Use of Arsenic-Rich Groundwater in Irrigation-Adverse Effects on Food Chain

While Arsenate [As (V)] is the predominant species under aerobic conditions (Xu et al., Environ Sci Technol 42:5574–5579, 2008; Li et al., Environ Sci Technol 43:3778–3783, 2009b); in soil solutions, it may be as high as 5–20% (Khan et al., Environ Sci Technol 44:8515–8521, 2010), under typical flood conditions. ArsenicArsenic contamination of groundwater isBengal basin a geogenicGeogenic process. OxidationOxidation of arsenopyrites or reduction of ferric oxyhydroxide or both forms an important pathway for As release in the groundwater. Iron and arsenic-bearing minerals formed in situ or brought along by rivers, combined with sulphur and form arsenopyrite (FeAsS).