Hazard Estimations Result from Arsenic Contamination in Common Foodstuffs, Soil, Sediment, and Water of Joypurhat District, Bangladesh

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Atomic Energy Centre, Chattogram, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Chattogram 4209, Bangladesh

2 Department of Architecture, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Chattogram 4349, Bangladesh

3 National Institute of Textile Engineering and Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh

4 Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology, University of Dhaka, Hazaribagh, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

We analyzed 125 samples collected from Joypurhat district, Bangladesh, in this study. Average inorganic arsenic (IAs) content obtained from collected polished rice, tomato, potato, radish, and arum leaves 0.31 - 0.91, 0.24 - 0.61, 0.49 - 0.88, 0.40 - 0.93, and 0.30 - 0.69 mg/kg, respectively. This report summarized that almost every agronomic sample contains arsenic; the As contents remain within the permissible limit set by FAO/WHO’s guideline (1.00 mg/kg) except for the rice sample. The As concentration for the rice sample was significantly higher (0.31 - 0.91) than the prescribed limit (0.20 mg/kg). But, the As level for water (mean range, 0.10 - 0.72 mg/l), sediment (0.13 - 0.53 mg/kg), and soil samples (24.1 - 43.1 mg/kg) also significantly surpassed the permissible level. The present study is alarming for water samples, where the highest IAs concentration (0.72 mg/l) is 72 times [14 times] higher than WHO/FAO’s [Bangladesh’s] allowable limit (0.01mg/l) [0.05 mg/l]. All agronomic fields contain higher IAs (25.50 - 43.10 mg/kg) than the world standard limit (10 mg/kg). Statistical Igeo confirmed the moderate pollution of the entire agronomic field of Joypurhat except for the river’s sediment. Again, EF values ensured the anthropogenic pollution by the moderately severe enrichment of As for the 65% agronomic field and significant enrichment of As for the 35% agronomic field. Hazard estimation results revealed the privileged possibility of non-carcinogenic [carcinogenic] health hazards to regular polished rice [water] consumers. So, present study suggests that authorities should take necessary steps to prevent contamination/upcoming health risks.

Keywords


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