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The Oxidation of Arsenite by Aquatic Sediments
Author(s) -
Oscarson D. W.,
Huang P. M.,
Liaw W. K.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq1980.00472425000900040032x
Subject(s) - arsenite , arsenate , abiotic component , environmental chemistry , sediment , arsenic , aquatic ecosystem , environmental science , chemistry , geology , ecology , biology , geomorphology , organic chemistry
Sediments from five lakes in southern Saskatchewan, Canada, oxidize As(III) (arsenite) to As(V) (arsenate). The oxidation is not affected by flushing N 2 or air through the sediment suspensions, nor does the addition of HgCl 2 to the system eliminate the conversion of As(III) to As(V). The oxidation is an abiotic process with microorganisms playing a relatively minor role in this system. Because As(III) is more toxic and sorbed to a lesser extent by sediments than As(V), the suspended and bottom sediments may potentially alleviate the toxicity of As(III) through abiotic oxidation in aquatic environments.