The Blocking Effect of Clay in Groundwater Systems: A Case Study in an Inland Plain Area

In order to increase understanding of the hydrogeochemical effects that influence changes in the quality of salt water, we investigated the distribution of saline and fresh water in an inland plain area and, in particular, the scarcity of fresh water resources. Taking the inland plain in Jiyang County as a specific case study, samples of undisturbed clay and underground saline water from different depths were collected to examine hydrogeological changes. A wide variety of methods was used to analyze the blocking effect of clay on the chemical characteristics of the groundwater. These include real-time monitoring for field water quality, tests for isothermal adsorption, a factor analysis model, physiochemical analysis, and correlation analysis. Our results show that the optimal adsorption isotherm of clay for Na(+), Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) in groundwater conform to the established Henry and Langmuir equations for adsorption isotherms. The influence of clay mineral types and content on the blockage of Na(+), Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) in groundwater samples were evident at different depths, with the clay adsorption capacity increasing in line with increases in the clay mineral content. Clay at different depths was found to have the strongest blocking effect on Na(+) in groundwater, being systematically greater than its effect on Ca(2+) and Mg(2+). It is believed that the blocking effect of clay has an important influence on the hydrochemical zoning of groundwater in inland plains and the formation of saline water in groundwater systems. This study therefore provides concrete evidence in support of this supposed effect.