Arsenic and Environment: A Systematic Review on Arsenic Sources, Uptake Mechanism in Plants, Health Hazards and Remediation Strategies

Arsenic, a metalloid that exists by nature, reaches the earth either by natural or anthropogenic events and is considered an emerging pollutant. The existence of arsenic in soil systems is a fate to the environment since it is mobile and being transported to other systems because of its bioavailability and speciation process. Arsenic transformation in the soil and its thorough understanding of how it enters plant systems are crucial. Notably, transporters are responsible for most of the arsenic that enters the plant system. Consumption of crops or animals and drinking water polluted with arsenic are the prime factors in transmitting arsenic to people. Severe adverse effects on humans arise as an outcome of long-term contact with arsenic-rich foodstuff and water. An effort has been made to outline the several sources and their dynamics in the surroundings and health impact on humans in this review. In addition, various strategies have been practiced to remove arsenic in the soil and water systems is also addressed.