Identification of hydrochemical fingerprints, quality and formation dynamics of groundwater in western high Himalayas

Hydrochemical characteristics analysis and human health assessment in the upper reaches of Zhang Wei River alluvial plain

“…Spanning across two second-order tectonic units: the western Shanxi-Daertu Fault Uplift ( 23) and the eastern North China Fault Depression ( 24), the region exhibits intricate tectonic development with a complex and intersecting topography. In terms of geomorphology, the western segment of the research area encompasses a piedmont alluvial plain formed by the combined effects of pluvial and alluvial processes, while the eastern part consists of a central alluvial and lacustrine plain.…”

“…Over the past several decades, burgeoning developmental strides have signi cantly augmented both population density and economic activities in this locale, consequently escalating the demand for water resources (Aji et al, 2008;Zhang et al, 2012;Li et al, 2016). Prolonged exploitation of groundwater has engendered an array of geological environmental concerns, encompassing land subsidence, deterioration in groundwater quality, as well as diminishment in river and spring discharge, potentially culminating in seasonal or permanent disappearance (Pietersen et al, 2021;Bhatt et al, 2024;Khan et al, 2024;Zhang et al, 2024). Henceforth, to foster the wholesome and sustainable utilization of groundwater resources, it is imperative to devise policy-driven long-term strategies and implement corresponding mitigation measures, with the aim of attaining commendable economic and ecological bene ts on a global scale.…”