Construction of concentration fields of elements in 3D in groundwater of an industrial hub using GIS technologies

• A spatial information model of an industrial hub was created.
• All objects in the model are geo-referenced.
• Objective information about water resources of an industrial hub was obtained.
• Data processing results are presented in a convenient way.
• Groundwater quality parameters are in the form of concentration fields of elements.

Developing the scientific heritage of V.I. Vernadsky, the founder of hydrogeochemistry, and based on his research studies in the Tambov region (Russia) the authors have established a methodological approach to access information about hydrological, geochemical, and industrial objects located on the territory of an industrial hub using GIS technology. This approach allows (1) the generation of a spatial information model of an industrial hub, where all objects are geo-referenced, (2) the creation of retrievable data on water quality in an industrial hub, and (3) the presentation of data processing results in the form of concentration fields of elements or their compounds. The data for the model were obtained from several sources including raster maps of an industrial hub and attribute data about industrial and natural objects over a five year period. Typical components, which define the chemical composition of groundwater of the area, are increased hardness, excessive iron content and increased mineralization (dry residue). Analysis of operating conditions of observation wells located on the territory of an industrial hub and evaluation of contamination spread in the aquifer within the mining lease are carried out using the following models: a geo-filtration model, which allows obtaining pressure distribution values at the injection wells, and a geo-migratory model, which helps in forecasting the spread of industrial wastewater in the aquifer. These models allow estimating the size of contamination spread areas and validity of applied methods of industrial waste utilization.