Geochemical Characteristics and Assesment of Nitrate Nitrogen in Groundwater in Yanggu-Gun, Gangwon-Do in Korea

An analysis of groundwater quality is significant for monitoring and managing water contamination and groundwater system. For the purpose of those, the geochemical characteristics of groundwater were studied over the concern for water quality, water type and origin of nitrate nitrogen. Total colony counts were detected in 11 out of 20 samples, and the average value was 31.73 CFU/ml. Range and average of NO₃-N concentrations were 0.9~24.0 mg/L and 8.3 mg/L. All groundwater types were found to be Ca²⁺-HCO₃^-. The range and average of NO₃-N were 0.2~17.4 mg/L and 8.7 mg/L, and those of δ¹⁵N were 1.7~8.9‰, and 5.0‰. Careful consideration is required for evaluating the origin of nitrogen when NO₃-N concentration is low. In general, noticeable difference between rockbed and alluvial water was not found. The ranges of nitrate origins by chemical fertilizer, livestock manure and domestic sewage, and natural soil were 29.6~76.4%, 14.2~58.9% and 2.6~7.0%, and the average values of those were 57.4%, 37.4%, and 5.3%, respectively. Origin of nitrate was affected by more chemical fertilizer than the other parameters. Rockbed water was more affected by chemical fertilizer than alluvial water.