Related Experiment Videos
[Drinking water supply with reference to geogenic arsenic contamination]
S Kevekordes1, R Suchenwirth, T Gebel
1Abteilung Allgemeine Hygiene und Umweltmedizin, Zentrum Umwelt- und Arbeitsmedizin, Universität Göttingen.
Gesundheitswesen (Bundesverband Der Arzte Des Offentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes (Germany))
|December 9, 1998
Summary
Geogenic arsenic in groundwater in southern Lower Saxony, Germany, poses a significant risk. New regulations reduced the arsenic limit, revealing widespread contamination in wells and sources, necessitating water treatment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrogeology
- Public Health
Context:
- Surface spring water in southern Lower Saxony, Germany, is increasingly unreliable due to contamination and variable reserves.
- Groundwater has become a primary source for drinking water in the region.
- Geogenic arsenic in the 'Buntsandstein' geological formation leads to high arsenic concentrations in groundwater.
Purpose:
- To investigate the prevalence of geogenic arsenic in groundwater in southern Lower Saxony.
- To assess the impact of revised German Drinking Water Ordinance standards on arsenic levels.
- To highlight the challenges faced by water supply works in meeting new arsenic regulations.
Summary:
- The study examined arsenic levels in 150 water sources in southern Lower Saxony, Germany.
- Initial testing under the 1986 ordinance (40 µg/l limit) found 2% exceeded the limit.
- Following a reduction to 10 µg/l in 1996 due to cancer risk, 40% of sources exceeded the new limit, necessitating arsenic removal or dilution.
Impact:
- The findings underscore the widespread issue of geogenic arsenic contamination in regional groundwater resources.
- The reduced arsenic limit significantly increased the number of non-compliant water sources.
- Water suppliers face the challenge of implementing technical solutions for arsenic remediation or water blending.