Influence of organic matter on the mobilization of Arsenic in the soil

Sahoo, Alok Kumar (2023) Influence of organic matter on the mobilization of Arsenic in the soil. Masters thesis, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata.

Text (MS dissertation of Alok Kumar Sahoo (18MS041)) Thesis_18MS041.pdf - Submitted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (3MB)

Abstract

Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid that poses significant risks to human and environmental health. Arsenic is toxic in high doses and has been linked to cancer, skin blemishes, heart disease, and respiratory problems. Arsenic in soil has been recognized as a major environmental problem because of the dangers it poses to human and animal health. An essential part of the soil, soil organic matter is essential to the mobility of Arsenic through processes such as complexation, sorption, and reduction. To better understand the effects of soil pollution with Arsenic on agriculture and the environment, research into the mobilization of Arsenic in the presence of organic matter in soil is essential. The studied samples of soil have minerals including aluminum silicates, iron oxides, and oxyhydroxides, and the soil samples gathered for this study come within the silt loam category. This study suggests that the soil contains Arsenic in low toxic form as to the study of the Eh/pH diagram of Arsenic speciation graph, Arsenic in the examined soil has an oxidation state of 5., and the species of the Arsenic present is most likely HAsO₄²⁻. The average amount of Arsenic in each area, however, varied from 4.55 to 9.76 parts per million (ppm), above the permitted level. Using column experiments, it was found that organic matter mobilized more Arsenic than DI water, proving the importance of the organic matter in soil Arsenic mobility. This shows how crucial it is to take organic matter into account when formulating plans to manage soil Arsenic pollution and safeguard both human health and the ecosystem. The results of this study provide important information on the intricate relationships that exist between soil Arsenic and organic matter and emphasize the necessity for efficient management techniques to reduce soil Arsenic contamination.

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