BIO-ACCUMULATION OF ARSENIC AND ITS SPECIATION IN SOIL-WATER

Abstract

Occurrence of arsenic in groundwater has complex environmental and ecological consequences. Standards for arsenic have been laid down. Water containing arsenic, drawn from aquifer is also used for irrigation. Fate of arsenic in edible parts of plants is of great concern. There is a need to attend to the cycling of arsenic in an ecosystem. In view of this a study has been undertaken to grow plants ( raddish and green chilli) in the presence of different conditions of As(III) & As(V). plant were grown in soil containing arsenic. In another set plants were grown in the presence of water containing arsenic. A comparison of transfer of arsenic to the plants from water and soil has been made. The effect of hydrogen (reducing environment) and air (oxidizing environment) sparging on bio-accumulation of arsenic in roots and leaves has been studied. This study has been taken up to suggest probable remedial to suppress bio-accumulation. To tackle the existing problem of arsenic in groundwater mobilization ( solubilization) and immobilization ( sorption) of arsenic was studied. Arsenic naturally occurs as sulphide ores. The oxidative condition at low pH lead to arsenic solubilization. Clay content in the soil prevents arsenic immobilization.