Long-term ammonium contamination in coastal groundwater: unraveling industrial influences and informing environmental management strategies

Key Points

• Ammonium contamination negatively impacts coastal groundwater, affecting aquatic ecosystems and drinking water sources.
• A significant correlation exists between industrial activities and elevated ammonium levels in shallow aquifers.
• Observational analysis focused on groundwater samples from multiple coastal sites highlighted key pollution sources.
• Findings suggest that managing industrial discharges could lower ammonium levels and protect coastal environments.