Hydrogeochemical Characteristics and Formation Processes of Ordovician Limestone Groundwater in Zhuozishan Coalfield, Northwest China

A comprehensive understanding of the characteristics and formation mechanisms of groundwater in mining areas is essential for the effective prevention of coal mine water and the rational management of groundwater resources. The objective of this study was to examine the hydrogeochemical characteristics and evolution of Ordovician groundwater in the Zhuozishan coal mine, located in the northwest region of China. A total of 34 groundwater samples were collected for hydrogeochemical analyses and the investigation of their evolution processes, with the aid of a piper trilinear diagram, a Gibbs diagram, and an ion ratio diagram. The results indicate that the concentration of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), bicarbonate (HCO3−), chloride (Cl−), sulphate (SO42−), total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH increases from the recharge area to the discharge area, whereas the concentration of calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) decreases. The hydrogeochemical characteristics of the runoff from Zhuozishan to Gongdeer coalfield and further southward display a notable north–south directional change. The groundwater process is primarily controlled by rock weathering action and cation exchange, with Na+ and K+ deriving primarily from cation exchange and only to a minor extent from halite dissolution. In conclusion, the northern part of the coalfield is characterised by a geological structure that creates a retention area with groundwater, resulting in an unordered runoff process with a complex formation mechanism. The middle region is devoid of geological constraints that would alter the flow direction, thus simplifying the process of groundwater formation. In contrast, the southern area experiences an increase in strata depth and fault blocking, which creates a retention zone, thereby rendering the groundwater formation process more complex. This research contributes to the effective management of groundwater resources in this coalfield and other mining sites.