Research on groundwater ecological environment mapping based on ecological service function: A case study of five Central Asian countries and neighboring regions of China

The groundwater system is a unique ecosystem that serves both resource and ecological functions. Hydrogeologists have conducted extensive theoretical research and practical work on groundwater ecological mapping. This paper, based on the study of groundwater resources and surface ecology in the five Central Asian countries and adjacent areas of China, introduces the concept of ecosystem service functions. It establishes a groundwater ecological zoning index system and conducts research of ecological mapping using the five Central Asian countries and adjacent areas of China as examples. Through this process, the ecosystem service functions of groundwater can be more comprehensively reflected, which can better guide regional geological environment protection and industrial planning. This approach helps coordinate the relationship between socio-economic development and water resource protection, maintain the health of the groundwater ecological environment, enhance the value of groundwater ecological services, and promote the sustainable development of regional economies and societies.