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Water
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Groundwater Quality and Contamination at Regional Scales
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Groundwater Quality and Contamination at Regional Scales

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2025 | Viewed by 5101

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Guanxing Huang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
Interests: groundwater quality; groundwater contamination; groundwater chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Liangping Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA
Interests: hydrogeology; groundwater; geostatistics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Groundwater is the most abundant freshwater resource available on earth. It supplies drinking water for more than 2 billion people. It also provides more than 40% of water resources needed for irrigated agriculture. Land use change accompanied with various human activities is expected to have substantial impacts on groundwater quality and contamination at regional scales throughout the twenty-first century, especially in urbanized areas. For example, the wholesale transformation of agricultural and natural ecosystems to more intensive uses of urbanization and industrialization has a strong negative impact on groundwater quality worldwide. As a consequence, in order to enhance the utility of groundwater resources under the condition of land use change, knowledge on the status of groundwater quality and contamination at regional scales is required.

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue. This Special Issue focuses on groundwater quality and contamination at regional scales and is within the scope of Water.

This Special Issue aims to advance the knowledge on the status of groundwater quality and contamination at regional scales under the condition of land use change worldwide. In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Assessing groundwater quality at regional scales under land use change.
  • Evaluating natural background levels of chemical components in groundwater at regional scales.
  • Assessing groundwater contamination at regional scales by using geostatistical techniques.
  • Revealing factors controlling groundwater quality and contamination at regional scales.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Guanxing Huang
Dr. Liangping Li
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

  • groundwater quality
  • groundwater contamination
  • human activities
  • land use
  • assessment of groundwater quality
  • natural background levels
  • evaluation of groundwater contamination
  • geostatistical techniques

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 9972 KiB  
Article
Integrated Assessment of the Hydrogeochemical and Human Risks of Fluoride and Nitrate in Groundwater Using the RS-GIS Tool: Case Study of the Marginal Ganga Alluvial Plain, India
by Dev Sen Gupta, Ashwani Raju, Abhinav Patel, Surendra Kumar Chandniha, Vaishnavi Sahu, Ankit Kumar, Amit Kumar, Rupesh Kumar and Samyah Salem Refadah
Water 2024, 16(24), 3683; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16243683 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 774
Abstract
Groundwater contamination with sub-lethal dissolved contaminants poses significant health risks globally, especially in rural India, where access to safe drinking water remains a critical challenge. This study explores the hydrogeochemical characterization and associated health risks of groundwater from shallow aquifers in the Marginal [...] Read more.
Groundwater contamination with sub-lethal dissolved contaminants poses significant health risks globally, especially in rural India, where access to safe drinking water remains a critical challenge. This study explores the hydrogeochemical characterization and associated health risks of groundwater from shallow aquifers in the Marginal Ganga Alluvial Plain (MGAP) of northern India. The groundwater chemistry is dominated by Ca-Mg-CO3 and Ca-Mg-Cl types, where there is dominance of silicate weathering and the ion-exchange processes are responsible for this solute composition in the groundwater. All the ionic species are within the permissible limits of the World Health Organization, except fluoride (F−) and nitrate (NO3−). Geochemical analysis using bivariate relationships and saturation plots attributes the occurrence of F− to geogenic sources, primarily the chemical weathering of granite-granodiorite, while NO3− contaminants are linked to anthropogenic inputs, such as nitrogen-rich fertilizers, in the absence of a large-scale urban environment. Multivariate statistical analyses, including hierarchical cluster analysis and factor analysis, confirm the predominance of geogenic controls, with NO3−-enriched samples derived from anthropogenic factors. The spatial distribution and probability predictions of F− and NO3− were generated using a non-parametric co-kriging technique approach, aiding in the delineation of contamination hotspots. The integration of the USEPA human health risk assessment methodology with the urbanization index has revealed critical findings, identifying approximately 23% of the study area as being at high risk. This comprehensive approach, which synergizes geospatial analysis and statistical methods, proves to be highly effective in delineating priority zones for health intervention. The results highlight the pressing need for targeted mitigation measures and the implementation of sustainable groundwater management practices at regional, national, and global levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Quality and Contamination at Regional Scales)
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21 pages, 7659 KiB  
Article
Hydrogeochemical Characteristics and Genesis of Hot Springs in Da Qaidam Area, Northern Qaidam Margin of the Qaidam Basin
by Jiayi Zhao, Lingxia Liu, Yaru Wang, Bingyan Li, Wenjing Lin and Haihui Yao
Water 2024, 16(23), 3509; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233509 - 6 Dec 2024
Viewed by 685
Abstract
Hydrogeochemical research on fluids is an effective method to understand the formation mechanism, occurrence environment, and circulation process of groundwater. The groundwater sampling sites are located in the town of Dachaidan on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, which was selected as [...] Read more.
Hydrogeochemical research on fluids is an effective method to understand the formation mechanism, occurrence environment, and circulation process of groundwater. The groundwater sampling sites are located in the town of Dachaidan on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, which was selected as the study object. Samples were collected from hot and cold springs and surface water in the area. This study is based on the analysis of water chemistry and isotopes, and aims (1) to discuss the chemical characteristics of groundwater in Da Qaidam, (2) to estimate the deep reservoir temperatures, recharge elevation and circulation depth of geothermal waters, and (3) to figure out the heat source beneath the geothermal area and its genetic mechanism. The result showed the following: The hydrochemical type of the hot spring is Cl·SO4-Na and Cl-Na, and the hydrochemical type of cold spring is SO4·HCO3-Na·Ca and Cl·HCO3·SO4-Ca·Na. The main source of groundwater recharge is snow and ice melt water. The recharge elevation ranges from 4666.8 m to 5755.9 m. The geothermal reservoir temperature is about 119.15–126.6 °C. Ice and snow melt water infiltrate into the high mountainous areas on the north side of Da Qaidam and circulate underground through the developed deep and large fractures. Part of the groundwater migrates upwards under the water conduction of the Da Qaidam fault fracture zone to form cold springs, while another part is heated by deep circulation and exposed to the surface in the form of medium to low temperature tectonic hot springs. The research results can provide a scientific basis for geothermal resource exploitation and utilization in Qinghai Province. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Quality and Contamination at Regional Scales)
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25 pages, 8412 KiB  
Article
Hydrogeochemical Characterization and Processes Controlling Groundwater Chemistry of Complex Volcanic Rock of Jimma Area, Ethiopia
by Wagari Mosisa Kitessa, Adisu Befekadu Kebede, Fayera Gudu Tufa, Beekan Gurmessa Gudeta, Alemu Yenehun, Bekan Chelkeba, Seifu Kebede Debela, Fekadu Fufa Feyessa and Kristine Walraevens
Water 2024, 16(23), 3470; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233470 - 2 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1200
Abstract
The sustainable management of groundwater in the Jimma area is complicated by a lack of comprehensive studies on its chemical makeup and the geochemical processes influencing its hydrochemistry. This research aims to fill that gap by examining 51 groundwater samples from various sources, [...] Read more.
The sustainable management of groundwater in the Jimma area is complicated by a lack of comprehensive studies on its chemical makeup and the geochemical processes influencing its hydrochemistry. This research aims to fill that gap by examining 51 groundwater samples from various sources, including deep groundwaters, shallow groundwaters, hand-dug well groundwaters, surface waters, and springs within the area primarily consisting of complex volcanic rocks. The goal is to describe the hydrogeochemical characteristics and determine the key processes affecting groundwater composition in this volcanic area. The study identifies clear patterns in cation and anion concentrations. For deep groundwaters, the average cation concentration is ranked as Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+, while shallow groundwaters, hand-dug well groundwaters, surface waters, and springs show a ranking of Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+. The major anions are typically ordered as HCO3− > NO3− > Cl− > SO42−. The quantitative hydrogeochemical analysis indicates that the freshwater types in the region are primarily Ca-HCO3 and Ca-Mg-HCO3, with some highly mineralized Na-HCO₃ waters also detected. The weathering of silicate minerals mainly drives the geochemical processes affecting groundwater chemistry. An increase in mineralization, suggested by saturation indices, points to a longer residence time underground, with deep groundwaters exhibiting the highest saturation levels and springs the lowest. This mineralization is especially significant for Mg-silicates and carbonates. Stability diagrams for feldspar minerals further demonstrate groundwater evolution along flow paths, revealing that shallow systems are in equilibrium with minerals like gibbsite, whereas deeper systems achieve stability with albite, Ca-montmorillonite, and microcline. Higher CO2 levels (10−1.5 to 100.5 atm), likely from mantle-magma degassing, add more HCO3− to the deeper aquifers. This study offers the first thorough characterization of the groundwater composition in the Jimma area and provides important insights into the Jimma area’s hydrogeochemical development, establishing a basis for enhanced groundwater management within this intricate volcanic aquifer system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Quality and Contamination at Regional Scales)
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23 pages, 7554 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Groundwater Quality and Vulnerability in the Nakivale Sub-Catchment of the Transboundary Lake Victoria Basin, Uganda
by Emmanuel Nabala Hyeroba and Robert M. Kalin
Water 2024, 16(23), 3386; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233386 - 25 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1035
Abstract
This study evaluates the quality and vulnerability of groundwater within the Nakivale Sub-catchment of the transboundary Lake Victoria Basin in Southwestern Uganda. Groundwater quality assessment focuses on its suitability for both drinking and agricultural uses. Hydrochemical analysis of 19 groundwater samples revealed that [...] Read more.
This study evaluates the quality and vulnerability of groundwater within the Nakivale Sub-catchment of the transboundary Lake Victoria Basin in Southwestern Uganda. Groundwater quality assessment focuses on its suitability for both drinking and agricultural uses. Hydrochemical analysis of 19 groundwater samples revealed that 90% comply with World Health Organization drinking water standards, although localized contamination was noted, particularly in terms of total iron, nitrate, potassium, magnesium, and sulfates. The drinking groundwater quality index shows that over 90% of the samples fall within the good-to-excellent quality categories. Elevated nitrate levels and chloride–bromide ratios indicate human impacts, likely due to agricultural runoff and wastewater disposal. For irrigation, Sodium Adsorption Ratio analysis revealed medium-to-high salinity hazards in the region, while Sodium Percentage and other parameters indicated low-to-moderate risks of soil degradation. DRASTIC vulnerability assessments identified low contamination risks due to impermeable geological layers, steep terrain, slow groundwater recharge, deep aquifer depth, and clayey soil cover. These findings emphasize the need for conjunctive water resource management, including improved groundwater quality monitoring, public education on sustainable practices, and protective measures for recharge zones and areas highly susceptible to contamination. By addressing these issues, this study aims to preserve groundwater resources for domestic and agricultural use, ensuring long-term sustainability in the region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Quality and Contamination at Regional Scales)
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18 pages, 22321 KiB  
Article
Shallow Groundwater Quality Assessment and Pollution Source Apportionment: Case Study in Wujiang District, Suzhou City
by Lili Hou, Qiuju Qi, Quanping Zhou, Jinsong Lv, Leli Zong, Zi Chen, Yuehua Jiang, Hai Yang, Zhengyang Jia, Shijia Mei, Yang Jin, Hong Zhang, Jie Li and Fangfei Xu
Water 2024, 16(21), 3139; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16213139 - 2 Nov 2024
Viewed by 850
Abstract
Groundwater serves as a crucial resource, with its quality significantly impacted by both natural and human-induced factors. In the highly industrialized and urbanized Yangtze River Delta region, the sources of pollutants in shallow groundwater are more complex, making the identification of groundwater pollution [...] Read more.
Groundwater serves as a crucial resource, with its quality significantly impacted by both natural and human-induced factors. In the highly industrialized and urbanized Yangtze River Delta region, the sources of pollutants in shallow groundwater are more complex, making the identification of groundwater pollution sources a challenging task. In this study, 117 wells in Wujiang District of Suzhou City were sampled, and 16 groundwater quality parameters were analyzed. The fuzzy synthetic evaluation method was used to assess the current status of groundwater pollution in the study area; the principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to discern the anthropogenic and natural variables that influence the quality of shallow groundwater; and the absolute principal component scores–multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) model was applied to quantify the contributions of various origins toward the selected groundwater quality parameters. The results indicate that the main exceeding indicators of groundwater in Wujiang District are I (28%), NH4-N (18%), and Mn (14%); overall, the groundwater quality is relatively good in the region, with localized heavy pollution: class IV and class V water are mainly concentrated in the southwest of Lili Town, the north of Songling Town, and the south of Qidu Town. Through PCA, five factors contributing to the hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater in Wujiang District were identified: water–rock interaction, surface water–groundwater interaction, sewage discharge from the textile industry, urban domestic sewage discharge, and agricultural non-point source pollution. Additionally, the APCS-MLR model determined that the contributions of the three main pollution sources to groundwater contamination are in the following order: sewage discharge from the textile industry (10.63%) > urban domestic sewage discharge (8.69%) > agricultural non-point source pollution (6.26%). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Quality and Contamination at Regional Scales)
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