that the water from boreholes in Umuahia has low pH, and is therefore acidic. The pH values range between 4.40 and 5.60, which is below the acceptable range of 6.5-8.5. The acidity probably results from carbonic acid derived from the solution of CO2 from both the atmosphere and the decomposition of plant materials in the soil zone. The acidity of the groundwater gives slight sour taste to drinking water, due to the mobilization of trace metals from the aquifer material into the groundwater system, because of the corrosive effect of acidic water. Since borehole supply is rarely treated, these trace metals end up in domestic supplies resulting in health implications and complaints. Acidic waters are typically low in buffering calcium minerals, but are high in dissolved carbon dioxide gas, which can cause the low pH or acidity. Calcite neutralizer tanks with natural crushed and screened pure calcium carbonate easily neutralize acidic water from 6.0 to 6.9. Below 6.0 a blend of calcite and Corosex is recommended. Common systems used to treat low pH: Calcite Neutralizer, calcite & Corosex Blend Neutralizer, pflow Neutralizer, Soda Ash Feed Pump Injection System.