GEOCHEMICAL MECHANISMS AND QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF SHALLOW GROUNDWATER AROUND ABANDONED QUARRIES AREA, NORTHERN ANHUI PROVINCE, CHINA

The shallow groundwater around abandoned quarries is important resource for local industry and agriculture. In this study, 27 representative groundwater samples were collected from Full abandoned quarries area. The hydorchemical data were analyzed to reveal its geochemical mechanisms and groundwater quality. The groundwater is weakly alkaline in nature. The content of cations follow the trend: Ca+>Mg2+>Na+>K+, and anions follow the order: HCO3->SO42->Cl->F-. The Ca2+ and HCO3- are two leading ions, 96.30% of Ca2+ and 100% of HCO3-have exceed desirable limit recommended by WHO. The groundwater is controlled by Ca-HCO3 and Ca center dot Mg-HCO3 type as main facies, Ca-HCO3 center dot SO4 as secondary facies. The chemical composition is mainly controlled by dissolution of carbonate minerals, among which calcite is the leading mineral. Recharging analysis based on stable isotope concluded that atmospheric precipitation is the main recharge source of groundwater and influence of evaporation is relatively weak. The Standard US Salinity Laboratory classification shows that all the samples distributed in category C2-S1. Combined with the SAR, %Na, RSC, PI and Wilcox diagram, the groundwater is suitable for irrigation purpose. The outcomes provide a better understanding of hydrochemical mechanism of groundwater around abandoned quarries, and it will promote integrated management of groundwater.