Soil As release (3.7–581.2 mg kg−1) was observed in the colon. 44.2–97.6% of arsenite generated was in the soil solid phase. Different degree of cellular absorption of soil As metabolites was observed. Arsenic in colon digests was transformed more quickly than that in soil solid phase. Gut microbiota can directly release soil arsenic, particularly As-bearing amorphous Fe/Al-oxides.