Long-term groundwater geochemical evolution induced by coal mining activities—a case study of floor confined limestone aquifer in Yaoqiao Coal Mine, Jiangsu, China

Groundwater chemical composition can be changed due to long-term coal mining activities, but it was unclear how it was induced in Taiyuan Formation limestone (TFL) regarding the lack of relevant quantitative studies. The aim of this research is to improve understanding of the chemical composition changes in groundwater of L 4 limestone in the coal mining area based on the available hydrochemical and hydrodynamical reports and studies during the period 1978–2020. The systematical analysis of the groundwater composition and field allows to make the hydrogeological characterization with the relatively independent blocks by the factor groups “Planar division & Vertical zonation” and “High water pressure, Poor recharge & Little water inflow,” which determines different hydrochemical types and high TDS concentration. The long-term groundwater drainage has caused the eastern and southern limestone aquifer to demonstrate a wide range of depression cones and depletion of groundwater resources, the majority areas were dewatered, and the karstification process changed significantly. An analysis of chemical compositions changes due to extensive permanent drainage of L 4 limestone water revealed the decrease in the TDS concentration. The solubility of calcite, dolomite, and gypsum changed, which resulted in the decreasing tendency of Ca 2+ + Mg 2+ ions. Evaporation and concentration were found to be the main factors determining the L 4 limestone water composition, whereas ion exchange was the primary factor for rock-water interaction. These findings are helpful for mine enterprises to take necessary measures for preventing and controlling the groundwater quality degradation from the extensive coalmine drainage.