custom: A review of arsenic contamination and evaluation of its role by water quality index in Faridpur Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh

Large-scale mass poisoning through arsenic contaminated groundwater is a global concern and Bangladesh is among the countries exposed to high concentrations of arsenic in groundwater. As arsenic is a widespread contaminant, several studies have been conducted on it but only a few of these studies were held on micro regions by assessing its role on water quality index. In this study, the source and mobilization of arsenic, its effect on soil and plant, level and consequence of toxicity in human health along with current and potential methods to eliminate arsenic from groundwater in Bangladesh were reviewed based on previous researches. Along with the review, an experimental study was also carried out in an arsenic prone region of Bangladesh named Faridpur Sadar Upazila to delineate the role of arsenic in contamination by generating two synthetic scenarios where water quality was measured by the weighted arithmetic water quality index (WQI) method. From the review it was found that, both geogenic, as well as anthropogenic sources, contribute to arsenic affluence in groundwater in Bangladesh. The most accepted theory states that the Himalayan is the primary geogenic source of arsenic in the Bangladesh. Arsenic arrived in the aquifer transported with sediments which eventually releases into groundwater by several biogeochemical processes. This arsenic-contaminated groundwater is extensively used for drinking purpose and irrigation resulting in accumulation of arsenic in human body, soils and plants. Moreover, the accumulated arsenic in soil and plants transmits into the human body jeopardizes human health. Though, several arsenic removal technologies are now in practice in Bangladesh, more eco-friendly and convenient methods may be utilized to attenuate the level of toxicity. The experimental study revealed that, if the arsenic amount was reduced from the present condition, the overall WQI increases considerably. At one location, the index changed from category E to category B while considering a synthetic scenario of no arsenic in water. This indicates that arsenic is the key pollutant of groundwater in the area. This paper expects the kind attention of the local people and policymakers about the severity of arsenic pollution in the region.