Abstract
Arsenic (As) is a metalloid that is found ubiquitously in the environment and poses a potential threat to human, animal and plant health due to the high toxicity of its inorganic forms, arsenite As(III) and arsenate As(V). It is introduced into soils and groundwater by anthropogenic activities such as the previous or current use of Asbased pesticides in farming areas and commercially as a by-product of metal smelting operations. Exposure to arsenic can occur through different pathways such as the direct ingestion of As-containing water or through As-transfer via the crop-soil-water system. Arsenic is absorbed by plants through their root system thus gaining access to the food chain and then the body. Chronic, long term exposure to low levels of arsenic is associated with an increased risk of cancer. ..
M.Sc. (Chemistry)