The number of electrons associated with an element dictates its oxidation state. Elements can exist in several oxidation states. For example, iron commonly exists in the +2 or +3 state, arsenic as +3 or +5, and chromium as +3 or +6. Oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions involve a transfer of electrons and, therefore, a change in the oxidation state of elements. Redox reactions are important to studies of subsurface contamination because the chemical properties for the elements can change substantially with changes in the oxidation state. For example, in slightly acidic to alkaline environments, Fe(III) is fairly insoluble and precipitates as a solid phase (hydrous ferric oxide) that has a large adsorption capacity for metal ions. In contrast, Fe(II) is fairly soluble and its oxides have a much lower adsorption capacity. As the Fe(III) solid phase is reduced, not only is the Fe(II) brought into solution but so are any contaminants that may have been adsorbed onto it.