Linking geochemical processes in mud volcanoes with arsenic mobilization driven by organic matter.
The present study deals with geochemical characterization of mud fluids and sediments collected from Kunshuiping (KSP), Liyushan (LYS), Wushanting (WST), Sinyangnyuhu (SYNH), Hsiaokunshui (HKS) and Yenshuikeng (YSK) mud volcanoes in southwestern Taiwan. Chemical constituents (cations, anions, trace elements, organic carbon, humic acid, and stable isotopes) in both fluids and mud were analyzed to investigate the geochemical processes and spatial variability among the mud volcanoes under consideration. Analytical results suggested that the anoxic mud volcanic fluids are highly saline, implying connate water as the probable source. The isotopic signature indicated that δ(18)O-rich fluids may be associated with silicate and carbonate mineral released through water-rock interaction, along with dehydration of clay minerals. Considerable amounts of arsenic in mud irrespective of fluid composition suggested possible release through biogeochemical processes in the subsurface environment. Sequential extraction of As from the mud indicated that As was mostly present in organic and sulphidic phases, and adsorbed on amorphous Mn oxyhydroxides. Volcanic mud and fluids are rich in organic matter (in terms of organic carbon), and the presence of humic acid in mud has implications for the binding of arsenic. Functional groups of humic acid also showed variable sources of organic matter among the mud volcanoes being examined. Because arsenate concentration in the mud fluids was found to be independent from geochemical factors, it was considered that organic matter may induce arsenic mobilization through an adsorption/desorption mechanism with humic substances under reducing conditions. Organic matter therefore plays a significant role in the mobility of arsenic in mud volcanoes.
Department of Earth Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
Chia-Chuan
CC
Liu
Sandeep
S
Kar
Jiin-Shuh
JS
Jean
Chung-Ho
CH
Wang
Yao-Chang
YC
Lee
Ondra
O
Sracek
Zhaohui
Z
Li
Jochen
J
Bundschuh
Huai-Jen
HJ
Yang
Chien-Yen
CY
Chen
D000327:Adsorption; D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D000838:Anions; D001151:Arsenic / Q000737:chemistry*; D002138:Calibration; D000077215:Clay; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005843:Geography; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry; D005844:Geology / Q000379:methods; D006812:Humic Substances; D006878:Hydroxides / Q000737:chemistry; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000737:chemistry; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010100:Oxygen / Q000737:chemistry; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; D013624:Taiwan; D018707:Volcanic Eruptions; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000737:chemistry*
D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D000838:Anions; D006812:Humic Substances; D006878:Hydroxides; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D001151:Arsenic; D010100:Oxygen; D000077215:Clay