The content, dynamics and migration of As in the Prut River during the 2020-2023 years

Abstract

Arsenic is an immunotoxic element that can be found in living organisms, being a part of many important biochemical processes. It interacts with different groups of proteins, lipids and, in increased quantities, affects oxidative processes. As a toxic element, arsenic concentrations are limited in drinking water and food products by Community Directives and national regulations. From2020 to2023, we investigated the dynamics of this element in the water and suspended matter from the Prut River ecosystems within the Republic of Moldova. The sources of pollution with arsenic compounds are various pesticides, herbicides, metallurgical enterprises and power plants that use fossil coal and fuel oil. The pollution with pharmaceutical preparations that contain arsenic compounds should also be mentioned. Arsenic compounds enter the body of animals and humans in increased quantities primarily through polluted air, especially in industrial areas near thermal power plants and facilities such as metallurgical, military, chemical and pharmaceutical plants, as well as through drinking and mineral water, grapes, fruits, seafood (fish, snails, algae), medicines, pesticides and herbicides. The risk of arsenic accumulation is also increased in tobacco smokers.