Hydrogeochemical characteristics and solute sources of groundwater in the Yuhengbei mining area, Shaanxi Province, China

In mining areas, groundwater resources are crucial for providing drinking water, as well water needed plant growth and mining. The Yuhengbei area is situated in arid semi-arid areas Western China. As there a number of large-scale fields the area, their exploitation may affect both quality quantity groundwater. hydraulic connection between aquifers directly determines whether deep coal activities shallow aquifers. This study investigates hydrogeochemical characteristics solute sources (including surface Quaternary from Cretaceous Jurassic strata aquifer) area. uses conventional, multivariate statistical analysis, dissolved organic matter (DOM) analysis. results suggest that all samples were slightly alkaline, while (surface aquifers) was predominantly HCO3-Ca type. Furthermore, aquifer mostly SO4-Na Major ion DOM concentrations appeared to decrease with increasing depth. Moreover, circulation regulated by natural processes. Namely, rock weathering main mechanism controlling chemical constituents aquifers, mainly governed dissolution evaporation. Water–rock interaction cation exchange mechanisms R-mode HCA revealed processes controlled composition groundwater, evolution primarily nature geological structures local hydrogeological conditions. TOC UV254 had weak overlying derived autogenous biological sources. Based on indicator values, upper overall. These show this although irrigation come temporarily have little impact Better understanding formation will provide technical basis management support sustainable use resources.