Groundwater Arsenic Contamination in Bihar: Causes, Issues and Challenges

Thakur, Barun Kumar; Gupta, Vijaya

doi:10.17492/manthan.v2i1.6434

Cited by 10 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…Numerous studies have revealed that arsenic contamination in groundwater has been reported in several Indian states, and the problem is getting worse. The Arsenic threat is prominent among people living in the Himalayan river belt including Bihar and West Bengal [13]. Arsenic exposure causes many diseases including cancer, renal failure and diabetes [14].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Elevated lipid profile associated with arsenic exposure and assessment of zinc deficiency in diabetes patients in Indian state of Bihar

Fathima

Kumar

Meenakshi

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Background: Heavy metal exposure is a significant environmental health concern that can be deadly due to bioaccumulation of toxic metals in the human body ultimately leading to alterations in physiology, disease severity, and risk of comorbid diseases. Certain metals including arsenic have been linked to hyperglycemia and a greater risk of diabetes. Bihar is one of the most-affected areas in terms of arsenic pollution. Numerous studies elucidated the effect of arsenic. This study is a single-centered pilot prospective cohort study aimed at evaluating the potential role of arsenic exposure and assessment of micronutrient levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. A total of n=30 type-2 diabetic patients and healthy individuals aged > 18 years residing in arsenic endemic zones of Bihar, were initially recruited to assess arsenic levels in hair samples. Blood glucose parameters were found to be significantly greater (HbA1C, p=0.002* and postprandial blood sugar p=0.046) among the arsenic-exposed population than the others. Total cholesterol, Low density lipoprotein and triglycerides have positive correlations with arsenic levels, whereas High density lipoprotein displays a negative correlation with arsenic level. Zinc levels of diabetic patients are low compared to the healthy control group. Weak negative correlations are found with blood sugar parameters and zinc levels. Arsenic levels are also negatively correlated to zinc levels (r=-0.458, p=0.042). Concludedly, Arsenic exposure has deleterious effect on blood glucose levels and lipid parameters. Preventive measures should be implemented to limit the exposure. Deficiently found trace elements such as zinc must be supplemented as a part of therapy for improving blood glucose parameters.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Elevated lipid profile associated with arsenic exposure and assessment of zinc deficiency in diabetes patients in Indian state of Bihar

Fathima

Kumar

Meenakshi

et al. 2023

Preprint

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“…Further, younger cancer patients may face life disruptions (Clark & Fasciano 2015;Nass et al 2015) such as career/education, future plans, trust in health, financial burdens, peer relationships, and family dynamics. In addition, their geographical establishment could be held responsible, since most of the inhabitants of arsenic-affected middle Gangetic plain of Bihar, for obvious reasons, could not relocate (Bhardwaj et al 2019) and as such are bound to live under continuous apprehension for their next generations, highly vulnerable to several arsenic-induced diseases (Laskar et al 2010;Syed et al 2012;Thakur & Gupta 2015;Suman et al 2020). Most of the AIC patients of the age group 32-40 years were literate (63.63%).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mental health in arsenic-induced cancer: a study from middle Gangetic plain of Bihar, India

Kumar

Ghosh

Bharti

2022

Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development

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The health impact of groundwater arsenic contamination shall remain partially understood while its psychological aspects are not studied. So, this correlational survey research explored mental health as a function of perceived social support in arsenic-induced cancer (AIC), which is highly prevalent in the middle Gangetic plain. Mental health inventory and multidimensional scale of perceived social support were used to assess mental health (MH) and perceived social support (PSS) respectively in 77 AIC patients. Findings show significant impact of PSS on MH in the arsenic-affected regions. PSS from significant others have strong impact on overall MH. Perception of reality was predicted by PSS from family while global PSS predicted two dimensions of MH, i.e. positive self-evaluation and environmental mastery. This baseline study suggests that global PSS and that from family and significant others is important and has a strong impact on MH of this population. These findings would help early identification and/or psychological intervention (from non-government organizations, oncology social workers/researchers, and policy makers) to promote better health and well-being in this arsenic-affected population.

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“…This study intends to contribute towards existing literature and provide comprehensive evidence on the effect of arsenic poisoning on health as well as socio-economic aspects in Bangladesh. Several authors have tried to analyse the severe health implications of arsenic poisoning across various states in India like Bihar (Singh & Ghosh, 2012; Thakur & Gupta, 2015; Kumar et al, 2021). Unlike previous studies with epidemiological focus, this study uses large nationally representative dataset and rigorous empirical techniques so as to examine the health implications of arsenic poisoning.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Arsenic on Health: Evidence from Indian Districts

Aggarwal

2022

The Indian Economic Journal

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It is well established that consuming groundwater contaminated with arsenic can lead to diseases of the heart, blood vessels, peripheral nervous systems and skin diseases such as pigmentation change. In this article, I focus on two health outcomes—skin diseases and still births—using district-level data from India, a country with widespread arsenic contamination. Arsenic may come into human contact via direct and/or indirect channel. I intend to examine these two channels of arsenic transmission. To analyse the two-fold objectives of this study, I have used repeated cross-section data from the two health rounds of National Sample Survey Organization (60th and 71st round survey). I find a positive and statistically significant relation between skin diseases and drinking water from arsenic contaminated tube well. Similar results are found for still birth in arsenic affected areas, even after controlling for state- and district-level factors. Using odds ratio, I also find positive effect of rice consumption on skin manifestations, robust to state-fixed effects, but not district-fixed effects. Individuals are more adversely affected in terms of skin lesions and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Drinking arsenic contaminated water is a more dominant pathway than consumption of food containing arsenic, particularly rice and wheat. JEL Codes: I10, I12, Q25, Q53, Q54

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Groundwater Arsenic Contamination in Bihar: Causes, Issues and Challenges

Cited by 10 publications

References 17 publications

Elevated lipid profile associated with arsenic exposure and assessment of zinc deficiency in diabetes patients in Indian state of Bihar

Elevated lipid profile associated with arsenic exposure and assessment of zinc deficiency in diabetes patients in Indian state of Bihar

Mental health in arsenic-induced cancer: a study from middle Gangetic plain of Bihar, India

Effect of Arsenic on Health: Evidence from Indian Districts

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