Abstract:
Objectives Due to the extremely dry climate and limited surface water system, the salt spring assumes a pivotal role as a water source for the survival of the wild animals within the Xinjiang Lop Nur Wild Camel National Nature Reserve. The monitoring of hydro-chemical characteristics and changes in water sources has significant practical implications for the protection of wildlife and the restoration of the ecological environment.
Methods Based on the sampling and hydro-chemical measurements of salt springs and artificially restored water sources in the reserve between 2021 and 2022, this paper analyzed the hydro-chemical characteristics, controlling factors, and dynamic changes of spring waters.
Results The results showed that the salt springs within the study area exhibited neutral to weakly alkaline (7.20< pH<9.11), accompanied by elevated Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and high hardness. The predominant hydrochemical type of the spring water in the northern region was Cl−·SO42−-Na+ water, which is mainly controlled by evaporation and crystallization. While in the southern part, the hydrochemical types of the salt spring were SO42−∙Cl−-Na+ and SO42−∙Cl−-Na+·Ca+ water, which were affected by both evaporation crystallization and bedrock weathering. In accordance with the "Groundwater Quality Standard" (GB/T 14848−2017), 85% of the salt springs belonged to Class V. The TDS and total hardness of 12% of the salt springs were between Class Ⅲ and Ⅳ with only one salt spring water meeting the standard of Class I. The water quality of Wuquan No.1-3 was relatively superior among the artificially restored water sources in the northern part of the reserve. In comparison with the historical data, the TDS of Luotuo Spring has decreased, while the TDS of Cihaixi, Honggou, and Lapei Spring has remained relatively stable. Conversely, the TDS of Yanshui spring, Kumsu, and Tuolangesu has exhibited an upward trend.
Conclusions Recharge of water resources of some springs in the reserve was less than the consumption, and the restoration and maintenance of the salt springs should be further strengthened. Furthermore, The dynamic monitoring of the water environment was essential to provide a scientific foundation and reference for the protection and utilization of water resources within the reserve, as well as the construction and maintenance of wildlife water sources.