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a. Review the effects of arsenic as a soil pollutant on human health. You need to
consider the major sources of arsenic (both natural & man-made), pathways for
uptake by people and the impacts on human health.
Soil pollution due to Arsenic (As) has been grabbed much attention in recent years due to its
intimidation to human health and unfavorable effects on the growth of animals and plants (Duker
et al , 2005; Williams et al., 2005). Volcanisms released Arsenic in the air which is brought to
the earth surface by the rain water and contaminate the soil. Arsenic is also produced by the
weathering of arsenic-containing minerals and ores, and by Sources commercial or industrial
processes.
Arsenic (As) is a lethal metalloid found in rocks, sediments, water, soil and air. It enters into the
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through a combination of natural processes such as volcanism,
process of weathering and biological activity, as well as a result of anthropogenic (Human made)
activities. Excessive utilization of As-based pesticides, fertilizers or herbicides, wood
preservatives, arsenic additives in domestic animals feeds, pharmaceutical works, electronics
industries, ammunition and galvanizing factories, and coal or petroleum incineration (Simith et
al., 1998:Matschullat, 2000), and indiscriminate disposal of industrial wastes and domestic
(sewage) , as well as mining activities, have resulted in extensive contamination of Arsenic in
soil / terrestrial ecosystems attracts worldwide attention principally because of its undesirable
impact on human health(Lee et al., 2008; Duker et al., 2005; Liao et al., 2005; Liu et al., 2005;
Ongley et al., 2007).
High concentrations of Arsenic are commonly originate from the mineral deposits, particularly
those with sulphide minerals (Calas and Morin,2006). The weathering processes of profuse slag
or tailings might lead to regional and local pollution of Arsenic in soils (Garcia-Sanchez and
Alvarez-Ayuso, 2003).In the 19th Century, arsenic was used in dyes and paints for papers, cloths,
and wallpaper (Meharg 2003).
The common inhabitants may be exposed to Arsenic from food whichs source is terrestrial
animals and plants which nourish on the polluted soil (Adriano, 2001; Sparks, 1995).The U.S.
Geological Survey has mapped arsenic distribution in soils in the United States. For the
Conterminous United States, the mathematical mean arsenic level in soil is 5.2 parts per million
(ppm). Soil levels in the Eastern United States (east of the 96th meridian) have a mathematical
mean of 4.8 ppm arsenic (range <0.1 to 73 ppm). The Western United States (west of the 96th
meridian) levels have a mathematical mean of 5.5 ppm arsenic (range <0.10 to 97 ppm).
(Shacklette and Boerngen 1984).

Fig: Chief routes and sources of arsenic in soil and aquatic ecosystems.
Pathways for uptake by people:
The primary ways of arsenic entry into the human body are via inhalation and ingestion. Dermal
contact can also occur, but it is not considered as a primary way of exposure.
Elevated amount of arsenic in soil (due to either human induced or natural contamination) may
be an ingestion threat, especially for children that having pica and mouthing habits during play
(Rossman 2007). However, In soil the bioavailability of arsenic is variable, and dependent on the
chemical form of arsenic. Arsenic uptake in plants does not appear to reach levels treacherous to
human health (Rossman 2007).
People ingest arsenic in soil, or food, and arsenic may rapidly penetrate into your body. The
amount of arsenic that enters the human body will depend on how much arsenic is swallowed
and the kind of arsenic.

Crops and vegetables will be contaminated when they grow in soils enriched with arsenic and
might be a probable danger to human health. Recent studies showed that arsenic can easily
accumulate in rice which grow in the arsenic contaminated soil and may be these rice are the
primary way of human exposure to the inorganic arsenic (Meharg et al., 2009; Stone, 2008; Sun
et al., 2009; Zhu et al.,2008a,b). Experiments shows that the arsenic concentration in rice grows
in contaminated soil reached up to 7.5 mg per kg which is pretty high (Liao et al., 2005).Usually
arsenic do not accumulate in normal vegetables or crops grows in uncontaminated environments.
But, in contaminated soils, intake of arsenic in plants increased dramatically, and that arsenic
accumulate in plants tissues and might be a threat for the human beings (Khan et al., 2008;
Larsen et al., 1992).
The impacts on human health:
Scientists are trying to discover the treatment for the persons who already have been debilitated
by arsenic and also using numerous testing to protect the community from the unfavorable
impacts of arsenic.
Ancient records shows that inorganic arsenic has been used as human poison and large oral
ingestion such as above 60,000 ppb in water (about 10,000 times greater than normal drinking
water arsenic levels in U.S) can cause sudden death. Ingestion of lower level inorganic arsenic
may cause irritation in stomach and intestines, diarrhea, nausea stomachache and vomiting.
Additional effects cause by swallowing of arsenic, includes deceased in production of white and
red blood cells, which might cause irregular heartbeat, blood-vessel damage and pins and
needles sensation in feet and hands.
Skin pattern alteration is the most common and typical consequence of long time ingestion of
inorganic arsenic. That alteration includes darkened skin patches and appearance of small warts
on the soles, palms and torso, these alterations frequently related with the changes in the skins
blood vessels. That might cause skin cancer and risk of lungs, bladder and liver cancer also has
been reported. Inorganic arsenic is reported as human carcinogen (the chemical that causes
cancer) by the DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services), IARC (International Agency
for Research on Cancer) and EPA (Environmental Protection Act).
Lungs and throat irritation can be cause by inhalation of dust particles enriched in inorganic
arsenic. It also causes skin effects that are stated in last paragraph. Its uncertain that how much
expose to arsenic may produce such damaging effects, probable it must be above 100 mg of
arsenic per cubic meter for short exposure. Long-term exposure of low concentrations can cause
damaging impact such as circulatory, peripheral nervous disorders and skin infections.
Medical data suggests that the normal fetal development may obstruct by inorganic arsenic
which enters the body by inhalation of dust particles from the commentated surroundings.
Inhalation in such a environment also increase the risk of lung cancer as it has been reported in

inhabitants living close to mines and arsenical chemical factories and in workers that are directly
exposed to arsenic in mines and factories.
Skin irritation with some swelling and redness may be take place due to direct exposure of skin
with the soil contaminated with inorganic arsenic. But it may not lead to any severe internal
infectivity.
Impacts of organic arsenic compounds on human are not yet reported and nearly no information
is available about its infection on human beings. Studies on animals suggest that the simple
organic arsenic compounds are less lethal than the inorganic arsenic. Intake of organic arsenic
may cause diarrhea and lifetime exposure may damage kidneys, urinary bladder and kidneys.