Iodine enrichment in the groundwater in South China and its hydrogeochemical control

In North China,iodine-rich groundwater has been extensively studied,but few in South China.This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of iodine-rich groundwater in South China and identify potential contamination sources.The results revealed that the average concentration of iodine in groundwater was 890μg/L,with a maximumconcentration of 6350μg/L,exceeding the permitted levels recommended by the World Health Organization(5–300μg/L).Notably,the enrichment of iodide occurred in acidic conditions(pH=6.6)and a relatively low Eh environment(Eh=198.4 mV).Pearson correlation and cluster analyses suggested that the enrichment of iodide could be attributed to the intensified redox process involving Mn(II),iodine(I_(2)),or iodate(IO_(3)^(−))in the soil.The strong affinity between Mn(II)and I_(2)/IO_(3)^(−)facilitated their interaction,resulting in the formation and mobilization of I^(−)from the soil to the groundwater.Leaching experiments further confirmed that reducing substances(such as sodium sulfides,ascorbic acids,and fulvic acids)in the soil with low dissolved oxygen(DO)levels(<1.0 mg/L)enhanced the dissolution of iodine species.Conversely,higher DO content(>3.8 mg/L)promoted the oxidation of I^(−)into I_(2)or IO_(3)^(−),leading to its stabilization.This research provides new insights into the characteristics and mechanisms of I^(−)enrichment in groundwater in South China,and emphasizes the significance of the redox reactions involving Mn(II)and I_(2)/IO_(3)^(−),as well as the influence of soil properties in regulating the occurrence and transportation of iodine species within groundwater systems.