Economic and Environmental Geology (자원환경지질)

The Korean Society of Economic and Environmental Geology (대한자원환경지질학회)
권호 표지

Characteristics of Natural Arsenic Contamination in Groundwater and Its Occurrences

자연적 지하수 비소오염의 국내외 산출특성

  • Ahn Joo Sung (Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Division, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources) ;
  • Ko Kyung-Seok (Geological and Environmental Hazards Division, Korea Institue of Geoscience and Mineral Resources) ;
  • Lee Jin-Soo (Geological and Environmental Hazards Division, Korea Institue of Geoscience and Mineral Resources) ;
  • Kim Ju-Yong (Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Engineering)
  • 안주성 (한국지질자원연구원 지하수지열연구부) ;
  • 고경석 (한국지질자원연구원 지질환경재해연구부) ;
  • 이진수 (한국지질자원연구원 지질환경재해연구부) ;
  • 김주용 (광주과학기술원 환경공학과)
  • Published : 2005.12.01

Abstract

General characteristics of groundwater contamination by As were reviewed with several recent researches, and its occurrence in groundwater of Korea was investigated based on a ffw previous studies and a groundwater quality survey in Nonsan and Geumsan areas. In Bangladesh, which has been known as the most serious arsenic calamity country, about $28\%$ of the shallow groundwaters exceeded the Bangladesh drinking water standard, $50{\mu}g/L$, and it was estimated that about 28 million people were exposed to concentrations greater than the standard. Groundwater was characterized by circum-neutral pH with a moderate to strong reducing conditions. Low concentrations of $SO_4^{2-}$ and $NO_3^-$, and high contents of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and $NH_4^+$ were typical chemical characteristics. Total As concentrations were enriched in the Holocene alluvial aquifers with a dominance of As(III) species. It was generally agreed that reductive dissolution of Fe oxyhydroxides was the main mechanism for the release of As into groundwater coupling with the presence of organic matters and microbial activities as principal factors. A new model has also been suggested to explain how arsenic can naturally contaminate groundwaters far from the ultimate source with transport of As by active tectonic uplift and glaciatiion during Pleistocene, chemical weathering and deposition, and microbial reaction processes. In Korea, it has not been reported to be so serious As contamination, and from the national groundwater quality monitoring survey, only about $1\%$ of grounwaters have concentrations higher than $10{\mu}g/:L.$ However, it was revealed that $19.3\%$ of mineral waters, and $7\%$ of tube-well waters from Nonsan and Geumsan areas contained As concentrations above $10{\mu}g/:L.$. Also, percentages exceeding this value during detailed groundwater quality surveys were $36\%\;and\;22\%$ from Jeonnam and Ulsan areas, respectively, indicating As enrichment possibly by geological factors and local mineralization. Further systematic researches need to proceed in areas potential to As contamination such as mineralized, metasedimentary rock-based, alluvial, and acid sulfate soil areas. Prior to that, it is required to understand various geochemical and microbial processes, and groundwater flow characteristics affecting the behavior of As.

Keywords

Arsenic;Groundwater;Geochemistry;Occurrence

File

Download PDF

References

  1. Akai, J., Izumui, K, Fukuhara, H., Masuda, H., Nakano, S., Yoshimura, T., Ohfuji, H„ Anawar, H.M. and Akai, K. (2004) Mineralogical and geomicrobiological investigations on groundwater arsenic enrichment in Bangladesh. Appl. Geochem., v. 19, p. 215-230 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2003.09.008
  2. Astrom, M. (2001) Effect of widespread severely acidic soils on spatial features and abundance of trace elements in streams. J. Geochem. Explor., v. 73, p. 181-191 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0375-6742(01)00196-0
  3. Brookins, D.G. (1988) Eh-pH Diagrams for geochemistry. Springer-Verlag, Berlin
  4. Dowling, C.B., Poreda, R.J., Basu, A.R. and Peters, S.L. (2002) Geochemical study of arsenic release mechanism in the Bengal basin groundwater. Water Resour. Res., v. 38, No. 9, 1173, doi:10.1029/2001WR000968 https://doi.org/10.1029/2001WR000968
  5. Guo, H.R. (1997) Arsenic in drinking-water and skin cancer: comparison among studies based on cancer registry, death certificates and physical examinations. In Abernathy, C.O., Calderon, R.L. and Chappell, W.R. (eds.) Arsenic: Exposure and health effects. Chapman & Hall, London, p. 243-259
  6. ICA and MRD (2002) The study on groundwater development in southern Cambodia, Final Report. Japan International Cooperation Agency & Ministry of Rural Development, Cambodia
  7. Juillot, F., Ildelfonse, Ph., Morin, G., Calas, G., de Kers-abies, A.M. and Benedetti, M. (1999) Remobilization of arsenic from buried wastes at an industrial site: mineralogical and geochemical control. Appl. Geochem., v. 14, p. 1031-1048 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0883-2927(99)00009-8
  8. Kim, M.J., Nriagu, J. and Haack, S. (2002) Arsenic species and chemistry in groundwater of southeast Michigan. Environ. Poll., v. 120, p. 379-390 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0269-7491(02)00114-8
  9. Matschullat, J. (2000) Arsenic in the geosphere-a review. Sci. Tot. Environ., v. 249, p. 297-312 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0048-9697(99)00524-0
  10. Sadiq, M (1997) Arsenic chemistry in soils: an overview of thermodynamic predictions and field observations. Wat. Air Soil Pollut, v. 93, p. 117-136
  11. Smedley, P.L., Zhang, M., Zhang, G. and Luo, Z. (2003) Mobilisation of arsenic and other trace elements in Fluviolacustrine aquifers of the Huhhot basin, Inner Mongolia. Appl. Geochem., v. 18, p. 1453-1477 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0883-2927(03)00062-3
  12. Smith, A.H., Lopipero, P.A., Bates, M.N. and Steinmaus, C.M. (2002) Arsenic epidemiology and drinking water standards. Science, v. 296. p. 2145-2146 https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1072896
  13. Tseng, W.P., Chu, H.M., How, S.W., Fong, J.M., Lin, C.S. and Yeh, S. (1968) Prevalence of skin cancer in an endemic area of chronic arsenicism in Taiwan. J. Nat. Cancer Inst., v. 40., p. 453-463
  14. USGS (2003) Arsenic in midwestern glacial deposits-Occurrence and relation to selected hydrogelogic and geochemical factors. Water-resources Investigations Report 03-4228
  15. van Geen, A., Protus, T, Cheng, Z., Horneman, A., Sed-dique, A.A., Hoque, M.A. and Ahmed, K.M. (2004) Testing groundwater for arsenic in Bangladesh before installing a well. Environ. Sci. Technol., v. 38, p. 6783-6789 https://doi.org/10.1021/es049323b
  16. Warner, K.L. (2001) Arsenic in glacial drift aquifers and the implication for drinking water-Lower Illinois river basin. Ground Water, v. 39, p. 433-442 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6584.2001.tb02327.x
  17. 윤욱, 조병욱, 성규열 (2004) 울산지역 지하수중 비소의 산출 및 존재형태. 자원환경지질, 37권 p. 657-667
  18. Das, D. et al. (1996) Arsenic in groundwater in six districts of West Bengal, India. Environ. Geochem. Health, v. 18, p. 5-15 https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01757214
  19. Kim, M.J., Nriagu, J. and Haack, S. (2000) Carbonate ion and arsenic dissolution by groundwater. Environ. Sci. Technol., v. 34, p. 3094-3100 https://doi.org/10.1021/es990949p
  20. USGS (2000) A retospective analysis on the occurrence of arsenic in groundwater resources of the United Stares and limitations in drinking water supply characterizations. Water-resources Investigations Report 99-4279
  21. Appelo, C.A.J., Van Der Weiden, M.J.J., Tournassat, C. and Charlet, L. (2002) Surface complexation of ferrous iron and carbonate on ferrihydrite and the mobilization of arsenic. Environ. Sci Technol., v. 36, p. 3096-3103 https://doi.org/10.1021/es010130n
  22. Levy, D.B., Schramke, J.A., Esposito, K.J., Erikson, T.A. and Moore, J.C. (1999) The shallow ground water chemistry of arsenic, fluorine, and major elements: Eastern Owens lake, California. Appl. Geochem., v. 14, p. 53-65 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0883-2927(98)00038-9
  23. Wang, G. (1984) Arsenic poisoning from drinking water in Xinjiang. Chin. J. Prevent. Med., v. 18, p. 105-107
  24. Charlet, L., Ansari, A.A., Lespagnol, G. and Musso, M. (2001) Risk of arsenic transfer to a semi-confined aquifer and the effect of water level fluctuation in North Mortagne, france at a former industrial site. Sci. Tot. Environ., v. 277, p. 133-147 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0048-9697(00)00869-X
  25. Nickson, R., McArthur, J.M, Ravenscroft, P., Burgess, W, Ahmed, K.M. (2000) Mechanisms of arsenic release to groundwater, Bangladesh and West-Bengal. Appl. Geochem., v. 15, p. 403-413 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0883-2927(99)00086-4
  26. van Geen, A., Zheng, Y., Versteeg, R., Stute, M., Horneman, A., Dhar, R., Steckler, M., Gelman, A., Small, C, Ahsan, H., Graziano, J.H., Hussain, I. and Ahmed, K.M. (2003) Spatial variability of arsenic in 6000 tube wells in a 25 km2 area of Bangladesh. Water Resour. Res., v. 39, No. 5, 1140, doi:10.1029/2002WR001617 https://doi.org/10.1029/2002WR001617
  27. Kuo, T.L. (1968) Arsenic content of artesian well water in endemic area of chronic arsenic poisoning. Rep. Inst. Pathol. National Twaiwan Univ., v. 20, p. 7-13
  28. McArthur, J.M., Ravenscroft, P., Safiulla, S. and Thirlwall, M.F. (2001) Arsenic in groundwater: testing pollution mechanisms for sedimentary aquifers in Bangladesh. Water Resour. Res., v. 37, p. 109-117 https://doi.org/10.1029/2000WR900270
  29. Mandal, B.K. and Suzuki, K.T. (2002) Arsenic around the world; a review. Talanta, v. 58, p. 201-235 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0039-9140(02)00268-0
  30. Berg, M., Iran, H.C., Nguyen, T.C., Pham, H.V, Schertenleib, R. and Giger, W. (2001) Arsenic contamination of groundwater and drinking water in Vietnam: A human health threat. Env. Sci. Technol., v. 35, p. 2621-2626 https://doi.org/10.1021/es010027y
  31. Del Razo, L.M., Rellano, M.A. and Cebrian (1990) The oxidation states of arsenic in well-water from a chronic arsenicism area of northern Mexico. Environ. Pollut, v. 64, p. 143-153 https://doi.org/10.1016/0269-7491(90)90111-O
  32. van Geen et al. (2002) Promotion of well-switching to mitigate the current arsenic crisis in Bangladesh. Bull. W. H. O., v. 20, p. 732-737
  33. 환경부 (2002) 2001년 지하수 수질측정망 운영결과. 환경부
  34. Ann, J.S., Park, Y.S., Kim, J.Y. and Kim, K.W. (2005) Min-eralogical and geochemical characterization of arsenic in an abandoned mine tailings of Korea. Environ. Geochem. Health, v. 27, p. 147-157 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-005-0121-8
  35. Kim, K. and Jeong, G.Y. (2005) Factors influencing natural occurrence of fluoride-rich groundwaters: a case study in the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula. Chemosphere, v. 58, p. 1399-1408 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2004.10.002
  36. Nickson, R.T., McArthur, J.M., Shrestha, B., Kyaw-Myint, T.O. and Lowry, D. (2005) Arsenic and other drinking water quality issues, muzaffargarg district, Pakistan. Appl. Geochem., v. 20, p. 55-68 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2004.06.004
  37. Pfeifer, H.R., Gueye-Girardet, A., Reymond, D., Schlegel, C, Temgoua, E., Hesterberg, D. and Chou, J.W. (2004) Dispersion of natural arsenic in the Mal-cantone watershed, Southern Switzerland: field evidence for repeated sorption-desorption and oxidation-reduction processes. Geoderma, v. 122, p. 205-234 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2004.01.009
  38. Woo, N.C. and Choi, M.J. (2001) Arsenic and metal contamination of water resources from mining wastes in Korea. Environ. Geol., v. 40, p. 305-311 https://doi.org/10.1007/s002540000161
  39. Yudovich, Ya.E. and Ketris, M.P. (2005) Arsenic in coal: a review. Inter. J. Coal Geol., v. 61, p. 141-196 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coal.2004.09.003
  40. 조병욱, 이병대, 이인호, 추창오 (2002) 국내 먹는샘물의 특정 수질 항목에 대한 고찰. 지질공학, 12권, p. 395-404
  41. Zheng, Y., Stute, M., van Geen, A., Gavrieli, I., Dhar, R., Simpson, H.J., Schlosser, R and Ahmed, K.M. (2004) Redox control of arsenic mobilization in Bangladesh groundwater. Appl. Geochem., v. 19, p. 201-214 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2003.09.007
  42. 이해운 (2002) 화순 남부지역 지표수 및 지하수의 비소 분포 특성. 전남대학교 박사학위논문, 197p
  43. 정연태, 노영팔, 백청오 (1989) 하해혼성 잠재특이산성토양의 분포와 분류. 한국토양비료학회지, 22권, p. 173-179
  44. Boyle, R.W. and Jonasson, I.R. (1973) The geochemistry of arsenic and its use as an indicator element in geochemical prospecting. J. Geochem. Explor., v. 2, p. 251-296 https://doi.org/10.1016/0375-6742(73)90003-4
  45. Saha, K.C. (1995) Chronic arsenic dermatoses from tube-well water in West Bengal during 1983-1987. Indian J. Dermatol., v. 40, p. 1-11
  46. Smedley, P.L. and Kinniburgh, D.G., (2002) A review of the source, behaviour and distribution of arsenic in natural waters. Appl. Geochem., v. 17, p. 517-568 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0883-2927(02)00018-5
  47. Cappuyns, V, Van Herreweghe, S., Swennen, R., Otten-burgs, R. and Deckers, J. (2002) Arsenic pollution at the industrial site of Reppel-Bocholt (north Belgium). Sci. Tot. Environ., v. 295, p. 217-240 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0048-9697(02)00096-7
  48. Husson, O., Verburg, P.H., Phung, M.T., and van Mens-voort, M.E.F. (2000) Spatial variability of acid sulphate soils in the Plain of Reeds, Mekong delta, Vietnam. Geoderma, v. 97, p. 1-19 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0016-7061(00)00016-1
  49. Welch, A.H., Westjohn, D.B., Helsel, D.R. and Wanty, R.B. (2000) Arsenic in ground water of the United States: occurrence and geochemistry. Ground Water, v. 38, p. 589-604 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6584.2000.tb00251.x
  50. Smith, A.H., Hopenhayn-Rich, C., Bates, M.N., Goeden, H.M., Herts-Picciotto, I. Duggan, H.M., Wood, R., Kosnett, M.J. and Smith, M.T. (1992) Cancer risks from arsenic in drinking water. Environ. Health Persp., v. 97, p. 259-267 https://doi.org/10.2307/3431362
  51. 환경부 (2001) 2000년 지하수 수질측정망 운영결과. 환경부
  52. Varsanyi, I., Fodre, Z. and Bartha, A. (1991) Arsenic in drinking water and mortality in the southern Great Plain, Hungary. Environ. Geochem. Health, v. 13, p. 14-22 https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01783491
  53. 안주성, 전효택, 김경웅 (2001) 광산 폐기물에 의한 비소 및 중금속의 지표하부 유출과 격리저장 처리기법. 한국자원공학회지, 38권, p. 246-256
  54. Yu, W.H., Harvey, C.M. and Harvey, C.F. (2003) Arsenic in groundwater in Bangladesh: a geostatistical and epidemiological framework for evaluating health effects and potential remedies. Water Resour. Res., v. 39, No. 6, 1146, doi:10.1029/2002WR001327 https://doi.org/10.1029/2003WR001982
  55. Cullen, W.R. and Reimer, K.J. (1989) Arsenic speciation in the environment. Chem. Rev., v. 89, p. 713-764 https://doi.org/10.1021/cr00094a002
  56. Szramek, K., Walter, L. and McCall, P. (2004) Arsenic mobility in groundwater/surface water systems in carbonate-rich Pleistocene glacial drift aquifers (Michigan). Appl. Geochem., v. 19, p. 1137-1155 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2004.01.012
  57. 박맹언, 성규열, 이평구, 김필근 (2005) 울산광산내 비소로 오염된 광미의 자연저감 능력에 대한 pH와 산화-환원전위 영향. 한국지하수토양환경학회 춘계학술발표회, p. 182-185
  58. Ahmed, K.M., Bhattacharya, R, Hasan, M.A., Akhter, S.H., Alam, S.M.M., Bhuyian, M.A.H., Imam, M.B., Khan, A.A. and Sracek, O. (2004) Arsenic enrichment in groundwater of the alluvial aquifers in Bangledesh: an overview. Appl. Geochem., v. 19, p. 181-200 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2003.09.006
  59. Smith, E., Naidu, R., Alston, A.M. (1998) Arsenic in the soil environment: a review. Adv. Agron., v. 64, p. 149-195 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2113(08)60504-0
  60. USEPA (2001) National primary drinking water regulations; Arsenic and clarifications to compliance and new source contaminants monitoring. Federal Register, 66(14), p. 6976-7066
  61. 박맹언, 김민철, 김선옥 (2004) 반응경로 해석에 의한 비소의 지구화학적 자연저감 능력 평가: 울산광산 부지내의 중금속 오염에 적용. 대한자원환경지질학회 춘계학술발표회, p. 17-21
  62. 전효택, 안주성, 정명채 (2005) 국내 전형적 금은 및 비(base)금속 폐광지역의 중금속 오염특성. 자원환경지질, 38권, p. 101-111
  63. 환경부 (2005) 2004년 지하수 수질측정망 운영결과. 환경부
  64. Chowdhury, T.R. et al. (1999) Arsenic poison in the Ganges Delta. Nature, v. 401, p. 545-546 https://doi.org/10.1038/44052
  65. Harvey, C.F., et al. (2002) Arsenic mobility and groundwater extraction in Bangladesh. Science, v. 298, p. 1602-1606 https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1076978
  66. Acharyya, S.K., Lahiri, S., Raymahashay, B.C. and Bhow-mik, A. (2000) Arsenic toxicity of groundwater of the Bengal basin in India and Bangladesh: the role of Quaternary stratigraphy and Holocene sea-level fluctuation. Environ. Geol. v. 39, p. 1127-1137 https://doi.org/10.1007/s002540000107
  67. Chen, S.L., Dzeng, S.R., yang, m.H., Chlu, K.H., Shirh, G.M. and Wal, C.M. (1994) Arsenic species in groundwaters of blackfoot disease areas, Taiwan. Environ. Sci. Technol., v. 28, p. 877-881 https://doi.org/10.1021/es00054a019
  68. NRC (2001) Arsenic in Drinking Water: 2001 Update. Subcommittee to Update the 1999 Arsenic in Drinking Water Report, Committee on Toxicology, Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology, National Research Council. National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 244p
  69. Saunders, J.A., Lee, M.K., Uddin, A., Mohannad, S., Wilkin, R.T., Fayek, M. and Korte, N.E. (2005) Natural arsenic contamination of Holocene alluvial aquifers by linked tectonic, weathering, and microbial processes. G3 Geochemistry Geophysics Geosys-tems, v. 6, Q04006, doi:10.1029/2004GC000803
  70. 안주성, 전효택, 손아정, 김경웅 (1999) 구봉 금은광산 주변지역의 비소 및 중금속에 의한 환경오염과 벼작물의 흡수특성. 한국자원공학회지, 36권, p. 159-169
  71. Bundschuh, J., Farias, B., Martin, R., Storniolo, A., Bhattacharya, P., Cortes, J., Bonorino, G. and Albouy, R. (2004) Groundwater arsenic in the Chaco-Pampean plain, Argentina: case study from Robles county, Santiago del Estero province. Appl. Geochem., v. 19, p. 231-243 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2003.09.009
  72. Kim, M.J., Nriagu, J. and Haack, S. (2003) Arsenic behavior in newly drilled wells. Chemsphere. v. 52, p. 623-633 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0045-6535(03)00244-3
  73. Smith, A.H., Goycolea, M., Haque, R. and Biggs, M.L. (1998) Marked increase in bladder and lung cancer in a region of northern Chile due to arsenic in drinking water. Am. J. Epidemiol., v. 147, p. 660-669 https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a009507
  74. BGS and DPHE (2001) Arsenic contamination of groundwater in Bangledesh, Vol. 2, Final Report. BGS Technical Report WC/00/19