Spatial distribution and origin of shallow groundwater iodide in a rapidly urbanized delta: A case study of the Pearl River Delta

Iodine-rich groundwater is a cause for concern because it is harmful to human health, and determining the sources of groundwater iodine in coastal urbanized areas is complicated. This study aims to delineate the spatial distribution of groundwater iodide in various shallow and unconfined aquifers, as well as in areas with different urbanization levels in the Pearl River Delta (PRD), and to identify the origins of iodide-rich (>0.08 mg/L) groundwater in this region. Approximately 400 groundwater samples, 10 surface water samples, and 9 leachate samples were collected, and a total of 17 chemicals were analyzed. The result showed that iodide-rich groundwater was present in 13.95% of shallow granular aquifers and 6.82% of shallow fissured aquifers; however, it was not present in karst aquifers. In shallow granular aquifers, the proportions of iodide-rich groundwater in areas with different urbanization levels were similar. On the other hand, in shallow fissured aquifers, iodide-rich groundwater mostly appeared in urbanized areas, and its proportion was more than three times that of non-urbanized areas; however, it was not present in peri-urban areas. The reductive dissolution of iodine-loaded Fe/Mn (oxy)hydroxides and decomposition of iodine-rich organic matter in sediments were likely the main sources of iodide-rich groundwater in shallow granular aquifers. Urbanization accompanied by wastewater leakage was also a significant source for iodide-rich groundwater in granular aquifers of urbanized areas. In contrast, the degradation of organic matter in carbonate-rich rocks and urbanization accompanied by leakage of reductive sewage were most likely responsible for the occurrence of iodide-rich groundwater in shallow fissured aquifers. The leakage of landfill leachate was also a significant source for iodide-rich groundwater in the fissured aquifers of non-urbanized areas.