A study of the priority substances of the Water Framework Directive ...

..:::::::::: arsenic
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d Arsenic
� Arsenic is a carcinogen and it bioaccumulates.
� Main use has been wood preservation.
� There are few data on marine pollution of
arsenic.
� There is a need for screening of arsenic.
Production and use
Arsenic has mainly been used as a wood preservative,
but this use is now prohibited.
Emissions, discharges,
distribution and hot-spots
Norwegian emissions in 2002 are estimated to 7
tons, down from more than 350 tons in 1985
via 14 tons in 1995. Discharges to water have
increased from about 1 ton in 1995 to 1,4 tons
in 2002.
Monitoring
Monitoring of arsenic has been part of RID
(time trend exists). Arsenic has also been investigated
in a few other studies (see references).
Marine sediment
Increased levels are found in
Kristiansandsfjorden and Ballangsfjorden. No
effects are known.
Fresh water
Several rivers have been monitored on a yearly
basis since 1990. Arsenic levels have been generally
low.
Fresh water sediment
Concentrations of arsenic are generally low in
lakes, standards for drinking water are being
kept.
Fresh water biota
Low levels of arsenic are found in fish.
Hotspots
Hotspots for arsenic are in particular manufacturing
sites for preservation of wood.
Need for further screening and monitoring
There are few data on arsenic concentrations in
the environment. A thorough screening should
be made in order to estimate the effectiveness of
the policies and measures taken to reduce emissions.
A study of the priority substances of the Water Framework Directive
TA-2140/2005
FACTS
Arsenic is a human carcinogen, and some arsenic
compounds are highly toxic. Arsenic accumulates in
aquatic organisms and organic arsenic compounds
can bioaccumulate.
Localities for further screening and monitoring
Arsenic should be screened in marine sediments
and in marine biota. It should also be screened
in fresh water biota.
Analysis
There are several well-established techniques for
determination of As. Several companies offer
this service in Norway and Europe. The most
frequently techniques are Inductively coupled
plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), Inductively
coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy
(ICP-AES), Graphite Furnace Atomic
Absorption Spectroscopy (GF-AAS) and Flame
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (F-AAS).
Methods
Water samples are acidified with 1-10% nitric
acid.
For analysis of solid samples, the methods are
based on digestion with nitric acid / hydrogen
peroxide in sealed containers using microwave
system.
Synergy with other analyses
The sample digestion method used for determination
of arsenic can also be used for determination
of Pb, Hg, Ni, Zn, Cr, Cu and Ni.
References
� Nasjonalt folkehelseinstitutt: Miljø og helse -
en forskningsbasert kunnskapsbase. Revisjon
2003. Rapport 2003:9.
� Miljøstatus: Arsen
� SFT Tiltaksplan 1995-2002
� Fylkesvise tiltaksplaner for forurensede sedimenter,
Rapport fra fase 1 for Farsundsområdet
med Lyngdalsfjorden, Vest-Agder.
� Riverine inputs and direct discharges to
Norwegian coastal waters - 2003. Part B: Data
report.