Determination of the source and age of the geothermal fluid and its effects on groundwater resources in kestanbol (Çanakkale-Turkey)

Kestanbol, located in the Biga Peninsula, is one of the important geothermal areas in Turkey. The surface temperatures of hot water samples range from 66 to 76.2°C. pH values and electrical conductivity (EC) range from 5.9 to 6.4, and 3450 to 3460 ?S/cm, respectively. Geothermal water has an acidic character and its high EC shows that it has interacted with the host rock for a long time. Hot and cold waters are enriched with NaCl. Oxygen-18 and deuterium contents of hot water samples show a mixing between meteoric and sea water. Tritium isotope analysis showed that the geothermal water is older than 50 years. This study also points out possible impacts of geothermal fluid on the quality of cold groundwater because of its high concentrations of Cl, Na, As, Se, U and EC. Copyright © 2008 IAHS Press.