Initial stages of effluent plume development, Kinloch water treatment plant (WTP), Kinloch, Taupo, New Zealand

Studies of groundwater following changes to the wastewater treatment plant and disposal field at Kinloch (Taupo area, New Zealand) showed increases in chloride (Cl) after 5 months, followed by increased calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations arising as a result of cation exchange with sodium (Na) and potassium (K). Sodium (Na) and potassium (K) showed only small increases after 12 months of initial discharge, while phosphorus (P) was still being totally adsorbed by ion exchange in the aquifer.