Characteristic and Speciation of Beryllium in Shallow Groundwater in the Pearl River Delta

The Distribution of shallow groundwater containing beryllium were summarized and the major factors influencing beryllium enrichment were discussed in this paper, based on chemical data of Be, aluminum and pH from more than 900 groundwater samples in the Pearl River Delta. The results show that Be concentration ranges from less than 0.02μg·L^-1 to 40.3μg·L^-1, with the majority less than 0.05μg·L^-1 and the mean Be content of 0.66μg·L^-1. The samples of Be content exceeding the upper limit for drinking water in China were scatteredly found in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Foshan and Huizhou, with the over proof rate of 2.24%. The distribution of Be contamination in groundwater is characterized by local punctate type. The pH and Al are the major factors influencing distribution of beryllium in groundwater. Acidic and high Al content in groundwater and soil provide favorable conditions for migration of Be. Rock weathering and natural soil formation is one of the origins of Be in groundwater, and pollution caused by human activities is the other important source of Be in groundwater, especially in the severely contaminated sites.