Blacksmith Institute: Arsenic in Groundwater - Arsenic Pollution
Description
Arsenic is a semi-metallic element – although it is generally referred to as a heavy metal – that occurs naturally in the earth’s crust and has no discernible taste or odor. In its pure, elemental state, arsenic has a grey color and is relatively solid. When arsenic combines with other elements in the environment, it changes to a powder form that is either white or colorless and is very difficult to distinguish. This, along with its lack of smell and taste, makes arsenic compounds in water, air, or on food extremely hard to detect.
Traces of arsenic can be found in air, soil, water, and food. Though naturally occurring arsenic in the soil is usually only found in very low concentrations, some regions of the world contain arsenic-heavy deposits, which have been estimated to tremendously increase arsenic levels in the ground. These arsenic-rich areas have frequently contaminated groundwater supplies, which are often the only source of drinking water for local communities.
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