Source, Distribution, and Release Mechanisms of Arsenic in the Groundwater of Assam Floodplains of Northeast India
Publication: World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2008: Ahupua'A
Abstract
This study conducted in Bongaigaon and Darrang districts of Assam, India is based upon water chemistry and sediment characteristics investigation in an reportedly arsenic infested belt. Of total 50 sampled wells, 15 had arsenic concentration above national drinking water standard of 50 μg/l, and 33 had As concentrations above the WHO guideline of 10 μg/l. However no distinct zones or depths with specific sedimentological features could be identified. Sediments with colour on green-olive scale are probably more likely to bear As contaminated water than white sediments. Sand filters used to reduce high iron content seem to reduce As content of water effectively. Arsenic rich water is also partly avoided since drillers seek water low in iron, which is often also low in arsenic content. Reductive dissolution of Ferric hydroxides is believed to be the release mechanism controlling the mobility of arsenic, rather than oxidation of arsenopyrite or pH induced desorption.
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© 2008 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Apr 26, 2012
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Arsenic
- Business management
- Chemical compounds
- Chemical elements
- Chemicals
- Chemistry
- Developing countries
- Environmental engineering
- Filters
- Filtration
- Flood plains
- Floods
- Groundwater
- Heavy metals
- Hydrologic engineering
- Hydrologic properties
- Hydrology
- Pollution
- Practice and Profession
- River engineering
- Sand filters
- Sediment
- Water (by type)
- Water and water resources
- Water content
- Water management
- Water pollution
- Water treatment
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