Sustainability of Intensively Exploited Aquifer Systems in the North China Plain: Insights from Multiple Environmental Tracers

Aina Su; Zongyu Chen; Jun Liu; Wen Wei

doi:10.1007/s12583-014-0441-7

Volume 25 Issue 3

Jun 2014

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Journal of Earth Science > 2014 > 25(3): 605-611.

Aina Su, Zongyu Chen, Jun Liu, Wen Wei. Sustainability of Intensively Exploited Aquifer Systems in the North China Plain: Insights from Multiple Environmental Tracers. Journal of Earth Science, 2014, 25(3): 605-611. doi: 10.1007/s12583-014-0441-7

Citation:

Aina Su, Zongyu Chen, Jun Liu, Wen Wei. Sustainability of Intensively Exploited Aquifer Systems in the North China Plain: Insights from Multiple Environmental Tracers. Journal of Earth Science, 2014, 25(3): 605-611. doi: 10.1007/s12583-014-0441-7

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Sustainability of Intensively Exploited Aquifer Systems in the North China Plain: Insights from Multiple Environmental Tracers

doi: 10.1007/s12583-014-0441-7

Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050061, China

More Information

Corresponding author: Zongyu Chen, chenzy88@hotmail.com
Received Date: 15 Jun 2013
Accepted Date: 10 Oct 2013
Publish Date: 01 Jun 2014

Abstract

Abstract

Environmental tracers are proving to be a unique tool for assessing groundwater sustainability, such as characterization of recharge, identification of pathways and sources of contaminants, and prediction of groundwater change in response to excessive abstraction. This paper helps to better understand the groundwater sustainability in the Quaternary aquifer from the tracer data in the North China Plain. Relatively modern ground waters occur in the piedmont plain with ³H-³He age less than 40 a within a depth 100 m. These ground waters are mainly recharged from the local precipitation and irrigation return. The recharge rate estimated by tracers is in the range of 0.24 to 0.32 m/a. Paleowater which is dated from 10 000 a B.P. to more than 35 000 a B.P. by radiocarbon dating is found in highly-confined portions of Quaternary aquifer systems. This indicates that water recharge took place during the past glacial period. The tracers have suggested a slow natural replenishment rates to the central plain. The aquifer has been overexploited currently. Some strategies that can be implemented to promote a sustainable groundwater supply are needed to implement in future.
- sustainability,
- groundwater exploited,
- environmental tracer,
- North China Plain

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References(27)

References

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