Arsenic cycle
Article
The arsenic cycle is the movement and transformation of arsenic through rocks, sediments, soils, water, the atmosphere, and living organisms. Arsenic occurs naturally in many minerals and can be released by weathering, volcanic activity, and geothermal processes.
Its behaviour depends strongly on oxidation state and chemical form. Arsenite and arsenate differ in mobility, toxicity, and how strongly they bind to iron oxides, clays, and organic matter.
Microorganisms play a major role by reducing, oxidising, methylating, or demethylating arsenic compounds. Changes in oxygen conditions can release arsenic from sediments into groundwater.
Mining, metal smelting, pesticides, coal combustion, and groundwater pumping can intensify arsenic movement. Contamination of drinking water is a major health concern in several regions where natural geochemical conditions mobilise arsenic.
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- Source / publisher: Wikipedia
- URL type: WWW
- Credits: Wikipedia
- URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenic_cycle