Characterization and Health Risks of Groundwater Hydrochemistry in the Upper Weihe River Basin

Jiutan Liu, Kexin Lou, Hong Tian (), Chunqiang Ma, Bing Jiang and Zongjun Gao
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Jiutan Liu: College of Earth Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China
Kexin Lou: College of Earth Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China
Hong Tian: College of Earth Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China
Chunqiang Ma: College of Earth Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China
Bing Jiang: No. 4 Exploration Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Weifang 261021, China
Zongjun Gao: College of Earth Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-21

Abstract: Groundwater is a vital and invaluable resource on our planet, serving as a critical water supply for human life, industrial activities, and agricultural production. It plays a pivotal role in sustaining human existence and driving societal progress. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the hydrochemical characteristics and controlling factors of groundwater in the Upper Weihe River (UWR) using statistical analysis, Piper diagrams, Gibbs diagrams, correlation analysis, and ion ratio analysis. To evaluate the suitability of the regional groundwater for potable use, we employed the entropy weight water quality index (EWQI). Additionally, the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and percentage of soluble sodium (Na%) were utilized to evaluate the groundwater’s adaptability to irrigation. Furthermore, this study also assessed the health risks faced by adults and children in the UWR. The findings indicate that the main cations and anions in groundwater are Ca 2+ and HCO 3 − , respectively. The hydrochemical types are predominantly HCO 3 -Ca, Cl-Ca, and mixed types. The composition of groundwater is primarily influenced by the dissolution of silicate and carbonate minerals, with cation exchange also playing a significant role in shaping its hydrochemical characteristics. The water quality assessment indicates that the majority of groundwater in UWR is classified as “excellent” or “good”, rendering it suitable for human consumption. However, 7.17% of the water samples were of poor quality and unsuitable for drinking; these were primarily located in a few areas in the northern and western parts of the study area. Regarding irrigation, 94.83% of the groundwater is deemed very suitable; however, a small fraction is not appropriate for such use. Additionally, non-carcinogenic risks are generally higher across most parts of the study area for both children and adults, with children exhibiting significantly higher risks than adults. These findings offer crucial insights regarding the sustainable management and environmental conservation of groundwater resources in the UWR.

Keywords: groundwater; hydrochemical characteristics; water quality assessment; health risk assessment; Upper Weihe River (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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