An Analysis of Arsenic Toxicity's Origins, Manifestations, and Remediation

Abstract

Arsenic (As) is a metalloid that comprises about 1.5 ppm of Earth's crust and is the 53rd most abundant element. It is found in groundwater and comes from soil and rock erosion, as well as from industrial and agricultural processes. Unacceptable levels of As are consumed by millions of individuals through their food and drinking water. If ingested, Arsenic acts as a toxicant and affects mostly each and every organ of the body. This review aims to discuss the reasons and causes of arsenic toxicity, focusing on the effects of arsenic toxicity in the environment and on biodiversity as a whole. The paper further elaborates on the effects of arsenic toxicity in the physiological and metabolic systems of our body, taking into consideration its neurotoxicity aspect. It also takes into account the effects of toxicity at the cellular and metabolic level, wherein studies have revealed that it also sometimes leads to cancer. The paper deliberates on the Arsenic trioxide having therapeutic value and concludes with various ways by which we can reduce Arsenic toxicity in our surroundings.