| London_Arsenic_Group Research group based at University of London discusses geochemical & palaeohydrological controls on pollution of groundwater by arsenic. Projects on Bangledesh, West Bengal and Viet Nam. Regularl |
| Natural_Arsenic_in_Groundwater__Science,_Regulation,_and_Health_Implications Summary points of 2001 conference session on arsenic contamination problems. |
| Seymour_High_School_Science_Club Features information about the group's current project about groundwater testing for arsenic and other substances in the Seymour, Wisconsin, USA area. Page includes news, member biographies and photo |
| USGS_-_Arsenic_in_Ground_Water_of_the_United_States Publications, maps, and data on arsenic in U.S. groundwater. Links to other arsenic resources. |
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| Systems_Science_Programme Master's Program in Systems Science at the University of Ottawa, Canada. |
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| Sounding_Gay Article by Toronto writer Joe Clark, on gay speech patterns. |
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| Black_Holes_&_Co_ Collection of articles about various aspects of black hole physics, from black hole-related observations to the question why black holes have no hair. Part of the "Spotlights on Relativity" series on |
| Black_holes_and_beyond Part of the "Spacetime Wrinkles" exhibit published by the National Center for Supercomputing Applications: descriptions of what black holes are, how they might be detected, and what kinds of gravitati |
| Gravity\'s_Relentless_Pull Information about black holes for a general audience, including virtual journeys and simulations, from the Space Telescope Science Institute. |
| Imagine_the_Universe__Black_holes Information about the astrophysics of black holes on the website of the High-Energy Astrophysics Learning Center. Suitable for ages 14 and up. |
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Click on Map to See Full Scale - Arsenic concentrations in
Ground Water of the United States.
(Source: USGS)
What is arsenic?
Arsenic is a semi-metal, a member of the nitrogen family. It occurs naturally in the earth and in the seas. It
is odorless and tasteless. Arsenic is an element (As) that occurs in the earth’s crust-rock, soil, all
natural sources of exposure, or can be traced to deep water brines used to
produce oil and natural gas. Consumption of food and water are the major sources of arsenic exposure for the majority of US citizens.
People may also be exposed from industrial sources, as arsenic is used in semiconductor manufacturing,
petroleum refining, wood preservatives, animal feed additives, and herbicides.
Arsenic can combine with other elements to form inorganic and organic arsenicals. In general, inorganic
derivatives are regarded as more toxic than the organic forms. While food contains both inorganic and
organic arsenicals, primarily inorganic forms are present in water. Exposure to arsenic at high levels poses
serious health effects as it is a known human carcinogen. In addition, it has been reported to affect the
vascular system in humans and has been associated with the development of diabetes.
As compared to the Western part of the United States, it is relatively
rare contaminant in Pennsylvania groundwater supplies. A recent
survey by the U.S Geological Survey (USGS) found that arsenic exceeded 5 ppb in
5% of wells in Pennsylvania.
What is the measurement of arsenic?
On June 22, 2000 EPA proposed a 5 ppb standard for arsenic. EPA requested
comment on 10 ppb, 5 ppb and 3 ppb. Based on the comments, EPA is
implementing a 10 ppb standard for arsenic. This rule became effective on
February 22, 2002 and systems must comply with the new 10 ppb standard is
January 23, 2006. The Proposed Arsenic
Rule, updated March 2002, can be found by visiting the EPA
Website.
What are the symptoms of arsenic poisoning?
Observable symptoms of arsenic poisoning are: thickening and discoloration of the skin, stomach pain,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, numbness in hands and feet, partial paralysis, and blindness.
How does arsenic enter my private water system?
It is widely thought that naturally occurring arsenic dissolves out of certain rock formations when ground
water levels drop significantly. Surface arsenic-related pollutants enter the ground water system by
gradually moving with the flow of ground water from rains, melting of snow, etc. Either way, ongoing
testing for arsenic is an important strategy by the private water system owner to safeguard the health and
well being of their family.
Is my private well at risk?
Like many contaminants in drinking water, the element is potentially hazardous
at levels or concentrations that do not impart a noticeable taste, odor, or
appearance to the water. Your best course of action is to get you water
tested and compile as much information as possible about your water supply
source, well construction, surrounding land-use, and local geology. If you do have an arsenic problem, there are water treatment
technologies available now that can reduce or even remove arsenic from your drinking water.
Note: Do not just test your water for Arsenic because there may be other primary
and secondary drinking water standards that are elevated or that may interfere with the proposed remediation system.
Actions:
1. Get your Water
Tested and encourage your neighbors to do the same- Arsenic Analysis Added to
Homeowner Outreach Program - Effective 4/10/2003..- The Option 1 with
Arsenic or the Option 4 Package.
2. Compile information on the types and location of hazardous waste and
industrial sites in your area.
3. Contact your States Environmental Protection Division.
What types of treatment devices will make my water safe for consumption?
The following water treatment technologies are effective in reducing arsenic from drinking water:
1.Activated alumina filters
2.Anion exchange
3.Distillation
4.Reverse Osmosis
5.Nanofiltration
6. Iron Oxide Filters
Pretreatment may be needed in some cases to ensure acceptable treatment by the primary unit. Also, as a
safeguard against organic arsenic, granular activated carbon filtration should be added. Some of the
treatment technologies may not be amenable to point-of-entry, whole house treatments. In these cases,
point-of-use units may be the best option. Periodic testing should be maintained after the treatment
system is in place to ensure objectives are being met.
Note: In many cases, arsenic will be removed when iron is removed through an
oxidation process.
USGS Arsenic in Groundwater
Arsenic in
Groundwater Fact Sheet
Arsenic Information
Water Quality Help Guides
Glossary of Water Terminology
Well Owner.org - Arsenic
New Hampshire:
http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us/DHHS/HLTHRISKASSESS/LIBRARY/Fact+Sheet/contaminants.htm
.
Maine:
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/eohp/wells/asbrochure.shtml
Vermont:
http://healthvermont.gov/enviro/water/arsenic.pdf
Massachusetts:
http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/arswell.htm
U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/arsenic/basicinformation.html
Agency of Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/arsenic/index.html
For More information about the Environmental Quality Center,
please contact:
Attn: Mr.
Brian Oram, Professional Geologist (PG)
Laboratory Director
Wilkes University
Environmental Engineering and
Earth Sciences
PO Box 111
84 West South Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766
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