ZCZC
BSS-02
ARSENIC-RESEARCH (with picture)
Huge Rajshahi people exposed to arsenicosis
RAJSHAHI, Feb 2, 2018 (BSS)-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.
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.
Department of Molecular Nutrition and Toxicology of University of Burney in
Japan and Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology of RU jointly organized
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.
BSS/AH/AKM/1112 hrs