Abstract:
Arsenic contamination of groundwater has created a serious public health issue in Bangladesh and West Bengal (India), because groundwater is widely used for drinking, household and agricultural purposes. Given the magnitude of the problem of groundwater contamination facing Bangladesh, effective, acceptable and sustainable solutions are urgently required. Different NGOs (Non-government organizations) and research organizations are using their extensive rural networks to raise awareness and conduct pilot projects. The implication of the result from the previous studies is robust, but costly arsenic reduction technologies such as activated alumina technology, and As and Fe removal filters may find little social acceptance, unless heavily subsidized. This review paper analyzed the quality of surface water and groundwater. All mitigation measures and the most acceptable options to provide sustainable access to safe-water supply in the rural areas of Bangladesh. Although there are abundant and different sources of surface water, they can not be used for drinking and household purposes due to lack of sanitation, high fecal coliform concentration, turbidity and deterioration of quality of surface water sources. There are a few safe surface water options; and also there are several methods available for removal of arsenic and iron from groundwater in large conventional treatment plants. This review paper presented a short description of the currently available and most sustainable technologies for arsenic and iron removal, and alternative water supply options in the rural areas.
Page(s):
34-42
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: International Journal of Economic and Environmental Geology, Volume: 3, Issue: 1, Year: 2012