In the heart of Hebei Province, the Ziya River Plain, a critical grain-producing region and economic hub, faces a pressing challenge: the degradation of its groundwater resources. A recent study published in *Yankuang ceshi* (translated as *Coal Science and Technology*) sheds light on the hydrochemical characteristics and water quality of this vital resource, offering insights that could shape future water management strategies.
Led by Xiaohua Tian of the Hebei Province Institute of Hydrology and Engineering Geological Prospecting, the research analyzed 391 groundwater samples from both deep and shallow aquifers. The findings reveal a complex hydrochemical landscape, with significant spatial variations in water quality. “Shallow groundwater transitions from an HCO3-Ca·Mg type in the piedmont areas to a SO4·Cl-Na type near coastal regions,” Tian explains. “Deep groundwater is mainly characterized by SO4·Cl-Na and HCO3·Cl-Na types.”
The study employed advanced statistical analysis, Piper trilinear diagrams, and GIS-based spatial interpolation to investigate these fundamental hydrochemical features. Moreover, an absolute principal component score–multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) model, incorporating a modified geochemical accumulation index, was used to identify the major pollution sources affecting the shallow aquifers.
The results paint a concerning picture for the shallow groundwater, with 71.25% of samples classified as Class Ⅴ due to elevated total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, and sulfate (SO42-) concentrations. In contrast, deep groundwater quality is comparatively better, although fluoride (F−) and manganese (Mn) remain key limiting factors.
The APCS-MLR model analysis highlights the primary influencing factors, including seawater intrusion, mineral dissolution, and a combination of agricultural and industrial pollution sources. These findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable water management practices in the region.
For the energy sector, the implications are significant. Groundwater is a critical resource for various industrial processes, including energy production. The degradation of water quality can lead to increased treatment costs, operational inefficiencies, and potential environmental impacts. “Understanding the hydrochemical characteristics and pollution sources is the first step towards developing effective mitigation strategies,” Tian notes.
This research not only provides a comprehensive assessment of the current state of groundwater in the Ziya River Plain but also offers a roadmap for future developments in water resource management. As the region continues to grapple with the dual pressures of economic development and environmental sustainability, the insights from this study will be invaluable in shaping policies and practices that ensure the rational and sustainable utilization of water resources.
Published in *Yankuang ceshi*, this study serves as a crucial resource for policymakers, industry professionals, and researchers alike, highlighting the importance of integrated water resource management in the face of growing environmental challenges.