A review on arsenic pollution, toxicity, health risks, and management strategies using nanoremediation approaches

Objectives: Over 50 countries are affected by arsenic contamination. The problem is becoming worse as the number of affected people increases and new sites are reported globally.

Content: Various human activities have increased arsenic pollution, notably in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Contamination of our water and soil by arsenic poses a threat to our environment and natural resources. Arsenic poisoning harms several physiological systems and may cause cancer and death. Excessive exposure may cause toxic build-up in human and animal tissues. Arsenic-exposed people had different skin lesion shapes and were vulnerable to extra arsenic-induced illness risks. So far, research shows that varying susceptibility plays a role in arsenic-induced diseases. Several studies have revealed that arsenic is a toxin that reduces metabolic activities. Diverse remediation approaches are being developed to control arsenic in surrounding environments.

Summary and outlook: A sustainable clean-up technique (nanoremediation) is required to restore natural equilibrium. More research is therefore required to better understand the biogeochemical processes involved in removing arsenic from soils and waters.