Characteristics and genesis of mineral water from Changbai Mountain, Northeast China

Mineral water from Changbai Mountain is the main source of drinking water, and a major component of the economy, in Jingyu County, Jilin Province, Northeast China. In this study, the hydrochemical characteristics of 18 mineral springs are examined. Mineral water samples from each of these springs were collected and analysed for major anions and cations, electrical conductivity and pH. Results showed that the ion concentrations were low, suggesting that there is minimal influence from anthropogenic activities. Silica and strontium were the dominant components of the water. The mineral water is classified as a silicate type. The type of mineral water is Ca²⁺+Mg²⁺–HCO₃ ⁻. Mineral water ages ranged from 11 to 61 years, which indicate that the mineral water circulation is local. Rocks in the area mainly consist of olivine, albite, anorthite, pyroxene and potassium feldspar. Geochemical modelling showed that they are undersaturated with respect to olivine, albite, anorthite, pyroxene, fluorite and strontianite. Olivine, albite, anorthite, pyroxene and potassium feldspar dissolved in the water–rock interaction experiments. Hydrochemical elements are produced by water–rock interactions: silica is produced from olivine, albite, anorthite and pyroxene, and strontium is produced by strontianite. CO₂ is beneficial for silicate and strontium formation.