Introduction
Discovering
the Problem
Arsenic in
Nature
Source of
Contamination
Arsenicosis:
Toxic Effects
Feature of
Arsenicosis
Confirmation
of Diagnosis
Treatment
Arsenic
Detection
De-arsination
Control
Measures
WHO
Recommendations
Contact
us
© Copyright: MIG 1998 |
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Arsenic
Contamination of Drinking Water
Bangladesh is
the
World's Most
Vulnerable Country
Arsenic in
Nature
- In nature, there is plenty of arsenic.
- Arsenic is present in air, soil and water
- Rock contains 1.5-2.0 milligram of arsenic per
kilogram. But, in contaminated soil,
concentration of arsenic may be up to 500 mg/kg.
- Industrial wastes may emit arsenic to the
atmosphere causing higher arsenic level in the
near by air than usual level (0.04030 ng/cubic
meter).
- Arsenic content of natural water may be up to 1-2
microgram/L.
- Most fruits, vegetables, meats and fishes contain
arsenic; but arsenic levels in sea water and sea
fishes are higher. Sea fish may contain 5 mg of
arsenic per kg weight.
- Living with nature means human beings take a
little amount of arsenic every day through
breaths, food or drinks. But, as they are
negligible in quantity and organic in nature,
they do no harm.
- An intake of 150 microgram of arsenic per day
should not cause any harmful effect to human
being, but very sensitive person often becomes
sick with as low as 20 microgram of arsenic a
day.
- Table-2 shows the chemical nature of arsenic.
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