ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces geochemistry and laboratory analysis as related to applied contaminant hydrogeology. Groundwater has a geochemical variability caused by natural processes. These include groundwater flow, the formations through which flow occurs, source of sediments that compose the aquifers, chemical changes resulting from annual flow fluctuations, recharge sources, and mixing with other groundwater of differing chemistry. Developments in chemical analytical techniques and regulatory criteria affect the investigation, since standards may change during the course of study. Analytical techniques have become more refined, so resolution to parts per million and parts per billion and lower is possible. Inorganic groundwater chemistry deals with the physical and chemical factors that govern groundwater movement. Standards have been set forth by the federal and state governments for the minimum drinking water quality for human consumption. It is easy to see that trace element ranges may vary widely in any area depending on the local geology.
