Chemical character of return irrigation water in tropical volcanic islands

Abstract

Unequivocal identification of irrigation return water through routine chemical analyses does not appear possible in tropical volcanic islands. Several constituents, nevertheless, will suggest an agricultural source if they are present in large concentrations. Nitrate is the most useful indicator; background concentrations are generally less than 2 ppm but return irrigation water will commonly have concentrations of between 5 and 50 ppm. Sulfate appears to be the next most useful indicator. Calcium, silica, and bicarbonate have also been reported to be significant. Where detailed studies have been made of agricultural water balances, regional ground-water flow directions, and deep-well hydraulics, hydrochemistry can provide critical supporting data for the identification of return irrigation water which could be a potential ground-water pollutant.