Huge Rajshahi people exposed to arsenicosis
A research was conducted on arsenic related health risks for the last 10 years in the region.
BSS
RAJSHAHI: Arsenic poses a serious threat to the health of the drought-affected people as tube-well waters in the region, particularly in seven upazilas of Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj districts have become vulnerable to arsenic contamination, reports BSS.
The people of Godagari and Tanore upazilas of Rajshahi and Volahat upazila of Chapainwabganj are the worst sufferers. However, arsenicosis could be prevented coupled with reducing its fatal consequences if the patients are ensured with safe drinking water and proper healthcare management at preliminary stage.
The observation came at a symposium styled Health Effects of Chronic Exposure to Arsenic at Deans Conference hall of Faculty of Science in Rajshahi University (RU) here on Thursday.
The Department of Molecular Nutrition and Toxicology of University of Burney in Japan and Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology of RU jointly organised the symposium to mark the 10th anniversary of their joint research on the issue.
Prof Dr Seyshiro Himnu from the Japanese University and Head of Environment and Health Science Laboratory Dr Khaled Hossain are jointly conducting research on arsenic related health risks for the last 10 years in the region.
They told the symposium that an investigation was carried out to assess the water qualities and extents of impurities in groundwater and surface water (Padma river water) in Rajshahi city area.
Water samples from a total of 330 tube wells and five spots of the river Padma were analysed for physicochemical, biological and hydrological parameters with standard methods.
Among all considered parameters of ground water, concentrations of arsenic, iron, manganese, total hardness, and total coliform and faecal coliform bacteria were found above the permissible limits for potable water.
In case of the river Padma, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total coliform, faecal coliform and suspended solids exceeded permissible limits.
Both ground and river water must be treated properly before distribution for drinking purpose. Finally, the Padma is recommended as the most sustainable drinking water source for Rajshahi City Corporation area.
With Chairman of Department of Microbiology Prof Rejaul Karim in the chair, RU Pro-VC Prof Ananda Kumar Shaha, Professor Emeritus Dr Arun Kumar Basak and Dean of Faculty of Science Prof Akter Faruque also addressed the symposium.
