Abstract: Objective To explore the distribution of strontium mineral springs in Shennongjia Forest Region,provide theoretical basis for further development. Methods In May 2018,on-site visits and review of map data were conducted to determine sampling points,and 415 water samples from eight villages and towns in the forest district were collected from May to December,including surface water,shallow groundwater（natural gushing spring water） and deep groundwater（source water of a mineral water plant）. The strontium content of water samples was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Results Except for two water samples,the others were all clear and transparent without visible impurities. The test results showed that 26.63% of water samples contained strontium content ≥0.1 mg/L,and 11.13% of water samples contained strontium content ≥0.2 mg/L,which is mainly distributed in Jiuhu and Hongping Town,roughly east-west direction. There was no statistically significant difference in strontium content between surface water and shallow groundwater（P>0.05）. Conclusions The strontium contents of surface and shallow groundwater in Shennongjia are fall in safe limit. The water samples with high strontium content may be related to geological structures. Shennongjia has the potential to form strontium mineral springs,which needs to be verified by further exploration.

Key words: Trace elements, Strontium mineral spring, Investigation, Shennongjia