Arsenic

Contamination of groundwater with arsenic is considered as a major challenge in the water supply sector of Bangladesh. ITN-BUET has conducted a number of researches on arsenic issue. In continuation of ITN-BUET initiatives, a research on “Effectiveness of Alum in Removing Arsenic” was conducted by ITN-BUET during 2001 to 2002. This publication is the outcome of this initiative.

The purpose of the risk assessment was to quantify the health risks associated with different arsenic mitigation options. In providing alternative water supplies, it is important to be aware that users may be exposed to other hazards such as pathogens. Risk substitution in arsenic mitigation should always… … …

The research focused on development of a community based Arsenic-Iron Removal Unit (AIRU) adopting the technique of adsorption and co-precipitation of arsenic onto the flocs of ferric hydroxide, making use of the naturally occurring iron of groundwater. The operation and maintenance of the developed AIRU are simpler and more users friendly in comparison to the previously developed community based water treatment units. Number of beneficiaries and water consumption was increased by about 10 folds after the installation of the AIRU.

A field kit was developed which used non-toxic Silver Nitrate soaked papers as indicator. Adsorption capacities of arsenic by different materials were tested in the laboratory, in which good removal potential was found in Bijoypur clay, bleached sawdust and newspaper pulp.

Provision of arsenic free water is urgently needed for immediate protection of health and well being of the people living in arsenic affected areas. In most situations, substitution of tubewell water by an alternative safe and reliable source of water supply is not an easy task.