Abstract
This study investigated the hydrochemical characteristics and formation mechanism of natural water in the southeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. To this end, 19 groundwater samples were collected, tested, and analyzed using various methods, such as mathematical statistics, a Piper diagram, correlation analysis, Gibbs plots, and an ion ratio analysis. The results show that the dominant anions are HCO3− and SO42−, and the dominant cations are Ca2+ and Mg2+, which accounted for 98.50% and 85.94% of the total amount of anions and cations, respectively. The samples were weakly alkaline water, where the TDS (total dissolved solids) ranged from 28.00 mg/L to 242.00 mg/L, with an average value of 129.10 mg/L. The hydrochemical types were mainly Ca·Mg-HCO3·SO4—accounting for 42.10%. The hydrochemical evolution process was found to be mainly controlled by the weathering and dissolution of carbonate and silicate rocks. The main sources of Na+ and K+ are rock salt and silicate rocks, and those of Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3−, and SO42− are from the dissolution of dolomite, calcite, gypsum, and other calcium and magnesium bearing minerals. In addition, atmospheric precipitation serves as a replenishment source of natural water in the region, and the recharge is affected by evaporation.
Highlights
IntroductionPublished: 25 November 2021Water resources are necessary for life sustenance, and an important strategic resource for supporting national, social, and economic development; they play an important role in maintaining ecological balance [1,2]
Published: 25 November 2021Water resources are necessary for life sustenance, and an important strategic resource for supporting national, social, and economic development; they play an important role in maintaining ecological balance [1,2]
The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is an ecologically fragile area with low temperatures, and water resources are of great significance to maintaining its ecological balance
Summary
Published: 25 November 2021Water resources are necessary for life sustenance, and an important strategic resource for supporting national, social, and economic development; they play an important role in maintaining ecological balance [1,2]. The chemical composition of natural water bodies is affected by many factors, such as the geological structure, climate, recharge type, topography, hydrogeological conditions, rock types, and the degree of weathering. The key factors affecting the hydrochemical composition of water bodies are widely variable across different regions. The geochemical environment and evolution history of a region can be ascertained by analyzing the chemical composition of its water resources, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the scientific and rational development of water resources in the region [3,4,5]. A proper understanding of the chemical components of water in this area and their mechanisms is of great significance for maintaining ecological balance, and scientifically and rationally developing and utilizing water resources
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