Source and Mobilization Mechanism of Iron, Manganese and Arsenic in Groundwater of Shuangliao City, Northeast China

Zhihao Zhang,Weifei Yang,Xiujuan Liang,Changlai Xiao,Oluwafemi Adeyeye

doi:10.3390/w12020534

Abstract

Excessive levels of Fe, Mn and As are the main factors affecting groundwater quality in Songliao plain, northeast China. However, there are few studies on the source and mobilization mechanisms of Fe, Mn and As in the groundwater of Northeastern China. This study takes Shuangliao city in the middle of Songliao plain as an example, where the source and mobilization mechanisms of iron, manganese and arsenic in groundwater in the study area were analyzed by statistical methods and spatial analysis. The results show that the source of Fe and Mn in the groundwater of the platform is the iron and manganese nodules in the clay layer, while, in the river valley plain, it originates from the soil and the whole aquifer. The TDS, fluctuation in groundwater levels and the residence time are the important factors affecting the content of Fe and Mn in groundwater. The dissolution of iron and manganese minerals causes arsenic adsorbed on them to be released into groundwater. This study provides a basis for the rational utilization of groundwater and protection of people’s health in areas with high iron, manganese and arsenic contents.

Highlights

Songliao plain is one of the important agricultural areas in China
This study systematically investigated the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater with high iron, manganese and arsenic in Shuangliao city, within the Songliao plain
The source and mobilization mechanisms of Fe, Mn and As in groundwater were determined by method and spatial analysis

Summary

Introduction

Songliao plain is one of the important agricultural areas in China. Because Songliao plain is located in a semi-arid climate region, it lacks enough surface water. Excessive levels of Fe, Mn and As are the main factors affecting groundwater quality in Songliao plain, northeast China [1]. Groundwater used as a source of drinking water containing excessive levels of iron, manganese and arsenic affects China and other countries, such as Italy, Bangladesh and Argentina [2,3,4,5]. Iron and manganese ions can cause staining of laundry clothes and plumbing fixtures, and lead to the accumulation of sediment in the water delivery system. They can raise the color and turbidity of the groundwater.

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