Remediating Subsurface Arsenic Contamination with Monitored Natural Attenuation

Abstract

For some sites, it may be an attractive and viable option.

Arsenic in Natural Environments

“…In addition to hydrothermal deposits, arsenic may readily interact with sulfide in anoxic sediments, soils, and waters at temperatures <50 • C (Figure 3.3). In these highly reducing environments, arsenic may precipitate as sulfide compounds, form thioarsenic species, adsorb onto Fe(II) sulfides, and/or possibly coprecipitate with Fe(II) sulfides (Chaillou et al, 2003), 3001; (Reisinger, Burris and Hering, 2005), 459A, 461A; (Nicholas et al, 2003); (Jay et al, 2005). In a low-iron and sulfide-rich reducing environment, the absence of Fe(II) sulfide precipitation could cause H 2 S concentrations to dramatically increase.…”

Waste Treatment and Remediation Technologies for Arsenic

“…For their contaminated sites, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has already adopted policies for using natural remediation (US DOE), 1999). Reisinger, Burris and Hering (2005) further discusses the monitoring and US regulatory requirements that must be met before adopting natural remediation at arsenic-contaminated sites.…”

Arsenic in Human History and Modern Societies

“…Through much of the twentieth century, arsenic trioxide (As 2 O 3 ) was used in dips to control parasites on cattle, sheep, and horses (Nriagu, 2002), 16; (Reisinger, Burris and Hering, 2005). Groundwaters around the locations of old dipping facilities are often contaminated with arsenic.…”

“…In particular, groundwater with dissolved arsenic concentrations up to 1.1 mg L −1 occurs around a former cattle dipping facility at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The facility dates back to the 1930s (Reisinger, Burris and Hering, 2005).…”