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Hydrodynamic controls on sulfate cycling in karst mining area groundwater: A multi-isotope and microbiology
Mingtan Zhu1, Jiajun Fan2, Dil Khurram2
1State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu, 610059, PR China; College of Environment Civil Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, PR China.
Abstract:
Mining activities cause elevated sulfate (SO42-) levels in groundwater, negatively impacting the groundwater quality in karst areas. Determining the sources and contamination pathways of SO42- in groundwater from karst mining areas is challenging due to the unique permeability, susceptibility to contamination and chemical reactivity of karst aquifers. The sources and geochemical processes of SO42- in the aquifer of the karst mining areas in Southwest China were investigated using a combination of hydrodynamics, geochemistry, multiple isotopes (δ2H, δ18O, δ34S and 87Sr/86Sr) and microbiology. The results showed along the direction of groundwater movement, the concentration of SO42- gradually increases. Atmospheric precipitation is the main groundwater source in the study area and the hydrogeochemical processes are controlled by carbonate and evaporite dissolution as well as human activities. SO42- in the groundwater mainly originates from the oxidation of sulfide minerals, evaporite dissolution, and sulfur-containing fertilizers. The hydrodynamic conditions and mining activities control the sources, contributions of SO42-, microbial community and the bacterial sulfate reduction in groundwater. The results of this study can deepen the understanding of the influence of hydrodynamic conditions of aquifers in karst mining areas on SO42- hydrogeochemical behavior and provide a scientific basis for water resource management in karst mining areas.
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