Risk assessment of groundwater hydrochemistry for irrigation suitability in Ordos Basin, China

Qingchun Yang (), Zijun Li, Chuan Xie, Ji Liang and Hongyun Ma
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Qingchun Yang: Jilin University
Zijun Li: Jilin University
Chuan Xie: Geothermal Institute of Hydrological Engineering Geological Survey
Ji Liang: Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Hongyun Ma: Xi’an Center of Geological Survey, CGS

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2020, vol. 101, issue 2, No 1, 309-325

Abstract: Abstract Irrigation water quality is of great concerns to the sustainable agriculture and often is neglected in most irrigation areas in Ordos Basin, a semi-arid area in China. In this paper, a hydrochemical investigation of groundwater was performed to highlight the groundwater quality and evaluate its risk/suitability for irrigation purpose in Ordos Basin. Hydrographical method, Piper diagram and PHREEQC geochemical modeling were employed to characterize the groundwater quality and the relevant geochemical processes. Electrical conductivity, sodium percentage (Na%), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), permeability index, magnesium ration (MR) and Kelley’s ration (KR) were used to evaluate the suitability for irrigation purpose. In summary, 86.67% of the area is fresh water (TDS 1 g/L) on the northwest side of the study area with Cl–Ca·Mg·Na type. The distribution of nitrate contents showed that nitrate pollution is a persistent problem that affects a wide area of the aquifer. The calculated Na%, SAR, RSC, MR and KR indicate that most of the groundwater is of acceptable risk for irrigation as well as for domestic usage. The Gibbs plot showed that the hydrochemistry of groundwater samples was mainly influenced by evaporation–precipitation and water rock dominance including carbonate and silicate minerals weathering.

Keywords: Risk assessment; Groundwater pollution; Irrigation water; PHREEQC; Ordos Basin (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-018-3451-4

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