Characteristics and Reasons for Groundwater Pollution of the Qingshuiquan Underground River System

In this study, we established 7 sampling points to collect water samples from the Qingshuiquan underground river system in December 2011, which was during the dry season. By analyzing those samples, we determined the present quality of underground water of the Qingshuiquan underground river system, the characteristics of its contamination situation, the source of pollutants, and the reasons for the pollution. Despite some light-compound pollution caused by PAHs and HCHs, the overall quality of the underground water of the Qingshuiquan underground river system is good. PAHs are due to coal burning; HCHs are from the use of Lindane. ‘Skylights’ (roof collapse features) and sinkholes can lead pollutants to the underground water intermittently and to pollute the underground water.