The influence of geological structure on the characteristics of groundwater pollution in the downstream of tailing pond

A large number of high-concentration pollutants in the tailings pond polluted the local groundwater. The contaminated groundwater moves to the Yellow River (YR) 12 kilometers south of the pond through natural flow and diffusion. However, how close the contaminated groundwater to the YR was difficult to determine by visual inspection. Therefore, the groundwater quality was analyzed through borehole sampling, and the results show that the Nemero index of groundwater pollutants presents a puzzling V-shaped distribution from the tailing pond to the YR. Soil permeability analysis shows that the concentration of groundwater pollutants in the vicinity of the Yellow River had risen again, which was caused by the blockage of the clay layer in the alluvial plain of the Yellow River. The results demonstrate that the pollutants leaked from the tailings pond have reached the bank of the Yellow River. This pollution has already threatened the water quality of the Yellow River; corresponding measures should be taken to ensure the ecological safety of the Yellow River. It provides a scientific basis for solving similar environmental problems in future.