Transforming toxic arsenic sludge into a valuable commodity for green technologies, electronics

Concentrated arsenic waste generated by groundwater treatment plants can now be transformed into metallic arsenic relatively simply. This new method offers the opportunity to create local, circular production of metallic arsenic – an element now in demand for green-energy technologies – while ensuring clean drinking water.

Nearly all groundwater contaminated with arsenic is due to naturally occurring deposits of arsenic-containing minerals dissolving into it. Chronic exposure to high levels of arsenic in drinking water – defined by the World Health Organization as above 10μg/l – can lead to various health conditions, such as neurodevelopment disorders, cancer and lower intelligence in children. A method to remove arsenic from groundwater that is in use around the world relies on iron oxide nanoparticles to adsorb dissolved arsenic compounds.