Distribution of beryllium in shallow groundwater of the Zhujiang Delta and a preliminary analysis of its origin

Abstract：The distribution of beryllium-bearing shallow groundwater and the major factors affecting beryllium enrichment were studied in this paper on the basis of chemical data of beryllium, aluminum and pH of more than 900 groups of groundwater samples collected in the Zhujiang Delta. The results show that beryllium content varies from 0 to 40.3μg·L-1, mostly lower than 0.5μg·L-1, and that the average content of beryllium is 0.66μg·L-1. The points in excess of the standard are only scattered in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Foshan and Huizhou, with the standard-exceeding rate being 2.24%. Beryllium contamination of groundwater has shown characteristics of local spot distribution. The pH and aluminum are the major factors affecting the distribution of beryllium in groundwater. Acidic and high aluminum content in groundwater and soil provides favorable conditions for the migration of beryllium. Rock weathering and natural soil formation are sources of beryllium in groundwater, and pollution caused by human activities has made an important contribution to the standard-exceeding phenomenon of beryllium in groundwater.