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The arsenic (As) cycle is the biogeochemical cycle of natural and anthropogenic exchanges of arsenic terms through the atmosphere, lithosphere, pedosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Although arsenic is naturally abundant in the Earth's crust, long-term exposure and high concentrations of arsenic can be detrimental to human health. [1] [2]
Research has not been conducted to determine whether small amounts of arsenic may play a role in human metabolism. [17] [18] However, arsenic poisoning occurs in multicellular life if quantities are larger than needed. Arsenic contamination of groundwater is a problem that affects millions of people across the world.
Arsenic is a ubiquitous naturally occurring chemical element, and the 20th most common element on Earth. [13] Arsenic levels in the groundwater vary from around 0.5 parts per billion to 5000 parts per billion, depending on an area's geologic features, and possible presence on industrial waste.
Arsenate is the major arsenic form in oxidizing environments; however, in one study, bacteria from arsenic-contaminated soil at a smelter site was able to reduce As(+5) to As(+3) under anaerobic conditions at arsenic concentration as high as 75 mg/L. [3] Arsenate-respiring bacteria and Archaea have also recently been isolated from a diversity of natural environments, including freshwater ...
Arsenic is a moderately abundant element in Earth's crust, and although many arsenic compounds are often considered highly toxic to most life, a wide variety of organoarsenic compounds are produced biologically and various organic and inorganic arsenic compounds are metabolized by numerous organisms.
Arsenic forms colorless, odorless, crystalline oxides As 2 O 3 ("white arsenic") and As 2 O 5 which are hygroscopic and readily soluble in water to form acidic solutions. Arsenic(V) acid is a weak acid and the salts are called arsenates , [ 5 ] the most common arsenic contamination of groundwater , and a problem that affects many people.
Gold mining can contaminate groundwater with arsenic, because the element typically occurs in gold-containing ores. Gold processing releases arsenic from mine tailings, and contaminated groundwater may be unsafe to drink for decades. [6] Arsenic that is naturally occurring can contaminate the soil, just as it does the groundwater.
Plants that cause illness or death after consuming them are referred to as poisonous plants. The toxins in poisonous plants affect herbivores, and deter them from consuming the plants. Plants cannot move to escape their predators, so they must have other means of protecting themselves from herbivorous animals.