Coupling Hydrochemistry and Stable Isotopes (δ2H, δ18O and 87Sr/86Sr) to Identify the Major Factors Affecting the Hydrochemical Process of Groundwater and Surface Water in the Lower Reaches of the Yarlung-Zangbo River, Southern Tibet, Southwestern China

Abstract

In Tibet, water resource has been less studied due to remote and harsh conditions. In this study, hydrochemistry and stable isotopes (δ2H, δ18O and 87Sr/86Sr) were employed to investigate the major factors affecting the hydrochemical process of groundwater and surface water in the lower reaches of the Yarlung-Zangbo River, southern Tibet. Groundwater and surface water were weakly alkaline and very soft to moderately hard water. The hydrochemical type of surface water is mainly Ca-HCO3 (mainstream) and Ca-SO4-HCO3 (tributary), while the hydrochemical type of groundwater was mainly Ca-SO4-HCO3. Multivariate statistical analysis and Gibbs analysis proposed hydrochemical components were dominated by water-rock interaction. Ion ratio, saturation index, and Sr isotope revealed calcite dissolution and silicate weathering with local sulfide oxidation were involved in water–rock interaction. D-O isotopes indicated the recharge source was mainly derived from atmosphere precipitation. The entropy-weighted water quality index indicated surface water and groundwater reach the standard of drinking purpose in the lower reaches of the Yarlung-Zangbo River. The hydrochemical type varied regularly along the Yarlung-Zangbo River. The dissolution of carbonate rocks and local silicate weather and evaporate dissolution are the primary hydrochemical process along the Yarlung-Zangbo River. This study would provide a preliminary insight for hydrochemical process in the Yarlung-Zangbo River.