Soil geochemistry and groundwater contamination in an arsenic-affected area of the Datong Basin, China

This study describes the geochemistry of the topsoils from an arsenic (As)-affected area of the Datong Basin and identifies the possible sources and the enrichment mechanisms of As in groundwater. A total of 122 soil samples were collected from the study area. Analytical results indicate that soil As is higher than the average value of the Shanxi province topsoils. Fertilizer application and weathering of the bedrock both contributed to the presence of elements, including As, in the soil of the area. Furthermore, these elements may be strongly bound to Fe and Mn oxides/hydroxides. In addition, the depletion of K indicates that this element is readily leached into the groundwater rather than being retained in the soils. A groundwater area with high As levels corresponding spatially to soil samples with no As accumulation clearly shows the effects of irrigation or salt flushing on the soil compositions. Arsenic can be mobilized under reducing condition due to organic matter input or changes in redox conditions induced by irrigation or salt flushing and can be transported with vertically recharged water into shallow, unconfined aquifers, thus elevating the As concentration in groundwater.