Geogenic Groundwater Pollution
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Arsenic-tainted groundwater resources are a major health threat to 50–100 millions of people mainly in Asia. Arsenic originates from sediments in aquifers from where it is released to the groundwater via geochemical mechanisms. Other elements that can be found as geogenic contaminants in groundwater include manganese, fluoride, selenium, chromium and uranium. These elements have in common that they are toxic to humans at specific concentrations. However, arsenic is the most toxic one. Te consumption of groundwater containing this deadly element in high amounts has resulted in serious human health hazards around the globe but especially in Southeast Asia. The World Health Organization recommends a guideline value of 10 µg/liter for arsenic in drinking water. Chronic arsenic poisoning leads to an accumulation of the element in the skin, hair, and nails, resulting in symptoms such as strong pigmentation of the skin, mainly at hands and feet, high blood pressure, and neurological dysfunctions. Beside these effects, long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water has been found related to increased risks of cancer in the skin, lungs, bladder and kidney.
Further information on arsenic
pollution of groundwater can be found through the following links.
