User:Debra Tabron/sandbox
Metals and metalloids (an element such as arsenic or antimony with properties in between those of metals and nonmetals are common groundwater contaminants that present a risk to users of groundwater if concentrations exceed acceptable risk-based concentrations. Contamination of groundwater by metals and metalloids is most often related to industrial sources or mining and mineral processing. Their acute and chronic toxicity as well as their common occurrence, make metal and metalloid contamination environmentally significant. The behavior and toxicity of metals and metalloids can vary with the chemical composition of the groundwater and the minerals present in the aquifer. Under some conditions, a given metal or metalloid may pose little risk because it is adsorbed to the aquifer solids or precipitated from groundwater before it reaches any exposure point. In other cases these contaminants may be quite mobile, forming groundwater plumes that can pose a risk to groundwater users.
Contents
Related Articles:
- Mobility of Metals and Metalloid Contaminants in Groundwater
- Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) of Metals and Metalloids
- Remediation of Metals and Metalloids
CONTRIBUTOR(S): Dr. Miles Denham
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