Natural organic matter-enhanced transportation of iodine in groundwater in the Datong Basin: Impact of irrigation activities.

Local residents in the Datong Basin of northern China are exposed to groundwater with elevated iodine concentrations. Natural organic matter (NOM) has been linked to the heterogeneous distribution of elevated iodine in groundwater used for irrigation purposes, but little is known about the effects of hydrologic fluctuations and NOM characteristics on the transport and enrichment of iodine in the groundwater. Cl/Br molar ratios in Datong Basin groundwater range widely from 133 to 2099. A rapid increase in Cl/Br molar ratio with increasing Cl content indicates hydrologic fluctuations from the upper groundwater to the deeper aquifer due to large-scale irrigation activities in the Basin. A two end-member model of groundwater δ2H and δ18O values suggests the contribution of upper water recharging groundwater ranges from 20.7 to 49.5%. This vertical recharge process predominantly controls iodine enrichment and distribution in the groundwater. Additionally, the correlation between DOC concentration and δ18O signatures indicates considerable fresh organic matter is imported into the aquifer during the vertical recharge process. Iodine mobilization is likely promoted by young carbon transported to the deeper aquifer in the organo‑iodine form. Excitation-emission matrix (EEM) results indicate humic-like substances dominate NOM in the groundwater. Evidence from a PARAFAC model suggests organic matter in groundwater samples is associated with microbially-mediated degradation processes in an anaerobic environment. The drawdown migration of organic matter from the upper soil/sediments or surface could provide an extra energy source that promotes microbial activity. Buried sedimentary iodine coupled with anaerobic microbial respiration of subsurface organic carbon within the aquifer could lead to the release of iodine into the groundwater. These findings pave the way for a more comprehensive assessment of the susceptibility of drinking water aquifers, thereby supporting the management of groundwater resources.