Source apportionment and ecological health risks assessment from major ions, metalloids and trace elements in multi-aquifer groundwater near the Sunan mine area, Eastern China.

Evaluating the ecological health risks created by major ions, metalloids and trace elements concentrations in groundwater and pollution sources were essential to effectively protect groundwater resources. For this study, A total of 93 samples were collected from multiple aquifers in the Sunan mining area, eastern China. The Positive matrix factorization (PMF) model results revealed the following sources, in percentages. The Quaternary loose aquifer (QLA) water includes CaMg mineral dissolution (30.3 %), salinity (28.2 %), metal industrial wastewater (26.3 %), iron and manganese minerals (8.0 %) and coal gangue (7.2 %). The Permian fractured sandstone aquifer (PFA) water includes CaMg mineral dissolution sources (29.8 %), mine wastewater (28.6 %), aluminosilicate (21.6 %) and pyrite source (20.0 %). The Carbonifer fractured limestone aquifer (CFA) water includes and mine wastewater (34.2 %), CaMg mineral dissolution (25.4 %), pyrite (22.6 %) and aluminosilicate (17.7 %). The Ordovician fractured limestone aquifer (OFA) water includes manganese and aluminum metal minerals (27.9 %), halite dissolution materials (24.9 %), industrial and agricultural waste water (24.0 %) and calcium‑magnesium minerals (23.2 %). A PMF-based assessment of ecological health risk indicates that the concentrations of elements As and Co are the dominant elements impacting non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks; and As, Cr, and Cu are the dominant elements impacting potential ecological risks. These mainly originate from geological sources, coal gangue sources, mine drainage sources and agricultural sewage discharge sources. The study showed the sources of groundwater pollution in multiple aquifers and their priority treatment areas, providing a basis for groundwater management and protection.