A Critical Evaluation of the Role of Geotectonics in Groundwater Arsenic Contamination

Alam, Mohammad Ayaz; Mukherjee, Abhijit; Bhattacharya, Prosun

doi:10.1007/978-981-16-4122-0_14

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 173 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Maity et al 191 underscored the difference in the As concentration in the geothermal fluids at the eastern and western margins of the Pacific Ring of Fire; i.e., up to 75 mg/L As concentrations in the hydrothermal discharges at the western margin (e.g., Los Humeros in Mexico, El Tatio in Chile, Copper River and Yellowstone National Park in the USA) and up to 6.2 mg/L at its eastern margin (e.g., Wairakei in New Zealand, Waiotapu, Ohaaki and Broadlands in New Zealand, Mt. Apo in the Philippines, Beitou in Taiwan) 192 . This difference can be explained in term of crustal thickness in Chile (e.g., El Tatio Geysers have reported As concentrations up to 45 mg/L; see " El Tatio geothermal field "), where there exists a positive correlation between the As concentration in thermal waters and crustal thickness 29 .…”

Section: Controlling Factors For As Pathwaysmentioning

confidence: 99%

An appraisal of the principal concerns and controlling factors for Arsenic contamination in Chile

Alam

Mukherjee

Bhattacharya

et al. 2023

Sci Rep

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Although geogenic Arsenic (As) contamination is well-recognized in northern Chile, it is not restricted to this part of the country, as the geological conditions favoring As release to the human environment exist across the country as well, although not at the same level, based on comparatively fewer studies in central and southern Chile. The present work provides a critical evaluation of As sources, pathways, and controls with reports and case studies from across the country based on an exhaustive bibliographic review of its reported geogenic sources and processes that affect its occurrence, systematization, and critical revision of this information. Arc magmatism and associated geothermal activities, identified as the primary As sources, are present across the Chilean Andes, except for the Pampean Flat Slab and Patagonian Volcanic Gap. Metal sulfide ore zones, extending from the country’s far north to the south-central part, are the second most important geogenic As source. While natural leaching of As-rich mineral deposits contaminates the water in contact, associated mining, and metallurgical activities result in additional As release into the human environment through mining waste and tailings. Moreover, crustal thickness has been suggested as a principal controlling factor for As release, whose southward decrease has been correlated with lower As values.

show abstract

Section: Controlling Factors For As Pathwaysmentioning

confidence: 99%