Arsenic and X-Rays

When I hear the term “x-ray,” my mind immediately wanders to ERs, inconvenient paperwork, and unclear black and white pictures of broken bones. Apparently, however, x-rays aren’t just for injuries, anymore. Using x-rays, researchers have developed a speedy and effective new technique for monitoring how contaminants react with their surroundings, such as water and soil. According to a recent article in Science Daily, an innovative method called x-ray spectroscopy can be used to view reactions at a molecular level within the first few seconds of a reaction. This is especially useful for measuring the contamination rates of arsenic in water. Arsenic contamination is a threat to drinking water in many areas in the world. This technique allows scientists to observe reactions between arsenic molecules and water molecules as they occur, so that they can be monitored and so that future contamination can be predicted and avoided. Could this new technique lead to less contamination and generally safer drinking water worldwide? I certainly hope so.

Posted by Elizabeth Tristano