Status Of Groundwater Arsenic Contamination And Human Health In Hajo Circle, Assam, India

Abstract

Arsenic is a chemical element with the symbol ‘As’. Arsenic in water is a vital problem in many countries around the world including India. In groundwater arsenic can be found through the dissolution of minerals and ores. Brahmaputra River that is originated from the Himalayas is arsenic contaminated. Arsenic can found in the groundwater of Brahmaputra valley in Assam because Assam valley is highly ferrous. The aim of this research paper is to investigate the level of arsenic contamination in groundwater and its health impact. Primary data have been collected and tested in Tezpur University laboratory to know the value of arsenic in groundwater. Many water samples were contaminated with arsenic. Arsenic affects a broad range of organs and system including skin, nervous system, respiration system, liver, kidney, immune system etc. Arsenic poisoning occurs due to the high level of arsenic in the body. Interpolation method has been use to show the spatial distribution pattern of groundwater arsenic contamination with the help of Arc GIS 10.2.1. Hajo circle has arsenic contaminated groundwater. Many rural people of the study area use arsenic contaminated drinking water.