Major Ion Chemistry of Shallow Groundwater in the Dongsheng Coalfield, Ordos Basin, China

• Published in: Mine water and the environment Vol. 32; no. 3; pp. 195 - 206
• Main Authors: Li, Peiyue, Qian, Hui, Wu, Jianhua, Zhang, Yiqian, Zhang, Hongbo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.09.2013; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Anions; Calcium; Carbonates; Cation exchange; Cation exchanging; Cations; Chemical composition; Correlation analysis; Dissolved solids; Drinking; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Ecotoxicology; Evapotranspiration; Geochemistry; Geology; Groundwater; Groundwater chemistry; Groundwater quality; Gypsum; Halite; Hydrogeochemistry; Hydrogeology; Hydrology; Industrial Pollution Prevention; Low concentrations; Magnesium; Mineral Resources; Principal components analysis; Residence time; Sodium; Sulphates; Technical Article; Total dissolved solids; Water quality; Water quality standards; Water Quality/Water Pollution; Ordos Basin; China; China, People's Rep., Ordos Basin; China, People's Rep; Hydrogeochemistry; Hydrogeology; Water–rock interaction; Water quality
• DOI: 10.1007/s10230-013-0234-8
• ISSN: 1025-9112

A hydrogeochemical study was conducted in the Dongsheng Coalfield, Ordos Basin, China, to identify the mechanisms responsible for the chemical compositions of the shallow groundwater and to document water quality with respect to agricultural and drinking supply standards, prior to mining. Tri-linear diagrams, principal component analysis, and correlation analysis were used to reveal the hydrogeochemical characteristics of the shallow groundwater, and the potential water–rock interactions. In general, the major cations and anions were present at low concentrations, but were relatively higher around Jiushenggong than elsewhere in the study area. Groundwater around Jiushenggong has a long residence time and is also subject to extensive evapotranspiration. The dominant hydrochemical facies are HCO 3 -Ca, HCO 3 -Na, and mixed HCO 3 -Ca·Na·Mg types. Increases in major ion concentrations along the flow path, including Na, Cl, and SO 4 , coincide with increases in total dissolved solids. The predominant mechanism controlling groundwater chemistry proved to be the dissolution of carbonates, gypsum, and halite. Cation exchange and mixing with local recharge water are also important factors. The shallow groundwater quality in the study area is suitable for agricultural and drinking purposes.