• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.14 no.3 s.40
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• pp.259-272
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• 2004

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of hydrochemical variation of groundwater on the gas tigtness in an unlined oil storage cavern. The groundwater chemistry is greatly influenced by the seawater mixing, the water curtain and the dissolution of grounting cements. The chemical composition of groundwater greatly varies ac-cording to both the location of monitoring wells and the sampling period. Most of groundwater shows alkaline pH and high electrical conductivity. The chemical types of groundwater show the dominant order as follows : Na-Cl type > Ca-Cl type > $Ca-HCO_3(CO_3)$ type. Thermodynamic equilibrium state between chemical composition of groundwater and major minerals indicates that carbonate minerals except clay minerals can be precipitated as a secondary mineral. It means that the secondary precipitates can not greatly exerts the clogging effect into fracture aperture in rock mass around oil storage cavern. The content of total organic carbon (TOC) shows a slightly increasing trend from initial stage to late stage. The $EpCO_2$ was computed so as to assess the gas contribution on the $CO_2$ in groundwater. The $EpCO_2$ of 0$\~$41.3 indicates that the contribution of oil gas on $CO_2$ pressure in groundwater system can be neglected.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.25-37
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• 2014

The volcanic type of geothermal water is linked intimately to active or potentially active volcanoes and takes place near the plate boundaries. In contrast to the volcanic type, the geothermal water in Korea has a non-volcanic origin. Korea's geothermal water is classified into the residual magma (RM) type and deep groundwater (DG) type according to the criterion of $35^{\circ}C$. This study reviewed the relationship between the physical and chemical features of the 281 geothermal water sources in South Korea in terms of the specific capacity, water temperature, and chemical compositions of two different basements (igneous rock and metamorphic rock) as well as the geological structures. According to the spatial relationship between the geothermal holes and geological faults, the length of the major fault is considered a key parameter determining the movement to a deeper place and the temperature of geothermal water. A negligible relationship between the specific capacity (Q/s) and temperature was found for both the RM type and DG type with the greater specific capacities of the RM- and DG-igneous types than the RM- and DG-metamorphic types. No relationship was observed between Q/s and the chemical constituents ($K^+$, $Na^+$, $Ca^{2+}$, $Mg^{2+}$, $Zn^{2+}$, $Cl^-$, $SO_4{^{2-}}$, $HCO_3{^-}$, and $SiO_2$) in the DG-igneous and DG-metamorphic types. Furthermore, weak relationship between temperature and chemical constituents was found for both the RM type and DG type.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Soil and Groundwater Environment Conference
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• 2000.11a
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• pp.87-90
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• 2000

The hydrogeochemical and isotopic studies on deep groundwater in the Munkyeong area, Kyeongbuk province were carried out. $CO_2$-rich groundwater (Ca-HC $O_3$ type) is characterized by low pH (5.8~6.5) and high TDS (up to 2,682 mg/L), while alkali groundwater (Na-HC $O_3$ type) shows a high pH (9.I~10.4) and relatively low TBS (72~116 mg/L). $CO_2$-rich water may have evolved by $CO_2$ added at depth during groundwater circulation. This process leads to the dissolution of surrounding rocks and Ca, Na, Mg, K and HC $O_3$ concentrations are enriched. The low Pc $o_2$ (10$^{-6.4}$atm) of alkali groundwaters seems to result from the dissolution of silicate minerals without a supply of $CO_2$. The $\delta$$^{18}$ O and $\delta$D values and tritium data indicate that two types of deep groundwater were both derived from pre-thermonuclear meteoric water. The carbon Isotope data show that dissolved carbon in the $CO_2$-rich water was possibly derived from deep-seated $CO_2$ gas. The $\delta$$^{18}$ S values of dissolved sulfate show that sulfate reduction occurred at great depths. The application of various chemical geothermometers on $CO_2$-rich groundwater shows that the calculated deep reservoir temperature is about 130~175$^{\circ}C$. Based on the geological setting, water chemistry and environmental isotope data, each of the two types of deep groundwater represent distinct hydrologic and hydrogeochemical evolution at depth and their movement is controlled by the local fracture system.m.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.78-91
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• 2007

The groundwater chemistry is heavily influenced by land use. This study has investigated the groundwater quality and contamination characteristic associated with land use. Contamination index ($C_d$) was estimated for evaluating and areal distribution of groundwater contamination degree. Groundwater samples collected from 216 locations in the study area show great variability in chemical composition. Electrical conductance ranges from 100 to $31,360\;{\mu}S/cm$. The pH values are between 4.6 (acidic) and 8.57 (weak alkaline). The water types predominantly represent the $Ca-HCO_3$ and $Ca-Na-HCO_3$ types, whereas, in the residential and business areas, the water type is shifted to (Na, Ca)-Cl type with rich concentration of Cl. The $C_d$ values of the study area range from 1.1 to 117.6 with a mean of 9.56.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Soil and Groundwater Environment Conference
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• 2006.04a
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• pp.303-306
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• 2006

Using a variety of chemical geothermometers we estimate the temperature of a deep geothermal reservoir in relation to thermal groundwater in the Bugok area, southern Korea, in order to assess the potential use of geothermal energy in South Korea. Thermal water at Bugok has been exploited down to about 400 m below the land surface and shows the highest outflow temperatures (up to $78{\circ}C$) in South Korea. Based on the hydrochemical data and occurrence, groundwater in Bugok can be classified into three groups: $Na-SO_4$ type thermal groundwater (CTGW) occurring in the central part (about 0.24 $km^2$) $Ca-HCO_3$ type cold groundwater (SCGW) occurring in shallow peripheral parts of CTGW; and the intermediate type groundwater (STGW). CTGW waters are typical of thermal water in the area, because they have the highest outflow temperatures and contain very high concentrations of Na, K and $SiO_2$ due to the sufficient reaction with silicate minerals in deep reservoir. Their enriched $SO_4$ was likely formed by gypsum dissolution. The major ion composition of CTGW shows the general approach to a partial equilibrium state with rocks at depth. The application of various alkali ion geothermometers yields temperature estimates in the range of 88 to $198{\circ}C$ for the thermal reservoir. Multiple mineral equilibrium calculation indicates asimilar but narrower temperature range between about 100 and $155{\circ}C$. These temperature estimates are not significantly higher than the measured outflow temperatures for CTGW Considering the heat loss during the ascent- of thermal waters, this fact may suggest that a thermal reservoir in the study area is likely located at relatively shallow depths (possibly close to the depth of preexisting wells). Therefore, we suggest a high potential for geothermal energy development around the Bugok area in southern Korea.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.28 no.12
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• pp.1157-1169
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• 2019

We used numerical models to reliably analyze the groundwater flow and hydraulic conductivity on Jeju Island. To increase reliability, improvements were made to model application factors such as hydraulic watershed classification, groundwater recharge calculation by precipitation, hydraulic conduction calculation using the pilot point method, and expansion of the observed groundwater level. Analysis of groundwater flow showed that the model-calculated water level was similar to the observed value. However, the Seogwi and West Jeju watersheds showed large differences in groundwater level. These areas need to be analyzed by segmenting the distribution of the hydraulic conductivity. Analyzing the groundwater flow in a sub watershed showed that groundwater flow was similar to values from equipotential lines; therefore, the reliability of the analysis results could be improved. Estimation of hydraulic conductivity distribution according to the results of the groundwater flow simulation for all areas of Jeju Island showed hydraulic conductivity > 100 m/d in the coastal area and 1 - 45 m/d in the upstream area. Notably, hydraulic conductivity was 500 m/d or above in the lowlands of the eastern area, and it was relatively high in some northern and southern areas. Such characteristics were found to be related to distribution of the equipotential lines and type of groundwater occurrence.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.45-59
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• 2002

This study is objected to demonstrate the spatial variability of the ground-water recharge by classifying the types of ground-water hydrographs and assessing the recharge ratio(the ratio of the rise of ground-water level to cumulative precipitation) of each type using the National Ground-water Monitoring network data. A total of 5 types were identified by factor analysis on the ground-water hydrographs nationwide. The recharge ratio of each type were estimated to be 6.5% (TYPE I), 4.1 % (TYPE II), 9.2%(TYPE III), 5.8 %(TYPE IV), 15.3 %(TYPE V) in the confidence level of 95.44% and 6% variation was estimated site by site even in the same type. The recharges of Han, Nakdong, Keum, Youngsan·Seomjin river basins were estimated as 10.0 %, 6.1 %, 8.3 %. and 6.6 % respectively. These results were consistent with the results of the existing baseflow method.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.729-744
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• 2023

The value of lithium has significantly increased due to the rising demand for electric cars and batteries. Lithium is primarily found in pegmatites, hydrothermally altered tuffaceous clays, and continental brines. Globally, groundwater-fed salt lakes and oil field brines are attracting attention as major sources of lithium in continental brines, accounting for about 70% of global lithium production. Recently, deep groundwater, especially geothermal water, is also studied for a potential source of lithium. Lithium concentrations in deep groundwater can increase through substantial water-rock reaction and mixing with brines. For the exploration of lithim in deep groundwater, it is important to understand its origin and behavior. Therefore, based on a nationwide preliminary study on the hydrogeochemical characteristics and evolution of thermal groundwater in South Korea, this study aims to investigate the distribution of lithium in the deep groundwater environment and understand the geochemical factors that affect its concentration. A total of 555 thermal groundwater samples were classified into five hydrochemical types showing distinct hydrogeochemical evolution. To investigate the enrichment mechanism, samples (n = 56) with lithium concentrations exceeding the 90th percentile (0.94 mg/L) were studied in detail. Lithium concentrations varied depending upon the type, with Na(Ca)-Cl type being the highest, followed by Ca(Na)-SO₄ type and low-pH Ca(Na)-HCO₃ type. In the Ca(Na)-Cl type, lithium enrichment is due to reverse cation exchange due to seawater intrusion. The enrichment of dissolved lithium in the Ca(Na)-SO₄ type groundwater occurring in Cretaceous volcanic sedimentary basins is related to the occurrence of hydrothermally altered clay minerals and volcanic activities, while enriched lithium in the low-pH Ca(Na)-HCO₃ type groundwater is due to enhanced weathering of basement rocks by ascending deep CO₂. This reconnaissance geochemical study provides valuable insights into hydrogeochemical evolution and economic lithium exploration in deep geologic environments.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.291-306
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• 2023

Shallow groundwater in rural areas is primarily polluted by agricultural activities. Nitrate-nitrogen is an indicator of artificial pollution. In this study, the hydrochemical characteristics and nitrate-nitrogen pollution of shallow groundwater were examined in two agricultural villages (Hyogyo-ri and Sinan-ri) in Chungcheongnam-do Province, Korea. Physicochemical quality analysis of shallow groundwater and stream water in the field, and chemical analysis in the laboratory were conducted from July 2020 to October 2021. In Hygyo-ri and Sinan-ri villages, shallow groundwater mainly belonged to the Ca-Cl, Ca-H CO₃, Na-HCO₃, and Na-Cl types, whereas stream water predominantly belonged to the Ca-HCO₃ type. The nitrate-nitrogen concentration in shallow groundwater varied depending on the season, displaying an increased concentration of nitrate-nitrogen in the dry season compared to the rainy season. Stream water may be influenced by runoff into villages from the surrounding area, although both shallow groundwater and stream water are affected by artificial pollution. In addition, the nitrate-nitrogen concentration in stream water was lower than that in shallow groundwater.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Soil and Groundwater Environment Conference
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• 2004.09a
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• pp.119-120
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• 2004

Urban groundwater has a unique hydrologic system because of the complex surface and subsurface infrastructures such as deep foundation of many high buildings, subway systems, and sewers and public water supply systems. It generally has been considered that increased surface impermeability reduces the amount of groundwater recharge. On the other hand, leaks from sewers and public water supply systems may generate the large amounts of recharges. All of these urban facilities also may change the groundwater quality by the recharge of a myriad of contaminants. This study was performed to determine the factors controlling the recharge of deep groundwater in an urban area, based on the hydrogeochemical characteristics. The term ‘contamination’ in this study means any kind of inflow of shallow groundwater regardless of clean or contaminated. For this study, urban groundwater samples were collected from a total of 310 preexisting wells with the depth over 100 m. Random sampling method was used to select the wells for this study. Major cations together with Si, Al, Fe, Pb, Hg and Mn were analyzed by ICP-AES, and Cl, N $O_3$, N $H_4$, F, Br, S $O_4$and P $O_4$ were analyzed by IC. There are two groups of groundwater, based on hydrochemical characteristics. The first group is distributed broadly from Ca-HC $O_3$ type to Ca-C1+N $O_3$ type; the other group is the Na+K-HC $O_3$ type. The latter group is considered to represent the baseline quality of deep groundwater in the study area. Using the major ions data for the Na+K-HC $O_3$ type water, we evaluated the extent of groundwater contamination, assuming that if subtract the baseline composition from acquired data for a specific water, the remaining concentrations may indicate the degree of contamination. The remainder of each solute for each sample was simply averaged. The results showed that both Ca and HC $O_3$ represent the typical solutes which are quite enriched in urban groundwater. In particular, the P$CO_2$ values calculated using PHREEQC (version 2.8) showed a correlation with the concentrations of maior inorganic components (Na, Mg, Ca, N $O_3$, S $O_4$, etc.). The p$CO_2$ values for the first group waters widely ranged between about 10$^{-3.0}$ atm to 10$^{-1.0}$ atm and differed from those of the background water samples belonging to the Na+K-HC $O_3$ type (<10$^{-3.5}$ atm). Considering that the p$CO_2$ of soil water (near 10$^{-1.5}$ atm), this indicates that inflow of shallow water is very significant in deep groundwaters in the study area. Furthermore, the P$CO_2$ values can be used as an effective parameter to estimate the relative recharge of shallow water and thus the contamination susceptibility. The results of our present study suggest that down to considerable depth, urban groundwater in crystalline aquifer may be considerably affected by the recharge of shallow water (and pollutants) from an adjacent area. We also suggest that for such evaluation, careful examination of systematically collected hydrochemical data is requisite as an effective tool, in addition to hydrologic and hydrogeologic interpretation.ion.ion.