Distribution of arsenic and its mobility in shallow aquifer sediments from Ambikanagar, West Bengal, India

Sediments from a core retrieved during installation of a shallow drinking water well in Ambikanagar (West Bengal, India) were analyzed for various physical and chemical parameters. The geochemical analyses included: (1) a 4-step sequential extraction scheme to determine the distribution of As between different fractions, (2) As speciation (As3+ vs. As5+), and (3) C, N and S isotopes. The sediments have a low percentage of organic C and N (0.10–0.56% and 0.01–0.05%, respectively). Arsenic concentration is between 2 and 7 mg kg−1, and it is mainly associated with the residual fraction, less susceptible to chemical weathering. The proportion of As3+ in these sediments is high and ranges from 24% to 74%. Arsenic in the second fraction (reducible) correlates well with Mn, and in the residual fraction As correlates well with several transition elements. The stable isotope results indicate microbial oxidation of organic matter involving SO4 reduction. Oxidation of primary sulfide minerals and release of As from reduction of Fe-(oxy)hydroxides do not seem important mechanisms in As mobilization. Instead, the dominance of As3+ and presence of As5+ reducing microorganisms in this shallow aquifer imply As remobilization involving microbial processes that needs further investigations.

Research highlights
► Distribution of arsenic in the different geochemical fractions (oxide, carbonate, sulfide + organic matter, and residual) in sediments.
► Arsenic speciation in sediments.
► Association of arsenic with the residual geochemical fraction which is less. susceptible to weathering changes.
► Biogeochemical (microbial) processes influence the distribution of arsenic in these aquifer sediments.