The main sources of Arsenic in water are ________.

(a) Floods

(b) Fertilizers

(c) Industrial waste

(d) Both b and c

(d) Both b and c

Arsenic contamination in water originates from both natural and human-caused sources. Among the given options, both fertilizers and industrial waste are significant human-caused (anthropogenic) sources.

Human-Caused Sources

• Fertilizers: Phosphate fertilizers can contain arsenic as an impurity, and their long-term use can lead to the accumulation of arsenic in the soil, which can then leach into groundwater.
• Industrial Waste: This is a major contributor. Activities like mining, smelting of metals, and the manufacturing of pesticides and wood preservatives can release large amounts of arsenic into the environment, contaminating nearby water bodies.

Natural Sources

It's also important to know that the most widespread cause of arsenic contamination, especially in groundwater, is natural. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element in the Earth's crust and can be found in high concentrations in certain types of rocks and sediments. Over time, it can dissolve and leach into groundwater under specific geological conditions.