Arsenic & compounds: Environmental effects
Description
Arsenic has a high acute (short-term) toxicity to aquatic life, birds and land animals. Where soil arsenic content is high, plant growth and crop yields may be reduced. Arsenic has a high chronic (long-term) toxicity to aquatic life, and moderate chronic toxicity to birds and land animals.
Organic arsenic compounds are very persistent in the environment and are expected to bioaccumulate in fish and shellfish.
Entering the environment
Arsenic compounds will be in the atmosphere as gases or small particles. They will settle in the soil or water. Arsenic itself is not soluble in water, but many compounds are water soluble and can contaminate ground water. Arsenic can change forms. Fish and shellfish build up organic arsenic compounds. These are not as toxic as the inorganic compounds.
Where it ends up
Arsenic and most of its compounds do not evaporate. They exist as small particles in the atmosphere, and burnt arsenic compounds exist as a gas.
Environmental guidelines
In 2000, the National Water Quality Management Strategy established a water quality guideline for arsenic fresh and marine waters. This level is up to a maximum of 50 micrograms of arsenic per litre of water.
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