The natural contamination with arsenic affects millions of people in Argentina and turns a daily action like drinking water into a health problem.
New analyses by the Buenos Aires Institute of Technology (ITBA) have reignited concern by demonstrating that thousands of households receive water with metalloids values higher than those recommended by health authorities.
The ITBA Arsenic Map
The ITBA analyzed more than 350 samples in different provinces and developed the Arsenic Map, which revealed that nearly four million people are potentially exposed.
- 70% of Buenos Aires territory exceeds the suggested values, with concentrations equal to or greater than 50 parts per billion (ppb) in the Chacopampeana plain (Buenos Aires, Córdoba, southern Santa Fe, and parts of La Pampa).
- Areas with values between 10 and 50 ppb were classified as precautionary, covering regions in the north of the country.
- In rural and peri-urban areas, where well water prevails, exposure is higher due to the absence of periodic controls.
Health Risks
The World Health Organization (WHO) included inorganic arsenic among the 10 most concerning substances for public health.
Prolonged exposure is linked to:
- Skin lesions.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Neuropathies.
- Diabetes.
- Various types of cancer.
Non-cancerous effects are also observed, such as skin changes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and cramps.
The safety limit set by the WHO is 10 ppb, although recent research has detected effects at even lower concentrations. Above 50 ppb, the warning is clear: do not use the water for consumption or food cooking.
Limitations of Traditional Filters
Many conventional filters offer partial protection. Activated carbon removes chlorine, odors, and pesticides, but does not retain arsenic or other heavy metals.
Toxicologist Francisco Dadic, from Hospital Durand and Sanatorio Las Lomas, explained that the removal of arsenic requires “a special process that allows the decantation or retention of heavy metals.” Some equipment can reduce the concentration, although not eliminate it completely.
Recommended Technologies for Arsenic Removal
Among the most effective methods are:
- Iron oxide-based selective resin: works like a “sponge” that attracts and retains arsenic.
- Reverse osmosis: considered one of the most effective technologies, achieving reductions close to 99.9%. It uses a membrane that allows water molecules to pass through and retains dissolved solids.
- Other methods with proven effectiveness: coagulation-filtration, activated alumina, ion exchange, and electrodialysis, although they require greater technical complexity and higher costs.
Local Innovation: Low-Cost Solutions
Scientists from Conicet developed an economical method using chemically treated charcoal, capable of reducing more than 50% of arsenic and nitrates in vulnerable communities.
The procedure uses agricultural waste such as leaves, branches, or seed shells, opening up the possibility of solutions based on circular economy.
Decisions and Recommendations
The choice of system depends on the water source, the level of contamination, and the economic possibilities of each family:
- Reverse osmosis requires initial investment and filter replacement.
- Selective resins offer simpler installation.
- Bottled water can be an immediate alternative, although it does not solve the structural problem.
Specialists recommend conducting periodic measurements, consulting specialized technicians, and maintaining constant controls in vulnerable areas to reduce health risks.
Arsenic has ceased to be an abstract concept and has become a daily problem for millions of Argentines. Scientific evidence shows that much of the national territory exceeds the recommended limits, demanding urgent actions for monitoring, investment in removal technologies, and public policies for access to safe water.
