Unraveling the drivers of fecal indicator bacteria dynamics in karst spring hyporheic zones: The role of external loading, hydrodynamics, and environmental forcing

Li-qiong Wei; Fang Guo; Guang-hui Jiang; Tian-wang Pan; Fan Liu

doi:10.26599/JGSE.2026.9280109

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Wei LQ, Guo F, Jiang GH, et al. 2026. Unraveling the drivers of fecal indicator bacteria dynamics in karst spring hyporheic zones: The role of external loading, hydrodynamics, and environmental forcing. Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 15(0): 1-19 doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2026.9280109

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Unraveling the drivers of fecal indicator bacteria dynamics in karst spring hyporheic zones: The role of external loading, hydrodynamics, and environmental forcing

doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2026.9280109

Li-qiong Wei¹,
Fang Guo^{1, 3, 4, 5
,
,},
Guang-hui Jiang^{2
,
,},
Tian-wang Pan^{1, 3, 5},
Fan Liu^{1, 3, 4, 5}

1.
Key Laboratory of Karst Dynamics, MNR/GZAR, Institute of Karst Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Guilin, Guangxi, China
2.
College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
3.
International Research Centre on Karst under the Auspices of UNESCO, National Center for International Research on Karst Dynamic System and Global Change, Guilin, Guangxi, China
4.
Guilin Karst Geology Observation and Research Station of Guangxi, Guilin, Guangxi, China
5.
Pingguo Guangxi, Karst Ecosystem, National Observation and Research Station, Pingguo, Guangxi, China

More Information

Corresponding author: gfkarst@126.com; bmnxz@126.com
Received Date: 2026-04-03
Accepted Date: 2026-07-16

Available Online: 2026-10-29

Abstract

Abstract

Fecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB) are widely used to assess microbial safety in drinking water sources; however, their dynamics in karst springs hydraulically connected to rivers remain insufficiently understood due to strong hydrodynamic disturbances. This study investigated a large karst spring and its confluent river in South China to examine FIB contamination and the controls on FIB spatiotemporal patterns in the spring outlet hyporheic zone. Most hyporheic-zone and aquifer samples exceeded the relevant limits for Total Coliforms (TC) specified in the Chinese Standard for Groundwater Quality (GB/T 14848–2017) and Standards for Drinking Water Quality (GB 5749–2006), and Fecal Coliforms (FC) were detected in nearly half of the samples. During non-backflow periods, FIB abundances were significantly higher in summer and autumn than in spring and winter. Spatially, FIB generally increased downstream within the hyporheic zone, with high levels confined downstream at low water levels but extending upstream at medium and high water levels. Potential contamination sources included river backflow, aquifer discharge, sewage leakage, and rainfall-induced runoff. FIB were not clearly related to most physicochemical parameters, but were associated with organic matter and water temperature. River backflow strongly influenced FIB dynamics by altering water exchange and the physicochemical environment. During the two observed river backflow events, strong backflow mainly caused sharp FIB increases in the hyporheic zone and aquifer through intensified hydrodynamic transport and particle-associated migration, whereas weak backflow, despite not reaching the aquifer, still increased FIB within the hyporheic zone under reduced dilution and favorable nutritional and microecological conditions. High FIB concentrations and detection frequencies, together with elevated chemical indicators, indicate poorer microbial and chemical water quality in the hyporheic zone. These findings clarify the factors and processes shaping FIB dynamics in karst spring hyporheic zones and support drinking water source protection and microbial water quality management in vulnerable karst regions.
- Hyporheic zone,
- Fecal indicator bacteria,
- Hydrodynamics,
- Drinking water safety,
- Water environment

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