LAUSR

This study explores the hydrogeochemical evolution of karst groundwater in the Jinci Spring region, Shanxi Province, northern China. During 2015, karst groundwater samples collected from 24 sampling points along several profiles that follow the groundwater flow direction were subjected to hydrochemical analysis. Reaction paths and mineral phases for the hydrogeochemical modeling were determined based on the analysis results and in conjunction with the regional geology and hydrogeology. The PHREEQC hydrogeochemical modeling software was used to perform mass balance and reaction path modeling of the hydrogeochemical evolution of the spring region. The modeling results showed that from the recharge area through the runoff area to the drainage area, the hydrogeochemical processes occurring in the karst water vary widely between the northeastern, central, and southwestern parts of the spring region, and across the piedmont discharge area. Additionally, hydrodynamic fields and geological structures were found to have significant control over the hydrogeochemical reactions occurring within the spring region’s karst groundwater.