Impact of arsenic-contaminated irrigation water on food chain in GMB plain and possible mitigation options

摘要

It is becoming apparent that ingestion of drinking water is not the only elevated source of arsenic (As) to the diet in Bengal delta. Irrigation of agricultural fields with As-contaminated groundwater has led to As build-up in soil,with subsequent elevation of As in crops grown on these soils. Increase in soil As concentration can cause an enhancement of As accumulation in rice grain and in turn threaten human health through food chain. Inorganic As, mainly arsenite and arsenate contribute more than 90% of total content of As in crops, grown on As-contaminated soil. Cooked rice and discarded water comes out during cooking rice preparation contribute a considerable amount of As. A pilot and field level approach has been taken for As reduction from irrigated water-soil system by using phytoremediation and indigenous microbial remediation in reducing As contents in food chain.