Quantitative arsenic speciation in two species of earthworms from a former mine site

Watts, Michael; Button, Mark; Brewer, T.S.; Jenkin, G.W.T.; Harrington, C.F.. 2008 Quantitative arsenic speciation in two species of earthworms from a former mine site. Journal of Environmental Monitoring, 10 (6). 753-759.

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Abstract/Summary

The relationship between the total arsenic concentration and the chemical speciation of arsenic in two species of earthworm (Lumbricus rubellus and Dendrodillus rubidus) in relation to the host soil, was investigated for 13 sites of varying arsenic content, including a 10 background level garden soil and a former mine site at the Devon Great Consols, UK. Earthworms were collected with the host soil (As soil concentration range 16 - 12,466 mg kg-1 dry weight) and measured for their total arsenic (concentration range 7 - 595 mg kg-1 dry weight) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A methanol-water mixture was used to extract arsenic species from the earthworms prior to determination of 15 the individual arsenic species by a combination of anion and cation exchange high performance liquid chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS). A gradient elution anion exchange method is presented whereby nine arsenic species could be measured in one sample injection. Arsenic species were identified by comparison of retention times and sample spiking with known standards 20 and a fully characterised seaweed extract. Arsenic was generally present in the earthworm as arsenate (AsV) or arsenite (AsIII) and arsenobetaine (AB). Methylarsonate (MA), dimethylarsinate (DMA) and three arsenosugars (glycerol, phosphate, sulphate) were present as minor constituents. These results are discussed in relation to the mechanisms for coping with exposure to soil bound arsenic.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Programmes:	BGS Programmes 2008 > Laboratory Operations
ISSN:	1464-0325
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Embargo on full-text for 12 months
Additional Keywords:	Arsenic, Earthworms, Mining pollution
NORA Subject Terms:	Earth Sciences
Date made live:	03 Sep 2008 08:22 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/3972

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Programmes:

BGS Programmes 2008 > Laboratory Operations

ISSN:

1464-0325

Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:

Embargo on full-text for 12 months

Additional Keywords:

Arsenic, Earthworms, Mining pollution

NORA Subject Terms:

Earth Sciences