The Genesis Mechanism and Health Risk Assessment of High Boron Water in the Zhaxikang Geothermal Area, South Tibet

The natural discharge of geothermal water containing harmful components affects the quality surrounding environment and brings security risks to drinking safety. in Tibet is characterized by high boron content, but pollution caused this not clear. In study, we collected surface from Zhaxikang system southern investigate causes its discharge. results indicate that hydrochemical type was HCO3-Cl-Na, while cold spring water, mine river lake SO4-HCO3-Ca-Mg. Hydrogen oxygen isotopes show recharge source groundwater mainly snow-melting meteoric addition that, there magmatic for hot springs. content study area as 42.36 mg/L, far exceeding World Health Organization limit (0.5 mg/L). analysis ion PHREEQC modeling indicated dissolution silicate minerals cation exchange controlled composition groundwater, came volatilization leaching shallow sediments. entropy weight index used evaluate area; about 42.9% samples are good can be drinking, has been mixed with upstream. With into (with a mix ratio ~20%), downstream gradually deteriorated. health risk assessment showed hazard (HI) higher than 1 an average 1.594 children 1.366 adults), indicating at adults. Geothermal found all over world, adverse effects drainage cannot ignored.