Water Resources News

Laser Absorption Spectroscopy

18 Nov 2009  - New materials are now available through the IAEA to aid in use of laser absorption instruments for δ¹⁸O and δ²H analysis of liquid water samples. The latest off-axis analyzer installation and operation procedure can be found under Resources, as well as an excel spreadsheet template for post-processing data.

An installation video, an IAEA Training Course Series Document: Laser Spectroscopic Analysis of Liquid Water Samples for Stable Hydrogen and Oxygen Isotopes, and a document offering tips, hints and troubleshooting suggestions will be added soon. The laser instruments measure absolute abundances of ²HHO, HH¹⁸O and HHO via laser absorption. Laser based instruments are easy to operate and offer significantly lower initial and maintenance costs than mass spectrometers, which have been used for such analysis up to now. Laser absorption spectroscopy can create a fundamental shift in isotope applications by granting researchers in all fields the capability to measure their own isotope ratios.

Defining the Future

25 May 2009  -The Water Resources Programme works extensively in characterizing transboundary aquifers, such as the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer system, the Guarani and the Trifinio, as well as some river basins such as the Nile Basin, to name a few. Emphasis on the issue of transboundary aquifers has been highlighted during World Water Day 2009. With over 263 transboundary lakes and river basins within the borders of 145 countries, and ever-growing water needs, the necessity for peaceful cooperation grows. Another two billion people are dependent on underground aquifers moving under our feet and between borders.

Isotopes can help address, among other hydrological aspects, areas of recharge and discharge as well as cross-boundary groundwater flow and river-aquifer interactions. “The sharing of resources is a challenge, but also an opportunity to meet development aspirations. A correct assessment of resources – where isotopes can play a key role – can provide unbiased information, helping match science with politics,” says Pradeep Aggarwal, Water Resources Programme Manager. Groundwater resources will continue to grow in importance, especially in arid and semi-arid areas. Aquifers are already used to meet up to 75% of water needs in many parts of Africa, and pressure on them is continuing to grow.