Water quality, genetic model, and potential development and use of the Hoh Xil Budongquan Spring on the northern Qinghai–Xizang Plateau

FU Changchang; LI Xiangquan; ZHANG Wenjing; CHENG Xu; BAI Zhanxue; LI Jinqiu

doi:10.12029/gc20220426002

2025 Vol. 52, No. 4

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FU Changchang, LI Xiangquan, ZHANG Wenjing, CHENG Xu, BAI Zhanxue, LI Jinqiu. 2025. Water quality, genetic model, and potential development and use of the Hoh Xil Budongquan Spring on the northern Qinghai–Xizang Plateau[J]. Geology in China, 52(4): 1369-1380. doi: 10.12029/gc20220426002

Citation:

FU Changchang, LI Xiangquan, ZHANG Wenjing, CHENG Xu, BAI Zhanxue, LI Jinqiu. 2025. Water quality, genetic model, and potential development and use of the Hoh Xil Budongquan Spring on the northern Qinghai–Xizang Plateau[J]. Geology in China, 52(4): 1369-1380. doi: 10.12029/gc20220426002

Water quality, genetic model, and potential development and use of the Hoh Xil Budongquan Spring on the northern Qinghai–Xizang Plateau

1.
Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050061, Hebei, China
2.
Key Laboratory of Groundwater Sciences and Engineering, Ministry of Natural Resources, Shijiazhuang 050061, Hebei, China
3.
Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, Jilin, China
4.
Key Laboratory of Airborne Survey and Remote Sensing Technology, Shijiazhuang 050061, Hebei, China

Fund Project: Supported by the projects of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.42002264), China Geological Survey (No.DD20221812) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Public Research Institutes (No.SK202006).

More Information

Author Bio: FU Changchang, male, born in 1988, assistant researcher, mainly engaged in hydrochemical evolution and water resources investigation and evaluation; E-mail: fu0936@163.com

Received Date: 26 April 2022

Revised Date: 11 July 2022

Publish Date: 25 July 2025

Abstract

Abstract

This paper is the result of hydrogeological survey engineering.
Objective
Budongquan Spring is in the region of Hoh Xil on the northern Qinghai–Xizang Plateau. It is a typical sub−surface spring with discharge that ascends to the surface through taliks in the permafrost. It is an important water supply for the Qinghai–Xizang railway and the construction of small towns along the railway. Therefore, it is very important to understand its formation and water characteristics.
Methods
In this paper, we evaluated spring water quality using the single index evaluation method. We analyzed water storage, circulation, and sources of main chemical components by examining the local geology, environmental isotopes, and hydrochemistry.
Results
Budongquan spring water quality is in class V throughout the year. It is in class V in terms of total hardness, SO₄²⁻, and Cl⁻, and in class I–II in terms of toxicological and heavy metal indices. Nearby glacier meltwater and river water are in class I–II. The spring is mainly recharged by glacial meltwater from the southern slope of Kunlun Mountains, atmospheric precipitation, and surface river water. Average cycle length is less than 5–10 years. Groundwater flow follows the talik zone along the northeast−trending active normal faults. Budongquan spring is formed by the surfacing of groundwater that is blocked by the west-northwest-trending active reverse faults. Its chemical composition is mainly determined by evaporation, and presence of and interaction with magnesium salts and carbonate rocks.
Conclusions
To meet standards for drinking water, we recommend mixing spring water with river water at a ratio of 1:2.
- Budongquan Spring /
- tectonic taliks /
- water quality evaluation /
- glacier meltwater /
- Hoh Xil /
- hydrogeological survey engineering

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References

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