Arsenic Contents, and the Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil at an Arsenic Contaminated Region in Nepal

Abstract

The relationships between arsenic content and physical and chemical properties of soil at an arsenic contaminated region in Nepal were investigated. Arsenic content exceeding 150mg/kg was not detected in soils of agricultural land. In this case, it was found out that greater arsenic content occurred concomitantly with soils having higher cation exchange capacity. In boring core samples, accumulated arsenic content exceeding 150mg/kg was detected in the black-colored peat layer found at a depth of 10-11m. It was assumed that the arsenic which was originally contained in this layer could easily leach into groundwater as a result of activity of microorganisms etc. In addition, it was also found out that greater arsenic content occurred concomitantly with boring core samples having higher clay content, pH and cation exchange capacity.