The formation of multi-metal(loid)s contaminated groundwater at smelting site: Critical role of natural colloids

The occurrence and migration of colloids at smelting sites are crucial for the formation of multi-metal(loid)s pollution in groundwater. In this study, the behavior of natural colloids (1 nm-0.45µm) at an abandoned smelting site was investigated by analyzing groundwater samples filtered through progressively decreasing pore sizes. Smelting activities in this site had negatively impacted the groundwater quality, leading to elevated concentrations of zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd). The results showed that heavy metal(loid)-bearing colloids were ubiquitous in the groundwater with the larger colloidal fractions (~75−450nm) containing higher abundances of pollutants. It was also observed that the predominant colloids consisted of Zn-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH), sphalerite, kaolinite, and hematite. By employing multiple analytical techniques, including leaching experiments, soil colloid characterization, and Pb stable isotope measurements, the origin of groundwater colloids was successfully traced to the topsoil colloids. Most notably, our findings highlighted the increased risk of heavy metal(loid)s migration from polluted soils into adjacent sites through the groundwater because of colloid-mediated transport of contaminants. This field-scale investigation provides valuable insights into the geochemical processes governing heavy metal(loid) behavior as well as offering pollution remediation strategies specifically tailored for contaminated groundwater. Environmental Implication The naturally occurring colloidal particles and their implications for the fate of heavy metal(loid)s contaminants in groundwater have received little attention. In this study, the behavior of natural colloids (1 nm-0.45µm) at an abandoned smelting site was investigated. Our findings reported the preferential association of heavy metal(loid)s (Zn, Pb, As and Cd) in larger colloidal particles. The migration and transformation of colloids in the soil and groundwater play critical roles as carriers of heavy metal(loid)s and should be taken into consideration in not only assessing the pollution risk but also designing effective strategies for groundwater remediation.