Presentation used in EnviroInsite training workshop for description of geochemistry visualization tools such as the Piper, Stiff, Durov, and Schoeller Diagrams, scatter charts, and georeferenced Stiff Diagrams

1. Geochemistry Tools
EnviroInsite Training Workshop
March 2013

2. What do we mean by geochemistry tools?
• Specialized graphics for assessment of
dominant aquatic ions
• Useful in characterizing ground-water
source areas
• What are the dominant aquatic ions?
Anions – HCO3, CO3, SO4, NO3, Cl, Fl
Cations – Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe
EnviroInsite Training

3. What do we mean by geochemistry tools?
• Concentrations plotted as
milliequivalents per liter
• Conc. in meq/L = Conc.
in mg/L divided by
equivalent weight
• Equivalent weight – ion’s
atomic weight divided by
its valence
Carbonate
CO3
Molecular
Weight
60 amu
Valence
-2
Equivalent
Weight
-30 amu
Carbonate
CO3
Concentration 1200 mg/L
Concentration 4 milliequivalents/L
EnviroInsite Training

4. Entering Data for Geochemistry Tools
• Equivalent weight
entered in the
Constituents table
• Anion equivalent weight
entered as negative
values
Ion
Equivalent Weight
Cl
-35.45
HCO3
-61.01
SO4
-48
Mg
12.15
Na
22.99
K
39.1
Ca
20
Fl
-19
EnviroInsite Training

5. Conventional Stiff Diagram
• Cations on left / Anions on
Right
• Plotted in concentration units of
meq/L
EnviroInsite Training

6. Piper Diagram
EnviroInsite Training

7. Durov Diagram
EnviroInsite Training

8. Schoeller Diagram
EnviroInsite Training

9. Geochemistry Tools
Hands-on Exercise