Abstract
This study aims to study hydrochemical characteristics and evolution of groundwater, and to assess suitability for human drinking in Dake Lake Basin, Northwest China. Hierarchical cluster analysis produces two geochemically distinct clusters, C1 and C2, which are dominated by Ca·Mg–HCO3 and Na–HCO3 type, respectively. C1 and C2 belong to shallow local and deep regional flow systems, respectively. Carbonate dissolution and ion exchange process dominate in C1 and C2, respectively. C1 groundwater is not suitable for human drinking due to relatively high NO3− contents caused by agricultural activities; while C2 groundwater is suitable for human consumption.
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