Tracing underground sources of pollution to coastal waters off Map Ta Phut, Rayong, Thailand. (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Burnett, William C.; Sola, Phachirarat; Chanyotha, Supitcha; Bidorn, Butsawan; Kritsananuwat, Rawiwan; Chinfak, Narainrit
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 148(2019)
• Page Start: 75
• Page End: 84
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: Submarine groundwater discharge -- Radon -- Thoron -- Pollution -- Coastal -- Thailand; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.07.071
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: We explored the possibility that an underground pathway, "submarine groundwater discharge" (SGD), may contribute to the observed coastal contamination from a large industrial complex on the Gulf of Thailand. Three surveys were performed to map the area for the natural groundwater tracers radon, thoron and salinity. The results from all three surveys were internally consistent showing a point source adjacent to a large pier that serves the complex. It may be that a piling, driven into the ground to support the pier, intercepted a shallow aquifer and this resulted in an underground pathway between land and sea. Some low-density sediments are enriched in radium, we suspect from fly ash from a nearby power plant. Water quality parameters showed that total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) correlated strongly to nitrite, dissolved inorganic phosphate and silica, indicating a common source. Data analysis shows that diffuse seepage accounts for more discharge than the point source. Highlights: Marine pollution present adjacent to an industrial complex on the Gulf of Thailand Groundwater discharge is a possible pathway of contamination. Discharge detected using the natural tracers radon, thoron, and salinity Distinct groundwater hotspot found adjacent to a pier serving the industrial estate Data analysis suggests that diffuse groundwater flows greater than point discharge.