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【Objective】 The Barkol Lake Basin is located in the east of Xinjiang of China, and groundwater plays a pivotal role in supporting agriculture, livestock and other sectors in the region. This study aims to analyze the chemical characteristics and health risks associated with groundwater in the plain areas in the basin. 【Method】 The analysis utilized groundwater quality data collected in August 2022. Factors influencing groundwater chemistry were evaluated using ion ratio and saturation index methods. Groundwater quality and the associated health risks were assessed with the entropy weight water quality index method and a health risk assessment model. 【Result】 The groundwater in the study area is weakly alkaline, with low salinity and moderate hardness. Its hydrochemical profile is primarily of the HCO₃·SO₄-Ca·Na type. The chemical properties are predominantly influenced by rock weathering and cation exchange. In the region, 75.0% of the groundwater is deemed drinkable without treatment, 8.3% is of moderate quality, and 16.7% is undrinkable without further treatment. The non-carcinogenic health risk index for Na⁺ is the highest, with children facing a greater potential non-carcinogenic risk compared to adults. 【Conclusion】 Overall, groundwater quality in the area is satisfactory, though there are potential risks in the northern part of Bolqiangji Town. This analysis provides a baseline for ensuring the safe use of groundwater in the region.

【Objective】 Groundwater is the most important water resource for many regions in Xinjiang province, and understanding its dynamics is hence a prerequisite to improve water management. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the spatiotemporal variation of groundwater table as well as its determinants in Shihezi-Changji, Xinjiang province. 【Method】 The analysis was based on date measured monthly from 2016 to 2020 from 44 boreholes in the region. These helped us to understand the driving forces of the groundwater changes, as well as local and regional groundwater flow. The relationship between groundwater change and its potential determinants were analyzed using the linear trend and gray relation methods. 【Result】 Hydraulically, the dynamics of shallow groundwater in the region is irrigation infiltration - exploitation and hydrological recharge - exploitation, whereas the dynamics of the confined groundwater was exploitation lacking noticeable recharge. The groundwater table in Shihezi City and Manas County has been rising rapidly, with the groundwater depth in the former and latter being 2~3 m and 3~4 m respectively. In contrast, the groundwater table in Hutubi County has dropped to more than 5 m deep. The groundwater level in Changji city does not show noticeable change with its depth being 2~3 m. The groundwater rise in south of Shihezi city and Manas County was due to rebound, as opposed to that in the north where there was a groundwater depression cone. The continuous dropping in groundwater table in Hutubi County was due to both. The change in groundwater table in Changji City was mainly due to river recharge. 【Conclusion】 The change in shallow groundwater was induced by alteration of agricultural lands, groundwater extraction and surface water recharge, whereas that of confined groundwater was mainly caused by groundwater extraction.