Geogenic arsenic in groundwater: Challenges, gaps, and future directions

• Published in: Current opinion in environmental science & health 2022-06, Vol.27, p.100349, Article 100349
• Main Authors: Alarcón-Herrera, María Teresa, Gutiérrez, Mélida
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Arsenic; Co-occurring elements; Crops; Mitigation; Predictive mapping; Redox
• ISSN: 2468-5844; 2468-5844
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coesh.2022.100349

As remains a global threat to human health, with an estimated 220 million people exposed to non-potable water (As>10 μg L−1) and As-containing staple food. Recent geochemical and toxicological studies and the analysis of large databases have advanced our understanding about the conditions that favor the mobility and release of As from its natural sources and pathways through the food chain. Developments to increase the effectiveness of remediation technologies are discussed herein. Important topics that require further attention include the apportionment of As where several As sources are present (e.g., food, drinking water), the contribution of co-occurring elements to toxicity, and the inclusion of appropriate public policy, socio-economic, and cultural programs that would substantially diminish As exposure to humans. [Display omitted] •Millions of people are exposed to high As doses via drinking water and food.•Predictive mapping of As-affected areas can be achieved by large data analysis.•Most As-rich areas belong to either geologically young mountains or deltaic regions.•Sludge generated in As water treatments deserves thorough consideration.•Successful implementation of As mitigation strategies require public engagement.