The greatest arsenic waste output is associated with the mining and production of arsenic-containing materials. In 1998, the metal mining industry managed over 617 million pounds of arsenic waste, which accounted for 96% of the total mass of arsenic waste managed[1]. Arsenic is also used in various industries, such as the production of GaAs, indium-arsenide, and InGaAs semiconductors, which were used in biomedical, communications, and computer applications[2].
Arsenic waste can be generated from various sources, including:
– Mining: The primary source of arsenic waste is the mining industry, which produces arsenic-containing residues and dusts[2].
– Manufacturing: Industries that use arsenic-containing materials, such as semiconductor manufacturing, can generate arsenic waste[2].
– Paper mills: Paper mills can generate arsenic waste, such as deinking sludge, from the production process[4].
– Hydrocarbon production: Arsenic can be released into the environment during hydrocarbon production, storage, transportation, use, and waste management[5].
Arsenic waste can have significant impacts on the environment and human health. It is essential to implement proper waste management practices and monitor the release of arsenic into the environment to minimize potential risks.
Citations:
[1] https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPURL.cgi?Dockey=P100AFIX.TXT
[2] https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2021/mcs2021-arsenic.pdf
[3] https://www.turi.org/content/download/168/1389/file/Fact%20Sheet%20Arsenic%202000.pdf
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21508536/
[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304389420330041
