Abstract
In this study we present the results of arsenic concentration in water samples from public water supply system of city Zrenjanin and three Northern municipalities Elemis, Taras and Melenci taken every month during 2002, 2007 and 2011. Total arsenic content was determined using AAS technique with hydride generation system. Determined levels of arsenic in all investigated samples were more than 10 times higher than the maximum permissible limit recommended by WHO (10 µg/L) and even reached levels higher than 300 µg/L. During 2011 drinking water from 44 pump wells in Zrenjanin was also analyzed showing that more than 50% of pump wells contain more than 10 µg As/L. These findings can be explained by geological characteristics of Northern region of Serbia belonging to Pannonian Basin which has aquifers that contain high concentration of naturally occurring arsenic. Results suggest that arsenic levels in this Serbian region are even higher than in other countries in the Pannonian Basin. Having in mind profound deleterious effects of arsenic on human health, different social, economical and technological measures are required in order to reduce arsenic concentration to acceptable limits.
Highlights
Arsenic (As) is a toxic element that is ubiquitously present in the environment
In this study we present the results of arsenic concentration in water samples from public water supply system of city Zrenjanin and three Northern municipalities Elemiš, Taraš and Melenci taken every month during 2002, 2007 and 2011
Arsenic monitoring showed that arsenic levels varied to a lesser extent depending on season and that increased values were held throughout whole year
Summary
Arsenic (As) is a toxic element that is ubiquitously present in the environment. It can enter environment as a result of natural processes such as weathering and volcanic eruptions as well as anthropogenic activities such as mining, the use of pesticides, burning of coals with high concentration of arsenic etc. Inorganic form is present mainly in nonionic trivalent (As(III)) and ionic pentavalent (As(V)) forms in different proportions depending on the environment conditions (Sharma and Sohn, 2009). This toxic metalloid has been classified as a human carcinogen affecting skin and lungs (IARC, 2004). Arsenic poisoning has been recognized as a serious health hazard of global concern affecting more than 100 million people worldwide Groundwater that is used for water supplying of Zrenjanin has very complex physical and chemical composition
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