Identified the hydrochemical and the sulfur cycle process in subsidence area of Pingyu mining area using multi-isotopes combined with hydrochemistry methods

Abstract

Groundwater serves as an important water source for residents in and around mining areas. To achieve scientific planning and efficient utilization of water resources in mining areas, it is essential to figure out the chemical formation process and the ground water sulfur cycle that transpire after the coal mining activities. Based on studies of hydrochemistry and D, 18 O-H 2 O, 34 S-SO 4 isotopes, this study applied principal component analysis, ion ratio and other methods in its attempts to reveal the hydrogeochemical action and sulfur cycle in the subsidence area of Pingyu mining area. The study discovered that, in the studied area, precipitation provides the major supply of groundwater and the main water chemistry effects are dominated by oxidation dissolution of sulfide minerals as well as the dissolution of carbonate and silicate rocks. The sulfate in groundwater primarily originates from oxidation and dissolution of sulfide minerals in coal-bearing strata and human activities. The mixed sulfate formed by the oxidation of sulfide minerals and by human activities continuously recharges the groundwater, promoting the dissolution of carbonate rock and silicate rock in the process.