International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology
  • Year: 2015
  • Volume: 8
  • Issue: 1

Arsenic distribution in environment and its bioremediation: A review

1IRDM Faculty Centre, RKMVU, Kolkata-700103, India

2National Institute of Research on Jute and Allied Fibre Technology, Kolkata-700040, India

*Corresponding author: som_pau@yahoo.com

Online published on 18 May, 2015.

Abstract

Arsenic (As) is a naturally occurring toxic metalloid which is introduced into the environment through natural geochemical processes and several anthropogenic actions. Since it is a carcinogen, there is an urgent need to efficiently remove As from contaminated soil and water. This review elaborates the chemistry and environmental distribution of As along with several bioremediation approaches to alleviate As pollution.

Arsenic is a ubiquitous element and ranks 20th in earth's crust and is widely distributed in a variety of minerals, commonly as arsenide of iron, copper, lead, silver and gold or as sulphide minerals

Arsenic is also introduced into the environment through various anthropogenic activities

Microorganisms control the environmental fate of Arsenic through various mechanisms resulting changes in solubility and/or toxicity of different Arsenic species

Keywords

Arsenic, Bioremediation, Carcinogen, Contamination