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5.1. Graphical Representation

The document discusses the interpretation of Stiff and Durov diagrams for analyzing water chemistry, focusing on dominant ions, ionic strength, and trends in water quality. It highlights the significance of polygon shapes and line patterns in identifying water types, pollution, and geological influences. The Durov diagram combines cation and anion data to classify water types and understand hydrochemical processes.

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Arpita Sharma
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31 views51 pages

5.1. Graphical Representation

The document discusses the interpretation of Stiff and Durov diagrams for analyzing water chemistry, focusing on dominant ions, ionic strength, and trends in water quality. It highlights the significance of polygon shapes and line patterns in identifying water types, pollution, and geological influences. The Durov diagram combines cation and anion data to classify water types and understand hydrochemical processes.

Uploaded by

Arpita Sharma
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Dominant Ions:

If the polygon bulges


more on one side, it
indicates dominance of
those ions.
Example: Large
extension on the
left towards Na⁺ +
K⁺ → sodium-rich
water.
Large extension
on the right
towards HCO₃⁻ →
bicarbonate-rich
water.

Size of the Polygon:


Indicates the total ionic strength or
concentration.
Larger polygon = more mineralized water.
Comparisons:
We can compare Stiff
diagrams from different
wells or times to detect:
Mixing of waters Pollution
Seasonal variation Changes
in groundwater flow paths
Facies of Diamond diagram
The diagram is useful for: Comparing multiple water samples, Understanding
trends in water quality Identifying hydrochemical facies
Line Shape & Pattern:
Each line represents a sample's ionic profile.

Lines with similar shapes and trends indicate similar water types or origins.
Dominant Ions:
Steeper inclines or peaks at certain ions indicate dominance.
For example, a peak at Na⁺+K⁺ suggests sodium-dominant w

Crossing Lines:
If two lines cross at one or more points, it may suggest mixing of water sources,
different geochemical processes, or seasonal variation.

Slope Trends:
Downward slope from cations to anions often indicates low TDS (Total Dissolved
Solids) or fresh water.
Flatter or upward slope = higher mineral content or salinity.
Example Use Cases
Detecting Pollution: A sharp rise in NO₃⁻ or Cl⁻ might suggest contamination.
Identifying Seawater Intrusion: Elevated Na⁺ and Cl⁻ with flat or rising slope.
Geological Influence: A calcium and bicarbonate-dominant pattern often means water
is flowing through limestone or dolomite.
What is a Durov Diagram?
A Durov diagram is a composite plot consisting of:
Two triangles (like in a Piper diagram):
Left: Cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺ + K⁺)
Right: Anions (HCO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, Cl⁻)

A central square or rectangle where the results from both triangles


are projected (using % meq/L values).

The combined plot in the central field helps identify the water type
and possible processes affecting water chemistry (like mixing, ion
exchange, dissolution, etc.).
How to Interpret It
The central field (the square between the two triangles) is divided into nine fields, each
representing a hydrochemical process or water type.

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