Organic Matter and Modeling Redox Reactions during River Bank Filtration in an Alluvial Aquifer of the Lot River, France

• Published in: Environmental science & technology 2008-04, Vol.42 (8), p.2793-2798
• Main Authors: Kedziorek, Monika A. M, Geoffriau, Stephane, Bourg, Alain C. M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Aquifers; Carbon; Carbon - analysis; Characterization of Natural and Affected Environments; Chlorine; Environmental science; Exact sciences and technology; Filters; Filtration; France; Freshwater; Groundwater; Models, Theoretical; Nitrates - analysis; Organic chemicals; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxygen - analysis; Pollution; Rivers; Rivers - chemistry; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis; Water Supply
• ISSN: 0013-936X; 1520-5851
• DOI: 10.1021/es702411t

A 3 year study of the infiltration of Lot River water into a well field located in an adjacent gravel and clay alluvial aquifer was conducted to assess the importance of organic matter regarding the redox processes which influence groundwater quality in a positive (denitrification) or negative (Mn dissolution) manner. Chloride was used to quantify the mixing of river water with groundwater. According to modeling with PHREEQC, the biodegradation of the infiltrated dissolved organic carbon (DOCi) is not sufficient to explain the observed consequences of the redox reactions (dissolved O2 depletion, denitrification, Mn dissolution). Another electron donor source must therefore be involved: we propose solid organic carbon (SOC) as a likely candidate, if made available for degradation by prior hydrolysis. Its contribution to redox reactions could be significant (30−80% of the total organic carbon consumed by redox reactions during river bank filtration). We show here also that even though the first few meters of infiltration are highly reactive, significant redox reactions can take place further in the aquifer, possibly affecting groundwater quality away from the river bank.