ASTM D5754-95(2006)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Displaying the Results of Chemical Analyses of Groundwater for Major Ions and Trace ElementsTrilinear Diagrams for Two or More Analyses (Withdrawn 2015)
Standard Guide for Displaying the Results of Chemical Analyses of Groundwater for Major Ions and Trace Elements<char: emdash>Trilinear Diagrams for Two or More Analyses (Withdrawn 2015)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Many thousands of water samples are collected each year and the chemical components are determined from natural groundwater sources.
A single analysis can be interpreted easily regarding composition and geochemical type; however, it is difficult to comprehend all of the factors of similarities, interrelationships, and differences when large numbers of analyses are being compared.
One of the methods of interpreting the implication of these chemical components in the water is by displaying a number of related water analyses graphically on a visually summarizing water analysis diagram.
The water analysis diagrams described in this guide display the percentages of the individual cation and anion weights of the total cation and anion weights on graphs shaped as triangles, squares, diamonds, and rectangles.
Note 3—The concentration of dissolved solids determined for each analysis is not evident by the plotted location. Scaled symbols, usually circles, can represent the amount of dissolved solids for each analysis plotted on the diagrams.
Classification of the composition of natural groundwater is a major use of water analysis diagrams.
Note 4—Palmer (20) developed a tabular system for the classification of natural water. Hill (1) classified water by composition using two trilinear and one diamond-shaped diagrams of his own design combined. Back (21) improved the classification techniques for determining the hydrochemical facies of the groundwater by a modification of the Piper diagram.
The origin of the water or degree of mixing may be postulated by examination of the placement and relationship of the cations and anions from different water samples that are plotted on the diagrams.
Numerous interpretive methods are possible from the examination of water analysis diagrams. For example, it is reasonable to hypothesize the path that the groundwater has traveled while in the hydrologic regime, the amount of mixing that has occurred with water from a diffe...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the category of water analysis diagrams that use two-dimensional trilinear graphs as a technique for displaying the common chemical components from two or more complete analyses of natural groundwater (see Section 3) on a single diagram. This category includes not only trilinear-shaped diagrams but also the diamond- or parallelogram-, rectangular-, or square-shaped graphs that have trilinear subdivisions.
1.2 This guide is the first of several documents to inform professionals in the field of hydrology with the traditional graphical methods available to display groundwater chemistry.
Note 1—Subsequent guides are planned that will describe the other categories of diagrams that have been developed to display groundwater chemical analyses.
(1) A guide for diagrams based on data analytical calculations will include those categories of water analysis graphs in which one analysis is plotted on each diagram (for example, the pattern, bar, radial, and circle diagrams).
(2) A guide for statistical diagrams will include those categories of water analysis graphs in which multiple analyses are analyzed statistically and the results plotted on the diagram (for example, the box, etc.).
1.3 Numerous methods have been developed to display the ions dissolved in water on trilinear diagrams. These diagrams are valuable as a means of interpreting the physical and chemical mechanisms controlling the composition of water.
1.4 The most commonly used trilinear methods were developed by Hill (1-3), Langelier and Ludwig (4), Piper (5, 6), and Durov (7-13). These techniques are proven systems for interpreting the origin of the ions in natural groundwater and for facilitating the comparison of results from a large number of analyses.
Note 2—The use of trade names in this guide is for identification purposes only and does not constitute endorsement by ASTM.
1.5 This guide offers an organized collection of...
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D5754 − 95(Reapproved 2006)
Standard Guide for
Displaying the Results of Chemical Analyses of
Groundwater for Major Ions and Trace Elements—Trilinear
Diagrams for Two or More Analyses
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5754; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
purposes only and does not constitute endorsement by ASTM.
1. Scope
1.5 This guide offers an organized collection of information
1.1 This guide covers the category of water analysis dia-
or a series of options and does not recommend a specific
grams that use two-dimensional trilinear graphs as a technique
course of action. This document cannot replace education or
for displaying the common chemical components from two or
experience and should be used in conjunction with professional
morecompleteanalysesofnaturalgroundwater(seeSection3)
judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all
on a single diagram. This category includes not only trilinear-
circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to repre-
shaped diagrams but also the diamond- or parallelogram-,
sent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of
rectangular-, or square-shaped graphs that have trilinear sub-
a given professional service must be judged, nor should this
divisions.
document be applied without consideration of a project’s many
1.2 This guide is the first of several documents to inform
unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this
professionals in the field of hydrology with the traditional
document means only that the document has been approved
graphical methods available to display groundwater chemistry.
through the ASTM consensus process.
NOTE 1—Subsequent guides are planned that will describe the other
categories of diagrams that have been developed to display groundwater
2. Referenced Documents
chemical analyses.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
(1) A guide for diagrams based on data analytical calculations will
D596Guide for Reporting Results of Analysis of Water
include those categories of water analysis graphs in which one analysis is
plotted on each diagram (for example, the pattern, bar, radial, and circle
D653Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
diagrams).
Fluids
(2) A guide for statistical diagrams will include those categories of
D1129Terminology Relating to Water
wateranalysisgraphsinwhichmultipleanalysesareanalyzedstatistically
and the results plotted on the diagram (for example, the box, etc.).
3. Terminology
1.3 Numerous methods have been developed to display the
3.1 Definitions:
ions dissolved in water on trilinear diagrams. These diagrams
3.1.1 Except as listed as follows, all definitions are in
are valuable as a means of interpreting the physical and
accordance with Terminology D653.
chemical mechanisms controlling the composition of water.
3.1.2 anion—an ion that moves or would move toward an
1.4 The most commonly used trilinear methods were devel-
anode; the term is thus nearly always synonymous with
opedbyHill (1-3), LangelierandLudwig (4),Piper (5, 6),and
negative ion.
Durov (7-13). These techniques are proven systems for inter-
3.1.3 cation—an ion that moves or would move toward a
preting the origin of the ions in natural groundwater and for
cathode; the term is thus nearly always synonymous with
facilitating the comparison of results from a large number of
positive ion.
analyses.
3.1.4 equivalent per million (epm)—for water chemistry, an
NOTE 2—The use of trade names in this guide is for identification
equivalent weight unit expressed in English terms and also
expressed as milligram-equivalent per kilogram. When the
ThisguideisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoilandRock
concentration of an ion, expressed in parts per million (ppm),
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.21 on Groundwater and
Vadose Zone Investigations.
Current edition approved July 1, 2006. Published August 2006. Originally
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as D5754–95 (2000). For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
DOI: 10.1520/D5754-95R06. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Theboldfacenumbersinparenthesesrefertothelistofreferencesattheendof Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
this guide. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5754 − 95 (2006)
is multiplied by the equivalent weight (combining weight) 3.1.7 hydrochemical facies—as described by Back (16), the
factor (see equivalent weight factor) of that ion, the result is diagnostic chemical character of water solutions in aquifers.
expressed in epm. These facies reflect the effects of chemical processes in the
lithologic environment and the contained groundwater flow
3.1.4.1 Discussion—
patterns. Freeze and Cherry (17) state, “Hydrochemical facies
(1)For a completely determined chemical analysis of a
are distinct zones that have cation and anion concentrations
water sample, the total epm value of the cations will equal the
describable within defined composition categories.” The defi-
total epm value of the anions (chemically balanced). The
nition of a composition category is commonly based on
plotted values on the water analysis diagrams described in this
subdivisionsofthetrilineardiagram,asdescribedbyBack (16,
guide can be expressed in percentages of the total epm
18).
(althoughallillustrationsareinmilliequivalentperlitre)ofthe
cations and anions of each water analysis. In order to use the
3.1.8 milliequivalent per litre (meq/L)—forwaterchemistry,
diagrams, analyses must therefore be converted from ppm to
an equivalent weight unit expressed in metric terms and also
epm by multiplying each ion by its equivalent weight factor
expressed as milligram-equivalent per litre. The result is
and determining the percent of each ion of the total cation or
expressed in meq/L when the concentration of an ion, ex-
anion. pressed in mg/L, is multiplied by the equivalent weight
(2)For a completely determined chemical analysis of a
(combining weight) factor (see equivalent weight factor)of
water sample, the total value of the cations will equal the total that ion.
value of the anions (chemically balanced). The plotted values
3.1.9 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg)—for water
on the water analysis diagrams described in this guide are
chemistry, a weight-per-weight unit expressed in metric terms.
expressed in percentages of the total milliequivalent per litre
The number of mg of solute (for example, Na) per kg of
(meq/L) of the cations and anions of each water analysis. In
solution(water).Forexample,ifthetotalweightofthesolution
ordertousethediagrams,analysesmustthereforebeconverted
(one million mg/kg) has 99% solvent and 1% solvent, this is
from milligram per litre (mg/L) to meq/L by multiplying each
the same as 990000 mg/kg solution and 10000 ppm solute in
ionbyitsequivalentweightfactoranddeterminingthepercent
the 1000000 mg/kg of solution.
of each ion of the total cation or anion.
3.1.10 milligrams per litre (mg/L)—for water chemistry, a
3.1.5 equivalent weight factor—also called the combining
weight-per-volume unit expressed in metric terms. The weight
−3
weight factor and reaction coefficient, this is used for convert- inmg(10 g)ofthesolutewithinthevolume(L)ofsoluteand
ing chemical constituents expressed in ppm to epm and mg/L
solution.Theweightcanbealsoexpressedinmicrograms(µm)
−6
to meq/L (see equivalent per million and milliequivalent per
(10 g). The use of the mg/L unit is the world-wide standard
litre). To determine the equivalent weight factor, divide the for the analysis and reporting of water chemistry.
formulaweightofthesolutecomponentintothevalenceofthe
3.1.10.1 Discussion—The ppm and mg/L values of the
solute component: constituents in natural groundwater are nearly equal (within
anticipated analytical errors) until the concentration of the
valencesolutecomponent
~ !
~equivalentweightfactor! 5 (1)
dissolved solids reaches approximately 7000 mg/L. A density
~formulaweightsolutecomponent!
correction should be used when computing ppm from mg/L
To then determine the equivalent weight (meq/L) of the
(14) for highly mineralized waters.
solute component, multiply the mg/L value of the solute
3.1.11 natural groundwater—as defined for this guide, wa-
component times the equivalent weight factor, as follows;
terpositionedundertheland’ssurfacethatconsistsofthebasic
~meq/L solutecomponent! 5 ~mg/L solutecomponent! (2)
elements, hydrogen and oxygen (H O), and numerous major
dissolved chemical constituents, such as calcium (Ca), magne-
3~equivalentweightfactor!
sium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), carbonate (CO ),
2+
bicarbonate (HCO ), chloride (Cl), and sulfate (SO ).
For example, the formula weight of Ca is 40.10 and the
3 4
3.1.11.1 Discussion—
ionic charge is 2 (as shown by the 2+), and the equivalent
(1)In special cases, other major constituents can include
weight value is computed to be 0.9975 meq/L for a value of
aluminum (Al), boron (B), fluoride (F), iron (Fe), nitrate
20mg/L Ca:
(NO ), and phosphorus (PO ). Minor and trace elements that
3 4
~ !
~0.9975meq/L Ca! 5 ~20mg/L Ca! 3 (3) can occur in natural groundwater vary widely, but they can
~40.10!
include arsenic (As), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg),
3.1.5.1 Discussion—Many general geochemistry publica-
radium (Ra), and zinc (Zn). In addition, natural groundwater
tions (14) and water encyclopedias (15) have a complete table
may contain dissolved gases, such as hydrogen sulfide (H S),
of equivalent weight factors for the ions found in natural
carbon dioxide (CO ), oxygen (O ), methane (CH ), ammonia
2 2 4
groundwater.
(NH ), argon (Ar), helium (He), and radon (Rn). Neutrally
3.1.6 grains per U.S. gallon (gpg)—for water chemistry, a charged mineral species such as silicate (SiO ), naturally
weight-per-volume unit; also, for irrigation water, it can be occurring organics such as tanic acids and colloidal materials,
expressedintonsperacre-foot(ton/acre-ft).Theweight(grains and particulates such as bacteria viruses and naturally charged
or tons) of solute within the volume (gallon or acre-foot) of pollen spores.
solution.Agrain is commonly used to express the hardness of (2)Most natural groundwater is part of the hydrologic
water, where one grain is equal to 17.12 ppm CaCO . cycle, which is the constant circulation of meteoric water as
D5754 − 95 (2006)
vapor in the atmosphere as a result of evaporation from the 4.3 The recommended analytical accuracy or chemical bal-
earth’s surface (land and ocean), liquid and solid (ice) on and anceoftheminimumrequiredchemicalconstituentsisdefined.
underthelandasaresultofprecipitationfromtheatmosphere,
4.4 Calculations required for the preparation of an analysis
and liquid returned to the ocean from the land. A very small
for plotting on a diagram are described.
amountofthegroundwatermaybemagmaticwateroriginating
4.5 Detailed descriptions and applications for the following
from rocks deep within the crust of the earth. Other ground-
more commonly used water analysis diagrams are given:
water is connate in that it is trapped in sediments and has not
4.5.1 Hill geochemical pattern diagram,
moved actively in the hydrologic cycle for a period measured
4.5.2 Langelier and Ludwig water classification diagram,
in geologic time.
4.5.3 Piper water analysis diagram, and
(3)While moving through the hydrologic cycle, chemical
4.5.4 Durov water classification diagram.
elements in the water are exchanged with other ions and
dissolved into and precipitated out of the water, depending on
4.6 Automated procedures (computer-aided graphics) for
reactions with air and other gases, rock minerals, biological
basic calculations and the placement of analysis plot symbols
agents, hydraulic pressure, and ambient temperature. The
onto computer-generated water analysis diagrams are de-
chemical composition of natural groundwater ranges from that
scribed.
similar to distilled water with a minor amount of dissolved
4.7 A list of references is cited and provided for additional
solids to a brines, with at least 100000 mg/L dissolved solids
information.
(19). (Naturally occurring brine has been analyzed with more
4.8 Abibliography (non-referenced documents) is provided
than 300000 mg/L dissolved chemical solids.)
for further sources of information.
3.1.12 parts per million (ppm)—for water chemistry, a
dimensionless ratio of unit-of-measurement per unit-of-
5. Significance and Use
measurement expressed in English terms. One part per million
isequivalentto1mgofsoluteto1kgofsolution.Forexample,
5.1 Many thousands of water samples are collected each
if the total weight of the solution (1000000 ppm) has 99%
yearandthechemicalcomponentsaredeterminedfromnatural
solventand1%solute,thisisthesameas990000ppmsolvent
groundwater sources.
and 10000 ppm solute in the 1000000 parts of solution.
5.2 A single analysis can be interpreted easily regarding
3.1.13 water analysis—a set of data showing the concentra-
composition and geochemical type; however, it is difficult to
tion of chemical ions as analyzed from a water sample. In this
comprehendallofthefactorsofsimilarities,interrelationships,
guide, it normally includes the common constituents as found
and differences when large numbers of analyses are being
in natural groundwater (see 3.1.11).
compared.
3.1.14 water analysis diagram—as used in this guide, a
5.3 One of the methods of interpreting the implication of
graphical display method for multiple water analyses. This
these chemical components in the water is by displaying a
method can be used to assist in scientific interpretation of the
number of related water analyses graphically on a visually
occurrence of cations and anions in natural groundwater. The
summarizing water analysis diagram.
method consists of various combinations of triangular-shaped
5.4 The water analysis diagrams described in this guide
cation and anion diagrams and diamond- or square-shaped
display the percentages of the individual cation and anion
integrated cation and anion diagrams. The sides of the dia-
weightsofthetotalcationandanionweightsongraphsshaped
grams are divided into equal parts (commonly fifty 2% or ten
as triangles, squares, diamonds, and rectangles.
10% segments) for representing the percentage of each of the
cations or anions within the total cation o
...
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