Metals
Arsenic
A naturally occurring element found in some geological settings.
What is Arsenic?
Arsenic is a metalloid that occurs naturally in rocks and soils and can dissolve into groundwater.
Why test for it?
Arsenic is a routine parameter for private water supplies and boreholes, where geology has a stronger influence on water chemistry than in treated mains supplies.
Where can it come from?
- Natural geology and mineral dissolution
- Historic mining activity
- Some industrial legacy sites
How is it measured?
Determined by ICP-MS on a preserved sample, reported in µg/L.
What does my result mean?
Arsenic is normally interpreted alongside other geologically driven parameters, particularly for private supplies.