Abstract

Arsenic is present naturally in many geological formations around the world and has been found to be a major source of contamination of groundwater in some countries. This form of contamination represents a serious threat to health, economic and social well-being, particularly in under-developed countries and remote communities. The chemistry of arsenic and the factors that influence the form(s) in which it may be present and its fate when introduced into the environment is discussed briefly in this review. A global overview of arsenic contamination of groundwater around the world is then discussed. As a case study, the identified and established causes of groundwater contamination by arsenic in Bangladesh is highlighted and a perspective is provided on the consequential health, agricultural, social and economic impacts. In addition, the relevant removal strategies that have been developed and can generally be used to remediate arsenic contamination are discussed. Also, the possible influence of groundwater inorganic compositions, particularly iron and phosphate, on the effectiveness of arsenic removal is discussed. Furthermore, some specific examples of the filter systems developed successfully for domestic arsenic removal from groundwater to provide required potable water for human consumption are discussed. Lastly, important considerations for further improving the performance and effectiveness of these filter systems for domestic use are outlined.

Highlights

  • We have provided a detailed evaluation of treatment options for arsenic removal from water, with due consideration for affordable small scale technologies that can be implemented in developing countries such as Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan

  • This review has demonstrated that arsenic contamination of groundwater impacts the availability of safe and good quality water for domestic use and agriculture in under-developed countries such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Nepal, as well as some parts of more developed countries such as the USA

  • The case study about Bangladesh provided a sharp focus on the dire consequences and impact of groundwater contamination by arsenic with serious health, agricultural, social and economic impacts

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Summary

Introduction

When present in high concentrations in drinking water, arsenic has been found to adversely affect human health [3] and this topic has been the subject of several recent reviews [4,5,6]. Reported cases of groundwater contamination by arsenic are more diverse than commonly realized and extend from under-developed to developed countries, including Argentina, Bangladesh, Canada, Chile, China, Hungary, India, Japan, Mexico, Nepal, Poland, Taiwan and the USA [15]. Bangladesh and West Bengal in India have the largest population at risk of exposure to arsenic contamination [7]. Due to the greater risk that arsenic contamination of groundwater poses to the Bangladeshi people, it is useful to take a closer look at the widespread nature of the problem in this country

Background
Geology of Bangladesh
Mobilization of Arsenic in Groundwater in Bangladesh
Pyrite Oxidation Hypothesis
Iron Oxyhydroxide Reduction Hypothesis
Effects on Health
Effects on Agriculture
Social Effects
Economic Impact
Arsenic Removal Processes
Biological Process
Precipitative Processes
Membrane Processes
Arsenic Removal by Membrane Distillation
Membrane and Adsorption Process Hybrid
Adsorptive Processes
Application of Nanoparticles for Arsenic Removal from Water
Household Filter for Arsenic Removal for Drinking Water
Findings
Conclusions and Future Considerations
Full Text
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