Hydrogeochemical characteristics of spring water in the Harz Mountains, Germany

Spring water samples of the Harz Mountains were taken in several seasons of 2010, 2011, and 2012. The samples have been analysed for main components (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42−, Cl−, HCO3− and NO3−), trace elements (Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn, Y and REE), DOC, δ18O and δ2H of water. Meteoric water is indicated as the main source of the springs sampled. High precipitation rates lead to a dilution of the measured elemental concentrations. Furthermore, regional differences of rock and water interactions were found. REE concentrations and patterns of the spring waters vary between the distinct geological units and reflect the geochemical characteristics of the surrounding rocks. The actual data compared to measured data from the seventies and nineties of the last century indicate a decrease of the sulphate concentrations in the spring waters which is typical of many European mountain catchments.