Groundwater Sources Research Articles

Assessment of groundwater quality for drinking using the water quality index

ABSTRACT Groundwater is considered to be a safe and reliable source of drinking water in many parts of Africa. However, high population densities have led to its contamination with harmful pathogens. This study aimed to assesses the suitability of groundwater for human consumption, specifically drinking water, using the water quality index (WQI) in the Mufuchani area of Zambia's Copperbelt Province. Water samples were collected from six boreholes and 14 wells between June, July, and August 2023, and their physio-chemical and biological parameters were analyzed. Results showed that 95% of the water samples had elevated levels of total and fecal coliforms. Furthermore, the WQI was determined. Based on the WQI values, 5% of the samples are described as 'excellent', 35% as 'good', and 14% as 'very poor'. In conclusion, the groundwater quality in the area was found to be compromised and unsafe for human consumption without treatment. We, therefore, recommend water treatment of water from groundwater sources either at the household level or at the community storage points before it is supplied. Furthermore, we recommend public health awareness campaigns on the need for appropriate sanitation technologies, and behavioral change specifically with respect to fecal sludge management in the study area.

Impact of Climate Change on Groundwater Table Fluctuations in the Barind Area: A GIS-Based Analysis

The research on groundwater in the Barind region of Northwestern Bangladesh, spanning five Upazilas, highlights significant groundwater depletion from February to May from ten years data from 2013 to 2022, with recharge occurring between August and October. The most significant depletion occurs between February and May, while water levels tend to rise from August to October. The effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns, intensify these challenges by hindering groundwater replenishment and increasing dependency on groundwater sources. The study underscores the importance of adopting sustainable management strategies, such as water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and continuous monitoring. To tackle these issues and ensure the long-term sustainability of water resources, effective adaptation measures are crucial. To ensure sustainable groundwater management, the study recommends enhancing rainwater harvesting, utilizing surface water for irrigation, preventing aquifer overexploitation, storing monsoon water, fostering collaborative water management, involving local communities, providing planners with detailed data, and adopting mitigation strategies.

Targeted Screening, Distribution and Sources of Antibiotics in Drinking Water Sources and its Risk Assessment in Sichuan Province, China.

The misuse of antibiotics has led to frequent detection of antibiotics in the environment and triggered a series of environmental pollution problems. As the upper reaches of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, Sichuan Province has a large population, and the safety of its drinking water is of great importance to the local and even downstream areas. In this study, ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used for targeted screening 41 antibiotics from 4 categories including tetracyclines, sulfonamides, macrolides, and quinolones in 35 water sources in Sichuan Province, China. Results showed that 30 antibiotics existed in the water samples. The total concentration of antibiotics (∑30 antibiotics) was 0.03-33.09 ng·L-1, with sulfonamide antibiotics exhibiting the highest concentration. In terms of different types of water sources, the concentration of ∑30 antibiotics showed the trend of in the river type (8.15 ± 10.18 ng·L-1) > the lake and reservoir type (2.62 ± 1.60 ng·L-1) > the groundwater type (0.33 ± 0.31 ng·L-1). Veterinary antibiotics predominated in the groundwater and river type sources, while veterinary-agricultural antibiotics dominated in the lake and reservoir type sources. The order of ∑30 antibiotics concentration of in water sources from different economic zones showed that in the South Sichuan Economic Zone > Chengdu Plain Economic Zone > Northeast Sichuan Economic Zone > Panxi Economic Zone > Northwest Sichuan Ecological Demonstration Zone. Cluster analysis showed that antibiotics in water sources mainly originated from human medical treatment, breeding and agricultural use. The risk evaluation indicated that there were no high-risk points in the study area, and most of the points were at the no-risk to low-risk levels. The results supplied data and a scientific foundation for implementing a tiered and zoned water resource management strategy for controlling antibiotic pollution.

Determination of radon source in basaltic groundwater, using geochemical tracers and chemometric statistical analysis

Determination of radon source in basaltic groundwater, using geochemical tracers and chemometric statistical analysis

Treatment Efficacy of Groundwater by Electromagnetic Polarization

Due to the increased demand for water, it is essential to search for water sources to satisfy the water demand for drinking purposes. There is a continuous decrease in Tigris River water supply in Iraq for many reasons. Thus it is necessary to search for other sources. On the other hand, there are rural areas where fresh water is unavailable, so it has become necessary to treat groundwater in such areas. Groundwater can be considered for this purpose. However, most groundwater sources are not suitable before reducing hardness. In the present work, a trial to minimize hardness from the groundwater by electromagnetic polarization is made. Actual samples are taken from Samarra, Salah al-Din Governorate. Laboratory apparatus has been designed and constructed to perform the present work. The investigated parameters are; contact time (5 - 60 sec), initial hardness concentration (800 - 1800 mg/L), and magnetic flux intensity (0.5 - 1.25 Tesla). The results indicated that hardness can be reduced by electromagnetic treatment. The obtained hardness removal efficiency range is 3.25 to 35.2%. Moreover, the addition of γ-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 gives no improvement in hardness removal.

Assessment of the Effects of Human Settlements on Quality of Ground Water Sources in Lamu Island, Kenya

Assessment of the Effects of Human Settlements on Quality of Ground Water Sources in Lamu Island, Kenya

Assessment of natural fluoride contamination in water intended for human consumption from various regions in Tunisia

ABSTRACT Fluoride is a naturally occurring element present in the Earth's crust, which is released from rocks into the soil and water. Elevated levels of fluoride have been reported in phreatic groundwater worldwide, posing significant health risks to animals, plants, and humans. This study aims to assess the fluoride content in water intended for human consumption from both public networks and groundwater sources in various regions of Tunisia. A total of 46 water samples were collected between 2020 and 2021. The fluoride levels were determined using potentiometry with a combined Fluoride perfectION™ ISE selective electrode. The analysis revealed that fluoride content ranged from 0.351 to 6.016 mg/L. Samples exceeding the regulated limit of 1.5 mg/L were predominantly found in the southern areas of the country (64.3%, averaging 1.755 mg/L), regions known by hydrogeological fluoride deposits (54.8%, averaging 1.715 mg/L), and groundwater sources (75%, averaging 2.103 mg/L). Exposure of animals and humans to such high levels of fluoride poses a serious public health concern. Consequently, the implementation of a national strategy for the monitoring and control of public water resources intended for consumption is essential in mitigating the risks associated with fluoride contamination.

Factors affecting iron and manganese dissolution in groundwater: treatments with simultaneous oxidation and precipitation methods

ABSTRACT This study explores variations in groundwater (GW) pH, conductivity, ammonium, iron, and manganese parameters to reveal prospective interactions having an impact on the dissolved metal concentrations. To this end, bivariate and partial correlation procedures were applied to the data to obtain incisive evaluation. Besides characterisation efforts, photocatalytic iron and manganese removal experiments were also carried out with Ni-doped TiO2 nano-composite thin films (TFs) on real GW samples. UV-A (365 nm) An LED array was used as the illumination source. The experimental setup was based on three treatment routes including photocatalytic oxidation (PCO), NaOH-aided precipitation and PCO with simultaneous precipitation (SPCO-P). The main statistical analysis and treatment efforts have been performed on data and samples of a single well, respectively (N = 15). However, extended statistical analysis has also been performed on larger data groups (N = 1366) obtained from different GW sources as well. Analytical results have revealed that about 90% of iron and manganese were in oxidised forms which do not precipitate by simple pH regulation. Statistical analysis has also revealed significant interactions between metal concentrations and observed parameters depending on the level of pH and conductivity. Furthermore, the SPCO-P strategy has provided a four-fold increase in reaction rate (pseudo-first-order, kobs: 0.04 min−1). Removal efficiencies of iron and manganese also increased from 10% to 96% – 85%, respectively.

Comparative Assessment of Ground and Surface Water Sources from Awo Mmama Community, Imo State, Nigeria

Comparative Assessment of Ground and Surface Water Sources from Awo Mmama Community, Imo State, Nigeria

Revealing nitrate sources seasonal difference between groundwater and surface water in China's largest fresh water lake (Poyang Lake): Insights from sources proportion, dynamic evolution and driving forces.

Tracing the source of nitrate is the key path to solve the problem of nitrogen pollution. However, the seasonal difference of nitrate sources in groundwater and surface water and its dynamic evolution process and mechanism in large fresh water lake area are still not clear. In this study, 126 water samples were collected from groundwater and surface water in China's largest fresh water lake (Poyang Lake) region from 2022 to 2023. Bayesian stable isotope mixing model, absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression, ion ratio coefficients and uncertainty index (UI90) were used to investigate the nitrate sources variation in groundwater and surface water as well as its uncertainty in Poyang Lake area. Results showed that anthropogenic influence had significant influence on nitrate sources, which was mainly affected by chemical fertilizer (CF), soil nitrogen (SN) and manure and sewage input (M&S). Specifically, from 2022 to 2023, CF contributed 16.6% to 32.4%, SN contributed 26.0% to 38.1%, M&S contributed 26.5% to 48.2% to groundwater. CF contributed 38.8% to 43.9%, SN contributed 37.6% to 40.6%, M&S contributed 12.3% to 18.6% to surface water. The sources and proportion of nitrate in groundwater and surface water exhibited obvious difference. Temporal heterogeneity, land use type, population density and vegetation cover type had influence on nitrate sources. UI90 results showed that there was uncertainty in nitrate sources tracing process, with SN (mean 0.78), CF (mean 0.64), M&S (mean 0.35) and AD (mean 0.09), respectively. These results will provide vital references for understanding nitrate sources variation, controlling and removing nitrate surplus in groundwater-surface water system in the similar large fresh water lake areas.

Comprehensive analysis of naturally occurring radionuclides in well water: Isotopic ratios, mitigation, and dose assessment.

In Sweden, around 20 % of the potable water comes from groundwater sources and about one million people drink water from their private wells. In areas with moderate or high abundance of naturally occurring radionuclides in the bedrock, the groundwater could be enhanced with radio and chemically toxic elements such as uranium, radium, lead and polonium. Therefore, this study aims to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the behaviour and radiological impact of naturally occurring radionuclides in well water. For that, a well water survey was done in 2020 along Sweden, focusing the study on the determination of 210Po, 210Pb, 226Ra, 228Ra, 238U and 234U by alpha spectrometry. The results of the present study showed that the naturally occurring radionuclides distributions in the well water investigated were highly variable. In addition, the radionuclides with the highest contribution to the indicative dose were 210Pb > 228Ra > 210Po > 226Ra > 234U > 238U. On the other hand, the filtration and aeration purification treatment could help to remediate the radiological impact. However, the dose assessment results point out the need to include well water in the framework of the current regulations of requirements for the protection of the health of the public regarding radioactive substances in water intended for human consumption, to guarantee the quality of water from the radiological point of view.

Geogenic sources and high fluctuation rate of groundwater table accelerate the high fluoride in the aquifer of Manbhum-Singhbhum plateau fringe (India)

Fluorosis endemic is a foremost issue in the ancient Manbhum Singhbhum Plateau Fringe of India. Thus, the principal objectives of this study are i) to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of fluoride contamination over the extended section of the Manbhum-Singhbhum Plateau and ii) to examine the fluctuation rate of groundwater, the geogenic sources of fluoride and their degree of impact. About 954 samples were collected from groundwater sources and tested using the Spectrophotometer. The Schmidt-Hammer (SH) method has been applied to identify the degree of weathering. Groundwater table fluctuation (GWTF) has been assessed using the Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA). The maximum concentration of fluoride was 19.3 mg/L in groundwater and 12.4 mg/kg in fluorite and apatite minerals. Areas with a negative trend of GWTF is faced high fluoride (>2.5 mg/L). Fluoride is high (>2 mg/L) where the SH values are less than 25. The outcome will be helpful for groundwater resource management.

Spatiotemporal variability of groundwater chemistry, source identification and health risks in the southern Chinese Loess Plateau

Groundwater pollution of the loess plateau regions has become a global concern due to its vulnerability to natural and anthropogenic influences. In this study, 146 water samples were investigated to identify the spatiotemporal variability in groundwater chemistry, pollution sources and nitrate health risks in two interconnected river basins of a typical loess region. The results showed that except for bicarbonate, spatiotemporal variability of hydrochemical components in Malian River Basin (ML) was generally greater than that in Upper Jinghe River basin (JH-U) due to the hydrogeological conditions, and the hydrochemical facies in two river basins transformed from SO4·Cl and Cl·SO4 types to HCO3 and HCO3·SO4 types. The results of integrated-weight quality index (IWQI) showed that 77.8 % (1970s), 33.3 % (2004), 34.3 % (2015) of samples in ML exceeded the standard limits of Class IV groundwater quality, displaying a high pollution level with an improvement trend, while groundwater quality in JH-U indicated a very low pollution level with a deterioration trend. The geogenic source was identified as a main factor affecting groundwater quality, with contributions of 59.2 % and 48.7 % in JH-U and ML (2015), respectively. The anthropogenic sources including agricultural activities (20.7 % and 21.8 % in JH-U and ML) and coal mining activities (20.1 % and 29.5 % in JH-U and ML) also played a role in affecting groundwater quality. The nitrate health risk assessment demonstrated that 39.1 % and 20.3 % of groundwater samples (2015) significantly exceeded the standard threshold (Hazard Index = 1), implying a higher health risk to children than adults, and the nitrate health risk in ML was obviously greater than that in JH-U. This study provides novel insight into the spatiotemporal variability in groundwater chemistry, quality and health risk in loess regions under the influence of geogenic and anthropogenic factors.

Health Risk Assessment of Radon Concentrations in Water Samples of Selected Areas North of Al-Najaf Governorates

Studies on radon concentrations and the risks they pose to people's health are widely available. Groundwater is one of the most common sources of Rn that the populace consumes directly. Rn gas, occurring naturally in rocks, soil, and water, poses a significant health risk for lung cancer, stomach illnesses, leukemia, and juvenile cancer. This study aimed to measure the content of Rn in groundwater sources and assess the health risk for children and adults in Najaf Governorate, Iraq. Ten samples of well water from various locations in the Najaf governorate have been collected to evaluate the radon concentration level using the RAD7 technology. The concentrations of Radon varied from a maximum of 2.42 Bq/L in the Al-Melad region to a minimum of 0.712 Bq/L in the Al-Naser region, with a mean of 1.6690.194 Bq/L. The estimated annual effective dose in ingestion (stomach) for children varied between 1.470 μSv/y and 4.997 μSv/y. The mean value was 3.447±0.4008 μSv/y, and the total annual effective dosage for adults varied from 1.819 μSv/y to 6.183 μSv/y with a mean of 4.265±0.4958 μSv/year. Each individual's estimated yearly effective dose inhalation (lungs) ranged from 9.959 μSv/year to 33.850 μSv/y for children and adults. With an average of (23.3508±2.7146) μSv/year, while in adults, the annual effective dose varied between 0.0017942 μSv/year and 0.0060984 μSv/year. The average value was 004206888±0.00048907 μSv/year. According to the findings, The Radon concentration in the groundwater specimens was below the global limit of 11.1 Bq/L. Additionally, the yearly effective dosage for the analyzed samples was below the internationally approved threshold of 1mSv/year.

Modelling PFAS Transport in Lake Ekoln: Implications for Drinking Water Safety in the Stockholm Region.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found frequently in both groundwater and surface water sources across Sweden posing challenges to drinking water supply. Lake Ekoln is located south of Uppsala and is the basin of Lake Mälaren; Lake Mälaren is the third largest lake in Sweden and is the drinking water source for more than two million people. The aim of this study was to simulate the fate and transport of PFAS in Lake Ekoln during the period 2017 - 2020 using three-dimensional hydrodynamic modelling. The simulated water temperatures were in agreement with the observed water temperatures. The simulated PFAS concentrations were generally in agreement with the available measurements, but the lack of measurements made the comparison uncertain. The modelling results described the seasonal variations of PFAS in Lake Ekoln informing the operation of the drinking water treatment plants located downstream. The modelling results confirmed that the main inflow to the lake - the river Fyrisån - is the main source of PFAS to Lake Ekoln, highlighting the importance of mitigating this source in the context of ensuring safe drinking water supply in the Stockholm region. Regular monitoring of PFAS in the river Fyrisån is needed, and additional measurements in Lake Ekoln would facilitate further model development.

Insight into Iron(III)-Tannate Biosorbent for Adsorption Desalination and Tertiary Treatment of Water Resources.

An innovative biosorbent-based water remediation unit could reduce the demand for freshwater while protecting the surface and groundwater sources by using saline water resources, such as brine, brackish water, and seawater for irrigation. Herein, for the first time, we introduce a simple, rapid, and cost-effective iron(III)-tannate biosorbent-based technology, which functions as a stand-alone fixed-bed filter system for the treatment of salinity, heavy-metal contaminants, and pathogens present in a variety of water resources. Our approach presents a streamlined, cost-efficient, energy-saving, and sustainable avenue for water treatment, distinct from current adsorption desalination or conventional membrane techniques supplemented with chemical and UV treatments for disinfection. The proof of feasibility for effective treatment of heavy metals, adsorption desalination, and cleansing of pathogens is demonstrated using synthetic water, brine, and field-collected seawater. The adsorption equilibrium and adsorption kinetic isotherm models, and mass transfer diffusion models confirmed the sorbent's function for sieving heavy-metal ions-silver (Ag+), cadmium (Cd2+), and lead (Pb2+)-from water. The maximum adsorption capacities (q m) of the sorbent for Ag+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ reach 96.25, 66.54, and 133.83 mg/g at neutral pH. The sorbent's affinity for heavy-metal-ion adsorption significantly increased, yielding q m of 116.57 mg/g for Ag+, 104.04 mg/g for Cd2+, and 165.66 mg/g for Pb2+, at pH 9, respectively, due to the sorbent's amphoteric nature. The pristine sorbents exhibit exceptional adsorption desalination efficacy (>70%) for removing salinity from brine and seawater, promoting heterogeneous adsorption. Fe(III)-TA's ability to disinfect seawater, with 67% efficacy over a very short contact time (∼15 min), confirms its remarkable antimicrobial properties for contact active mode pathogens cleansing. By preventing the release of salts, heavy-metal contaminants, and pathogens into the environment, our results proved that this novel multiplex biobased sorbent approach directly contributes to the water quality of surface and groundwater resources.

Hydrogeochemistry, Water Quality, and Health Risk Analysis of Phreatic Groundwater in the Urban Area of Yibin City, Southwestern China

With rapid urbanization, intensified agricultural activities, and industrialization, groundwater resources are increasingly threatened by pollution. Industrial wastewater discharge and the extensive use of agricultural fertilizers in particular, have had substantial impacts on groundwater quality. This study examines 18 groundwater samples collected from the main urban area of Yibin City to assess hydrochemical characteristics, spatial distribution, source attribution, water quality, and human health risks. Statistical analysis reveals significant exceedances in TDS, NO3−, Mn, and As levels in groundwater, with elevated concentrations of B as well. Isotopic analysis identifies atmospheric rainfall as the primary recharge source for groundwater in the area, with water–rock interactions and limestone dissolution playing key roles in shaping its chemical composition. Applying the Entropy-Weighted Water Quality Index (EWQI) for a comprehensive water quality assessment, the study found that 94.44% of groundwater samples were rated as “good”, indicating relatively high overall water quality. Deterministic health risk assessments indicate that 72.22% of the groundwater samples have non-carcinogenic health risks below the threshold of 1, while 66.67% have carcinogenic health risks below 1.00 × 10−4. Monte Carlo simulations produced similar results, reinforcing the reliability of the health risk assessment. Although the study area’s groundwater quality is generally good, a significant human health risk persists, underscoring the need to ensure the safety of drinking and household water for local residents. This study provides a valuable reference for the rational management and remediation of groundwater resources.

Surveillance of Vibrio cholerae serogroups (O1 and O139) from surface and ground water sources in the Vhembe district, Limpopo province, South Africa

IntroductionVibrio cholera is increasingly emerging as a significant public health concern in developing countries. Choleragenic Vibrio cholerae O1 and O139 has reported to cause devastating disease and economic burdens in developing countries. In rural areas of the Vhembe district, most rivers and several communal boreholes are polluted as a result of sanitation issues around these water sources. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of choleragenic V. cholerae O1 and O139 in rivers and communal boreholes.MethodsThe analysis of physicochemical parameters and molecular techniques was used to establish the adaptation and detect the serogroups of V. cholerae in the water samples.Results and DiscussionThe results reported that electrical conductivities (EC) ranged between 18.78 and 154 μS/cm, with rivers such as Madandze and Mvudi recording >80 μS/cm, and those of the communal boreholes were ranged between 23.4 and 295 μS/cm, which were above the acceptable South African water quality guidelines of 0–70 μS/cm for rivers and communal boreholes. The results further revealed that most of the rivers detected positive for V. cholerae, except for the Mukhase river; the downstream points of Livuvhu and Nwedi rivers and the upstream point of the Nzhelele river; and several of the communal boreholes (Mak B1, B2, Kwe B3, 4, and 6) also tested positive for the presence of V. cholerae. The toxigenic Vibrios was also reported in Mutshundudi, Tshinane rivers, the upstream of Dzindi, Madanzhe, Nwedi, and the downstream of Sambandou rivers, as well as Mak B1, B2, and Kwe3 of communal boreholes. The serogroup O1 was detected on the Mutshundudi and Tshinane rivers, while serogroup O139 was detected upstream of the Dzindi, Madanzhe, Mutshundudi, and Tshinane rivers. There was also detection of the O1 serogroup in the communal boreholes (Mak B1 and Kwe B3), while O139 was only detected in one communal borehole (Mak B2). The development of robust policies, including an integrated water and sanitation safety surveillance web tool for monitoring water resources and public health protection, is required to make sure that drinking water in rural communities is safe for consumption.

Study of Seasonal Variability of Ground Water Quality in Sarguja District (C.G.), India

Water is the vital essence, miracle of nature and the great sustainer of life. It is extremely essential for survival of all living organism. Ground water serves as a major source for drinking, irrigation and industrial purpose all over the world. Many factors affect the quality of groundwater and cause major health issues. Therefore regular monitoring of ground water quality is necessary. Present paper has formulated on the basis of assessment of impact of geological features and agricultural runoff in ground water sources of Sarguja district (C.G.) India. Water samples were collected from ten environmentally significant spots for analysis of physical, minerals, nutrients, agricultural qualities and toxic metallic and non metallic elements. The procured experimental values were subjected for the statistical evaluation and compared with the standard values prescribed by the water monitoring agencies BIS (2012) and WHO (2011). The result for pH recorded up to 10.0, turbidity (15.67 NTU), TS (720 mg/L), F- (15.67 mg/L), Fe (2.366 mg/L), Na (115 mg/L), in maximum concentration. The statistical parameter such as mean, standard deviation, standard error, % CV, correlation matrix and water quality index (WQI) were systematically calculated for pre monsoon, monsoon and post monsoon session. The obtained results are far away from the standard values which showed the investigated water samples are not suitable for drinking and agricultural purpose without prior treatment.

Preliminary Analysis of the Chemical Characteristics and Boron Sources of Surface Water and Groundwater in the Cherchen River Basin of Xinjiang

The climate of the Cherchen River Basin （CRB） is dry and rainless and the water resources are relatively scarce. Identifying the chemical characteristics and high boron sources of surface water and groundwater in the basin is important for the sustainable development and utilization of water resources and the protection of animals, plants, and human health. To preliminarily explore the chemical characteristics and the main sources of boron （B） in the CRB, a total of 46 groups of water samples （including six groups of river water and 40 groups of well water） were collected in 2023. The chemical characteristics of surface water and groundwater and the sources of boron in the CRB were preliminarily analyzed using a Piper diagram, Gibbs chart, correlation analysis, hydrogeochemical simulation, and absolute principal component analysis （PCA-APCS-MLR） and the contribution of different factors to boron and other chemical components was quantitatively evaluated. The results showed that the water resources in the CRB were weakly alkaline, with an average pH of 7.99. The groundwater was mostly brackish water and salt water and the anions and cations were mainly Cl- and Na+. Many types of water chemistry were present, among which the river water was mainly SO4·Cl-Na type and HCO3·SO4·Cl-Na type. The groundwater was mainly SO4·Cl-Na type. The average content of boron in river water in the area was 1.80 mg·L-1 and the over standard rate was 66.7%. The average content of boron in groundwater was 1.48 mg·L-1 and the exceeding standard rate was 45.0%. APCS-MLR receptor model analysis further revealed that the major sources of water chemical components and boron were leaching-enrichment, anthropogenic activity, and primary geological factors and unknown sources. The phenomenon of boron exceeding the standard in the water of the Cherchen River Basin was obvious, mainly due to agricultural activities （fertilizers and pesticides） and unknown sources. Isotope technology may further identify the main sources of boron in water.