Researchers from the University of Bristol have published a study demonstrating a new method to reduce arsenic toxicity in water supplies, particularly benefiting regions heavily impacted by arsenic pollution. This research, led by Dr. Jagannath Biswakarma, builds on personal experiences of growing up with limited access to clean water in India. The study reveals that arsenite can be oxidized without oxygen using naturally occurring iron, offering new strategies for enhancing water safety in contaminated areas. The implications of this discovery are especially relevant for populations in the Global South, where groundwater contamination is a pressing public health issue.

A recent study, spearheaded by researchers at the University of Bristol, has yielded promising results regarding the reduction of arsenic toxicity in water supplies, a challenge that poses significant public health threats in various regions. This groundbreaking research, published in “Environmental Science & Technology Letters,” stems from the personal experiences of lead researcher Dr. Jagannath Biswakarma, who was compelled to find sustainable solutions after witnessing the struggles for clean water during his childhood in India. Dr. Biswakarma, a Senior Research Associate at the University’s School of Earth Sciences, noted the profound impact of arsenic on millions living in affected areas, asserting, “This breakthrough could pave the way for safer drinking water and a healthier future.” Arsenic exposure is a serious concern in southern and central Asia and parts of South America, where populations rely heavily on groundwater. The more toxic form, arsenite, often infiltrates water supplies leading to severe health complications including cancers and heart disease. Dr. Biswakarma emphasized the urgency of addressing this problem, stating, “It’s an opportunity to not only advance science but also better understand the extent of a problem that has affected… my own community and across the world for many decades.” Traditionally, it was believed that arsenite could only be transformed into the less hazardous arsenate form through oxygen. However, this study demonstrated that arsenite can undergo oxidation even in oxygen-poor environments, catalyzed by trace amounts of iron. Dr. Biswakarma explained, “This study presents a new approach to addressing one of the world’s most persistent environmental health crises by showing that naturally occurring iron minerals can help oxidize, lowering the mobility of arsenic, even in low-oxygen conditions.” The findings indicate that green rust sulfate, a common iron source in low-oxygen groundwater, can facilitate the oxidation of arsenite, a process enhanced by natural organic compounds released by plant roots. Dr. Biswakarma remarked, “These organic ligands, such as citrate from plant roots, could play a critical role in controlling arsenic mobility and toxicity in natural environments.” This research holds particular relevance for populations in the Global South, where geological conditions often lead to elevated arsenic levels in groundwater. For instance, the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta region has been plagued by arsenic contamination, endangering the health of millions reliant on tube wells and hand pumps that frequently do not guarantee access to safe water. Dr. Biswakarma observed that these systems often fail due to the toxicity and odor of the water, as well as the financial burdens incurred in seeking alternatives. Similar challenges confront regions such as the Mekong Delta and the Red River Delta in Vietnam, where arsenic threatens both drinking water and agricultural productivity. Dr. Molly Matthews, co-author of the study, expressed optimism about the implications of the research, stating, “The research opens the door to developing new strategies to mitigate arsenic pollution.” To ascertain the specific forms of arsenic, the research team employed sophisticated techniques such as X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the XMaS synchrotron facility in France. Dr. James Byrne emphasized the importance of these methods for confirming the oxidation state modifications of arsenic. Moving forward, the research team aims to explore practical applications of their findings in environments most severely impacted by arsenic pollution.

Arsenic pollution is a significant environmental and public health crisis, especially in regions where groundwater is a primary source of drinking water and irrigation. The toxic compound, particularly in its arsenite form, poses serious health risks, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Addressing arsenic contamination requires innovative scientific approaches to mitigate its effects, especially in low-oxygen environments where traditional oxidation processes are less effective. This recent study provides a novel perspective on how naturally occurring elements can be leveraged to enhance arsenic detoxification in affected areas, with broad implications for water safety and public health worldwide.

The study led by Dr. Jagannath Biswakarma represents a significant advancement in the understanding and potential mitigation of arsenic contamination in water supplies. By leveraging natural processes and elemental interactions, this research not only seeks to alleviate a persistent global health issue but also emphasizes the personal commitment of scientists to contribute to their communities. Future studies are anticipated to explore the practical applications of these findings in various contexts, showcasing the potential for improved water safety in arsenic-affected regions.

Original Source: phys.org