Bowl effect of irreversible primary salinization driven by geology in Hetao irrigation area, China

Shuanhu Li; Chi Li; De Yao; Xiaorong Wang; Yu Gao

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170834

Bowl effect of irreversible primary salinization driven by geology in Hetao irrigation area, China

Sci Total Environ. 2024 Apr 10:920:170834. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170834. Epub 2024 Feb 10.

Authors

Shuanhu Li¹, Chi Li², De Yao³, Xiaorong Wang¹, Yu Gao¹

Affiliations

¹ Key Laboratory of Geological Hazards and Geotechnical Engineering Defense in Sandy and Drought Regions at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China; School of Civil Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China.
² Key Laboratory of Geological Hazards and Geotechnical Engineering Defense in Sandy and Drought Regions at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China; School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China. Electronic address: lichi_nmggydx@sina.cn.
³ Key Laboratory of Geological Hazards and Geotechnical Engineering Defense in Sandy and Drought Regions at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China; School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China.

PMID: 38342452
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170834

Abstract

Agricultural irrigation areas around the world employ similar planting methods, but there are notable disparities in salinization mechanism and management strategies. Many scholars have focused on human activities as the main cause of secondary soil salinization, while neglecting the underlying issue of primary soil salinization caused by geological factors. This study takes the Hetao irrigation area in China as a case study, delving into the geological forces responsible for primary salinization. Using historical survey data on geological structure, lake evolution, and sedimentation to analyze the stratigraphic distribution and groundwater storage characteristic. Additionally, using groundwater hydrochemistry data from historical literatures to analyze the concentration, distribution patterns, and source issues of salt ions. The research results show that a novel concept called the "bowl effect" can explain the unique cause of primary salinization in Hetao irrigation area. The bowl effect effectively transforms Hetao irrigation area into an enclosed space, which significantly limits the movement of groundwater and hinders the dilution of highly saline or alkaline water. The bowl effect has broad applicability and can serve as a useful framework for studying primary salinization challenges in agricultural irrigation areas worldwide. This research provides a scientifically reference for selecting salinization control methods, and will benefit local stakeholders, government agencies, and water resource managers.

Keywords: Geological structure; Groundwater; Hetao plain; Hydrochemistry; Lacustrine sedimentation.