Arsenic—Environmental Impact, Health Effects, and Remediation Methods

Abstract

The pollution of drinking water with arsenic from natural sources is a major hazard in many countries. Furthermore, arsenic from anthropogenic sources can present some additional concerns. Because groundwater contaminated with arsenic is used for irrigation purposes, it can lead to accumulation of soil with this toxic element, and eventual exposure to the food chain through plant uptake and animal consumption. The health effects from arsenic intake include dark spots on the chest, back, limbs, and gums; enlargement of the liver, kidneys, and spleen. Patients may develop nephropathy, hepatopathy, gangrene, or cancers of the skin, lung, or bladder. As a result, the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 ppb for drinking water has been approved by many countries. Sensitive methods for detecting arsenic at low levels are provided, and various economical approaches to remediate groundwater contamination are discussed at some length.

Overview of Sustainability of Water Quality Worldwide

“…Without water, life as we know it would not be possible (Ahuja, 2008;2009;2012;2013;Ahuja and Hristovski, 2013). Fortunately, air is purified adequately by nature, with a minimum of help from us.…”