Overview of remediation technologies for arsenic-contaminated soil and water sources

In recent years, heavy metals have been considered as a serious risk for survival of living organisms. Arsenic is a toxic element found in nature as sulfide minerals such as arsenopyrite. Absorption of small amounts of this element in the body can cause severe damage. It can be spread in the environment due to natural and industrial procedures and pollute soil and water resources. The purpose of this paper was to review the various aspects of environmental pollution by this element. Arsenic chemistry and its distribution in the environment was evaluated according to various arsenic species. We then assessed toxicity of this element for human health and the damages caused by it. The existing technologies for remediation of soil and water sources contaminated with arsenic have been listed and compared.

Keywords:

Arsenic , Environment , Toxicity , Remediation