Strong chemical evidence for high Fe(II)-colloids and low As-bearing colloids (200 nm–10 kDa) contents in groundwater and flooded paddy fields in Bangladesh: A size fractionation approach

Arsenic speciation in groundwater and interstitial waters from soil irrigated with As-rich groundwater in Bangladesh was investigated through a size fractionation approach performed in the field and under conditions that allowed the preservation of natural anoxic conditions. Based on a simple chemical characterization, the presence of Fe(II) in the colloidal fraction (<200 nm–>10 kDa) in anoxic groundwaters and soil waters of flooded paddy fields was assessed. Arsenic was found to be present mainly as a ”solute” oxyanion as indicated by the small amount of As associated with the 200 nm–10 kDa colloidal fraction (most of the time, less than 10 ± 5% of total As). When As-colloids were observed, they were linked to high Fe concentration and the As-colloid percentage was relatively well correlated with the total Fe concentration in solution. This study underlined that under natural anoxic conditions, there was no impact of PO43-, SiO44- and Mn on the As-bearing colloids, which is not in agreement with results obtained under laboratory controlled conditions. Therefore, it is suspected that the impact of other naturally occurring ligands, such as organic matter, could modify Fe(II) speciation, and, in turn, As speciation. To assess the complexation of Fe(II) by organic matter, the WinHumicV model was used to calculate Fe(II) speciation. Using the standard parameters to describe organic matter reactivity, results showed that organically-bound Fe(II) ranges from 5% to 100% and 30% to 100%, for groundwater and soil water, respectively, depending on the pH and the Fe(II) and DOC contents. Evidence for independent speciation of Fe and As under natural anoxic conditions is of great importance for predictive modelling of the mobility, the availability and then the bioavailability of As in As-affected areas.

► Evidence of Fe(II) in <200 nm–>10 kDa fraction in anoxic groundwaters and soil waters.
► Evidence for independent speciation of Fe and As under natural anoxic conditions.
► Control of the organic matter on Fe(II) speciation in natural anoxic conditions.
► Predictive modelling of mobility and bioavailability of arsenic in As-affected areas.