Hydrogeochemistry of Iodine-Enriched Groundwater
Summary
The hydrogeochemistry of iodine-enriched groundwater explores the sources, transport mechanisms and chemical transformations of iodine within subsurface water systems. Primary inputs include leaching from iodine-bearing minerals, decomposition of organic matter and infiltration of marine-derived aerosols in coastal aquifers. The speciation of iodine—chiefly iodide (I–) under reducing conditions and iodate (IO3–) in oxidising settings—governs its mobility, adsorption onto mineral surfaces and complexation with organic ligands. Physical processes such as advection and diffusion distribute iodine through aquifer matrices, while adsorption–desorption equilibria on clay minerals, iron oxides and natural organic matter regulate its retention and release. Microbial activity can catalyse redox interconversion, further influencing iodine cycling. Elevated iodine concentrations have been observed in diverse geological contexts, from sedimentary basins containing connate brines to fractured crystalline rocks, with direct implications for drinking-water quality and thyroid health. Moreover, iodine serves as a valuable tracer of palaeoenvironmental conditions and saline intrusion processes. A comprehensive understanding of these hydrogeochemical processes is essential for effective water-resource management, risk assessment of iodine exposure and optimisation of treatment strategies for potable supply.
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Hydrogeochemistry of Iodine-Enriched Groundwater publication trend
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Technical terms
Speciation: The distribution of iodine among chemical forms, determining its solubility and reactivity in groundwater.
Redox conditions: The oxidation–reduction status of aquifer waters that dictates the balance between iodide and iodate species.
Adsorption–desorption: The reversible attachment and release of iodine ions on mineral and organic surfaces in the subsurface.
Aquifer lithology: The physical and mineralogical composition of subsurface rocks or sediments through which groundwater moves.
Advection and diffusion: The bulk flow and molecular dispersion processes that distribute iodine within groundwater systems.
References
- Exposure to Selected Geogenic Trace Elements (I, Li, and Sr) from Drinking Water in Denmark. Geosciences (2015).
- Nationwide Drinking Water Sampling Campaign for Exposure Assessments in Denmark. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2018).
- Implications of depositional environment on the iodine enrichment in the sedimentary system: evidences from the N-alkane in sediments. E3S Web of Conferences (2019).
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