Abstract
The objective of this study was to contribute to the understanding of the hydrochemical processes and evolution of brine in the Qaidam basin, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the application of brine resources in the region. The hydrochemical characteristics and evolutionary stages of brine in Mahai Salt Lake were investigated using factor analysis on brine chemistry data from 109 sampling points. Our results showed that the centre of the Salt Lake has the highest concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS), and the hydrochemical type of brine is chloride-magnesium. The brine at the centre of the lake is at the later stages of mirabilite precipitation, and the content of K+ is relatively stable. Comparatively, the hydrochemical type of brine in the slope area of the Salt Lake is Cl-Na-Mg, and is at the early stages of brine evolution. It is of guiding significance to further develop and utilize brine resources, especially to evaluate its resource development potential.
Highlights
The chemical composition of groundwater is the product of the long-term interaction of the water with its surrounding environment, such as the atmosphere, surface water, and rocks [1]
Our results indicate that the highest degree of evaporation and highest rates of brine evolution are found in area A
Our results indicate that the highest degree of brine evolution occurs in the centre of Mahai Salt Lake
Summary
The chemical composition of groundwater is the product of the long-term interaction of the water with its surrounding environment, such as the atmosphere, surface water, and rocks [1]. The main ion components in groundwater can be used to determine the factors influencing water chemistry, as well as identify the material sources. By analysing the main ion composition in groundwater, we can identify the basic processes influencing water chemistry in order to build an understanding of the chemical evolution of groundwater [2]. The study of brine chemistry can improve our understanding of the formation and evolution characteristics of brine. The majority of research into brine chemistry have predominantly focused on brine evolution and ion sources.
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