Critical Issues in Groundwater Pollution Monitoring and Risk Warning

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The complexity of hydrogeological conditions, coupled with the diversity of pollutants and their sources, presents a multifaceted challenge in monitoring and managing groundwater quality. Achieving high-precision identification and enabling risk warnings for groundwater pollution are the keys to ensuring the safety and sustainable utilization of groundwater resources. Therefore, developing and applying innovative monitoring technologies and constructing pollutant migration and transformation models and risk warning frameworks are crucial. Addressing these issues will contribute to the protection of groundwater resources, the prevention of pollution, and the establishment of effective response strategies to contamination events. In this Topic, we invite contributions that explore critical issues in groundwater pollution monitoring and risk warnings. We welcome innovative ideas and new methodologies from a multidisciplinary perspective to enhance our understanding and management of groundwater pollution. Submissions on, but not limited to, the following topics are encouraged:

1. Advanced monitoring techniques for identifying and quantifying groundwater pollutants;
2. Sources and consequences of emerging contaminants in groundwater systems;
3. Risk assessment methodologies for groundwater pollution and public health implications;
4. Groundwater quality monitoring and risk warnings based on machine learning;
5. Early warning systems for groundwater contamination and their integration into decision-making processes;
6. The interplay between groundwater pollution and other environmental challenges, such as climate change and urbanization.

Prof. Dr. Wenjing Zhang
Dr. Wenxia Wei
Dr. Huan Huan
Prof. Dr. Zhi Dou
Prof. Dr. Yuanzheng Zhai
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Environments environments	3.5	5.7	2014	22.8 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Hydrology hydrology	3.1	4.9	2014	15.3 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	6.8	2009	19.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Water water	3.0	5.8	2009	17.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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15 pages, 9209 KiB  

Open AccessEssay

Characteristics and Relevance of Reduced Inorganic Sulphur Forms and Heavy Metal Elements in Surface Sediments of the Dongzhai Harbour Mangrove Wetland

by Xiaohui Li, Tianning Li, Wenbo Rao and Changping Mao

Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2029; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052029 - 26 Feb 2025

Viewed by 331

Abstract

The mangrove wetland of the Dongzhai Harbour, located in northeastern Hainan, is of high ecological value. However, environmental pollution brought by the current rapid economic development, especially the pollution of heavy metals and reduced inorganic sulphur, puts the ecological environment of this region [...] Read more.

The mangrove wetland of the Dongzhai Harbour, located in northeastern Hainan, is of high ecological value. However, environmental pollution brought by the current rapid economic development, especially the pollution of heavy metals and reduced inorganic sulphur, puts the ecological environment of this region at risk. As the main carrier of these two kinds of pollution, sediments are deeply involved in their biogeochemical cycles. Therefore, in this study, surface sediments of mangrove wetlands in the Dongzhai Harbour were collected, and their concentration characteristics and sources of reductive inorganic sulphur (RIS) forms and heavy metals were investigated. The average RIS concentrations of the sediments in the study area were about 22.31 μmol/g, among which acid volatile sulphide (AVS) had the highest weight (ave. 10.01 μmol/g), followed by chromium (II)-reducible sulphur (CRS) with the average concentrations of 8.46 μmol/g, and elemental sulphur (ES) (3.84 μmol/g), which had the lowest concentration. The spatial distributions of different RIS forms were differentiated, reflecting the diversity of environments in the study area. Correlation analyses showed that the RIS forms, such as AVS and CRS, were mainly enriched in clay-sized sediments with p < 0.05. Compared to other areas of the world, the present study area was less contaminated by RIS. Ratio calculation revealed that the reducing environment in the study area limited the conversion of AVS to CRS in the sediments. Among the heavy metals, Cr (70.03 mg/kg) was the most abundant, followed by Zn, Pb, and Ni with an average of >20 mg/kg, while other elements such as As, Cd, Cu, Hg, and Co were found to be low (<18 mg/kg). Correlation analyses revealed that clay-sized sediments significantly constrained Ni, Zn, and Co and could effectively bind to AVS (p < 0.05). Based on cluster analysis, it was found that agricultural activities, mariculture, and transport mainly influenced heavy metals and RIS of sediments in the study area. The study helps understand the pollutant cycle in shelf wetland sediments and provides practical guidance for the sustainable development of ecosystems. In the future, it is recommended that reasonable control of pollution emissions be implemented in relevant areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Critical Issues in Groundwater Pollution Monitoring and Risk Warning)

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23 pages, 6443 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Groundwater Heavy Metal Pollution Characteristics and Health Risk Assessment in Typical Industrial Parks in Southwest China

by Haoyu Wu, Xin Wang, Huarui Ren, Min Gao, Jun Cai and Jinping Cheng

Water 2024, 16(23), 3435; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233435 - 29 Nov 2024

Viewed by 974

Abstract

This research investigates heavy metals in groundwater from typical industrial parks in Southwest China, in addition to their pollution characteristics and health risks. The findings revealed that the concentrations of Fe, Mn, and Cu in three typical industrial parks in Southwest China exceeded [...] Read more.

This research investigates heavy metals in groundwater from typical industrial parks in Southwest China, in addition to their pollution characteristics and health risks. The findings revealed that the concentrations of Fe, Mn, and Cu in three typical industrial parks in Southwest China exceeded the Class III thresholds of China groundwater quality standards (GB/T 14848-2017, 2017), while the concentrations of the remaining heavy metals remained within the standards. Enterprise production activities and other external factors influenced the spatial distribution characteristics of heavy metals in groundwater. In industrial park MY, Cd and As had homology, and their sources were primarily the packaging and printing, bioengineering, and pharmaceutical industries. Fe and As had homology in industrial park HZ, and their sources were primarily wine and beverage production and the cement and concrete sector; Cd and Cr had homology in industrial park LG, and their sources were principally new materials industries. According to the HPI and HEI assessment criteria, the three industrial parks have minimal environmental contamination. The human health risk assessment results indicate that children have a higher health risk than adults, and drinking water intake is the primary risk exposure pathway for heavy metals in groundwater. The non-carcinogenic risk of heavy metals in the groundwater of the three industrial parks was tolerable for different populations exposed via various pathways; nonetheless, As, Cd, and Cr were discovered to have carcinogenic risk in the three industrial parks. The study’s findings can be used as a valuable reference for managing local groundwater in typical industrial parks in Southwest China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Critical Issues in Groundwater Pollution Monitoring and Risk Warning)

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15 pages, 1498 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

A Decade-Long Comparison of Heavy Metal(loid)s in the River and Children’s Health Risk Assessment of an E-Waste Recycling Area

by Hongfei Hu, Xiang Zeng, Chenxu Dai, Bo Xie, Jian Zhang, Xijin Xu and Xia Huo

Water 2024, 16(22), 3226; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16223226 - 9 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 962

Abstract

Informal e-waste recycling can cause serious heavy metal(loid) pollution to nearby bodies of water, thereby increasing the risk of heavy metal exposure to local residents. This study investigates metal(loid) pollution levels in the Lianjiang River, which flows through Guiyu, an e-waste recycling town [...] Read more.

Informal e-waste recycling can cause serious heavy metal(loid) pollution to nearby bodies of water, thereby increasing the risk of heavy metal exposure to local residents. This study investigates metal(loid) pollution levels in the Lianjiang River, which flows through Guiyu, an e-waste recycling town in Shantou, Guangdong. In 2009 and 2020, water samples from the Lianjiang River were taken, and the levels of 12 metal(loid)s (V, Cr, Mn, Sr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Ba, and Pb) were measured by ICP-MS. In total, 380 valid questionnaires from Guiyu kindergarten children were selected to assess child health. Exposure health risks for children were calculated using two forms of exposure (dermal and inhalation) and statistical methods (multiple linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression—BKMR). The concentrations of Mn, Ni, Pb, and Cd in 2009 were significantly higher than those in 2020. The concentration of heavy metal(loid)s had been decreasing in 2020. The non-carcinogenic risk levels of the 12 metal(loid)s in both exposure routes were at an acceptable risk level. The average carcinogenic risk levels for As, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Cd exceeded the ILCRi <10–6 acceptable range. According to MLR, it was found that daily oral intake doses of Pb [β(95% CI): −0.949 (−1.596, −0.863), p < 0.001 and Se [β(95% CI): −0.911 (−1.888, −0.092), p = 0.031] were negatively associated with body mass index. A BKMR model was developed, through which the synergistic effects of co-exposure to 12 heavy metal(loid)s on growth and development indicators in children were analyzed. Concentrations of heavy metal(loid)s in rivers near e-waste recycling sites have been decreasing for 10 years. It was found that the growth and development of children are affected by the intake of heavy metal(loid)s in water. The reduction in heavy metal(loid) contamination in e-waste recycling areas needs to be continued, and concern about its impact on children’s health must remain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Critical Issues in Groundwater Pollution Monitoring and Risk Warning)

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18 pages, 2556 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Simulation of Groundwater Dissolved Organic Carbon in Yufu River Basin during Artificial Recharge: Improving through the SWAT-MODFLOW-RT3D Reaction Module

by Xiaotao Hong, Xuequn Chen, Kezheng Xia, Wenqing Zhang, Zezheng Wang, Dan Liu, Shuxin Li and Wenjing Zhang

Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6692; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156692 - 5 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1335

Abstract

To keep groundwater levels stable, Jinan’s government has implemented several water management measures. However, considerable volumes of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) can enter groundwater via water exchange, impacting groundwater stability. In this study, a SWAT-MODFLOW-RT3D model designed specifically for the Yufu River Basin [...] Read more.

To keep groundwater levels stable, Jinan’s government has implemented several water management measures. However, considerable volumes of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) can enter groundwater via water exchange, impacting groundwater stability. In this study, a SWAT-MODFLOW-RT3D model designed specifically for the Yufu River Basin is developed, and part of the code of the RT3D module is modified to simulate changes in DOC concentrations in groundwater under different artificial recharge scenarios. The ultimate objective is to offer valuable insights into the effective management of water resources in the designated study region. The modified SWAT-MODFLOW-RT3D model simulates the variations of DOC concentration in groundwater under three artificial recharge scenarios, which are (a) recharged by Yellow River water; (b) recharged by Yangtze River water; and (c) recharged by Yangtze River and Yellow River water. The study shows that the main source of groundwater DOC in the basin is exogenous water. The distribution of DOC concentration in groundwater in the basin shows obvious spatial variations due to the influence of infiltration of surface water. The area near the upstream riverbank is the earliest to be affected. With the prolongation of the artificial recharge period, the DOC concentration in groundwater gradually rises from upstream to downstream, and from both sides of the riverbank to the surrounding area. By 2030, the maximum level of DOC in the basin will exceed 6.20 mg/l. The Yellow River water recharge scenario provides more groundwater recharge and less DOC input than the other two scenarios. The findings of this study indicate that particularly when recharge water supplies are enhanced with organic carbon, DOC concentrations in groundwater may alter dramatically during artificial recharge. This coupled modeling analysis is critical for assessing the impact of recharge water on groundwater quality to guide subsequent recharge programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Critical Issues in Groundwater Pollution Monitoring and Risk Warning)

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15 pages, 6091 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Hydrogeochemical Formation and Evolution of the Karst Aquifer System in the Yufu River Based on Hydrochemistry and Isotopes

by Xuequn Chen, Cuihong Han, Shuxin Li, Zezheng Wang, Dan Liu, Qinghua Guan and Wenjing Zhang

Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6580; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156580 - 1 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1364

Abstract

Jinan, renowned as the “Spring City” in China, relies significantly on karst groundwater as an indispensable resource for socio-economic development, playing a crucial role in ecological regulation, tourism, and historical and cultural aspects. The Yufu River basin, situated within Jinan’s karst region, represents [...] Read more.

Jinan, renowned as the “Spring City” in China, relies significantly on karst groundwater as an indispensable resource for socio-economic development, playing a crucial role in ecological regulation, tourism, and historical and cultural aspects. The Yufu River basin, situated within Jinan’s karst region, represents a vital riverine leakage zone. Therefore, investigating the evolutionary characteristics and causative mechanisms of surface water and groundwater at different aquifer levels in the Yufu River basin can provide a scientific foundation for the protection of Jinan’s springs. This study, based on hydrogeochemical and isotopic data from the river water, shallow groundwater, deep groundwater, and springs in the Yufu River basin, explored the hydrogeochemical evolution in this region. The findings revealed significant spatial variations in the hydrochemical parameters of the Yufu River basin. Groundwater received contributions from surface water, while springs represented a mixture from both surface water and various recharge aquifers. Dominant ions include Ca²⁺ and HCO₃⁻, with prevailing hydrochemical types being HCO₃·SO₄-Ca and HCO₃-Ca. Atmospheric precipitation served as the primary source of recharge for surface water and groundwater in the Yufu River basin, albeit influenced by pronounced evaporation processes. The hydrochemical composition in the Yufu River basin was primarily attributed to water–rock interactions, mainly driven by the combined effects of carbonate rock, silicate rock, and gypsum weathering and dissolution. Among these, the weathering and dissolution of carbonate rocks played a dominant role, with human activities exerting a relatively minor influence on the hydrochemistry of the Yufu River basin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Critical Issues in Groundwater Pollution Monitoring and Risk Warning)

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