Arsenic concentrations Arsenic contaminations Arsenic exposures Arsenic speciations Arsenic species Average concentrations Carcinogenic risks Contaminated groundwaters Drinking water sources Drinking water standards
Issue Date:
2009
Publisher:
Environment International
Citation:
Volume: 35, Issue: 3, Page : 466-472
Abstract:
The characteristics of arsenic-contaminated groundwater and the potential risks from the
groundwater were investigated. Arsenic contamination in groundwater was found in four villages (Vinh Tru,
Bo De, Hoa Hau, Nhan Dao) in Ha Nam province in northern Vietnam. Since the groundwater had been
used as one of the main drinking water sources in these regions, groundwater and hair samples were
collected in the villages. The concentrations of arsenic in the three villages (Vinh Tru, Bo De, Hoa Hau)
significantly exceeded the Vietnamese drinking water standard for arsenic (10??g/L) with average
concentrations of 348, 211, and 325??g/L, respectively. According to the results of the arsenic speciation
testing, the predominant arsenic species in the groundwater existed as arsenite [As(III)]. Elevated
concentrations of iron, manganese, and ammonium were also found in the groundwater. Although more than
90% of the arsenic was removed by sand filtration systems used in this region, arsenic concentrations of
most treated groundwater were still higher than the drinking water standard. A significant positive
correlation was found between the arsenic concentrations in the treated groundwater and in female human
hair. The risk assessment for arsenic through drinking water pathways shows both potential chronic and
carcinogenic risks to the local community. More than 40% of the people consuming treated groundwater are
at chronic risk for arsenic exposure. ?? 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.