• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.371-382
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• 2016

Saltwater intrusion in coastal regions can be detected by using numerous geochemical constituents in groundwater. However, insufficient numbers of groundwater data can often make us difficult to interpret saltwater intrusion. Probability statistics technique enables statistical prediction using a limited numbers of water quality data for a wider range and can make to effectively evaluate saltwater intrusion through a characterized distribution of probability. This study evaluated saltwater intrusion by applying probability statistics to the chemical constituents in groundwater, coastal discharge, and stream water in the coastal areas of Busan City. By the result of the study, it is proven that Na⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, SO₄²⁻, and Cl⁻, abundantly contained in seawater, are valuable indicators for evaluating saltwater intrusion. On the other hand, it is judged that Si⁴⁺, Fe²⁺, NO₃⁻, and PO₄³⁻, showing similar probability distribution in groundwater, coastal discharge, and stream water, are not appropriate indicators for the detection of saltwater intrusion.