Submit to Water Review for Water Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Soil and Groundwater Quality and Resources Assessment, 2nd Edition

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Related Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Soil and Water".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 October 2025) | Viewed by 5852

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Wanjun Jiang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

1. Tianjin Center, China Geological Survey, Tianjin 300170, China
2. North China Center for Geoscience Innovation, China Geological Survey, Tianjin 300170, China
Interests: hydrogeology; isotope hydrogeochemistry; groundwater circulation and evolution; groundwater environment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Yizhi Sheng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
Interests: microbial biogeochemistry; microbe-mineral interaction; soil and groundwater contamination; microbial ecology; hydrogeochemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Hairu Mao

E-Mail
Guest Editor

1. College of Water Conservancy, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou 450046, China
2. Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Hydrosphere and Watershed Water Security, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou 450046, China
Interests: groundwater pollution; Isotope hydrogeochemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Human activities, particularly in regions experiencing the development of industry and agriculture and the exploitation of mineral resources, pose increasing threats to terrestrial ecosystems and groundwater environments. This situation is critical in areas facing water scarcity, where groundwater serves as the primary source of drinking water. Such concerns center around the type, distribution, source, migration, transformation, and ecological health risks associated with various contaminants in soil–groundwater ecosystems. The concentrations of contaminants in these ecosystems are complex due to long-term water–rock interactions, diverse groundwater recharge patterns, hydrological–biogeochemical processes, and intensive human exploitation. Notably, the threat extends to both traditional and emerging inorganic and organic pollutants, which find their way into human bodies via bioaccumulation, food chains, and drinking water, thus leading to health risks such as chemical toxicity, radiation exposure, and carcinogenic effects. In the face of escalating environmental challenges and the urgent need for sustainable land management, the assessment of soil quality and resources has never been more crucial. Given the pivotal role that soil and groundwater play in supporting agriculture, maintaining natural landscapes, extracting geothermal resources, and providing potable water, it is imperative that we deepen our understanding of these resources.

In response to these environmental challenges, we have established a Special Issue entitled “Soil and Groundwater Quality and Resources Assessment, 2nd Edition”. This collection of research articles aims to illuminate the critical processes at play and promote innovative approaches that protect our soil and groundwater ecosystems.

Dr. Wanjun Jiang
Prof. Dr. Yizhi Sheng
Dr. Hairu Mao
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Water is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

multiple contaminants
source apportionment
migration–transformation
ecological health risks
soil–groundwater system

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Soil and Groundwater Quality and Resources Assessment, 3rd Edition in Water

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

18 pages, 9017 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Influence of Groundwater Level Dynamic Rising Process on Buildings Based on Numerical Simulation

by Hongzhao Li, Mingxu Gu, Ming Zhang, Baiheng Ma, Xiaolong Zhu, Liangyu Gu, Jiaoyang Tai and Lili Chen

Water 2025, 17(20), 3014; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17203014 - 20 Oct 2025

Viewed by 199

Abstract

In the North China region, measures such as restricting groundwater extraction and promoting cross-basin water diversion have effectively alleviated the problem of excessive groundwater exploitation. Nevertheless, the continuous rise in groundwater levels may alter the mechanical properties of foundation soil layers, potentially leading to geotechnical hazards such as foundation instability and the uneven settlement of structures. This study employs FLAC3D software to simulate the displacement, deformation, and stress–strain behavior of buildings and their surrounding strata during the dynamic recovery of groundwater levels, aiming to assess the impact of this process on structural integrity. Research findings indicate that the maximum building settlement within the study area reaches 54.8 mm, with a maximum inter-column differential settlement of 8.9 mm and a peak settlement rate of 0.16 mm/day. In regions where differential settlement aligns with the interface between the floor slab and walls, tensile stress concentrations are observed. The maximum tensile stress in these zones increases progressively from 1.8 MPa to 2.19 MPa, suggesting a potential risk of tensile cracking in the concrete structures. The influence of groundwater level recovery on buildings exhibits distinct phase characteristics, and the response mechanisms of different lithological strata vary significantly. Therefore, particular attention should be given to the physical properties and mechanical behavior of strata that are highly sensitive to variations in moisture content. These findings hold significant reference value for the sustainable development and utilization of underground space in the North China region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil and Groundwater Quality and Resources Assessment, 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 6751 KB

Open AccessArticle

Health Risk Assessment of Groundwater in Cold Regions Based on Kernel Density Estimation–Trapezoidal Fuzzy Number–Monte Carlo Simulation Model: A Case Study of the Black Soil Region in Central Songnen Plain

by Jiani Li, Yu Wang, Jianmin Bian, Xiaoqing Sun and Xingrui Feng

Water 2025, 17(20), 2984; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17202984 - 16 Oct 2025

Viewed by 407

Abstract

The quality of groundwater, a crucial freshwater resource in cold regions, directly affects human health. This study used groundwater quality monitoring data collected in the central Songnen Plain in 2014 and 2022 as a case study. The improved DRASTICL model was used to assess the vulnerability index, while water quality indicators were selected using a random forest algorithm and combined with the entropy-weighted groundwater quality index (E-GQI) approach to realize water quality assessment. Furthermore, self-organizing maps (SOM) were used for pollutant source analysis. Finally, the study identified the synergistic migration mechanism of NH₄⁺ and Cl⁻, as well as the activation trend of As in reducing environments. The uncertainty inherent to health risk assessment was considered by developing a kernel density estimation–trapezoidal fuzzy number–Monte Carlo simulation (KDE-TFN-MCSS) model that reduced the distribution mis-specification risks and high-risk misjudgment rates associated with conventional assessment methods. The results indicated that: (1) The water chemistry type in the study area was predominantly HCO₃⁻–Ca²⁺ with moderately to weakly alkaline water, and the primary and nitrogen pollution indicators were elevated, with the average NH₄⁺ concentration significantly increasing from 0.06 mg/L in 2014 to 1.26 mg/L in 2022, exceeding the Class III limit of 1.0 mg/L. (2) The groundwater quality in the central Songnen Plain was poor in 2014, comprising predominantly Classes IV and V; by 2022, it comprised mostly Classes I–IV following a banded distribution, but declined in some central and northern areas. (3) The results of the SOM analysis revealed that the principal hardness component shifted from Ca²⁺ in 2014 to Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺ synergy in 2022. Local high values of As and NH₄⁺ were determined to reflect geogenic origin and diffuse agricultural pollution, whereas the Cl⁻ distribution reflected the influence of de-icing agents and urbanization. (4) Through drinking water exposure, a deterministic evaluation conducted using the conventional four-step method indicated that the non-carcinogenic risk (HI) in the central and eastern areas significantly exceeded the threshold (HI > 1) in 2014, with the high-HI area expanding westward to the central and western regions in 2022; local areas in the north also exhibited carcinogenic risk (CR) values exceeding the threshold (CR > 0.0001). The results of a probabilistic evaluation conducted using the proposed simulation model indicated that, except for children’s CR in 2022, both HI and CR exceeded acceptable thresholds with 95% probability. Therefore, the proposed assessment method can provide a basis for improved groundwater pollution zoning and control decisions in cold regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil and Groundwater Quality and Resources Assessment, 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 3006 KB

Open AccessArticle

Surface Water–Groundwater Interactions in a Sahelian Catchment: Exploring Hydrochemistry and Isotopes and Implications for Water Quality Management

by Issoufou Ouedraogo, Marnik Vanclooster, Frederic Huneau, Yuliya Vystavna, Seifu Kebede and Youssouf Koussoubé

Water 2025, 17(18), 2756; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17182756 - 17 Sep 2025

Viewed by 829

Abstract

The Sahel Transboundary Taoudéni Basin, covering about 20% of Burkina Faso, hosts vital aquifers critical for water security and development. Effective groundwater monitoring is essential for sustainable resource management. In the Kou sub-basin, groundwater quality assessment is increasingly important. This study integrates hydrochemistry, water stable isotopes (δ¹⁸O, δ²H), GIS, and multivariate statistics to understand subsurface geochemical processes. A total of 48 samples—43 groundwater and 5 surface water—were analyzed for 19 hydrochemical parameters and isotopes. In surface water, δ¹⁸O ranged from −5.96‰ to −5.09‰, and δ²H from −37.65‰ to −29.15‰. In groundwater, δ¹⁸O ranged from −5.93‰ to −4.39‰, and δ²H from −34.62‰ to −25.05‰. The spatial distribution of δ¹⁸O and δ²H was mapped using inverse distance weighted (IDW) interpolation in ArcGIS 10.8. A δ²H vs. δ¹⁸O plot showed groundwater values clustered near the Global Meteoric Water Line, indicating minimal evaporation during recharge. Groundwater chemistry was dominated by Ca²⁺ > Na⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺ and HCO₃⁻ > NO₃⁻ > Cl⁻ > SO₄²⁻. Key hydrogeochemical processes include water–rock interaction (leaching, weathering, ion exchange) and anthropogenic pollution. Isotopic signatures reveal heterogeneous recharge sources and aquifer connectivity. These findings enhance the understanding of water sources and geochemical processes in the Kou basin, supporting informed groundwater resource management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil and Groundwater Quality and Resources Assessment, 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 8399 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Inverse Modeling to Investigate Hydrochemical Evolution in Arid Endorheic Watersheds: A Case Study from the Qaidam Basin, Northwestern China

by Liang Guo, Yuanyuan Ding, Haisong Fang, Chunxue An, Wanjun Jiang and Nuan Yang

Water 2025, 17(14), 2074; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17142074 - 11 Jul 2025

Viewed by 652

Abstract

The hydrochemical characteristics and evolution mechanisms of groundwater are critical for accurately understanding the input–output budget of hydrochemical constituents in pristine groundwater. However, few studies have analyzed the changes in mineral precipitation and dissolution equilibrium along the groundwater flow path, especially in arid regions. This study integrated hydrochemical analysis, stable isotopes, and inverse hydrochemical modeling to identify groundwater recharge sources, hydrochemical evolution, and controlling mechanisms in an arid endorheic watershed, northwestern China. A stable isotope signature indicated that groundwater is primarily recharged by high-altitude meteoric precipitation and glacial snowmelt. The regional hydrochemical type evolved from HCO₃·Cl-Ca·Mg·Na types in phreatic aquifers to more complex HCO₃·Cl-Ca·Mg Na and HCO₃·Cl-Na Mg types in confined aquifers and a Cl-Mg·Na type in high-salinity groundwater. The dissolution of halite, gypsum, calcite, K-feldspar, and albite was identified as the primary source of dissolved substances and a key factor controlling the hydrochemical characteristics. Meanwhile, hydrochemical evolution is influenced by cation exchange, mineral dissolution–precipitation, and carbonate equilibrium mechanisms. Inverse hydrochemical modeling demonstrated that high-salinity groundwater has experienced intensive evaporation and quantified the transfer amounts of associated minerals. This study offers deeper insight into hydrochemical evolution in the Golmud River watershed and elucidates mineral transport and enrichment mechanisms, providing a theoretical basis for investigating hydrochemical metallogenic processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil and Groundwater Quality and Resources Assessment, 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 2113 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Ecological–Environmental Geological Survey and Evaluation Methods for the Kundulun River Basin in Baotou City

by Yi Hao, Junwei Wan, Yihui Xin, Wenhui Zhou, Yongli Li, Lei Mao, Xiaomeng Li, Limei Mo and Ruijia Li

Water 2025, 17(13), 1926; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17131926 - 27 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 614

Abstract

The Kundulun River Basin is the most prominent branch of the Yellow River system within the jurisdiction of Baotou City. As an important water source and ecological barrier, its ecological quality is directly related to the ecological security and sustainable development of the surrounding areas. This study selected the Kundulun River Basin in Baotou City as the research area. On the basis of collecting relevant information, a field investigation was conducted on the ecological and geological conditions of the atmospheric surface subsurface Earth system, using the watershed as the survey scope and water as the carrier for the transfer and conversion of materials and energy in the watershed. This study selected the main factors that affect the ecological geological quality of the watershed and established an evaluation model using the analytic hierarchy process, the coefficient of variation method, and the comprehensive analysis method. We have established an ecological geological quality evaluation index system for the Kundulun River Basin. We conducted quantitative evaluation and comprehensive analysis of regional ecological and geological environment quality. The results indicate that ecological environment indicators contribute the most to the ecological quality of the study area, while the impact of human activities on ecological quality is relatively small. From the perspective of evaluation indicators, grassland has the highest weight, followed by precipitation, groundwater depth, forest land, and cultivated land. Approximately 30.26% of the land in the research area is in a state of high or relatively high ecological and geological–environmental quality risk. It can be seen that the overall quality of the ecological geological environment is not optimistic and needs further protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil and Groundwater Quality and Resources Assessment, 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 4712 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Groundwater Dynamics and Their Response Mechanisms to Different Types of Compound Stress in a Typical Hilly Plain Area

by Qian Zhang, Meng Zhang, Wanjun Jiang, Yang Hao, Feiwu Chen and Mucheng Zhang

Water 2025, 17(13), 1846; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17131846 - 20 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1005

Abstract

Groundwater is a crucial source of water supply and an important ecological element globally. Research on the dynamic characteristics of groundwater and their causative mechanisms is fundamental to objectively evaluating groundwater resources and their sustainable utilization. Based on the large amount of hydrogeological data collected and analyzed in typical hilly plain areas, a multi-factor weighted comprehensive evaluation system (MFWCES) based on GIS was used to evaluate the response of groundwater dynamics to combined stress elements in Tangshan City. The study area is located in the plains and hilly regions of Tangshan City. The evaluation system was based on seven influencing factors, including hydraulic conductivity, soil media, aquifer thickness, depth of groundwater, land use type, extraction intensity of groundwater, and groundwater evaporation. The results of groundwater dynamics in the study area were obtained by weighted comprehensive evaluation, with their score size ranging from 2.4 to 12.7. The spatial distribution of groundwater dynamics was classified into four categories: rapid response (10.3–12.7), dual response to precipitation and anthropogenic extraction (9.6–10.3), delayed response (7.6–9.6), and strong superimposed response to human activities (2.4–7.6). The related conclusions will provide key references for regional water resource planning, ecological protection, and the development of differentiated groundwater management strategies under compound stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil and Groundwater Quality and Resources Assessment, 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 3276 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Factors Affecting the Drainage Efficiency of New Integrated Irrigation and Drainage Networks and Network Optimization Based on Annual Cost System

by Zhiwei Zheng, Mingrui Li, Tianzhi Wang and Hejing Ren

Water 2025, 17(8), 1201; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17081201 - 16 Apr 2025

Viewed by 1354

Abstract

With the frequent occurrence of extreme weather events worldwide, the compound frequency of drought and flood events has significantly increased, imposing multidimensional pressures on agricultural water resource management. Agricultural water consumption accounts for approximately 70%, with severe waste, as a large amount of water is lost during transmission and distribution. Faced with increasingly severe and frequent extreme weather, traditional drainage systems may become unsustainable. Identifying the factors influencing drainage time is crucial for efficient drainage. The MIKE URBAN model has significant potential in farmland waterlogging simulation and drainage network optimization. This study validated the model’s accuracy based on infiltration well overflow capacity experiments, with Average Relative Error (ARE) values of 2.29%, 6.52%, 4.41%, 3.17%, 4.37%, and 5.69%, demonstrating good simulation accuracy. The MIKE URBAN model was used to simulate drainage networks, explore factors affecting drainage time, establish an annual cost system for the drainage network, and optimize the network using a genetic algorithm with the objective of minimizing annual costs. Research findings: There is a clear negative correlation between the maximum inflow of infiltration wells and drainage time. As inflow increases, drainage becomes faster, but beyond 0.0075 m³/s (27 m³/h), the efficiency gains level off. This indicates that selecting infiltration wells with at least a 20% opening ratio is essential. Similarly, increasing the collector’s diameter enhances drainage efficiency significantly, though the effect follows a diminishing return pattern. While smaller lateral spacing improves local water collection, it may lead to flow congestion if the collector is undersized; conversely, larger spacing increases drainage paths and delays, even if the collector is large. An optimal spacing range of 100–150 m is suggested alongside the collector diameter. Lateral diameter also affects performance: increasing it reduces drainage time, but the benefit plateaus around 200 mm, making further enlargement cost-ineffective. The genetic algorithm helped to optimize the drainage network design. Utilizing the genetic algorithm, the drainage network was optimized in just 15 iterations. The fitness function value rapidly decreased from 351,000 CNY to 55,000 CNY and then stabilized, reducing the annual cost from 59,640.67 CNY to 45,337.86 CNY—a 24% savings—highlighting the approach’s effectiveness in designing efficient and economical farmland drainage systems. This study has shown that the simulation-based optimization of drainage networks provides a more rational and cost-effective approach to planning drainage infrastructure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil and Groundwater Quality and Resources Assessment, 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Soil and Groundwater Quality and Resources Assessment, 2nd Edition

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI