Elixir of Adversity: Unearthing the Alchemical Link between Groundwater Arsenic Contamination and Socio-Economic Metamorphosis through a Systematic Review

Document Type : Review Paper

Authors

1 Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India -202002

2 Global Development Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

10.22059/poll.2025.387254.2737

Abstract

Although arsenic contamination of groundwater was identified late in the 20th century but research on this topic gained significant attention in the early 21st century. Most of the study primarily focused on sources, health effects, removal methods, and mitigation in a particular area. Overall, research on the socioeconomic repercussions remained limited. The geological structure, demographics, and infrastructure of the Bengal Delta Plain region, though not exclusively, led to its selection as the study's focal point. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of 41 pieces of literature using Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus—three extensively used databases, revealing a skewed emphasis on the Bengal Delta Plain (70.73%), with fewer studies focusing on other Indian regions (17.07%) and international contexts (12.20%).  Analysis revealed that lower socioeconomic status is associated with increased susceptibility and was exacerbated by factors such as prolonged exposure, lack of education, and malnutrition. The effects of the consumption of arsenic-contaminated water and food were manifested in compromised health, decreased agricultural output, limited access to potable water, financial strains, and stunted development. The study, thus, emphasised the urgency of attention to the welfare of arsenic-affected communities globally, particularly in underdeveloped regions through a comprehensive understanding of the very complicated socioeconomic effects of arsenic contamination. However, the focus should be on empowering the community through awareness, education, and engagement in combating the deleterious impacts of arsenic contamination on various facets of human development. Further, it proposed a holistic approach to health interventions with socioeconomic empowerment that breaks underdevelopment cycles and promotes inclusive and sustainable progress through interdisciplinary research and collaborative approaches.

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Main Subjects

References

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Pollution
Volume 11, Issue 4
October 2025
Pages 1174-1198

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