Researchers from Patna’s Mahavir Cancer Sansthan and Research Centre have identified significant arsenic contamination in staple foods and groundwater across 11 districts in Bihar.

About Arsenic

• Arsenic  is a highly toxic metalloid which is naturally present in the environment and in the earth crust and groundwater of a number of countries.
• Application of Arsenic: Industrial applications of arsenic are found in, Wood preservatives, Pesticides, Herbicides, Pigments, Electronics and Metal alloys.
• Sources of Arsenic Pollution:
  • Contamination of ground  water through geological processes such as sedimentation, and Capillary action.
  • Contaminated food, such as rice, wheat, and potatoes through irrigation with Contaminated water.
  • Industrial pollution such Coal ash, Tanning Industry  discharge , Smoking and 
  • Certain occupations, such as mining and smelting
• Concerns: Arsenic is a known carcinogen associated with skin, lung, bladder, kidney, and liver cancer. 
  • Its dermatological, developmental, neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, immunological, and endocrine effects are also evident.
• Permissible Limit: World Health Organisation’s provisional guideline value for arsenic in drinking water is 0.01 mg/l (10 μg/l) and permissible limit of arsenic in India in absence of an alternative source is  0.05 mg/l (50 μg/l).

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Key Findings of the study

• Groundwater Contamination: Arsenic levels in groundwater samples ranged from permissible limits to 550.7 µg/L, far exceeding the WHO limit of 10 µg/L in several cases.
  • Contaminated groundwater is widely used for irrigation, contributing to arsenic uptake in crops.
• Soil and Sedimentation: Sediments in the Gangetic plains, due to river morphology changes over the past 50 years, are primary arsenic sources.
  • Soil contamination is exacerbated by repeated use of arsenic-rich irrigation water, increasing retention and biomagnification.
• Staple Foods:
  • Rice: 14% of samples exceeded the FAO limit (highest recorded: 821 µg/kg).
  • Wheat: 63% of samples exceeded limits (highest recorded: 775 µg/kg).
  • Potatoes: 3% of samples exceeded limits (highest recorded: 1,450 µg/kg).
• Human Exposure:
  • Consumption of contaminated rice, wheat, and potatoes has led to elevated arsenic levels in human blood.
  • Biomagnification has been identified as a key route of arsenic accumulation.
    • This means that the concentration of arsenic increases as you move up the food chain from plants to animals.
    • It means that people who eat fish and rice may be exposed to higher levels of arsenic than those who do not.
• Infants and Lactating Mothers: 55% of lactating mothers in exposed regions had arsenic levels in breast milk above WHO limits.
• • 65% of infants tested had elevated urinary arsenic levels, with only half expelled from their bodies; the rest accumulated in organs like the brain, liver, and kidneys.
• Chronic Health Risks: Long-term exposure is linked to organ damage, cognitive development issues in children, and potential chronic diseases like diabetes.

Way Forward

• Immediate Actions: Medical interventions for affected populations, particularly infants and children.
  • Regular testing of groundwater, soil, and food products for arsenic.
• Policy and Awareness: Awareness campaigns to educate rural communities about arsenic risks.
  • Introduction of safer agricultural practices and exploration of alternative water sources for irrigation.
• Research and Monitoring: Ongoing monitoring of arsenic levels in the ecosystem to assess contamination trends and effectiveness of interventions.

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