[Hydrochemical Characteristics and Health Risk Assessment of Groundwater in Qinba Mountains Area: A Case Study of...

Ziyang County, located in the Qinba Mountains area, relies on groundwater as its primary water source, which is crucial for local health and social development. Using statistical analysis, Piper diagrams, Gibbs diagrams, ion ratios, and the Absolute Principal Component Scores-Multiple Linear Regression (APCS-MLR) receptor model, this study analyzed the hydrochemical characteristics, controlling factors, and chemical component sources of groundwater. The results indicated that the primary hydrochemical type of groundwater in Ziyang County was HCO₃-Ca type, with a weakly alkaline pH. The chemical composition was primarily controlled by weathering and dissolution of carbonate rocks (e.g., calcite and dolomite), cation exchange, and human activities. The APCS-MLR model results revealed that the main controlling factors were water-rock interaction (43.6%), industrial and agricultural (3.9%), agricultural and domestic sewage (10.5%), and unknown source (42%). These findings provide a scientific basis for the sustainable development and effective management of regional groundwater resources.