Spatial variations in groundwater hydrochemistry, sources, and controls across catchments on Chinese Loess Plateau

Study region: This study was carried out at the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP), which is located in the middle reach of the Yellow River in the northern China. Study focus: Understanding groundwater hydrochemistry and its controlling factors in regions like CLP with thick unsaturated zones is challenging due to limited accessibility. The primary objective of this study was to investigate groundwater hydrochemistry, sources, and controls, and assess groundwater suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes across 14 major catchments in CLP. New hydrological insights for the region: Our results showed that the composition of groundwater dissolved solutes is primarily influenced by weathering rock, particularly silicate rock. However, human activities, especially in agriculture and urban areas, also have a notable impact on groundwater solutes. The presence of elevated nitrate in groundwater in various regions underscores the urgency of addressing long-term nitrogen pollution. Environmental changes such as climate change, erosion rates, and land-use patterns are key factors shaping groundwater quality. As air temperature decreases and erosion intensifies, along with more intensive land use, ion concentrations in groundwater tend to rise. Note that, approximately 91% of groundwater in CLP is suitable for direct drinking, but ensuring proper drainage is crucial to prevent sodium damage during irrigation. These findings enhance our understanding of the factors influencing groundwater solutes and are essential for effectively managing groundwater quality in CLP.