Hydrochemical and Isotopic Characteristics and Water Assessment Analysis of Surface Water and Groundwater Near Bolokenu–Aqikekuduke Fault in Xinjiang

Xinjiang is an arid area in Northwest China, which is short of water resources. In order to study the hydrogeochemical characteristics and water quality of its groundwater, 15 samples including hot spring water, surface water and cold spring water were collected near the Boa fault. The hydrochemistry and hydrogen and oxygen isotope characteristics were analyzed, and the water quality was evaluated. The results show that the hydrochemical types of surface water in the study area are mainly SO₄−Na, Cl·SO₄−Na and HCO₃·SO₄−Ca·Na type. The hydrochemical types of hot spring water are SO₄·HCO₃−Na/HCO₃·SO₄−Na and HCO₃·Cl−Na type. The hydrochemical types of cold spring water are SO₄·HCO₃−Mg·Ca, HCO₃−Ca, HCO₃−Mg·Ca and SO₄·HCO₃−Ca type. The main sources of Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, HCO₃⁻ in the cold spring water in the study area are dolomite, calcite and gypsum dissolution. Na⁺, K⁺, HCO₃⁻ and Ca²⁺ in hot spring water mainly come from the dissolution of feldspar minerals. The main ion sources in surface water are complex, and their contents are strongly affected by evaporation, and the surface water is in an oxidizing environment. The main supply source of hot spring water and cold spring water is atmospheric precipitation, and the supply elevation varies from 2874.5 m to 4287 m. The water quality of hot spring water and surface water is very poor, which is not suitable for drinking. The study of hydrochemical and isotopic characteristics of surface water and groundwater near Boa fault can provide theoretical support for the rational development, utilization and management of local water resources.