GROUNDWATER ARSENIC CONTAMINATION IN NORTH EASTERN STATES OF INDIA

Abstract

Arsenic toxicity and its widespread substantial distribution is becoming a major concern throughout the world. Recently, vast areas of North-eastern States of India have been detected with high concentration (range 50-986 μg/l) of ground water arsenic. The level is distressingly significant when compared to the permissible limits quoted by WHO (World Health Organization) and BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) (10 μg/l and 50 μg/l respectively). Rapid urbanization and expansion of agricultural irrigation systems have increased the problem in many folds. Statistical analysis has shown that nearly seven hundred thousand people are facing major and minor health hazards associated with arsenic contamination by one way or the other. The ground reality of the situation and gravity of the arsenic concentration in water necessitates a thorough and in-depth survey. This review paper emphasizes on the occurrence and distribution process of arsenic in ground-water sources as well as associated health risks in North-eastern Region (NER) of India.