Chemical characteristics and water quality assessment of groundwater in the Dongjiang-Hanjiang River Basin, China

• Published in: Journal of environmental chemical engineering 2024-12, Vol.12 (6), p.114721, Article 114721
• Main Authors: Lu, Li, Wang, Zhe, Wang, Zhili, Deng, Liwei, Zou, Shengzhang, Fan, Lianjie, Yang, Yeyu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Controlling factors; Health risks; Shallow groundwater; Water quality assessment
• ISSN: 2213-3437
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2024.114721

Groundwater plays an important role in the rapid economic development of the Dongjiang-Hanjiang River Basin. This paper uses the Gibbs model, ionic ratio coefficient analysis, factor analysis, water quality index method and human health risk assessment model to estimate the chemical properties and quality of groundwater in the Dongjiang-Hanjiang Basin. The ion concentration and proportion of SO42- water in the Hanjiang River Basin are higher than those in the Dongjiang River Basin. The groundwater ions come mainly from the dissolution of carbonate rocks, silicate rocks and saline rocks, some of which come from human activities such as industry and mining. Groundwater composition is controlled by rock dissolution, alternating cation adsorption, and human activities. The proportion of rock dissolution is the greatest, but the influence of human activities is obvious. The intensity of human activities such as industry, mining and agriculture is greater in the Hanjiang River Basin than in the Dongjiang River Basin. The overall groundwater quality is poor, and the Dongjiang River Basin is better than the Hanjiang River Basin. The above-standard factors are mainly pH, I−, NO3−, NH4+, As and Pb2+. Nitrate pollution in groundwater is harmful to health and the health risk of children from nitrate is higher than that of adults. The health risk in the Hanjiang River Basin is higher than that in the Dongjiang River Basin. This can serve as a vital reference for similar areas worldwide, offering guidance for groundwater management, pollution prevention and control. •The intensity of human activities is greater in the Hanjiang River Basin than in the Dongjiang River Basin.•The water quality in Dongjiang is better than Hanjiang, three nitrogen and heavy metals exceed the standard.•Children are more prone to non-carcinogenic health risk than teenagers and adults.