Groundwaters in some parts of the WA Wheatbelt are very saline (saltier than seawater), very acidic with pH commonly between 3–4 (like weak vinegar), and, more critically, contain high concentrations of dissolved aluminium, iron and trace metals like lead, nickel, copper and zinc. The trace metals have mostly been leached from local geological materials by the acidic waters.
Introduction to acidic saline groundwater in the WA Wheatbelt — characteristics, distribution, risks and management
Technical Report
Extensive areas of the valley floors in the Western Australian Wheatbelt are already affected by shallow saline groundwaters and these areas are likely to grow for decades as groundwater levels are still rising.
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Published
1 January 2009
