Accessible Phreatic Groundwater Resources in the Central Shijiazhuang of North China Plain: Perspective From the Hydrogeochemical Constraints

Phreatic groundwater plays a significant role in the water supply for human communities, especially scarce regions. This research was conducted to investigate hydrochemistry and contamination of phreatic their constraints on drinking semiarid region North China Plain. A total 49 groundwaters were collected hydrochemical analysis. The results suggested had slightly alkaline nature. Although large variation salinity with TDS 172–1,875 mg/l, most moderately-hard fresh HCO 3 -Ca type. Contaminants NO − , 2 NH 4 + Fe, F Zn, Mn detected, but only Fe found exceeding desirable limits at some sites. nitrogen contaminants from anthropogenic inputs (urban sewage effluents agricultural fertilizers) mainly distributed central study area. also elevated salinity. Among contaminants, would pose potential health risk consumers. existing risks by ranged medium (HQ 1–4) high (hazard quotient > 4) all populations, categorized into rank. Groundwater sporadic sites although it did not exceed, approached, limit. Its infants maximum HQ 1.55. Most (83.67%) area relatively good quality suitable domestic usage EWQI value below 150. Others belonged poor (EWQI 150–200) extremely 200) categories, urban Gaocheng. Thus, is recommended pay attentions aquifers activities areas.