Bhowmick, Subhamoy and Pramanik, Sreemnta and Singh, Payel and Mondal, Priyanka and Chatterjee, Debashis and Nriagud, Jerome (2018) Arsenic in groundwater ofWest Bengal, India: A review of human health risks and assessment of possible intervention options. Science of the Total Environment, 612. pp. 148-169. ISSN 0048-9697, ESSN: 1879-1026

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Abstract

This paper reviews howactive research inWest Bengal has unmasked the endemic arsenismthat has detrimental effects on the health of millions of people and their offspring. It documents howthe pathways of exposure to this toxin/poison have been greatly expanded through intensive application of groundwater in agriculture in the regionwithin the Green Revolution framework. A goal of this paper is to compare and contrast the similarities and differences in arsenic occurrence in West Bengal with those of other parts of the world and assess the unique socio-cultural factors that determine the risks of exposure to arsenic in local groundwater. Successful intervention options are also critically reviewedwithemphasis on integrative strategies that ensure safewater to the population, proper nutrition, and effective ways to reduce the transfer of arsenic from soil to crops. While no universal model may be suited for the vast areas of the world affected with by natural contamination of groundwater with arsenic, we have emphasized community-specific sustainable options that can be adapted. Disseminating scientifically correct information among the population coupled with increased community level participation and education are recognized as necessary adjuncts for an engineering intervention to be successful and sustainable.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Sustainable Management; Groundwater: Rice; Biomarkers; Mitigation
Subjects:	Environmental Health Water Pollution Water Treatment
Divisions:	UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User:	Mr. RK Lohiya
Date Deposited:	11 Mar 2019 07:22
Last Modified:	11 Mar 2019 07:22
URI:	http://neeri.csircentral.net/id/eprint/1190

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