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  • Multi-method characterizati...
    Zhu, Mingtan; Chen, Jiajing; He, Changlong; Ren, Shuang; Liu, Guo

    The Science of the total environment, 10/2024, Volume: 946
    Journal Article

    Groundwater contamination by nitrate and sulfate in mining areas is a significant challenge. Consequently, the inputs sources of these contaminants and their evolution have received considerable attention, with the knowledge gained critical for improved management of water quality. This study integrated data on multiple stable isotopes and water chemistry data and a Bayesian isotope mixing model to investigate the relative contributions of inputs sources of sulfate and nitrate sources to bodies of water in a karst mining area in southwest China. The outcomes indicated that hydrochemical component in the water bodies of the study area is mainly derived from the dissolution of silicate rocks, carbonate rocks and sulfate minerals as well as the oxidation of sulfides. The human and agricultural wastewater, soil nitrogen, and fertilizers were the predominant inputs sources of nitrate to the mine water environment; the predominant inputs sources of sulfide were mineral oxidation, evaporite dissolution, atmospheric deposition, and sewage. Groundwater is mainly recharged from atmospheric precipitation, and surface water is closely hydraulically connected to groundwater. Nitrogen and oxygen isotope composition and water chemistry indicative of nitrification dominate the nitrogen cycle in the study area. The oxidation of pyrite and bacterial sulfate reduction (SRB) had no significant impact on the stable isotopes of groundwater. The results of this study demonstrate the inputs of different sources to nitrate and sulfate in karst mines and associated transformation processes. The results of this study can assist in the conservation of groundwater quality in mining areas and can act as a reference for future related studies. Display omitted •Groundwater, surface water, mine water nitrate and sulfate sources and transformation were investigated.•Water chemistry, stable isotopes, and a Bayesian mixing model were combined.•Soil nitrogen, sewage and mine water were the most important nitrate sources.•Dissolution of evaporites, sewage and sulfide mineral oxidation were the main sulfate sources.•Anthropogenic factors have changed the circulation pattern of groundwater and accelerated its evolution.