Using isotopes to determine the natural and anthropogenic processes influencing water quality in household wells of Chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu) endemic Medawachchiya area, Sri Lanka

The groundwater in the dry climatic, agricultural regions of Sri Lanka has been a focus of research for more than two decades as a likely contributor to the epidemic chronic kidney disease that does not have an identified causality (CKDu). The intense agriculture that heavily depends on irrigation and excessive use of agrochemicals, as well as the increasing population that prompt over-extraction and sewage discharge presents increasing threats to these groundwaters. Particulate organic matter (POM), stable environmental isotopes (C-13, N-15, O-18 and 2H) together with hydrochemistry were used to determine the natural and anthropogenic sources of solutes, and their dynamics in these waters. Twenty nine domestic drinking water wells and spring were sampled from CKDu endemic Medawachchiya area during the dry season of 2018. POM of most waters were found to have aquatic origin resulted from biological processes that assimilate nutrients in groundwater. The isotopic compositions (O-18 and N-15) of nitrate provided evidence for anthropogenic nitrate inputs in some wells and denitrification of potentially anthropogenic nitrates in others. These waters were recharged locally and subjected to varying degrees of evaporation. The water-rock interactions, evaporation, and anthropogenic inputs significantly influence shallow drinking water quality in wells (<4 m below ground surface). In contrast, deeper domestic drinking wells (<4 m below ground surface) potentially connect with deep groundwater. This study emphasises the importance of the integrated use of POM, environmental isotopes, and water chemistry in identifying the dynamics of solutes in groundwater, thereby determining the overall groundwater quality, especially in investigating complex environmental health problems like CKDu.

Automated summary

Groundwater in the arid, agricultural regions of Sri Lanka has been under study for over two decades, revealing that agricultural activities, population growth, and environmental factors are threatening water quality. The use of POM, environmental isotopes, and water chemistry helps identify the sources and dynamics of solutes in groundwater, aiding in understanding groundwater quality and addressing complex environmental health issues like CKDu.