[Variation characteristics and environmental significant of trace elements under rainfall condition in karst...

Chemical dynamics of Qingmuguan karst groundwater system were continuously monitored during the rainfall events. A series of high-resolution concentrations data on trace elements, such as barium, strontium, iron, manganese, aluminum, and other major elements were acquired. Correlation analysis and analysis of concentration curve were employed to identify the sources and migration path of the trace elements. And the formation process of trace elements in groundwater was discussed with the geological background of underground river basin. Research shows that barium and strontium derived from carbonate dissolution appeared to be stored in features such as fissures and pores. These two ions were recharged into the underground river by diffusion during precipitation, which resulted in small changes in the their concentration. However total iron, total manganese and aluminum derived from soil erosion varied relatively widely with strong response to rainfall, attributing to the migration of total iron and aluminum with overland flow to recharge the subterranean river directly via sinkholes while total manganese via soil-rock porous media. The results showed that concentrations of all the five trace elements were below 1 mg x L(-1), and the highest concentrations of total iron, total manganese and aluminum exceeded the limit of drinking water. To some extent, the concentrations of total iron and aluminum may be an indicator for soil erosion and water quality.