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The use of CFC for groundwater age determination has begun in the end of the 1970's with the work of Randall and Schultz (1976) and Thompson et al (1974). First limited to oceanic studies, hydrogeologist began to use this analysis in aquifers. Busemberg and Plummer (USGS) published the first paper on groundwater dating by CFC and SF6 analyzed through gas chromatography in 1992.

In 2003, groundwater pollution by nitrates in Brittany (western France) has not being limited despite a lot of studies and agricultural practices improvement. Regional council of Brittany, BRGM (French geological survey), Rennes university and CNRS financed a thesis to adapt groundwater age determination method to the local context.
This thesis was realized at the CAREN by Virginie VERGNAUD and was directed by Luc AQUILINA. The technical aspects were supported by Thierry LABASQUE. The aim of this PhD is to determiner groundwater residence time at the regional case in order to better understand nitrate pollution.
Team of hydrogeologist in Geoscience RENNES and CAREN still work on the comprehension of groundwater circulation and residence time (UMR Geosciences Rennes).

For more information of CFC and groundwater dating see http://water.usgs.gov/lab/chlorofluorocarbons/background/