Major element chemistry of the Huai River basin, China

The chemistry of major ions (Ca, Mg, Na, K, HCO3, SO4, Cl and Si) in the water of the Huai River basin was studied, based on samples from 52 sites from nine different water bodies in July 2008. Ions and total dissolved solids (TDS) displayed clear spatial patterns with lower concentrations in the south and higher in the north of the basin; the same conditions were also found in the East Line of South–North Water Transfer Project (SNWTP) in this region. The Huai River main channel and Hongze Lake have moderate ion concentrations relative to the whole basin. TDS concentrations versus the weight ratios of Na/(Na + Ca) and ternary ions demonstrate that the southern rivers (Shi R. and Pi R.) are mainly controlled by the weathering of carbonates, whereas the northern water systems (Guo R., Shaying R., Nansi Lake and its tributaries) are dominated by the weathering of evaporites. The Huai River main channel, Hongze Lake and the East Line of SNWTP are synergistically influenced by weathering of evaporites and carbonates, yet Hongze Lake and the East Line of SNWTP are mainly controlled by evaporation and crystallization processes. This study also confirmed that the Huai River is the geographic division between southern and northern China. Most rivers of this basin have very high ionic composition relative to the global median and other world rivers. The spatial patterns and ionic composition also suggest that intensive anthropogenic activities in northern areas of this basin are well characterized. A comparison with WHO and Chinese standards for drinking water indicates that the northern water systems of this basin are not suitable for use as drinking water sources, and pollution control should be improved and enhanced in northern areas of the basin.