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

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
• mobilization
• arsenicosis
• mechanism
• toxicological

Acknowledgements

We are highly thankful to the Director of ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal and Head, Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India for their constant encouragement, motivation, and help in writing this review.