Processes of hydrogeochemical evolution of groundwater in the Guanzhong Basin,China

This paper analyzed regional hydrogeochemical evolution characteristics of groundwater with respect to hydrogeological conditions in the Guanzhong Basin, China. Coefficient variation in the subregion between the Shichuan River and Luo River of the Guanzhong Basin is larger than other subregions, reflecting the more complicated hydrogeological conditions of this subregion. The hydrochemical components and hydrodynamic conditions of this area have distinct horizontal zoning characteristics, and hydrodynamic conditions play a controlling role in the groundwater’s hydrochemistry. The relationship between ions, and between ions and TDS (total dissolved solids) can give an indication of many charteristics of grounwater such as evaporation intensity, ion exchange, and the sources of chemical components. Results indicated that for the coefficient of variation (the coefficient of variation is a statistical measure of the distribution or dispersion of data around mean. This measure is used to analyze the difference of spread in the data relative to the mean value. Coefficient of variation is derived by dividing the standard deviation by the mean), the minimum value of pH parameters is 0.03-0.07, the minimum value of HCO3- parameters is 0.24, while the maximum is the SO42- coefficinet at 1.67. A PHREEQC simulation demonstrated that different simulation paths roughly have the same trend in dissolution and precipitation of minerals. Along the direction of groundwater flow, the predminant precipitation is of calcite and gypsum and the cation exchange of Na+ and Ca2+ in some paths. However, in other paths, the precipitation of calcite and dissolution of gypsum and dolomite are the main actions, as well as the exchange of Mg2+ and Ca2+ in addition to Na+ and Ca2+.     

城市化对岩溶水系统化学组分演化的影响——以重庆市南山老龙洞地下河为例

为研究城市化作用下的岩溶区地下水水质演变状况,基于2008-2012年对老龙洞地下河的pH值、电导率、水温、K+、Na+、Ca2+、Mg2+、HCO3-、Cl-、NO3-、SO42-、PO43-等水物理化学指标的连续监测,分析了老龙洞地下河流域水质的演变趋势,并对2011年8月的单场降雨条件下地下河水质的动态变化进行主成分分析(PCA)。结果表明,在城市化过程中,地下河水Na+、Cl-、PO43-、Ca2+、Mg2+、HCO3-等离子浓度受人类活动影响而明显上升,NO3-、SO42-浓度则因为城市化效应增强和农业活动强度的降低而下降。老龙洞地下河水补给来源复杂,其中碳酸盐岩地质背景、人类活动及水土流失对地下河水质变化起着决定作用。城市化水平的提高、区域环境的变化,使得老龙洞地下河的水质也处于不断变化中,从硝酸盐、硫酸盐的年际变化看,地下河水质已有较大改善。      

中国北方岩溶地下水污染分析

近年来,受气候变化和强烈人类活动的影响,环境物质及能量多频次、大范围的输入,极大程度上改变着岩溶水系统的水环境质量,岩溶水生态环境遭受不同程度的威胁和破坏,岩溶水水质日趋恶化。本文归纳分析了我国北方岩溶水系统水质特征、污染现状、污染来源及污染途径。我国北方岩溶水水质类型中硫酸盐型水和氯化物型水的分布逐渐增加,主要污染组分为总硬度、SO42-、F-、NO3-和TDS等。其中硫酸盐和硝酸盐污染强度和范围最大,呈现出显著的人类活动影响特征。依据我国北方岩溶系统结构及水力学特征,将岩溶水污染途径概括为：①连续入渗型——主要包括岩溶区地表水（河流、水库等）渗漏污染,城镇污水渠或排污管道破损引起的污水渗漏污染;②越流型污染——污染孔/裂隙水（含矿坑水/老窑积水等）越流污染岩溶水;③间歇入渗型——固废淋溶入渗和污水灌溉渗漏污染等。据此提出了推进岩溶水水资源保护和污染防治的合理化建议。     

Sensitivity analysis of groundwater level in Jinci Spring Basin (China) based on artificial neural network modeling

Jinci Spring in Shanxi, north China, is a major local water source. It dried up in April 1994 due to groundwater overexploitation. The groundwater system is complex, involving many nonlinear and uncertain factors. Artificial neural network (ANN) models are statistical techniques to study parameter nonlinear relationships of groundwater systems. However, ANN models offer little explanatory insight into the mechanisms of prediction models. Sensitivity analysis can overcome this shortcoming. In this study, a back-propagation neural network model was built based on the relationship between groundwater level and its sensitivity factors in Jinci Spring Basin; these sensitivity factors included precipitation, river seepage, mining drainage, groundwater withdrawals and lateral discharge to the associated Quaternary aquifer. All the sensitivity factors were analyzed with Garson’s algorithm based on the connection weights of the neural network model. The concept of “sensitivity range” was proposed to describe the value range of the input variables to which the output variables are most sensitive. The sensitivity ranges were analyzed by a local sensitivity approach. The results showed that coal mining drainage is the most sensitive anthropogenic factor, having a large effect on groundwater level of the Jinci Spring Basin.     

Characteristics of karst groundwater system in the northern basin of Laiyuan Spring area

Guided by the theory of groundwater system, based on the groundwater level data from the northern basin of Laiyuan Spring area, the authors took into account factors such as the lithology, geological structure and topography to study the relationship between groundwater recharge, runoff and drainage in this area. It was concluded that the infiltration of atmospheric precipitation is the main source of groundwater supply in this area; the upper layer of the Spring area is distributed with the Cambrian-Lower Ordovician karst water, and the lower layer is filled with the Jixian system karst water. The upper layer of karst water supplies to the lower layer of karst water or the pore water in loose strata through the fault while the lower layer of karst water runs to the three strong runoff belts from the east and west sides of the watershed, southwards into the basin, partially replenishing the pore water in loose strata, or forming fault Springs (e.g. Nanguan Spring, Beihai Spring) when dolomite movement encounters faults. Replenished by atmospheric precipitation and the upper and lower layers of karst waters, the pore water in loose strata joins the groundwater in the southern basin and then flows eastwards, in the end it flows out of the system in Shangfanpu. Through the analyses of groundwater level data and hydrogeological drilling data, based on groundwater D and 18O isotope test results, the karst groundwater circulation system in the northern basin of Laiyuan Spring area is further verified, which provides hydrogeological basis for water resources development and utilization as well as protection in this area.     

Recharge sources and hydrogeochemical evolution of groundwater in the coal-mining district of Jiaozuo, China

Investigations in the Jiaozuo coal-mining district (China) aim to link water-inrush aquifers with the sources of groundwater recharge. Concentrations of TDS, HCO ₃ ^– , Cl^– and Na⁺ in the groundwater samples gradually decrease with increasing depth; in contrast, the factor 1 value of the Q-mode analysis gradually increases, which indicates that the deep groundwater may upflow, recharging the aquifers near the faulted zone. Some groundwater samples (above the local meteoric water line and ‘evaporation line 1’) may originate from recharge by infiltrating local rainfall. Spring and river samples are symmetrically distributed on the regression line of the Ordovician and Carboniferous limestone aquifer groundwater (δ²H?=?3.76?×?δ¹⁸O?–?31.77) and may, therefore, originate from groundwater recharge in the northern Taihang mountains. This mechanism is supported by the observation that groundwater levels change with rainfall. According to radiocarbon residence-time estimates, two groundwater sample sites may have been recharged during the late glacial stage.     

Tracing the sources of strontium in karst groundwater in Chongqing, China: a combined hydrogeochemical approach and strontium isotope

Groundwater quality in karst regions is largely controlled by natural processes and anthropogenic activities. Over the past 10?years, dissolved Sr and its radiogenic isotope, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, were widely used to trace the sources of solutes in groundwater. However, there is little research about hydrogeochemistry and Sr isotopic compositions of the karst groundwater in Chongqing karst area. In this paper, thirty-five representative karst groundwater samples were collected from different aquifers (limestone and dolomite) and various land use types. Hydrochemical types of karst groundwater in Chongqing were mainly of the Ca-HCO₃ type or Ca(Mg)-HCO₃ type. The dissolved Sr concentrations of the studied groundwater ranged from 0.57 to 15.06???mmol/L, and the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr varied from 0.70751 to 0.71627. The groundwater samples from different aquifers and land use types showed distinctive dissolved Sr concentrations and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr. The very positive relationship between Ca/Sr and Mg/Sr in dolomite and limestone aquifers suggests that Ca, Mg and Sr element come mainly from the release of carbonate rock under the groundwater?Crock?CCO₂ gas interaction. According to the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio, the Sr element in karst groundwater in Chongqing was controlled by the weathering of limestone, dolomite and silicate rock (allogenic water in a non-karst area). The relationship ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr versus Sr²⁺/[K⁺?+?Na⁺] shows that the anthropogenic inputs also obviously contribute to the Sr contents. The research results show that the karst groundwater in Chongqing is facing serious crisis of water quality, and needs to be protected further.     

Geochemical evolution of groundwater in carbonate aquifers in Taiyuan, northern China

Thirty-nine samples of both cold and thermal karst groundwater from Taiyuan, northern China were collected and analyzed with the aim of developing a better understanding of the geochemical processes that control the groundwater quality evolution in the region’s carbonate aquifers. The region’s karst groundwater system was divided into three geologically distinct sub-systems, namely, the Xishan Mountain karst groundwater subsystem (XMK), the Dongshan Mountain karst groundwater subsystem (DMK) and the Beishan Mountain karst groundwater subsystem (BMK). Hydrochemical properties of the karst groundwaters evolve from the recharge zones towards the cold water discharge zones and further towards the thermal water discharge zones. In the XMK and the DMK, the hydrochemical type of the groundwater evolves from HCO₃-Ca·Mg in the recharge - flow-through zone, to HCO₃·SO₄-Ca·Mg/SO₄·HCO₃-Ca·Mg in the cold water discharge zone, and further to SO₄-Ca·Mg in the thermal water discharge zone. By contrast, the water type changes from HCO₃-Ca·Mg to HCO₃·SO₄-Ca·Mg in the BMK, with almost invariable TDS and temperatures all along from the recharge to the discharge zone. The concentrations of Sr, Si, Fe, F⁻ and of some trace elements (Al, B, Li, Mn, Mo, Co, Ni) increase as groundwater temperature increases. Different hydrogeochemical processes occur in the three karst groundwater sub-systems. In the XMK and the DMK, the geochemical evolution of the groundwater is jointly controlled by carbonate dissolution/precipitation, gypsum dissolution and dedolomitization, while only calcite and dolomite dissolution/precipitation occurs in the BMK without dedolomitization. The hydrogeochemical data of the karst groundwaters were used to construct individual geochemical reaction models for each of the three different karst groundwater sub-systems. The modeling results confirm that dedolomization is the major process controlling hydrochemical changes in the XMK and the DMK. In the thermal groundwaters, the dissolution rates of fluorite, siderite and strontianite were found to exceed those of the cold karst groundwater systems, which can explain the higher concentrations of F⁻, Fe and Sr²⁺ that are found in these waters.     

Numerical simulation and environmental impact prediction of karst groundwater in Sangu Spring Basin,China

The changes of development and utilization of karst groundwater in Sangu Spring Basin have made the original groundwater resource evaluation unable to meet the needs of future economic development. Based on analysis of existing data, combined with the characteristics of supplement, runoff and draining of regional karst groundwater, the Visual Modelflow software was used to build a numerical simulation model of Sangu spring Basin. The amount of karst groundwater resource and groundwater environment of the Basin were evaluated under different exploitation schemes, and the changes of karst groundwater environment in the future ten years were also predicted. The fitting error which is less than 0.5 m between the calculated value and measured value of the water level in the fitted borehole accounts for 93%. For the lithologically and structurally complex Sangu Spring Basin, the fitting effect of numerical simulation model was ideal. On the basis of the current mining amount of 111.80 million m³/a, the total redistributed exploited amount in the spring region was 61.79 million m³/a. Under the condition that the quantity of recoverable resources reached 173.59 million m³/a and under different precipitation schemes, all constraint conditions were satisfied, such as regional water level drawdown, maximum allowable water level drawdown in every simulated water source area and the flow rate of Guobi Spring. The results will provide a scientific basis for the rational development and utilization of karst groundwater in Sangu Spring Basin.     

Geochemical and hydrogeochemical evolution of groundwater in Ferdows area, northeast of Iran

The chemical analysis of 19 water wells in Ferdows area, Northeastern Iran, has been evaluated to determine the hydrogeochemical processes and ion concentration background in the region. In the study area, the order of cation and anion abundance is Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺ and Cl^? > SO ₄ ^?2  > HCO₃ ^? > NO₃ ^?, respectively, and the dominating hydrochemical types are Na–Cl. Most metal concentrations in water depend on the mineral solubility, and pH, Eh, and salinity of the solution. Their ΣREE concentrations showed excellent correlations with parameters such as TDS and pH. North American Shale Composite (NASC)-normalized REE patterns are enriched in the HREEs relative to the LREEs for all groundwaters. They all have positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.752–3.934) and slightly negative Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce* = 0.019–1.057). Reduction–oxidation, complexation, desorption, and re-adsorption alter groundwater REE concentrations and fractionation patterns. The positive Eu anomalies in groundwaters are probably due to preferential mobilization of Eu²⁺ relative to the trivalent REEs in the reducing condition.     

西北某放射性废物处置预选区地下水水化学特征及地球化学模拟

在放射性废物处置库的选址过程中,地下水水化学特征是最重要的因素之一。为了查明西北某放射性废物处置预选区地下水水化学特征及其演化机制,对该区地下水水样进行了水质测试,综合运用Piper三线图法、相关性分析、饱和指数模拟和质量平衡反应模拟,全面分析了该预选区地下水水化学类型的空间分布和地下水水演化的主要水文化学过程。结果表明:研究区地下水在北部山区接受补给,并向南运移,地下水类型随径流由SO4.Cl—Na型转变为Cl.SO4—Na型。地下水在径流过程中主要经历了溶滤作用、蒸发浓缩作用和阳离子交换作用等水文化学过程,它们是控制该区地下水水化学组分演化的关键。     

Evaluation of karst collapse risks induced by over-pumping and karst groundwater resource protection in Zaozhuang region,China

Based on the comprehensive analysis of factors influencing karst collapse in the Zaozhuang Shili Spring Area, China, this paper establishes a karst collapse risk evaluation model by means of the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. Application of the model led to division of the study area into very high risk area, high risk area, average risk area and low risk area; therefore, the karst collapse risk evaluation map of Zaozhuang Shili Spring Area is completed. As preventive measures of karst collapse, the different karst water resource protection areas of Zaozhuang Shili Spring Area are established, and the map for karst water resource protection area of Zaozhuang Shili Spring Area is compiled. The results will be helpful for the strategic planning and decision-making processes associated with exploitation of karst water resources and with prevention and control of karst collapse hazards of this region.     

Recharge source and hydrogeochemical evolution of shallow groundwater in a complex alluvial fan system,southwest of North China Plain

Many cities around the world are developed at alluvial fans. With economic and industrial development and increase in population, quality and quantity of groundwater are often damaged by over-exploitation in these areas. In order to realistically assess these groundwater resources and their sustainability, it is vital to understand the recharge sources and hydrogeochemical evolution of groundwater in alluvial fans. In March 2006, groundwater and surface water were sampled for major element analysis and stable isotope (oxygen-18 and deuterium) compositions in Xinxiang, which is located at a complex alluvial fan system composed of a mountainous area, Taihang Mt. alluvial fan and Yellow River alluvial fan. In the Taihang mountainous area, the groundwater was recharged by precipitation and was characterized by Ca–HCO₃ type water with depleted δ¹⁸O and δD (mean value of −8.8‰ δ¹⁸O). Along the flow path from the mountainous area to Taihang Mt. alluvial fan, the groundwater became geochemically complex (Ca–Na–Mg–HCO₃–Cl–SO₄ type), and heavier δ¹⁸O and δD were observed (around −8‰ δ¹⁸O). Before the surface water with mean δ¹⁸O of −8.7‰ recharged to groundwater, it underwent isotopic enrichment in Taihang Mt. alluvial fan. Chemical mixture and ion exchange are expected to be responsible for the chemical evolution of groundwater in Yellow River alluvial fan. Transferred water from the Yellow River is the main source of the groundwater in the Yellow River alluvial fan in the south of the study area, and stable isotopic compositions of the groundwater (mean value of −8.8‰ δ¹⁸O) were similar to those of transferred water (−8.9‰), increasing from the southern boundary of the study area to the distal end of the fan. The groundwater underwent chemical evolution from Ca–HCO₃, Na–HCO₃, to Na–SO₄. A conceptual model, integrating stiff diagrams, is used to describe the spatial variation of recharge sources, chemical evolution, and groundwater flow paths in the complex alluvial fan aquifer system.     

Using environmental isotopes to evaluate the renewable capacity of a typical karst groundwater system in northern China

The karst groundwater in northern China is an important source of water supply. Its capacity for self-renewal is a key factor affecting its sustainable use. The Pingyi–Feixian karst aquifer in central and southern Shandong Province is a typical karst water source, contributing 54% to the total groundwater taken from the region. In this study, 25 groups of water samples were collected from the Pingyi–Feixian karst aquifer in November 2013. The compositions of isotopes of tritium (³H), carbon-13 (¹³C), and carbon-14 (¹⁴C) were measured. As indicated by the tritium values between 7.1 and 12.2 TU, the Pingyi–Feixian karst groundwater is primarily originated from both historical atmospheric precipitation and modern precipitation. The ¹⁴C ages corrected by δ¹³C were between 146 and 5403 years. Specifically, the shallow groundwater is younger than deep groundwater. Groundwater age tends to increase along the flow path. The ages of the groundwater in recharge area were between 146 and 1348 years, while the ages of deep groundwater in flowing area were generally between 2000 and 4000 years. The ages of the groundwater in discharge area with little anthropic exploitation were larger than 4500 years, whereas these with large amounts of exploitation were less than 1500 years. The shallower the groundwater, the stronger its capacity for renewal. The renewable capacity of karst groundwater in discharge area was significantly affected by anthropic exploitation. The karst groundwater in the areas with less exploitation showed the weakest capacity, whereas that in the area with intensive exploitation was much older and had a stronger renewable capacity.     

Assessment of groundwater quality for irrigation purposes and identification of hydrogeochemical evolution mechanisms in Pengyang County, China

Groundwater is an important water source for agricultural irrigation in Penyang County. Some traditional methods such as irrigation coefficient, sodium adsorption ratio, total alkalinity, total salinity and total dissolved solids were employed to assess groundwater quality in this area. In addition, an improved technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution model was applied for comprehensive assessment. The origin of major ions and groundwater hydrogeochemical evolution was also discussed. Groundwater in Penyang County contains relative concentrations of dominant constituents in the following order: Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺ for cations and HCO₃ ^? > SO₄ ^2? > Cl^? > CO₃ ^2? for anions. Groundwater quality is largely excellent and/or good, suggesting general suitability for agricultural use. Calcite and dolomite are found saturated in groundwater and thus tend to precipitate out, while halite, fluorite and gypsum are unsaturated and will dissolve into groundwater during flow. Groundwater in the study area is weathering-dominated, and mineral weathering (carbonate and silicate minerals) and ion exchange are the most important factors controlling groundwater chemistry.     

Influence of coal mining on regional karst groundwater system: a case study in West Mountain area of Taiyuan City,northern China

Karstic limestone formations in the West Mountain area are important water resources for Taiyuan City in Shanxi Province, northern China, which is also known for its large-scale coal mining production. In this study area, groundwater is not only exploited for water supply purposes but also drained because of coal mining. The process of coal mining changes both the quantity of the karst springs and the quality of karst groundwater system because of overexploitation and overdrainage. In this paper, the influence of coal mining on the groundwater is analyzed from a qualitative and quantitative perspective. The hydrochemical analysis results reflect the relationship of the recharge, runoff, and drainage; the features of the medium; and water-rock interactions. Based on a qualitative understanding of the geological deposition and characteristics of the groundwater flow system, three-dimensional groundwater flow models are established and applied to several scenarios to explore the quantitative influence and allow better protection of the groundwater environment and better utilization of water resources.     

Hydrochemical indications of human impact on karst groundwater in a subtropical karst area,Chongqing, China

The application of combined isotopic and hydrochemical compositions may be useful for evaluating water quality problems in karst aquifers in which it is difficult to distinguish the sources of solutes from the natural background of those due to human activities. Multiple isotopes (δ¹³C–DIC, δ³⁴S–SO₄ ^2?) and chemical parameters were measured in rainwater, groundwater and sewage in order to elucidate the solute sources and impacts from human activities and natural background in the Laolongdong karst catchment in Chongqing Municipality, SW China. Overall, the dissolution of carbonate rock controls Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and HCO₃ ^? content in rainwater and karst groundwater. SO₄ ^2? originated mainly from gypsum dissolution in karst groundwater. Carbonate rocks in the studied site could be dissolved jointly by H₂CO₃ from the natural CO₂–H₂O reaction and other acids (organic acids and HNO₃) from sewage and soils. Sewage discharge from urban areas and agriculture activities lead to the increase of NO₃ ^?, PO₄ ^3? and Cl^? in karst groundwater. To protect and sustainably utilize the karst aquifer, sewage originating from urban areas must be controlled and treated and the use of fertilizer should be limited.     

Evaluation of hydrogeochemical processes and groundwater quality in the Jhansi district of Bundelkhand region, India

A base line study involving analysis of groundwater samples from the Jhansi district were carried out to determine the major and trace element chemistry and to assess the hydrogeochemical processes and water quality for domestic and irrigation uses. Study results show that groundwater is mildly acidic to alkaline in nature and HCO₃ ^?, Cl^?, Ca²⁺, Na⁺ and Mg²⁺ are the major contributing ions for the dissolved loads. The data plotted on the Gibbs and Piper diagrams reveal that the groundwater chemistry is mainly controlled by rock weathering with secondary contribution from anthropogenic sources. In a majority of the groundwater samples, alkaline earth metals exceed alkalies and weak acid dominate over strong acids. Ca–Mg–HCO₃ is the dominant hydrogeochemical facies in the majority of the groundwater samples. The computed saturation indices demonstrate that groundwater is oversaturated with respect to dolomite and calcite. Kaolinite is the possible mineral that is in equilibrium with the water, implying that the groundwater chemistry favors kaolinite formation. A comparison of groundwater quality parameters in relation to specified limits for drinking water shows that the concentrations of TDS, F^?, NO₃ ^?, total hardness and Fe are exceeding the desirable limits in many water samples. Quality assessment for irrigation uses reveal that the groundwater is of good to suitable category. Higher salinity and residual sodium carbonate values at some sites restrict the suitability of groundwater and need an adequate drainage and water management plan for the area.     

黑河流域中游盆地水文地球化学演化规律研究

黑河是我国第二大内流河,研究其水化学演化规律,对于区域水资源科学利用与管理、保障饮水安全和下游生态安全都具有重要作用。本文利用2014—2018年在黑河流域开展1∶50 000水文地质调查所获取的资料,研究了黑河干流和丰乐河两个典型剖面的水化学和同位素变化规律。结果表明,黑河中游盆地地下水主要来源于祁连山区大气降水补给,黑河干流区地下水氘氧同位素比丰乐河流域更为富集,反映了氘氧同位素的高程效应。在丰乐河流域排泄区发现了非现代气候条件下形成的古水,说明现在的盐湖盆地早期就是地下水滞留区。山前戈壁带含水层经长期淋滤作用,地下水溶解性总固体(total dissolved solids,TDS)较低,水化学类型以重碳酸型为主。溢出带以北下游地区TDS逐步增高,地下水类型以硫酸型、硫酸-氯型为主,具有两种地下水化学背景和演化模式:一种是石膏溶解-碳酸盐沉淀析出-氯化物溶解-缓慢的硅酸盐非完全溶解和阳离子交换反应模式;另一种在此基础上增加硫酸钠溶解演化模式。流域补给区和径流区地下水TDS升高的主要原因是溶滤作用。丰乐河排泄区地下水TDS升高的主要原因仍是溶滤作用,溶滤盐分的来源是表层的盐分,以石盐为主。黑河干流排泄区由于含水层较薄,水位埋深较浅,蒸发对地下水咸化的影响更大。