Arsenic Contamination and its Management
2010
Singh, Chandra Mohan | Singh, A.P. | Raha, P. | Kumar, Dileep
Arsenic is a toxic metalloid found in rock, soil, water, sediment and air. It enters into the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through a combination of natural processes such as weathering reactions, biological activity and volcanic emissions, as well as of Anthropogenic activity. Excessive use of As- based pesticides and indiscriminate disposal of domestic and industrial wastes, as well as mining activities, have resulted in widespread Arsenic contamination of soil and waterways. Arsenic in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems attracts worldwide attention primarily because of its adverse impact on human health. The general population may be exposed to Arsenic from air, food and water of the various sources of Arsenic in the environment, drinking water probably poses the greatest threat to human health. People drinking Arsenic contaminated water over prolonged periods often show typical arsenical lesions, which are a late manifestation of Arsenic toxicity. Arsenic has been unequivocally demonstrated to be both toxic and carcinogenic to humans and animals.
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