Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering

Accelerating collaborative innovation in hydrological, engineering, and environmental fields

Min Wang

2024, 12(1): 1-3. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280001

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Abstract:
To fulfill the new requirements of geological work in the modern era and explore the latest advancements in hydrogeology, ecological geology, and geothermal geology that contribute to the development of an ecological civilization and effective natural resource management, the academic symposium on "Synergetic Innovation and Green Development in Water-Heat-Ecology" took place from October 14th to 15th, 2023. Organized by the China Geological Society and collaboratively hosted by the Hydrogeology Professional Committee, Ecological Geology Professional Committee, and Geothermal Professional Committee, the event featured an insightful speech by Mr. Wang Min, former Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Land and Resources of the PRC. His perspectives offer valuable insights for current geological endeavours, and we have compiled the content of this speech into this article.

Characterization of rock thermophysical properties and factors affecting thermal conductivity−A case study of Datong Basin, China

Meng-lei Ji, Shuai-chao Wei, Wei Zhang, Feng Liu, Yu-zhong Liao, Ruo-xi Yuan, Xiao-xue Yan, Long Li

2024, 12(1): 4-15. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280002

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Rock thermal physical properties play a crucial role in understanding deep thermal conditions, modeling the thermal structure of the lithosphere, and discovering the evolutionary history of sedimentary basins. Recent advancements in geothermal exploration, particularly the identification of high-temperature geothermal resources in Datong Basin, Shanxi, China, have opened new possibilities. This study aims to characterize the thermal properties of rocks and explore factors influencing thermal conductivity in basins hosting high-temperature geothermal resources. A total of 70 groups of rock samples were collected from outcrops in and around Datong Basin, Shanxi Province. Thermal property tests were carried out to analyze the rock properties, and the influencing factors of thermal conductivity were studied through experiments at different temperature and water-filled states. The results indicate that the thermal conductivity of rocks in Datong, Shanxi Province, typically ranges from 0.690 W/(m·K) to 6.460 W/(m·K), the thermal diffusion coefficient ranges from 0.441 mm²/s to 2.023 mm²/s, and the specific heat capacity of the rocks ranges from 0.569 KJ/(kg·°C) to 1.117 KJ/(kg·°C). Experimental results reveal the impact of temperature and water saturation on the thermal conductivity of the rock. The thermal conductivity decreases with increasing temperature and rises with high water saturation. A temperature correction formula for the thermal conductivity of different lithologies in the area is proposed through linear fitting. The findings from this study provide essential parameters for the assessment and prediction, development, and utilization of geothermal resources in the region and other basins with typical high-temperature geothermal resource.

Groundwater vulnerability assessment using a GIS-based DRASTIC method in the Erbil Dumpsite area (Kani Qirzhala), Central Erbil Basin, North Iraq

Masoud H Hamed, Rebwar N Dara, Marios C Kirlas

2024, 12(1): 16-33. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280003

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Abstract:
Groundwater vulnerability assessment is a crucial step in the efficient management of groundwater resources, especially in areas with intensive anthropogenic activities and groundwater pollution. In the present study, the DRASTIC method was applied using Geographic Information System (GIS) to delineate groundwater vulnerability zones in the Erbil Dumpsite area, Central Erbil Basin, North Iraq. Results showed that the area was classified into four vulnerability classes: Very low (16.97%), low (27.67%), moderate (36.55%) and high (18.81%). The southern, south-eastern and northern parts of the study area exhibited the highest vulnerability potential, while the central-northern, northern and north-western regions displayed the lowest vulnerability potential. Moreover, results of the single-parameter sensitivity analysis indicated that amongst the seven DRASTIC parameters, the unsaturated zone and the aquifer media were the most influencing parameters. In conclustion, the correlation of 25 nitrate concentration values with the final vulnerability map, assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient, yielded a satisfactory result of R = 0.72.

Assessment of groundwater suitability for different activities in Toshka district, south Egypt

Marwa M Aly, Shymaa AK Fayad, Ahmed MI Abd Elhamid

2024, 12(1): 34-48. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280004

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Globally, groundwater has globally emerged as a crucial freshwater source for domestic, irrigation, and industrial needs. The evaluation of groundwater quality in the Toshka region is imperative to ensure its suitability for the extensive agricultural and industrial activities underway in this promising, groundwater-dependent development area. This is particularly significant as Egypt increasingly relies on groundwater reserves to address freshwater deficits and to implement mega-development projects in barren lands. In this study, fifty-two samples were collected from the recently drilled wells tapping into the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer (NSA) in the Toshka region. Groundwater quality was assessed through hydrochemical analysis, Piper diagram, and various indicators such as Na%, SAR, RSC, KR, MH and PI. The hydrochemical analysis revealed improved groundwater quality characteristics, attributed to continuous recharge from Lake Nasser. The Piper diagram categorised most of the water samples as "secondary salinity" water type. Almost all wells proved suitable for irrigation with only two wells unsuitable based on MH values and six wells based on KR values. Considering Total Hardness (TH) values, all samples were classified as "Soft", indicating their suitability for domestic and industrial purposes. Water Quality Index (WQI) results concluded that all samples met WHO and FAO guidelines for drinking and irrigation, respectively. Spatial distribution maps, constructed using GIS, facilitate the interpretation of the results. Regular monitoring of quality parameters is essential to detect any deviation from permissible limits.

Health risk assessment of heavy metal pollution in groundwater of a karst basin, SW China

Fu-ning Lan, Yi Zhao, Jun Li, Xiu-qun Zhu

2024, 12(1): 49-61. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280005

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Abstract:
To investigate the presence of metal elements and assess their health risk for the populace in the Nandong Underground River Basin (NURB), we conducted an analysis of eleven common heavy metals in the water body. A Health risk assessment (HRA) model was employed to analyze 84 water samples from the NURB. The detection results revealed the following order of heavy metals concentrations: Fe > Al > Mn > Zn > As > Cd > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cu > Hg. Correlation analysis indicated a certain similarity in material source and migration transformation among these eleven metal elements. Our study identified that the health risks for local residents exposed to metal elements in the water of NURB primarily stem from carcinogenic risk (10⁻⁶–10⁻⁴ a⁻¹) through the drinking water pathway. Moreover, the health risk of heavy metal exposure for children through drinking water was notably higher than for adults. The maximum health risks of Cr in both underground and surface water exceeded the recommendation standard (5.0×10⁻⁵ a⁻¹) from ICRP, surpassing the values recommended by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the Dutch Ministry of Construction and Environment and the British Royal Society (5.0×10⁻⁶ a⁻¹). The results of the health risk assessment indicate that Cr in the water of NURB is the primary source of carcinogenic risk for local residents, followed by Cd and As. Consequently, it is imperative to control these three carcinogenic metals when the water was used as drinking water resource.

Identified the hydrochemical and the sulfur cycle process in subsidence area of Pingyu mining area using multi-isotopes combined with hydrochemistry methods

Hui-Meng Su, Fa-Wang Zhang, Jing-Yu Hu, Jin-Feng Lei, Wei Zuo, Bo Yang, Yu-Hua Liu

2024, 12(1): 62-77. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280006

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Abstract:
Groundwater serves as an important water source for residents in and around mining areas. To achieve scientific planning and efficient utilization of water resources in mining areas, it is essential to figure out the chemical formation process and the ground water sulfur cycle that transpire after the coal mining activities. Based on studies of hydrochemistry and D,¹⁸O-H₂O,³⁴S-SO₄ isotopes, this study applied principal component analysis, ion ratio and other methods in its attempts to reveal the hydrogeochemical action and sulfur cycle in the subsidence area of Pingyu mining area. The study discovered that, in the studied area, precipitation provides the major supply of groundwater and the main water chemistry effects are dominated by oxidation dissolution of sulfide minerals as well as the dissolution of carbonate and silicate rocks. The sulfate in groundwater primarily originates from oxidation and dissolution of sulfide minerals in coal-bearing strata and human activities. The mixed sulfate formed by the oxidation of sulfide minerals and by human activities continuously recharges the groundwater, promoting the dissolution of carbonate rock and silicate rock in the process.

Formation mechanism of hydrochemical and quality evaluation of shallow groundwater in the Upper Kebir sub-basin, Northeast Algeria

Allia Zineb, Lalaoui Meriem

2024, 12(1): 78-91. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280007

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This study investigates the hydrochemical formation mechanism of shallow groundwater in the Upper Kebir upstream sub-basin (Northeastern Algeria). The objective is to evaluate water quality suitability for domestic purposes through the application of water quality index (WQI). A total of 24 water points (wells and borewells) evenly distributed in the basin were collected and analyzed in the laboratory for determining the major ions and other geochemical parameters in the groundwater. The groundwater hydrochemical types were identified as Cl–Na and Cl–HCO₃–Na, with the dominant major ions were found in the order of Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ for cations, and Cl⁻ > SO₄²⁻ > HCO₃^– > NO₃⁻ for anions. Results suggest that weathering, dissolution of carbonate, sulfate, salt rocks, and anthropogenic activities were the major contributors to ion content in the groundwater. The Water Quality Index (WQI) was calculated to assess the water quality of potable water. Approximately 50% of the sampled sites exhibited good water quality. However, the study highlights significant NO₃ contamination in the study area, with 50% of samples exceeding permissible limits. Therefore, effective treatment measures are crucial for the safe consumption of groundwater.

Development status and prospect of underground thermal energy storage technology

Ying-nan Zhang, Yan-guang Liu, Kai Bian, Guo-qiang Zhou, Xin Wang, Mei-hua Wei

2024, 12(1): 92-108. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280008

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Underground Thermal Energy Storage (UTES) store unstable and non-continuous energy underground, releasing stable heat energy on demand. This effectively improve energy utilization and optimize energy allocation. As UTES technology advances, accommodating greater depth, higher temperature and multi-energy complementarity, new research challenges emerge. This paper comprehensively provides a systematic summary of the current research status of UTES. It categorized different types of UTES systems, analyzes the applicability of key technologies of UTES, and evaluate their economic and environmental benefits. Moreover, this paper identifies existing issues with UTES, such as injection blockage, wellbore scaling and corrosion, seepage and heat transfer in cracks, etc. It suggests deepening the research on blockage formation mechanism and plugging prevention technology, improving the study of anticorrosive materials and water treatment technology, and enhancing the investigation of reservoir fracture network characterization technology and seepage heat transfer. These recommendations serve as valuable references for promoting the high-quality development of UTES.

Groundwater recharge via precipitation in the Badain Jaran Desert, China

Zhe Wang, Li-juan Wang, Jian-mei Shen, Zhen-long Nie, Le Cao, Ling-qun Meng

2024, 12(1): 109-118. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280009

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Precipitation infiltration serves as a significant source of groundwater in the Badain Jaran Desert. To investigate variations in precipitation infiltration within the desert, this study collected data on moisture content and temperature from the vadose zone through in-situ field monitoring. Utilizing these data, a numerical model is employed to explore the mechanism of groundwater recharge via precipitation. The results are as follows: (1) Moisture content and temperature in the shallow vadose zone exhibit significant seasonal variations, with moisture content diminishing with increasing depth; (2) Groundwater recharge via precipitation infiltration initially increases and then decreases with groundwater level depth (GWD). Peak groundwater recharge via precipitation occurs at a GWD of 0.75 m, decreasing to merely 0.012 cm at GWDs exceeding 2 m; (3) Groundwater is no longer susceptible to phreatic water evaporation when the GWD reaches approximately 3.7 m. Therefore, GWD plays a crucial role in governing groundwater recharge via precipitation in the Badain Jaran Desert.

2024 Vol. 12, No. 1

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