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Assessment of Arsenic Concentration in Ground Water of Tube Wells in Selected Primary Schools’ at Palashbari Upazila of Gaibanda District

M. N. H. Khan
Department of Environmental ScienceBangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh – 2202

M. M. Rahman
Department of Environmental ScienceBangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh – 2202

M. Rokanuzzaman
Department of Environmental ScienceBangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh – 2202

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Arsenic contamination has been recognized as an acute national problem in Bangladesh. Tube wells, one of the most important source of drinking water in Bangladesh, are contaminated by arsenic in 61 districts out of a total of 64. Children who are exposed to high levels of arsenic in their drinking water are 7 to 12 times susceptible then adult. This study was conducted to know the arsenic concentration level in primary schools’ tube wells. Twenty seven schools were selected at Palashbari upazila of Gaibandha district under Rangpur division. Econo Quick test kit was used to measure arsenic concentration. Global Positioning System (GPS) was used to indicate the geographic location. Fifteen were Sallow Tube Well no. 06 and eleven were Deep Tube Well no. 06 among the examined tube wells. Arsenic concentration of these studied tube wells were ranged between 0 to 200μg/L. Except two all are below (0 to 10μg/L) the WHO maximum permissible level (50μg/L). Among these two one lies marginal level (50μg/L) and another crosses the level (200μg/L). Arsenic concentrations of these tube wells were not high. So, there could be considered as a safe source of drinking water for the pupils of these primary schools.

Keywords: Arsenic, Concentration, Contamination, Drinking water, Primary School

Location: Palashbari Upazila of Gaibanda District

Start Date: 00-09-2011

End Date: 00-10-2011

Program Area: Risk Management in Agriculture

Commodity: Water quality

Objectives:

1. To know the arsenic concentration level in selected primary schools at Palashbari upazila of Gaibandha district which was supported by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

Methodology:

Data collection - Selected twenty seven schools were visited during September to October, 2011 and data of Water Point Type, Water Point Depth (feet), Water Point Status, Arsenic concentration (μg/l) etc. was recorded. Water samples of these schools were tested by Econo Quick test kit. GPS (Global Positioning System) machine was used to indicate the geographic location of the study area. Every school’s geographic locations (Latitude and Longitude) were set up by the GPS machine. Arsenic Test Procedure - The analysis was performed in a closed reaction plastic bottle. The reaction bottle was rinsed two times by the sample water to be tested, and then the sample water was poured up slowly to the marked line on the bottle (50 ml). First, the water sample was mixed in the supplied reaction vessel with Reagent #1 (tartaric acid with rate enhancers), red cap securely was sealed and shake vigorously, and the bottle was positioned upright for 15 seconds to acidify the water sample. Uncapped the reaction bottle and then Reagent #2, an oxidizer, was added to remove hydrogen sulfide interference. Again recapped securely with the red cap and shake vigorously with the upright position of the bottle for 15 seconds. The reaction bottle was uncapped again and finally Reagent #3, Zinc powder, was added in the sample. Then the red cap was sealed securely and shake vigorously in a upright position the bottle uprights for 5 seconds again. Test strip was inserted into the turret and left 10 minutes for the reaction to occur. With the addition of Zinc powder, inorganic arsenic compounds (As+3 and As+5) were reduced to arsine gas. After 10 minutes wait, as arsine gas was generated and comes in contact with the test strip, the mercuric bromide indicator on the test strip changed in color from white to shades of yellow or brown. Once the reaction was completed, the test strip was removed carefully and matched to a calibrated color chart to obtain a quantitative measure of arsenic in the tested sample. A light yellow to brown color change indicates the presence of arsenic. The color intensity is proportionately related to the concentration of arsenic in the sample.

Source of Information: J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 4(2): 115-120, 2011; ISSN 1999-7361

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Arsenic concentration of these studied tube wells were ranged between 0 to 200μg/L. Except two all are below (0 to 10μg/L) the WHO maximum permissible level (50μg/L). Among these two one lies marginal level (50μg/L) and another crosses the level (200μg/L). Arsenic concentrations of these tube wells were not high. So, there could be considered as a safe source of drinking water for the pupils of these primary schools.

Knowledge Management: Journal