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

•Significant characteristics of arsenic in the Fh environment.•Environmental factors affecting the environmental behavior of Fh acting on As.•The impact of Fh application on the soil-plant system.•Prospects for the future direction of Fh remediation of As pollution. 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. [Display omitted]