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Identification of the Pollution Mechanisms and Remediation Strategies for Abandoned Wells in the Karst Areas of Northern China

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  • Huayao Li

    (Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
    Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
    College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China)

  • Fawang Zhang

    (Center for Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology Survey, CGS, Baoding 071051, China)

  • Xinqiang Du

    (Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
    Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
    College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China)

  • Dezhi Tian

    (The Third Geological Exploration Institute of China Metallurgical Geology Bureau, Taiyuan 450016, China)

  • Shan Jiao

    (The Third Geological Exploration Institute of China Metallurgical Geology Bureau, Taiyuan 450016, China)

  • Jiliang Zhu

    (Center for Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology Survey, CGS, Baoding 071051, China)

  • Fenggang Dai

    (Hebei Province Collaborative Innovation Center for Sustainable Utilization of Water Resources and Optimization of Industrial Structure, School of Water Resources and Environment, Hebei GEO University, Shijiazhuang 050031, China)

Abstract

Abandoned well pollution is a critical component of global environmental issues and a historical legacy issue of national development. Despite this, the specific mechanisms by which abandoned wells pollute groundwater remain unclear, particularly in the karst regions of Northern China, where no scientifically effective remediation methods exist. To address this gap, this study focuses on Yangquan City in Shanxi Province and employs field investigations, the analytic hierarchy process, high-definition deep-well logging technology, and qualitative analysis to assess the pollution risk of all abandoned wells in the study area, identifying those with high pollution risk. Through the analysis of extensive image and video data for these high-risk wells, we propose a conceptual model of cross-strata channels in abandoned wells and elucidate the mechanisms by which they pollute groundwater. The results show that, from a single-well perspective, the pollution mechanism is cross-strata pollution. From a regional perspective, the pollution mechanisms are hydraulic connectivity and solute migration and transformation. Based on these findings, we present a scientifically effective remediation strategy tailored to the typical characteristics of abandoned wells in the study area, offering a viable solution to the abandoned well pollution problem in Yangquan City. This research not only augments the theoretical framework in the domain of groundwater pollution but also advances sustainable groundwater security and management strategies. Moreover, the study furnishes theoretical foundations and pragmatic solutions for the remediation of abandoned wells in Yangquan City, which are crucial for the sustainability of the groundwater ecosystem.

Suggested Citation

  • Huayao Li & Fawang Zhang & Xinqiang Du & Dezhi Tian & Shan Jiao & Jiliang Zhu & Fenggang Dai, 2023. "Identification of the Pollution Mechanisms and Remediation Strategies for Abandoned Wells in the Karst Areas of Northern China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-18, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:23:p:16458-:d:1291656
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Juan Zhang & Zhongli Zhu & Huiqing Hao, 2023. "The Effects of Climate Variation and Anthropogenic Activity on Karst Spring Discharge Based on the Wavelet Coherence Analysis and the Multivariate Statistical," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-19, May.
    2. Ying Zhang & Xiaomeng Song & Xiaojun Wang & Zhifeng Jin & Feng Chen, 2023. "Multi-Level Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation for Water Resources Carrying Capacity in Xuzhou City, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-25, July.
    3. Saaty, Thomas L., 1990. "How to make a decision: The analytic hierarchy process," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 48(1), pages 9-26, September.
    4. Santos, L. & Dahi Taleghani, A. & Elsworth, D., 2022. "Repurposing abandoned wells for geothermal energy: Current status and future prospects," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 194(C), pages 1288-1302.
    5. Cheng, Ming & Fu, Xuehai & Chen, Zhaoying & Liu, Ting & Zhang, Miao & Kang, Junqiang, 2023. "A new approach to evaluate abandoned mine methane resources based on the zoning of the mining-disturbed strata," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 274(C).
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