Impacts of land use/land cover patterns on groundwater quality in the Guanzhong Basin of northwest China

Land use/land cover (LULC) significantly affects groundwater quality. This study analyzed the spatial distribution characteristics of groundwater hydrochemical parameters in the Guanzhong Basin and assessed the relationships between the groundwater parameters and LULC using statistical models and a curved streamline searchlight-shaped model (CS-SLM). The results showed that higher groundwater parameter concentrations were observed in the north of the plain than in the south. Forest and water bodies showed a positive effect on most hydrochemical parameters (Na+, Cl-, SO42-, F-, Cr6+), while bare land and cropland revealed a negative effect on them. In addition, the Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model was used to predict the LULC patterns for 2030 and to qualitatively analyze the potential changes in groundwater quality associated with LULC changes. The simulation results highlighted a significant decrease in forest areas in the southern part of Guanzhong Plain by 2030, resulting in potential groundwater quality deterioration.