Controls on the δ34S and δ18O of dissolved sulfate in the Quaternary aquifers of the North China Plain

Application of hydrochemistry and stable isotopes (δ34S, δ18O and δ37Cl) to trace natural and anthropogenic influences on the quality of groundwater in the piedmont region, Shijiazhuang, China

“…As shown in Fig. 5a reduction process which dominates the sulfur cycling and transport in the deep aquifer (Li et al, 2011;Tuttle et al, 2009;Yamanaka et al, 2007;Yuan and Mayer, 2012). Meanwhile, most of these deep groundwater samples were characterized by relatively low EC values with respect to the shallow groundwater in the plain area.…”

Geochemical signature of pore water from core samples and its implications on the origin of saline pore water in Cangzhou, North China Plain

“…Four partially connected aquifers, running southeastward across the NCP, are recognized in the area (Chen et al, 2005;Li et al, 2011). These aquifers, composed of sandy gravel and medium-fine and fine sand, are separated by silt-and clay-dominated aquitards.…”

“…These unconfined and confined shallow aquifers, associated with the Holocene and the Late Pleistocene formations, respectively, form the local flow system. They are recharged by precipitation, surface water infiltration, irrigation and lateral flow from the Taihang Mountains (Li et al, 2011). The division of the shallow and the deep aquifers is approximately at 170 m below ground surface.…”

“…These aquifers formed during the Middle and Early Pleistocene. Recharged by precipitation infiltration in the mountainous areas via outcrops, and minor inter-aquifer leakage in the eastern plain, these two aquifers form the regional flow system (Li et al, 2011).…”

“…Furthermore, Li et al (2011) looked into the SO 4 2− concentration and δ 34 S and δ 18 O of SO 4 2− in groundwater across the NCP to identify the SO 4 2 − sources and evaluate the influence of dissimilatory microbial sulfate reduction in deep confined aquifers in the eastern and central plains. Abnormally high Ca 2+ and SO 4 2− concentrations in deep groundwater in Cangzhou were noted.…”