Monitoring Water for Arsenic With KETOS SHIELD

KETOS SHIELD makes water monitoring for arsenic in real-time easy and affordable. With our industry-leading $0-CAPEX subscription model, organizations save on upfront investment costs while gathering data on the exact water testing parameters they need. KETOS SHIELD is an award-winning solution that marries automation, IoT, and big data to offer clients real-time monitoring for arsenic and 30+ other water testing parameters (such as inorganic materials, heavy metals, and nutrients). Monitoring happens via an internet-aware modular system that uploads your data to a centralized operational database for easy 24/7 access. Find the latest water quality and usage stats on your customizable water quality dashboard.

Why Monitor Water for Arsenic with KETOS

Arsenic naturally occurs in soil and rock and can easily dissolve into groundwater and wells. It can also enter water sources due to nearby human activity – for example, it can often be found in pesticides and enter water sources via soil runoff. For most, food and water are the primary sources of exposure. Arsenic is not only a known carcinogen but can also have diverse long and short-term health effects on individuals that digest more significant than average amounts, including cardiovascular and neurological effects and fatigue. According to the EPA, the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of arsenic is 0.01 mg/L. Long-term exposure to drinking water with arsenic at levels above 10 ppb increases the likelihood of cancer. Therefore, monitoring for arsenic, especially in drinking water, is necessary to keep a community safe from contamination events.

What are the Issues with Arsenic in Water?

Arsenic contamination in water sources presents a critical and pervasive challenge that demands urgent attention. Across the globe, communities grapple with the silent threat of arsenic seeping into their drinking water, jeopardizing public health and environmental integrity. From rural villages to urban centers, the insidious presence of arsenic underscores the need for comprehensive solutions to mitigate its far-reaching impacts. As societies strive for equitable access to safe drinking water, addressing the issue of arsenic contamination emerges as a pivotal task requiring collective action and innovative approaches.

• Health Risks: Arsenic contamination in water poses severe health risks to humans when consumed over time. Chronic exposure to elevated levels of arsenic can lead to various health problems, including skin lesions, cardiovascular diseases, neurological effects, and several types of cancer.
• Global Impact: Arsenic contamination in water is a widespread issue, affecting millions of people worldwide. Regions with geological features conducive to arsenic leaching into groundwater are particularly vulnerable, including parts of South and Southeast Asia, South America, and parts of the United States.
• Lack of Symptoms: One of the challenges with arsenic contamination is that it often lacks immediate symptoms, leading to prolonged exposure without individuals being aware of the danger. This delay in recognition can exacerbate health problems and make mitigation efforts more challenging.
• Environmental Concerns: Arsenic contamination not only affects human health but also has adverse effects on the environment. It can accumulate in soil, impacting agriculture and food safety. Additionally, arsenic pollution can harm aquatic ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and overall ecosystem health.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring safe drinking water standards in terms of arsenic levels poses regulatory challenges for governments and water management authorities. Striking a balance between effective mitigation measures and economic feasibility is crucial for regulatory compliance while safeguarding public health.
• Remediation Costs: Implementing mitigation measures to reduce arsenic levels in water sources can be costly, particularly in regions with widespread contamination and limited resources. This presents financial challenges for governments, communities, and organizations seeking to address the issue effectively.
• Social and Economic Impacts: Arsenic contamination disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, exacerbating social inequalities and economic disparities. Access to safe drinking water is a basic human right, and addressing arsenic contamination requires equitable distribution of resources and solutions to ensure the well-being of affected populations.
    

Causes of Arsenic in Water

Arsenic contamination in water primarily stems from natural and human-induced sources. Naturally, arsenic is found in the Earth’s crust and can leach into groundwater from geological formations, especially in areas with significant mineral deposits. This process is often accelerated by weathering, where rainwater and other environmental factors erode arsenic-containing rocks and transport the dissolved arsenic into water sources. Human activities, such as mining, industrial processes, and improper disposal of arsenic-containing waste, can also increase arsenic levels in water. Additionally, agricultural practices that use arsenic-based pesticides and herbicides can contribute to arsenic contamination through runoff into rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Identifying these sources is critical for mitigating arsenic pollution and ensuring safe drinking water.

Acceptable Levels of Arsenic in Water by Industry

Arsenic, a naturally occurring element, poses significant health risks when present in drinking water above certain levels. Various industries adhere to specific guidelines to ensure water safety, protecting both human health and the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 parts per billion (ppb) for arsenic in public water systems. This standard is also followed by many other countries and organizations. Different industries may have varying acceptable levels of arsenic, depending on the nature of their operations and regulatory requirements. For instance, the agriculture sector often has stricter limits to prevent soil and crop contamination, while industrial effluents might have higher permissible levels but require thorough treatment before discharge. These guidelines are crucial for maintaining water quality and minimizing arsenic exposure risks across different sectors.

Industry	Acceptable Arsenic Level (ppb)	Regulating Body
Public Water Systems	10	EPA
Agriculture	5-10	USDA
Industrial Effluents	10-50	EPA
Food and Beverage	1-10	FDA
Pharmaceuticals	2-10	FDA
Mining	10-100	EPA

How to Easily Monitor Water for Arsenic

Instead of measuring arsenic with a meter that only measures a handful of conditions; the KETOS SHIELD is capable of mentoring dozens of water related issues — in real-time. Monitoring for arsenic is just the beginning. With KETOS, you can do so much more to monitor your water and help keep water sources contaminant-free.