Hydrochemical Characteristics and Controlling Factors of Surface Water in Upper Nujiang River, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Abstract

Rivers play an essential role in the global matter transport and hydrogeochemical cycle. Hydrogeochemical research is significant to developing and protecting water resources in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and its lower reaches. This study aimed to identify the hydrochemical characteristics and controlling factors of Daqu River and Gaqu River in Dingqing County, two tributaries of the upper Nujiang River. This study used spatial analysis, trilinear diagram analysis, and ion ratio analysis of hydrochemical indexes to investigate the hydrochemical characteristics and controlling factors. Results show that Ca2+ and Mg2+, and HCO3− and SO42− are the main cations and anions of these two rivers. HCO3·SO4-Mg·Ca and HCO3·SO4-Ca·Mg are the primary hydrochemical types for the surface water of Daqu and Gaqu Rivers, respectively. The influence of atmospheric precipitation and anthropogenic activities is weak. The carbonated water–rock reaction is the main Ca2+, Mg2+, and HCO3− source, and hot springs act as the primary source of SO42− and supplements Ca2+, Mg2+, and HCO3−. Mg2+ from magnesite dissolution exists in the Daqu River basin. Weak reverse cation exchange occurs in both rivers. Daqu River receives more low-mineralized glacier meltwater along the flow, whereas Gaqu River receives more high-mineralized hot spring water.