Work

Arsenic contamination in Bangladesh groundwater: A major environmental and social disaster

Year: 2002

Type: review

Abstract: In attempting to eliminate disease caused by drinking polluted surface water, millions of shallow surface wells were drilled into the Ganges delta alluvium in Bangladesh. The latest statistics indicate that 80% of Bangladesh and an estimated 40 million people are at risk of arsenic poisoning-related diseases because the ground water in these wells is contaminated with arsenic. The clinical manifestations of arsenic poisoning are myriad, and the correct diagnosis depends largely on awareness of the problem. Patients with melanosis, leuco-melanosis, keratosis, hyperkeratosis, dorsum, non-petting edema, gangrene and skin cancer have been identified. The present article reviews the current arsenic contamination of ground water, hydrological systems, groundwater potential and utilization and environmental pollution in Bangladesh. This paper concludes by clarifying the main actions required to ensure the sustainable development of water resources in Bangladesh.

Source: International Journal of Environmental Health Research

DOI: 10.1080/0960312021000000998

Authors: M. G. M. Alam, G. Allinson, F. Stagnitti, A. Tanaka, M. Westbrooke

Institutions: Deakin University, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Federation University

Language: English

Topic: Arsenic contamination and mitigation

Subfield: Environmental Chemistry

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2026920894

FWCI: 0.588

Cites: 56

Cited by: 226

Related to: 10