Migration and transformation of arsenic: Contamination control and remediation in realgar mining areas

Realgar is a mineral that contains high concentrations of arsenic (As). During the course of realgar mining and smelting, significant levels of As are released. Following a series of migrations and transformations, As can become the major soil, atmospheric, and water pollutant in realgar mining areas. In this study, the transformation principles and processes by physical, chemical, and biological reactions are reviewed. The causes of increasing As toxicity in realgar mining areas are thus clarified. The results of this study show that the migration processes, operating from source to atmosphere, water and soil, lead to contamination situations. On the basis of this finding, pollution control and remediation options are recommended.