Arsenic in the groundwater: Occurrence, toxicological activities, and remedies

J Environ Sci Health C Environ Carcinog Ecotoxicol Rev. 2017 Apr 3;35(2):84-103. doi: 10.1080/10590501.2017.1298359. Epub 2017 Feb 22.

Abstract

Arsenic (As) contamination in groundwater has become a geo-environmental as well as a toxicological problem across the globe affecting more than 100-million people in nearly 21 countries with its associated disease "arsenicosis." Arsenic poisoning may lead to fatal skin and internal cancers. In present review, an attempt has been made to generate awareness among the readers about various sources of occurrence of arsenic, its geochemistry and speciation, mobilization, metabolism, genotoxicity, and toxicological exposure on humans. The article also emphasizes the possible remedies for combating the problem. The knowledge of these facts may help to work on some workable remedial measure.

Keywords: Arsenic; arsenicosis; mechanism; mobilization; toxicological.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arsenic / analysis*
  • Arsenic / toxicity
  • Environmental Monitoring*
  • Environmental Restoration and Remediation*
  • Groundwater / chemistry*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / toxicity

Substances

  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Arsenic