Work

Unravelling the Effect of Low-Molecular-Weight Dissolved Organic Matter on Antimony Enrichment in Groundwater of the Xikuangshan Sb Mining Area, China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The effect of low-molecular-weight dissolved organic matter (LDOM) on antimony enrichment in groundwater remains unclear. In this study, the spectroscopic and molecular characteristics of high- and low-Sb groundwater are compared using optical spectrophotometry, ultrafiltration, and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. The results demonstrated that although the mean DOM concentration in LDOM groundwater (3.98 mg/L) accounted for only 69.22% of the mean DOM concentration, the proportion of Sb(V) within the total Sb varied between 80.29% and 99.56%. LDOM was characterized by higher biological and fluorescence index values, a greater H/C ratio, and reduced double-bond equivalent values compared with high-molecular-weight dissolved organic matter. High abundances of LDOM can enhance the primary enrichment of Sb(V) within the total Sb concentration via competitive adsorption and, as energy and electron acceptors for microbial communities facilitate Sb(III), oxidation within groundwater systems. This study provides new perspectives on understanding how DOM influences the migration and speciation transformation of Sb in groundwater environments.

Source: Water

DOI: 10.3390/w17081206

Authors: Tongchun Qin, Zijian Li, Qianqian Sun, Chunming Hao

Institutions: Nantong Institute of Technology, North China Institute of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Arsenic contamination and mitigation

Subfield: Environmental Chemistry

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137