Commodifying a carcinogen: Critical raw materials from arsenic-laden groundwater

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Arsenic in groundwater is a global health hazard, and its removal creates toxic by-products.
• Metallic arsenic [As(0)] is now classified as a critical raw material (CRM) due to its use in technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for transforming arsenic-rich by-products from groundwater treatment into valuable materials.
• To explore the economic and supply chain implications of upcycling arsenic.

Main Methods:

• A two-stage process involving alkali extraction and selective reduction was employed.
• The method transforms extracted arsenic into pure amorphous As(0) nanoparticles.

Main Results:

• Successfully converted concentrated arsenic by-products into pure amorphous As(0) nanoparticles.
• Demonstrated a viable pathway for upcycling hazardous waste into valuable CRMs.

Conclusions:

• This technology offers a disruptive solution for the water sector by valorizing hazardous waste.
• Upcycled arsenic can improve the economics of water treatment in affected regions and alter global As(0) supply chains.