Arsenic Contamination of Groundwater

Arsenic is widely recognized as a naturally occurring element in rocks, soils, and the water that comes in contact with them. It is a toxic element that constitutes a contemporary human health concern because it is known to contribute to skin, bladder, and other cancers (Welch, Watkins, Helsel, & Focazio, 2000). Concern regarding the contamination of groundwater resources in the United States led the National Research Council to recommend lowering the current maximum contaminant level (MCL) allowed for drinking water of 50mg/L (micrograms per liter) because of risks for developing bladder and other cancers. In addition, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) continues to collect and analyze arsenic in potable or drinkable water from 18,850 wells in 595 counties across the United States - wells used for irrigation, industrial purposes, research, and public and private water supplies (Welch, et al, 2000).

Because of the seriousness of groundwater contamination by arsenic, numerous studies have been undertaken to identify those regions or locales where the problem is of greatest significance and therefore of greatest public health concern. This brief report will examine the evidence on the incidence of arsenic contamination of groundwater in the United States and will, to the degree possible, describe the problem as it impacts on New Jersey. It should be noted that Welch, et al (2000) have determined that arsenic concentrations

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apply to all community water systems and nontransient noncommunity water systems. All such systems must be in compliance five years from the date the rule was published. As of July 1, 2002, utilities with water containing more than 5 PPB of arsenic must include these data in their consumer confidence reports. As is generally the case, households will bear some of the cost burden for system improvements and annual water costs will increase in the range of $38 to $377 per household. While costly, the new EPA rule will help to ameliorate a public health problem of some significance (Finally, a final..., 2001). Welch, Westjohn, Helsel, and Wanty (2000) emphasize that arsenic concentration in the groundwater of the Appalachian Highlands and the Atlantic Plain are generally very low ([leq] 1 [mu] g/L). Different geochemical conditions, including the release of arsenic to groundwater through anthropogenic organic carbon (i.e., petroleum products), is one source of such contamination. Though inorganic arsenic has been banned for pesticide use since the 1980s, the application of legally acceptable phosphate fertilizers is known to create the potential for releasing arsenic into groundwater. Laboratory results suggest that this
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Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page)

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