The Taiwan crisis: A showcase of the global arsenic problem

J. S. Jean, J. Bundschuh, C. J. Chen, H. R. Guo, C. W. Liu, T. F. Lin, Y. H. Chen

Research output: Book/ReportBook

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In the 1950s, the residents of the southwestern coastal areas of Taiwan suffered greatly from Blackfoot disease (BFD) due to the consumption of arsenic-contaminated groundwater. Groundwater with high levels of arsenic in southwestern and northeastern Taiwan received much attention. After arsenic-safe tap water was utilized for drinking instead of groundwater in the 1970s, BFD cases decreased greatly. After 1990, no new BFD cases were reported, and as a consequence, BFD problems disregarded. However, arsenic is still present in the groundwater.This book will improve the knowledge and understanding of the occurrence and genesis of arsenic-rich groundwaters in Taiwan. It deals with constraints on the mobility of arsenic in groundwater, its uptake from soil and water by plants, arsenic-propagation through the food chain, human health impacts, and arsenic-removal technologies. Taiwan case experiences are described in this book and can be applied worldwide. This book is a state-of-the-art overview of research on arsenic in Taiwan and is designed to: • create interest in regions within Taiwan that are affected by the presence of arseniferous aquifers; • draw attention from the international scientific community; • increase awareness among researchers, administrators, policy makers, and company executives; • improve the international cooperation on arsenic problems worldwide.

Original languageEnglish
PublisherCRC Press
Number of pages204
ISBN (Electronic)9780203848067
ISBN (Print)9780415585101
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010 Jan 1

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • General Engineering
  • General Environmental Science

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