ABSTRACT
Not all trace minerals are good for human organism: Arsenic (As) contamination in potable water supplies has become a major issue in respect to threats for human health. Arsenic in water originates from both, natural sources (geological erosion) as well as man-made pollution that contaminate ground-and surface water (e.g. mining activities, waste water discharge, etc.). The concentration of As may reach 1500 µg L−1 in certain areas such as Western United States and Antofagasta region in northern Chile (Smedley 2002). Arsenic is known to cause diseases of the skin and different types of cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) currently recommends a maximum As level in potable water supplies of 10 µg L−1 (WHO 2001).
