Low-cost and small-size measurement solution for arsenic in water

Providing access to clean drinking water is a major challenge for water authorities in many countries. Arsenic is a toxic element which causes serious health problems and high levels of arsenic in drinking water are found in Asia, such as India and Thailand, and South and Central America, such as Chile, Argentina, and Mexico. However, an increase in contamination is also reported in the United States and Central European countries. A growing problem, especially in southern Finland, is the quality of drilled wells, where the contamination originates from natural arsenic. Mining activities can increase the risk of water pollution from artificial sources. Because arsenic is often present in rocks and soil as a metal that is not further processed, it is not isolated during mining but is stored with the waste soil. This can cause an increase in the concentration of arsenic locally and contribute to its entry into groundwater. Mining

companies must therefore analyze the concentration of arsenic in effluents and discharges.