A Review on Detection Techniques, Health Hazards and Human Health Risk Assessment of Arsenic Pollution in Soil and Groundwater

Abstract

One of the most significant elements in the environment is arsenic (As). It is a hazardous metalloid that causes contamination of soil and water supplies as a result of numerous anthropogenic and natural sources. This pollution has detrimental impacts on human health and the ecosystem, making it crucial to monitor and control. The release of As from minerals into the soil and groundwater depends on the kind of mineral, pH, and redox conditions. As is typically found in two forms, trivalent arsenic (As3+, arsenite) and pentavalent arsenic (As5+, arsenate), both of which are inorganic and extremely deadly. When it comes to toxicity, arsenite is more dangerous than arsenate. Many people have been affected by As poisoning, due to exposure to As through water and food. Nowadays, accurate, fast measurement of As in the field remains a technical challenge; however, the X-ray fluorescence method is considered the most reliable, cost effective and capable of measuring a wide spectrum of metals. Health risk assessment is a crucial parameter to estimate the health hazards of the As molecule. The risk assessment approach proposed by the USEPA is common and widely used, amongst others. On the numerous health risk assessment models/frameworks used to foresee the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health impacts brought on by As-contaminated water, little information is currently accessible. This discussion also emphasizes the need for more study on the risks to human health posed by specific As species (both organic and inorganic) found in As-contaminated water.

Atomic spectrometry update – a review of advances in environmental analysis

“…Arsenic proved a popular topic for element-specific reviews with no fewer than three being published during the period covered by this ASU. With reference to soils and waters, both Patel et al 99 (238 references) and Valskys et al 100 (177 references) discussed As contamination, quantification, sources, mobility and health hazards. Mihucz 101 (222 references) focused on As speciation and analysis in soil, water, foods and Ayurvedic medicines.…”

A review of important heavy metals toxicity with special emphasis on nephrotoxicity and its management in cattle

“…Arsenic is a harmful element that is found everywhere and has become more concentrated in water and soil as shown in Figure 3 ( 136 , 137 ). It can be found in inorganic, organic, pentavalent, and trivalent forms, and it can combine with a wide range of elements, including Pb, O, H, Cu, and S ( 31 , 138 ). Similar to human exposure, cattle in As-affected areas are also exposed to hazardous quantities of the metal ( 6 , 107 ).…”

“…Inorganic trivalent arsenic (AS 3+ ) and pentavalent arsenic (As 5+ ) exhibit significantly different acute toxicity and biological processes. The renal tubules actively transport arsenate (As 5+ ), and a minor portion of this form is converted to AS 3+ , the molecule that is more acutely poisonous ( 138 , 167 ). It was concluded that the formation of renal toxicity by As exposure causes major kidney problems in cattle influenced by oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation ( 167 – 169 ).…”

Heavy metal toxicity in poultry: a comprehensive review

“…As is a chemical found in the environment that has a significant impact on the health of animals, including poultry ( 76 ). As can be found in trivalent, pentavalent, organic, and inorganic forms and can combine with variety of elements, such as S, H, O, Pb, and Cu ( 31 , 77 ). Similar to animal exposure more generally, poultry in As-affected areas are exposed to dangerous level of the toxic metal ( 78 ).…”