Arsenic: A Review of the Element’s Toxicity, Plant Interactions, and Potential Methods of Remediation

Abstract

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element with a long history of toxicity. Sites of contamination are found worldwide as a result of both natural processes and anthropogenic activities. The broad scope of arsenic toxicity to humans and its unique interaction with the environment have led to extensive research into its physicochemical properties and toxic behavior in biological systems. The purpose of this review is to compile the results of recent studies concerning the metalloid and consider the chemical and physical properties of arsenic in the broad context of human toxicity and phytoremediation. Areas of focus include arsenic's mechanisms of human toxicity, interaction with plant systems, potential methods of remediation, and protocols for the determination of metals in experimentation. This assessment of the literature indicates that controlling contamination of water sources and plants through effective remediation and management is essential to successfully addressing the problems of arsenic toxicity and contamination.

Poultry Consumption and Arsenic Exposure in the U.S. Population

“…In chicken feeding experiments, a roxarsone diet resulted in elevated iAs, MMA, DMA, and roxarsone compared with a roxarsone-free diet (Liu et al 2016). These findings are compelling, although it is always possible that other arsenic sources are responsible for elevated arsenic in poultry tissue, such as accidental or naturally occurring contamination of the soil, water, food supply, or packaging process (Hettick et al 2015). Our study has several limitations.…”

“…Nontoxic, organic arsenicals (arsenobetaine, arsenosugars, arsenolipids) in seafood likely arise from the metabolism of naturally occurring arsenic in sea animals and plants (Sabbioni et al 1991). Although phytoremediation by arsenic-accumulating plants can successfully remediate arseniccontaminated crop areas, remediation may require multiple cycles over long periods of time (Hettick et al 2015). In contrast, eliminating the unnecessary and deliberate use of arsenic-based drugs in poultry production is an easily controlled method of reducing dietary arsenic exposure.…”

Metal-Contaminated Soil Remediation: Phytoremediation, Chemical Leaching and Electrochemical Remediation

“…Among several pollutants threatening soil are: metals [5,6], through emissions from the rapidly expanding industrial areas, mine tailings, disposal of high metal wastes like e-wastes, leaded gasoline and paints, land application of fertilizers, animal manures, sewage sludge, pesticides, wastewater irrigation [7,8]; and metalloids [9][10][11] from industrial waste [12] or mine ores [13]. To be noticed, there are also organic contaminants among which persistent organic pollutants (POP) such as chlorinated [14] and polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs) [15], pesticides and herbicides [16] that threaten soil and environment system.…”

Arsenic Methylation in Arabidopsis thaliana Expressing an Algal Arsenite Methyltransferase Gene Increases Arsenic Phytotoxicity

“…Excessive exposure to As can cause a number of health problems, such as skin and bladder cancers, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. 2,3 Drinking water and food are the main sources of human As exposure. 4,5 Rice is noticeable among the staple food items in containing relatively high concentrations of both total and inorganic As.…”