Variations of hydrogeochemical characteristics of shallow groundwater caused by agricultural activities

Abstract

To investigate the variations of hydrogeochemical parameters of shallow groundwater forced by agricultural irrigation in Nanshantaizi area, 56 water samples were collected in two different periods. The major physio-chemical parameters of samples of the two periods were analyzed and compared spatiotemporally and the groundwater chemistry evolution was also discussed. The study shows that most major ions in 2012 have higher concentrations than those in 2010 and shallow groundwater quality in the study area has deteriorated. All major ions show a sharp increase during the infiltration process of irrigation water because of the dissolution of salts contained in soil media. Along groundwater flow path, two parameter variation patterns can be observed because of different reactions or processes dominated in different sections. Groundwater quality deterioration calls for a change in current irrigation pattern.