With respect to Water Pollution, Cause, Effects and Remedial Measures of Arsenic

Cause:
Arsenic ends up in the environment through industrial production of copper, lead and zinc, and through insecticide applications on farmland. Additionally, it is an ingredient of wood preservatives. Arsenic can be found naturally in certain soils. When arsenic comes in contact with groundwater it may end up in water, as well.

Effects:
Arsenic is a metalloid, which basically means that it has the properties of both metal and non-metal. As a compound, arsenic may be toxic. That is why it is commonly applied in rat poison. A long-term uptake of large quantities of drinking water that contains arsenic may cause skin conditions and certain cancers, such as skin cancer and lung cancer.

Remedial Measures:
Arsenic can be removed from water in various ways. Examples of water purification techniques that may be applied are iron and aluminum coagulation, activated alumina adsorption, ion exchange and membrane filtration.