Factors Controlling Spatial Variation of Iodine Species in Groundwater of the Datong Basin, Northern China

To better understand the distribution of iodine speciation composition and the controlling factors in groundwater from the Datong basin, hydrochemical studies were conducted. Total iodine concentrations in groundwater ranges from 6.2 to 1380 μg/L, with the mean value of 243 μg/L. Speciation of iodine in groundwater is mainly controlled by redox potential. Under reducing conditions, iodide is the dominant dissolved species, while in sub-oxic and oxic conditions, iodate is the major species, with a lower proportion of iodide. The evident existence of organic iodine in several groundwater samples may be related to anthropogenic activities.