Geochemical Processes Controlling Transport of Arsenic in Groundwater: A Review of Adsorption

Abstract

Adsorption is the predominate mechanism controlling transport of arsenic in many ground water systems. Hydrous oxides of iron, aluminum, and manganese, and clay minerals are commonly associated with aquifer solids and have been shown to be significant adsorbents of arsenic. The extent of arsenic adsorption is influenced by the chemistry of the aqueous phase including pH, arsenic speciation, and the presence and concentration of competing ions. Under moderately reducing conditions, trivalent arsenite is stable and adsorption increases with increasing pH. In an oxidizing environment, arsenate is stable and adsorption decreases with increasing pH. The presence of phosphate, sulfate, carbonate, silica, and other anions have been shown to decrease adsorption of arsenic to varying degrees. The effects of complex aqueous and solid phase chemistry on arsenic adsorption are best simulated using surface complexation models. Coupling of such models with hydrologic solute transport codes provide a powerful method for predicting the spatial and temporal distribution of arsenic in ground water.