Geochemical modeling of arsenic release from a deep natural solid matrix under alternated redox conditions

• Published in: Environmental science and pollution research international Vol. 21; no. 3; pp. 1628 - 1637
• Main Authors: Molinari, A, Ayora, C, Marcaccio, M, Guadagnini, L, Sanchez-Vila, X, Guadagnini, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.02.2014; Springer Berlin Heidelberg; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: analysis; Aquatic Pollution; Aquifers; Arsenic; Arsenic - analysis; Arsenic content; Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution; chemistry; crystal structure; Dissolution; Earth and Environmental Science; Ecotoxicology; Environment; Environmental Chemistry; Environmental Health; Geochemistry; Groundwater; Groundwater - chemistry; Groundwater pollution; Groundwater recharge; Hydrogen peroxide; iron; Italy; manganese; Minerals; Minerals - chemistry; Models, Chemical; Organic matter; Oxidation-Reduction; Porous media; Redox potential; Research Article; Studies; Waste Water Technology; Water Management; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis; Water Pollution Control; Italy; Sequential extractions; Controlled redox conditions; Batch reactor; Natural matrix; Arsenic; Geochemical modeling
• ISSN: 0944-1344; 1614-7499; 1614-7499
• DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-2054-6

Dissolved arsenic (As) concentrations detected in groundwater bodies of the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy) exhibit values which are above the regulation limit and could be related to the natural composition of the host porous matrix. To support this hypothesis, we present the results of a geochemical modeling study reproducing the main trends of the dynamics of As, Fe, and Mn concentrations as well as redox potential and pH observed during batch tests performed under alternating redox conditions. The tests were performed on a natural matrix extracted from a deep aquifer located in the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy). The solid phases implemented in the model were selected from the results of selective sequential extractions performed on the tested matrix. The calibrated model showed that large As concentrations have to be expected in the solution for low crystallinity phases subject to dissolution. The role of Mn oxides on As concentration dynamics appears significant in strongly reducing environments, particularly for large water–solid matrix interaction times. Modeled data evidenced that As is released firstly from the outer surface of Fe oxihydroxides minerals exhibiting large concentrations in water when persistent reducing conditions trigger the dissolution of the crystalline structure of the binding minerals. The presence of organic matter was found to strongly affect pH and redox conditions, thus influencing As mobility.