Bioremediation plants cleaning contaminated water

Arsenic: Unveiling the Hidden Dangers in Our Water and Soil

Soraya Malik in Climate & Environment December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into arsenic contamination, its impact on health and the environment, and the latest remediation strategies."

Arsenic (As), a naturally occurring element, is found everywhere. While small amounts are harmless, increased levels can pose serious health and environmental threats. Natural sources such as volcanic eruptions and the weathering of rocks, as well as human activities like mining and industrial processes, can contribute to arsenic contamination in water, soil, and air. This review will explore the prevalence, dangers, and potential remediation strategies of arsenic.

Exposure to arsenic happens through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Arsenic contamination is a major global public health issue, especially through drinking water. Long-term exposure can lead to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and various cancers. Arsenic exists in different forms, each with varying toxicity levels. Inorganic forms are generally more toxic than organic forms, making it vital to understand the chemistry and behavior of arsenic in different environments.

Understanding the chemistry of arsenic is crucial to assessing its toxic effects on human health and the environment. Oxidation states affect arsenic's mobility and toxicity. Trivalent arsenic is found in flooded soils, while pentavalent arsenic appears in drained soils. This knowledge is vital for mitigating the impact of arsenic contamination on groundwater.

Where Does Arsenic Come From?

Bioremediation plants cleaning contaminated water

Arsenic can be released into the environment through both natural and human activities. Understanding these sources is the first step in managing and reducing contamination.

Arsenic is often associated with sulfur, iron, and oxygen, creating various mineral species. While arsenic-containing minerals may be rare, they become significant pollutants when disturbed by human activities, particularly mining. A common mineral, arsenopyrite (FeAsS), leads to acid mine drainage when exposed to the atmosphere, contaminating surface water and threatening aquatic life and water supplies.

Natural Sources: Volcanic eruptions are a major source, releasing arsenic into the atmosphere. The weathering of rocks and soil erosion also contribute to arsenic levels in the environment.
Human Activities: Mining and industrial processes release significant amounts of arsenic. The use of pesticides and herbicides and arsenic-treated wood can contaminate soil and water. Poultry farming can also elevate arsenic levels due to arsenic-containing feed additives.
Groundwater Contamination: Inorganic arsenic can leach into groundwater from geological materials. This is a major concern for drinking water in many regions worldwide.

Han et al. (2003) found that soils exposed to continuous application of poultry waste had significantly higher arsenic concentrations compared to non-amended soils. In amended soil the majority of the arsenic was in a less bioavailable residual fraction, however poultry waste arsenic was water soluble, highlighting the contamination risk.

The Path Forward: Remediation and Prevention

Addressing arsenic contamination requires a multifaceted approach, including developing substitute materials for arsenic applications, controlling emissions from industries like coal, and creating cost-effective remediation technologies. Bioremediation is emerging as a promising solution, utilizing bacteria, fungi, and plants to transform arsenic into less toxic forms. By understanding the sources and behavior of arsenic, we can effectively mitigate its risks and protect our health and environment.

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Everything You Need To Know

What are the primary sources of arsenic contamination in the environment?

Arsenic contamination originates from both natural and human activities. Natural sources include volcanic eruptions and the weathering of rocks. Human activities, such as mining, industrial processes, and the use of pesticides and herbicides, significantly contribute to arsenic release. Poultry farming, through the use of arsenic-containing feed additives, also elevates arsenic levels in the environment. These sources release Arsenic (As) into the environment, impacting water, soil, and air quality.

How does arsenic exposure affect human health?

Exposure to Arsenic (As) can occur through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Long-term exposure, particularly to inorganic forms, can lead to severe health problems. These include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and various types of cancers. The toxicity depends on the form of arsenic, with inorganic arsenic being generally more toxic than organic forms. Understanding these different forms of arsenic is crucial for assessing and mitigating its health risks.

What role does arsenic chemistry play in its environmental impact?

The chemistry of arsenic is crucial in determining its behavior, mobility, and toxicity in different environments. Arsenic exists in various oxidation states, which affect its form and how it interacts with the environment. For example, trivalent arsenic is often found in flooded soils, while pentavalent arsenic is more common in drained soils. This knowledge is vital for assessing the risk of arsenic contamination, especially in groundwater, and for developing effective remediation strategies. Understanding arsenic's chemistry allows for targeted approaches to reduce its environmental and health impacts.

How does mining contribute to arsenic contamination, and what are the specific risks?

Mining operations significantly contribute to arsenic contamination by disturbing arsenic-containing minerals. Arsenopyrite (FeAsS), a common mineral, is a prime example. When exposed to the atmosphere, arsenopyrite leads to acid mine drainage, which contaminates surface water. This poses a threat to aquatic life and water supplies. Mining activities release Arsenic (As) into the environment, increasing the risk of exposure through contaminated water sources.

What are the potential remediation strategies for arsenic contamination, and what role does bioremediation play?

Addressing arsenic contamination requires a multifaceted approach. This includes developing substitute materials to reduce arsenic use, controlling emissions from industries like coal, and implementing cost-effective remediation technologies. Bioremediation is a promising solution. It uses bacteria, fungi, and plants to transform Arsenic (As) into less toxic forms. By understanding the sources and behavior of arsenic, and employing these strategies, we can mitigate its risks and protect human health and the environment.