A Review on a Heavy Metal (Arsenic) Contamination in Ground Water, Soil and Translocation in Plants

摘要

Arsenic is a metal responsible for health hazard due to its toxicity. It is present worldwide in trace quantity in groundwater, soil and plants. Arsenic mainly enters the groundwater by both natural processes, such as dissolution of arsenic-containing minerals and anthropological activities, such as use of arsenic containing pesticides. According to WHO (2011) the maximum concentration level of arsenic in drinking water is 10 µg/L. India and Bangladesh are one of the worst affected countries by arsenic contamination. Moreover, the problem increases as most of the irrigation in these countries is done by groundwater in dry season. Hence the arsenic which was present in groundwater is now been taken up by crops which are translocated into various parts from roots. It is the matter of immediate concern to mitigate the health hazards due to the arsenic contaminated groundwater and food crops irrigated with it.