Characteristic features of groundwater pollution in the Poyang Lake catchment

Abstract

Research of shallow groundwater in the Poyang Lake catchment should be considered as one of the priority targets in this region, due to the fact that shallow groundwater is formed under the influence of complex factors, including both natural and anthropogenic, and also the fact that it is related to the Poyang Lake water. Shallow groundwater of the Poyang Lake area is fresh. High concentrations of NO3,Cl−, SO2−4 K+ and rarely, Na+ are not typical of the groundwater of subtropical humid climate. Within the investigated territory the groundwater could be divided into two types – relatively pure shallow groundwater, formed primarily under the effect of natural factors and having a high content of NO−3 but rarely K+, Cl−, SO2−4, in some sampling points; and relatively polluted shallow groundwater, characterized by significant changes of chemical composition due to intensive agricultural activity. This type has higher pH- values, concentration of main components, including NO−3,K+,SO2−4, Cl−, and, accordingly, value of total dissolved solids in comparison with relatively pure shallow groundwater.