P04: A review of stable oxygen and hydrogen isotopes in groundwater of the UAE and environmental impact

The stable isotopes of water molecules can be a powerful tool to track water fluxes in different compartments of the environmental systems and interactions between the water system, soil, and biota. Different processes, chemical and biochemical, are commonly involved in the transfer of water molecules in these natural compartments. In this study, we summarize available data on oxygen and hydrogen isotopes in groundwater of the UAE. The data of the isotopes in groundwater system of the UAE indicate a range of -13% to 7% and at -45% to 45% for δ¹⁸O and δ²H respectively and this range distribution can be classified into four zones. The variability of the isotopic compositions relates to the geographic location and proximity to the source recharge area (Hajar Mountains). Fractionation due to excessive evaporation in arid climate and interaction between aquifers and age of the groundwater are other factors affecting the groundwater stable isotopes. The results indicate the need for further research on the stable isotopes of the water to better understand the effect of the controlling factors and related groundwater evolution with the different environmental conditions.