A recent study from the University of Bristol, published in *Environmental Science & Technology Letters*, reveals a new method to reduce arsenic’s toxicity in drinking water. Led by Dr. Jagannath Biswakarma, the research shows that naturally occurring iron minerals can oxidize harmful arsenite even without oxygen, a breakthrough particularly relevant for regions in the Global South grappling with high arsenic contamination. This discovery could greatly enhance water safety and health outcomes for communities reliant on contaminated groundwater.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Bristol, as published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, has made a significant breakthrough in addressing arsenic contamination in drinking water, particularly impacting communities in the Global South. Led by Dr. Jagannath Biswakarma, a Senior Research Associate at the University’s School of Earth Sciences, this research is particularly personal, as Dr. Biswakarma experienced the challenges of accessing clean water devoid of arsenic during his childhood in India. Arsenic exposure is a critical environmental and health issue affecting millions in regions of southern and central Asia, and South America, where contaminated groundwater is commonly used for drinking and agriculture. The more toxic form of arsenic, known as arsenite, poses severe health risks, including cancer and heart disease. Dr. Biswakarma stated, “There are millions of people living in regions affected by arsenic, like I was growing up. This breakthrough could pave the way for safer drinking water and a healthier future.” Historically, it has been accepted that arsenite could only be transformed into the less harmful arsenate through oxygen exposure. However, recent findings reveal that inexpensive iron can catalyze the oxidation of arsenite even in low-oxygen environments. The study demonstrated that green rust sulfate, an iron source typically found in these low-oxygen conditions, can facilitate this important chemical reaction, additionally supported by organic ligands such as citrate released from plant roots. Dr. Biswakarma emphasized the scope of the problem, stating, “I’ve seen the daily battle for safe drinking water in my hometown Assam. This research not only advances our scientific understanding but also sheds light on a crisis affecting countless individuals globally.” Regions severely impacted, like the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta and the Mekong Delta, experience high levels of arsenic contamination in their groundwater. The findings from this research present a potential pathway to developing new strategies for arsenic mitigation, enhancing water treatment processes and soil remediation methods using natural iron minerals to convert toxic arsenic into safer forms before it contaminates drinking water supplies. Co-author Molly Matthews noted the potential for these findings to help address arsenic pollution, saying, “The research opens the door to developing new strategies to mitigate arsenic pollution.” To solidify these findings, the research team employed X-ray absorption spectroscopy technology at the XMaS synchrotron facility in France, illustrating the pivotal role of advanced techniques in validating their hypothesis and revealing the atomic-level changes in arsenic oxidation state. Dr. James Byrne, another co-author, recognized the importance of this research, affirming, “Determining arsenic formation at the atomic level was crucial for confirming changes to the arsenic oxidation state.” In conclusion, this groundbreaking study signifies a promising advancement in combating arsenic pollution, aiming to facilitate access to clean drinking water for communities that have struggled with this issue for generations. The research team plans to further explore the practical applications of their discoveries across various soil and groundwater systems. Dr. Biswakarma remarked, “I genuinely believe, with more work, we can find effective solutions, and we’re already making great inroads to overcoming this big global issue.” Future improvements in this domain hinge upon additional investigative efforts to translate these laboratory findings into practical solutions that may alleviate the widespread difficulties faced in water safety and food production due to arsenic contamination.
Arsenic contamination in drinking water is a pressing public health concern, particularly impacting regions reliant on groundwater sources in southern and central Asia, and South America. Exposure to arsenic has been linked to severe health conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The contamination primarily arises from natural geological processes, and lack of effective treatment methods exacerbates the challenges faced by affected populations. Recent scientific research has been ongoing to discover innovative methods to mitigate arsenic-related health risks, especially in low-oxygen environments where arsenic is prevalent. This study provides new insights into the oxidation of arsenic using iron minerals, representing a potential breakthrough in the quest for safer drinking water globally.
The study led by Dr. Jagannath Biswakarma at the University of Bristol has unveiled a significant advancement in mitigating arsenic pollution in groundwater. By demonstrating that iron-based minerals can catalyze the oxidation of toxic arsenite in low-oxygen conditions, the research offers fresh prospects for improving drinking water safety, especially in regions most affected by arsenic contamination. The potential implications of these findings are vast as they may lead to innovative solutions for reducing public health risks associated with arsenic in drinking water and agricultural practices. Continued research is essential to harness these laboratory insights into real-world applications, ultimately aiming to ensure safer water access for communities suffering from arsenic pollution.
Original Source: phys.org
