Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 22, 2026

A Method to Preserve Wetland Roots and Rhizospheres for Elemental Imaging
Published on: February 15, 2021
Biogenic arsenic volatilisation from an acidic fen
Jen-How Huang1, Liyan Tian2, Gunter Ilgen3
1Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.
Arsenic volatilisation by peatlands is primarily a biogenic process, influenced by microbial activity and arsenic availability. This study highlights the role of microorganisms in arsenic cycling within these environments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Peatlands play a role in the biogeochemical cycling of elements.
- Arsenic (As) volatilisation is a process that can occur in various environments.
- Understanding factors controlling As volatilisation is crucial for environmental risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify arsenic volatilisation by peatlands.
- To identify environmental factors influencing arsenic volatilisation.
- To determine the role of microbial activity in arsenic volatilisation.
Main Methods:
- Anoxic soil incubations of acidic fen soil.
- Manipulation of microbial activity using sodium azide and sodium acetate.
- Arsenic speciation analysis using Gas Chromatography-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry/Electron Ionization Mass Spectrometry (GC-ICP-MS/EI-MS).
Main Results:
- Arsenic volatilisation was primarily biogenic, stimulated by microbial activity.
- Increased arsenic availability significantly enhanced volatilisation.
- Iron and sulfate additions reduced arsenic volatilisation, indicating microbial influence.
- Arsine and trimethylarsine were the predominant gaseous arsenic species, with prevalence dependent on arsenic concentration.
Conclusions:
- Microorganisms strongly influence arsenic volatilisation in peatlands.
- Arsenic volatilisation plays a minor role in the overall arsenic biogeochemical cycle in semi-terrestrial environments.
- Different gaseous arsenic species suggest distinct formation pathways.
More Related Videos
06:52Experimental Column Setup for Studying Anaerobic Biogeochemical Interactions Between Iron OxyHydroxides, Trace Elements, and Bacteria
Published on: December 19, 2017
10:05Integrated Field Lysimetry and Porewater Sampling for Evaluation of Chemical Mobility in Soils and Established Vegetation
Published on: July 4, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Sulfur Assimilation
The Sulfur Cycle
Bioremediation
Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution: Sulfonation of Benzene
Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs
Precipitation and Co-precipitation