The interaction between ferrihydrite and arsenic: A review of environmental behavior, mechanism and applied in remediation

Arsenic is a metalloid with a high risk of carcinogenesis. High levels of arsenic in the water and soil environment can directly impact on humans and ecosystems. Ferrihydrite plays an important role in controlling the mobility and toxicity of arsenic in contaminated soil and water. However, it is important to note that ferrihydrite is unstable in the environment and can undergo transformation, dissolution, and agglomeration. These processes significantly impact the conversion and fixation efficiency of arsenic. This article discusses the interaction mechanism and remediation effect of ferrihydrite with arsenic. It also summarizes the environmental behavior of ferrihydrite on arsenic under external factors such as water content, pH levels, environmental temperature, presence of Fe2+, types of ions in solution, organic matter, and coexisting minerals. Furthermore, it looks forward to future research and development directions, providing a valuable reference for the effective use of ferrihydrite to remediating arsenic-contaminated soil and water environments.