We know that there are two main sources of arsenic in groundwater( geogenic and anthropogenic). I want to ask what methods we can use to identify whether the arsenic source in our study area's groundwater is geogenic or anthropogenic.
Anthropogenic sources of arsenic include nonferrous metal mining and smelting, pesticide application, coal combustion, wood combustion, and waste incineration. Most anthropogenic releases of arsenic are to land or soil, primarily in the form of pesticides or solid.
Geogenic sources like leaching and weathering of rocks and anthropogenic activities such as intensive metal mining, smelting, combustion of fossil fuels, use of pesticides, and sewage sludge have burdened the soil with number of heavy metals.
The total concentration of arsenic in drinking water can be detected by simple Gutzeit method, and some similar colorimetric methods of comparing stains produced on treated paper strips.
Muhammad Amjad I mean, while writing a research article which graphical
methods we can use to identify the source?
it is both anthropgenic and geogenic but exposure is more through anthropogenic activities
Rock- water interaction. Minerals in particular arsenic rich contents.
You can carry out Geochemical and Mineralogical studies of Aquifer sediments. It enables you to prospect the presence and/or abundance of Arsenic bearing minerals.
In addition, by you using water chemistry data also you can differentiate geogenic and anthropogenic sources.
For Example,
Arsenic if correlates with Nitrate (Correlation statistical Tool) - it is anthropogenic
Arsenic if correlates with Fe, SO4, Mn, DOC, Pb, Cu etc. are geogenic.
Also look at this publication
https://publications.iarc.fr/_publications/media/download/2669/5cd3a77720d51d0f3fdb93999c49aaff87bb083e.pdf
Please check it.
Article Arsenic contamination of groundwater: A global synopsis with...
It is widely believed that natural arsenic arises from the dissolution of certain rock structures when groundwater levels drop significantly. Arsenic-based surface pollutants enter groundwater systems by gradually moving with runoff from rainwater, snowmelt, drinking water, etc. Drinking water, especially groundwater, is a major source of arsenic contamination of people.
Regards
Redox state may assist.
Runoff from landfill likely to As 5+ predominant, geologic As more likely to be more balanced As 3+/As5+. Obviously local conditions will impact +++
Alternatively signature of other metals in water may point to source.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Correction