Using Clustering, Geochemical Modeling, and a Decision Tree for the Hydrogeochemical Characterization of Groundwater in an In Situ Leaching Uranium Deposit in Bayan-Uul, Northern China

Author:

Li Haibo1,Liu Mengqi2,Jiao Tian3,Xiang Dongjin4,Yan Xiaofei2,Tang Zhonghua1,Yang Jing5

Affiliation:

1. School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China

2. Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, China

3. College Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710127, China

4. School of Mathematics and Physics, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China

5. College of Water Resources and Architectural Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China

Abstract

Uranium extraction through the in situ leaching method stands as a pivotal approach in uranium mining. In an effort to comprehensively assess the repercussions of in situ uranium leaching on groundwater quality, this study collected 12 representative groundwater samples within the Bayan-Uul mining area. The basic statistical characteristics of the water samples showed that the concentrations of SO42− and total dissolved solids (TDS) were relatively high. Through the use of cluster analysis, the water samples were categorized into two distinct clusters. Seven samples from wells W-d, W-u, N01, W10-2, W08-1, W10-1, and W13-1, situated at a considerable distance from the mining area, were grouped together. Conversely, five samples from wells W08-2, W13-2, W01-1, W02-2, and the pumping well located in closer proximity to the mining area, formed a separate cluster. A decision tree-based machine learning approach was employed to discern the influence of various hydrochemical indicators in forming these clusters, with results indicating that SO42− exerts the most substantial influence, followed by Ca2+. The mineral saturation indices from geochemical modeling indicated that, as the distance from the mining area increased, the trend of calcium minerals changed from dissolution to precipitation; iron minerals were in a precipitation state, and the precipitation trend was gradually weakening. In light of these findings, it is clear that in situ uranium leaching significantly impacted the groundwater in the vicinity of the mining area. The prolonged consumption of groundwater sourced near the study area, or its use for animal husbandry, poses potential health risks that demand heightened attention.

Funder

NSFC

Chemical Metallurgy research Institute

Northwest A&F University

Key Laboratory of Urban Geology and Underground Space Resources Ministry of Natural Resources

Publisher

MDPI AG

Subject

Water Science and Technology,Aquatic Science,Geography, Planning and Development,Biochemistry

Reference47 articles.

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