Interactions between anthropogenic pollutants (biodegradable organic nitrogen and ammonia) and the primary hydrogeochemical component Mn in groundwater: Evidence from three polluted sites

Anthropogenic pollutants (organic nitrogen and ammonia) can change the dynamic balances of hydrogeochemical components of groundwater, and this can affect the fates of the pollutants and groundwater quality. The aim of this paper is to assess the long-term impact of pollutants on groundwater component concentrations and species in three sites that has been polluted with illegal discharge wastewater containing organic nitrogen and ammonia, in order to reveal the interactions between nitrogen species and Mn. We analyzed semi-monthly groundwater data from three sites in northwestern China over a long period of time (2015-2020) by using statistical analyses, correlation analyses, and a correlation co-occurrence network method. The results showed that wastewater entering groundwater from surface changed the hydrogeochemical component concentrations and species significantly. The main form of inorganic nitrogen species changed from nitrate to ammonia. The Mn concentration increased from undetectable (<0.01 mg/L) to 1.64 mg/l. (the maximum), which surpassed the guideline value suggested by China and WHO. The main mechanism for Mn increase is the reductive dissolution of Mn oxide caused by the oxidation of organic nitrogen. Mn-nitrogen species interaction complicates the transformation of nitrogen components. Chemoautotrophic denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) mediated by Mn are the major mechanisms of nitrate attenuation when dissolved oxygen is greater than 2 mg/L Mn oxides reductive dissolution and reoxidation of Mn by nitrate reduction cause Mn to circulate in groundwater. The results provide field evidence for interactions between nitrogen species transformation and Mn cycle in groundwater. This has important implications for pollution management and groundwater remediation, particularly monitored natural attenuation.

Automated summary

This study examined the long-term impact of anthropogenic pollutants such as organic nitrogen and ammonia on groundwater quality and component concentrations. Results showed that wastewater discharge altered the hydrogeochemical component concentrations, shifting inorganic nitrogen species from nitrate to ammonia and increasing manganese concentrations. The complex interaction between manganese and nitrogen species complicates the transformation of nitrogen components in groundwater.