Related Experiment Videos
Arsenic in the geosphere--a review.
1Interdisciplinary Environmental Research Centre, Freiberg University of Mining and Technology, Germany. matschullat@ioez.tu-freiberg.de
The Science of the Total Environment
|May 17, 2000
Summary
This study quantifies the global arsenic cycle, detailing its environmental reservoirs and fluxes. Findings challenge existing ideas on arsenic
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Arsenic (As) is a naturally occurring element with significant environmental and health implications.
- Understanding the global arsenic cycle is crucial for assessing environmental contamination and risks.
- Previous assessments of the arsenic cycle have limitations, necessitating updated quantification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the global element cycle for arsenic.
- To identify and present reservoirs and fluxes of arsenic across Earth's spheres.
- To address knowledge gaps and critically evaluate current understanding of arsenic's environmental fate.
Main Methods:
- Extensive literature research, prioritizing recent scientific publications.
- Compilation and synthesis of data on arsenic reservoirs and fluxes.
- Development and application of simple model calculations to assess arsenic dynamics.
Main Results:
- Quantification of global arsenic reservoirs within the lithosphere, atmosphere, pedosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and anthrosposphere.
- Presentation of key fluxes of arsenic within and between these environmental compartments.
- Identification of critical knowledge gaps in the global arsenic cycle.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a comprehensive overview of the global arsenic cycle based on current literature.
- Model calculations suggest that current assumptions regarding arsenic sources, pathways, and environmental fate may require revision.
- Further research is needed to fill identified knowledge gaps and refine our understanding of arsenic's environmental behavior.