Arsenic in Groundwater in Eastern New England:  Occurrence, Controls, and Human Health Implications

Joseph D. Ayotte,* Denise L. Montgomery, Sarah M. Flanagan, and Keith W. Robinson
U.S. Geological Survey, 361 Commerce Way, Pembroke, New Hampshire 03275
Environ. Sci. Technol., 2003, 37 (10), pp 2075–2083
DOI: 10.1021/es026211g
Publication Date (Web): April 9, 2003
Copyright Not subject to U.S. Copyright. Published 2003 American Chemical Society
*

 Corresponding author phone:  (603)226-7810; fax:  (603)226-7894; e-mail:  jayotte@usgs.gov.

Abstract

In eastern New England, high concentrations (greater than 10 μg/L) of arsenic occur in groundwater. Privately supplied drinking water from bedrock aquifers often has arsenic concentrations at levels of concern to human health, whereas drinking water from unconsolidated aquifers is least affected by arsenic contamination. Water from wells in metasedimentary bedrock units, primarily in Maine and New Hampshire, has the highest arsenic concentrationsnearly 30% of wells in these aquifers produce water with arsenic concentrations greater than 10 μg/L. Arsenic was also found at concentrations of 3−40 mg/kg in whole rock samples in these formations, suggesting a possible geologic source. Arsenic is most common in groundwater with high pH. High pH is related to groundwater age and possibly the presence of calcite in bedrock. Ion exchange in areas formerly inundated by seawater also may increase pH. Wells sampled twice during periods of 1−10 months have similar arsenic concentrations (slope = 0.89; r-squared = 0.97). On the basis of water-use information for the aquifers studied, about 103 000 people with private wells could have water supplies with arsenic at levels of concern (greater than 10 μg/L) for human health.

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History

  • Published In Issue May 15, 2003
  • Received for review October 4, 2002
    Revised manuscript received February 24, 2003
    Accepted March 6, 2003

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