Arsenic Pollution in Groundwater of Bangladesh
Third South Asia Geological Congress (2000), Lahore, Pakistan.

Arsenic calamity in the Bangladesh is a serious problem like in the West Bengal, India. Field experience and available data show the presence of high arsenic concentration in groundwater above the guideline value for drinking water by WHO. Out of 64 districts in Bangladesh, the RGAG, AAN and the Research Group of Geology & Mining Department of Rajshahi Univesity suspect that groundwater of about 41 districts may be contaminated with arsenic. To give safe water to the people more investigations in the whole country is essential.

 The source of arsenic in groundwater of Bangladesh is as yet unknown. But it is now widely believed that the high arsenic levels in the groundwater in Bangladesh and West Bengal (India) have a natural source. Groundwater in Bangladesh relates to sandy alluvial deposits are considered to be arsenic free. However, the possibility that wells pumping from the deeper and coarser deposits infiltrate groundwater with a high arsenic content should not be overlooked. It is essential to see the groundwater occurrences, its distribution and geological and hydrogeological settings of the country.
 
 However, it is established as a mineralogical source with mobilization resulting from natural geochemical processes. High arsenic concentrations are associated with reducing groundwater rich in ferrous iron, abstraction from Quaternary confined and semi-confined alluvial or deltaic aquifers. To have basic understanding of the source and mobility of arsenic it is essential to investigate the sampling depth and aquifer provenance. Arsenic affected areas on the Ganges Delta are so vast covering approximate areas of 34 districts out of 64. The area of these 34 districts is 65,000 Sq. Km. and the population is about 51 million, which is about 42.5% of the total population of the country.

 The RGAG and ANN members jointly with the Rajshahi University scientists have several times carried out survey since 1996 and the result of investigation have been discussed. The results include the relationship between ORP (mV). Groundwater contamination or pollution involves changes in the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics or even in the contact of radio-nuclides of water as a result of anthropogenic activities which render it less useful for future use (Handa 1994).

To save these huge populations of the area all sorts of International help is essential to solve this arsenic problem. If precautionary measures against arsenic contamination are not taken immediately consequences like death of many people will be inevitable and massive. An awareness raising programme about the issue among the people should be the first step for precaution.  

Md. Hamidur Rahman
Department of Geology & Mining University of Rajshahi
Rajshahi-6205
Bangladesh