Geogenic arsenic in groundwater: Challenges, gaps, and future directions

As remains a global threat to human health, with an estimated 220 million people exposed to non-potable water (As>10 mu g L-1) and As-containing staple food. Recent geochemical and toxicological studies and the analysis of large databases have advanced our understanding about the conditions that favor the mobility and release of As from its natural sources and pathways through the food chain. Developments to increase the effectiveness of remediation technologies are discussed herein. Important topics that require further attention include the apportionment of As where several As sources are present (e.g., food, drinking water), the contribution of co-occurring elements to toxicity, and the inclusion of appropriate public policy, socio-economic, and cultural programs that would substantially diminish As exposure to humans.