Groundwater is primarily composed of water itself (H₂O), but it also contains numerous dissolved substances, often referred to as its components. Based on the provided reference, the major dissolved components of groundwater are specific ions.
Major Dissolved Components
The reference identifies the key chemical constituents found dissolved in groundwater as a mix of anions (negatively charged ions) and cations (positively charged ions).
These major dissolved components typically occur within a specific concentration range, from a few milligrams per liter (mg/L) up to several hundred mg/L.
Below is a breakdown of these major dissolved components:
Anions
These are negatively charged ions commonly found in significant concentrations in groundwater.
- Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻)
- Chloride (Cl⁻)
- Sulphate (SO₄²⁻)
Cations
These are positively charged ions that make up the other part of the major dissolved components.
- Sodium (Na⁺)
- Calcium (Ca²⁺)
- Magnesium (Mg²⁺)
- Potassium (K⁺)
Summary Table
For clarity, here are the major dissolved components presented in a table:
| Component Type | Specific Components | Typical Concentration Range (mg/L) |
|---|---|---|
| Anions | Bicarbonate, Chloride, Sulphate | Few to several hundred |
| Cations | Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium | Few to several hundred |
These dissolved ions are the key substances, besides water itself, that define the chemical composition of groundwater, influencing its quality and suitability for various uses.
