Geogenic arsenic in groundwaters in the western Alps

• Geographic distribution of arsenic in groundwater sources in the western Alps.
• Pyrite, arsenopyrite are probable primary mineral sources of geogenic arsenic.
• Sulfur isotopes can be used to better understand sources of arsenic.
• Anthropogenic and climate perturbations may lead to enhanced arsenic mobility.

SummaryGroundwater arsenic (As) of geogenic origin in the western Alps is generally associated with aquifers in crystalline rock. The External Crystalline Massifs (ECM) are in particular noted for occurrences of elevated concentrations of As in groundwaters. The present study is based on As in groundwaters that have been measured in the ECM in both France and Switzerland. Arsenic-bearing sulfide minerals, such as pyrite, arsenian pyrite, and arsenopyrite, are the most likely sources of As leached within the crystalline ECM rocks. While it is not known how As concentrations vary with time at all of the reported water sources, we measured on a weekly basis the concentration of As at one thermal source over a period of one year and found the As concentrations to be variable; however, the cause of the variability is at present not understood. Even though many studies have applied δ34SSO4 as a tool for understanding As mobilization in the ECM, there is no consensus at present. Finally, we present some perspectives on the possible effects of climate change and anthropogenic activities on As mobility in the ECM. In particular, droughts have the potential to increase As concentrations in groundwaters.