Investigating arsenic (As) occurrence and sources in ground, surface, waste and drinking water in northern Mongolia

摘要: Elevated levels of arsenic in drinking water are found several parts Asia. Prolonged intakes even low concentrations typically have serious health effects. This research paper integrates results various studies on contamination ground, surface, waste and north-central Mongolia. Samples were analyzed with the ARSOlux biosensor Arsenator field test kit as well different spectrometric methods (ICP-MS, ICP-OES). Altogether 309 samples tested for their concentration, 44 them more than one technique. In study region, enrichment heavy metals surface waters is often linked to mining coal combustion. The highest concentration (As) was detected effluent a gold mine (up 2,820 μg L−1) ash basin thermal power plant 1,170 L−1). Five 54 16 184 river contain As above World Health Organization (WHO) maximum permissible limit (10 L−1), 300 L−1 As. addition, elevated uranium detected. degree extent exceeding WHO standards previously unknown demonstrate necessity intensive screening possible interventions concerning intake arsenic-contaminated water. Preliminary indicate that technology suited precise quantification content at detection limits regions where access central laboratories difficult.