Vol. 337 No. 6 (2026)
DOI https://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2026/6/5627
Ecogeochemical state of groundwater in Southeastern Transbaikalia under salinization effect
Relevance. Fresh groundwater salinization represents a global environmental challenge exacerbated by climate change. A key area of concern is Southeastern Transbaikalia (bordering Mongolia), an internationally recognized unique natural landscape. Beyond climatic drivers, this region is characterized by complex geology and numerous metallic ore deposits, which significantly contribute to the hydrogeochemical signatures and elemental loading of the groundwater. Aim. To evaluate the eco-geochemical status of shallow groundwater within the Torey Lakes region. Objects. Groundwater from the upper dynamic zone (n=59). Methods. Major ion chemistry was determined using standard titrimetric, potentiometric, and photometric methods, alongside flame atomic absorption and emission spectrometry. Trace elements were analyzed via ICP-MS. Spatial data processing was conducted in ArcGIS, while statistical relationships were evaluated using the Statistica software package. Chemical speciation and Eh-pH stability were modeled using The Geochemist's Workbench to assess the toxicity and migration forms of key components. Results and conclusions. Despite low anthropogenic pressure, the groundwater accumulates a wide range of elements (F, NO3, NH4, Br, B, Li, U, As, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Sr, Ba, Se, Be, Sb, Cd, Al, Pb, Cr, and V); however, only Br, Li, Fe, and F consistently exceed regulatory thresholds. Hydrochemical trends reveal that most major and trace element concentrations increase along the flow path from recharge to discharge zones, with local overprinting by ore mineralization. It is shown that soda-type water formation controls the accumulation of Li, B, As, U, and F, while evaporative concentration governs the levels of Br, Cl, and nitrogen compounds. Geogenic sources include aluminosilicate host rocks for Fe, Mn, and Pb, and sulfides for Cu and Zn. Furthermore, elevated concentrations of nearly all these elements spatially correlate with ore occurrences in the Aginskaya tungsten-tin-rare metal metallogenic province. Speciation analysis suggests that arsenic predominantly accumulates in less toxic forms, whereas copper and nitrogen compounds may occur in more hazardous states.
For citation: Drebot V.V., Lepokurova O.E. Ecogeochemical state of groundwater in Southeastern Transbaikalia under salinization effect. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Assets Engineering, 2026, vol. 337, no. 6, pp. 172-187. https://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2026/6/5627
Keywords:
salinization, soda waters, groundwater, water–rock system, Torey lakes, Eastern Transbaikalia, bromine, lithium, fluorine
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