Arsenic in groundwater of Licking County, Ohio, 2012—Occurrence and relation to hydrogeology

Abstract

These professionals contributed to (1) planning and oversight of the project, and (2) compilation and review of multiagency arsenic-related data for a Web site (http://ArsenicInOhioGroundwater.info). The author would also like to thank Chad Brown and his staff at the Licking County Health Department for: (1) collection of water samples for analysis of arsenic during routine well inspection activities, and (2) efforts related to planning and implementation of the Test Your Well workshops. The author also appreciates assistance with Test Your Well workshops from: members of the advisory committee (listed above); Curtis Coe

Background Concentrations of Arsenic in Ohio Soils: Sources and Influencing Factors

“…6. This is consistent with other research where arsenic was found to be associated with iron (Welch et al 2000;Thomas 2016). Correlations were also observed between arsenic and copper and arsenic and zinc, although these correlations were considerably lower.…”

“…A USGS study performed in Licking County, Ohio, found that elevated arsenic concentrations in groundwater are associated with strongly reducing conditions that promote dissolution of arsenic (Thomas 2016). Although redox levels are not reported in SSURGO, the database does include some data regarding the frequency and duration of ponding.…”

“…A USGS study performed in Licking County, Ohio, (Thomas 2016) hypothesized that lower oxygen levels in aquifers underlying glacial drift create reducing conditions that allow for mobilization of arsenic, and thus higher groundwater concentrations. In the present study, arsenic concentrations in shallow soils were plotted against drift thickness to determine whether a similar correlation may exist with soil, but no visually discernible correlation was observed.…”

The effectiveness of water-treatment systems for arsenic used in 11 homes in Southwestern and Central Ohio, 2013

“…1). These are areas where arsenic in groundwater has been investigated or documented by Dumouchelle (1999), Ohio Department of Health (1999), Shindel and others (2000), Miami Conservancy District (2011), Thomas andothers (2005, 2008), and Thomas (2016). The hydrogeology of the Great Miami River Basin has been summarized by Debrewer and others (2000) and the Miami Conservancy District (2013).…”

Science to support the understanding of Ohio's water resources, 2016-17

“…A recent study of 168 domestic wells in Licking County found that almost 1 in 8 wells had arsenic concentrations that exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Maximum Contaminant Level of 10 parts per billion (Thomas, 2016; U.S Environmental Protection Agency, 2012). Elevated arsenic concentrations were associated with geologic characteristics and geochemical conditions that exist in the western part of the county.…”