Influence of hydrogeochemical reactions along flow paths on contrasting groundwater arsenic and manganese distribution and dynamics across the Ganges River

The groundwater within the aquifers of the Ganges River delta exhibits significant spatial variability in concentrations of redox-sensitive solutes [e.g., arsenic (As), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn)]. The groundwater As and Mn concentrations show conspicuous contrasting distribution on the opposite banks of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly (B-H) River, the Indian distributary of the Ganges River. Here, we investigate the differences in hydrostratigraphic framework and groundwater evolutionary pathways across the B-H River that might have resulted in such variations. We developed a hydrostratigraphic model for the region and also used inverse reaction-path modeling along three hypothesized end-member flow paths to understand the dominant processes that might control As and Mn cycling within the aquifers. Our results indicate that the variability of As and Mn across the BH River is a function of a complex interplay between the aquifer architecture, groundwater chemistry, and redox conditions.

Automated summary

The study found significant spatial variability in concentrations of redox-sensitive solutes, such as arsenic and manganese, in the groundwater within the aquifers of the Ganges River delta. Investigating differences in hydrostratigraphic framework and groundwater evolutionary pathways across the Bhagirathi-Hooghly River, the study identified a complex interplay between aquifer architecture, groundwater chemistry, and redox conditions as factors controlling arsenic and manganese cycling.