Hydrochemical characteristics and quality assessment of shallow groundwater in Yangtze River Delta of eastern China

Water resource is in high demand within the Yangtze River Delta, given its developed economy. Long-term exploitation of this resource has posed risks of artificial pollution and seawater intrusion to the shallow groundwater. This study aims to reveal the hydrochemical characteristics and health risks of shallow groundwater in the coastal plain of the Yangtze River Delta, as well as to discuss the possible factors affecting groundwater quality. Standard methods for hydrochemical parameter measurements, water quality assessment, and health risk models were applied to fulfill the objectives of the study. The results showed that the shallow groundwater was slightly alkaline, and the average values of total dissolved solids (TDS) and total hardness (TH) were 930.74 mg/L and 436.20 mg/L, respectively. The main hydrochemical types of groundwater were HCO 3 –Ca · Mg and HCO 3 –Ca · Na, accounting for 44.3% and 47.5%, respectively. In addition, As concentration was generally high, with a mean value of 0.0115 mg/L. The principal factors affecting the groundwater components include water-rock interactions (especially silicate), cation exchange, seawater intrusion, and human activities. The data also showed that As is strongly influenced by the redox of Fe, Mn, and NO 3 − . The results of the groundwater quality evaluation indicated that the shallow groundwater in some regions was unsuitable for drinking and agricultural irrigation. Health risk assessment showed that 44.3% of the water samples had significant health risks, which was attributed to the high As concentration. Therefore, it is urgent to establish long-term As monitoring to maintain sustainable groundwater management and drinking water safety. The results of this study provide essential data for water resource management and human health security in the Yangtze River Delta.