The behaviour of dissolved arsenic in the estuary of the River Beaulieu

• Published in: Estuarine, coastal and shelf science Vol. 19; no. 5; pp. 493 - 504
• Main Authors: Howard, A.G., Arbab-Zavar, M.H., Apte, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Elsevier Ltd 01.01.1984; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; arsenic; Brackish; Continental surface waters; estuaries; Exact sciences and technology; mixing; Natural water pollution; oxidation; Pollution; speciation; Water treatment and pollution; oxidation; estuaries; arsenic; mixing; speciation; Mixing; Arsenic; Estuaries; Oxidation; Water pollution; Briny water; Speciation
• ISSN: 0272-7714; 1096-0015
• DOI: 10.1016/0272-7714(84)90011-8

The chemical forms and distribution of dissolved arsenic species in the estuary of the River Beaulieu (Hampshire, U.K.) are reported. ‘Inorganic arsenic (V)’ in both the marine and riverine estuary inputs are in true solution, passing through ultrafiltration membranes having a nominal molecular weight cut-off of 500 daltons. Extensive removal of dissolved ‘inorganic arsenic (V)’ is apparent from the distribution of arsenic in the estuary, with laboratory mixing experiments indicating that removal is favoured in the low salinity region. ‘Inorganic arsenic (III)’ and methylated arsenic species account for up to 41% and 70% of the dissolved arsenic, respectively, but are only found during the warmer months when water temperatures exceed ca. 12°C.