Seasonal variation in nature and chemical compositions of spring water in Cuihua Mountain, Shaanxi Province, central China

Two springs (Cuihua Spring, Shuiqiuchi Spring) in Cuihua Mountain of the Qinling Mountains were observed and sampled monthly during 2004 and 2005 to trace their physical properties and chemical compositions with seasons. Although both pH values and cation (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺) contents of Cuihua Spring are higher than those of Shuiqiuchi Spring, seasonal variations in both springs are obvious. The pH values of both spring waters are between 5.69 and 6.98, lower than that of rainwater during summer and autumn. From January to November, the pH values of both springs similarly vary from high to low and then to high again. Variations in electric conductivities of two spring waters are contrary, although their electric conductivities are positively correlative with the cation content respectively. This can be attributed to different water sources of the two springs or different acidic rocks they passed. The contents of HCO₃ ^-, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, and Na ⁺ are low, indicating a low silicate weathering that the strata in this district are mainly composed of granite and schist of quartz and mica. Differing from change in spring water in karst regions of South China where abundant precipitation and dilution of rainwater cause low pH and electric conductivity in summer and autumn, the seasonal variations in the pH values and the electric conductivities of two springs in Qinling Mountains are attributed to seasonal changes in CO₂ produced by microorganisms' activity in soil within respective year, rather than rainfall. The microorganisms' activity in soil produces more CO₂ during summer and autumn. Therefore, the water nature of springs in silicate regions chiefly reflects the seasonal changes of CO₂ produced by the microorganisms in soil.