Arsenic Contamination in Water: Occurrence, Impact, and Remediation Strategies

ABSTRACT Arsenic (As), a naturally occurring metalloid, is extremely hazardous. It mainly exists in nature in the states of arsenate or arsenite. Geogenic processes are the primary sources of As in the environment. As is responsible for several health problems in humans, animals, and plants. Public health is seriously threatened by As‐contaminated water, highlighting the importance of stepping up environmental preservation efforts and stringent water resource management. Excessive levels of As in drinking water lead to serious disorders. Numerous approaches for removing As from water sources have been explored, including coagulation/precipitation, adsorption, membrane filtration, and phytoremediation. Various remediation techniques have been continually developing, but effective and affordable techniques are critical. With a primary focus on remediation options, the origin of As contamination, the global distribution of As, and the impacts on living systems have all been chronologically covered in this review. It also highlighted and illustrated the mechanisms of As contamination, toxicity, and mitigation techniques. This review will provide a framework for guiding research on As contamination and assist policymakers in setting more beneficial research on its toxicity and mitigation techniques.