Analysis and evaluation of the renewability of the deep groundwater in the Huaihe River Basin, China

Abstract

Groundwater is the major source for resident drinking, industrial development, and agricultural irrigation in the Huai River Basin (HRB). With the development of industry and agriculture, exploitation of the deep groundwater increases dramatically in the HRB in recent years. Therefore, analysis and evaluation the renewability of the deep groundwater in the HRB is critical. In our study, a total of 390 groundwater samples were collected along four profiles in 35 cities and counties within the HRB to obtain their hydrochemical characteristics and isotopic data. Based on the isotopic data of these samples, three deep groundwater subsystems: the Shaying River System, the Guohe River System, and the Ancient Yellow River System were identified. The further comparison indicates that the deep and shallow groundwater systems of Guohe River System and Shaying River System have good differentiation. While, the connection of deep and shallow aquifer of Ancient Yellow River System is strong. According to the calculation results based on the combination of stable isotopes and water chemistry, the renewable ability of deep groundwater of Ancient Yellow River, Shaying river, and Guo river are 36%, 22%, and 12%, respectively, which implies faster renewal rate and greater exploitation potential.