Groundwater Quality Affected by the Pyrite Ash Waste and Fertilizers in Valea Calugareasca, Romania

The aim of the study was to assess groundwater quality in a rural area affected by abandoned pyrite ash waste dumps. abundance major ions depends largely on nature rocks, climatic conditions, and mobility. To evaluate geochemical processes, 30 samples collected from Valea Calugareasca, Prahova County, Romania, were analyzed for anions (NO3?, SO42?, Cl?, HCO3?, F?) cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+), which are naturally highly variable due geographical location conditions. Ca2+, K+ varied between 118 275 mg/L, 32 160 12.2 78.4 0.21 4.48 respectively. NO3? levels exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) limit 50 mg/L identified 17% samples, mainly as result fertilizers applied agricultural activities. hydrogeochemical dolomite dissolution halite precipitation natural sources well presence source SO42? 60% samples. sulfate content 125 262 mg/L. Bicarbonate chloride concentrations 202 530 21 212 saturation index indicates contribution Ca2+ came some processes dissolving rocks such aragonites (values 1.27 2.69) calcites 1.43 2.82). Negative values indicated that salt accumulation results processes. Only 10% suitable human consumption, being situated hill, far away dumps land.