Arsenic mobilization and bioavailability in soils.

Abstract

The paper identifies the natural and anthropogenic sources of arsenic in the environment. Anthropogenic sources include mining and smelting activities, pesticide use, coal, coal combustion by products and sewage sludge. It goes on to discuss arsenic concentrations in natural soils, speciation of arsenic in the soil environment, and arsenic in pyritic mine spoils and inland acid sulfate soils, arsenic concentrations in arsenic-contaminated soils, and arsenic in coal and coal combustion residues applied to land. Further sections cover arsenic in sediments, groundwater contamination with arsenic, and arsenic in higher plants. 178 refs., 3 figs., 3 tabs.