Hydro-geochemical simulation for the evolution of groundwater quality in Yinchuan Plain, China

Abstract

Water quality in the arid regions has long been an issue of great concern in the world. In this study, quantitative research was carried out to create new knowledge to understand the processes that determine the variation in the groundwater chemical composition of the Yinchuan Plain, China. In this context, the distribution and zonation characteristics of groundwater in this area were assessed using geochemical modelling of groundwater quality evolution. The results show the existence of an obvious zonation from the recharge area to the discharge area in the study area. Dominant anions transform from HCO3 in the inclined pluvial area to HCO3·SO4·Cl in the discharge region, while the main cations vary from Ca and Mg to Na and Mg. The simulation results indicate that the evaporation process triggers 2–35% of groundwater loss, leading to an increase in the total dissolved solids. The irrigation leakage mixes with the groundwater at about 8:2, suggesting that the irrigation leakage dilutes the groundwater.