Arsenic in Groundwater : A world problem

Abstract

During the past two decennia it has become apparent that arsenic poisoning (As) via groundwater has become a worldwide problem. Some of the best-documented and most severe cases of arsenic contaminated groundwater have been found in aquifers in Asia (eg. parts of Bangladesh, China, India, Nepal) and South America (eg. Argentina, Mexico). High levels of arsenic in groundwater not only cause significant problems in the provision of safe drinking water, but lately have also raised concern regarding food safety: in the case of long-term use of groundwater for irrigation purposes - whereby crops become contaminated due to the accumulation of arsenic. Long-term exposure to arsenic has been associated with cancer of the skin, lungs, urinary tract, kidneys and liver, and can also produce various other non-cancerous effects.