Arsenic Contamination of GroundWater. By Sadman Bin Sazzad

Epidemiology A 2007 study found that over 137 million people in more than 70 countries are probably affected by arsenic poisoning of drinking water. Arsenic contamination of ground water is found in many countries throughout the world, including the US. It is a serious problem in Bangladesh.  Prior to the 1970s, Bangladesh had one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world. Ineffective water purification and sewage systems as well as periodic monsoons and flooding exacerbated these problems As recent as 2010, more 20% death in Bangladesh was caused by Arsenic Poinsoning.

The Tubewell

Causes Drinking Water (like duh!)………main cause in Bangladesh Occupational Exposure. Due to its high toxicity, it is not used much in US. Arsenic is mainly encountered occupationally in the smelting of zinc and copper ores. Food. Example is Rice. Accumulation of Arsenic in crops form soil.

What is Arsenic? "1. A metallic element, atomic no. 33, atomic wt. 74.92159; forms a number of poisonous compounds, some of which are used in medicine. 2. Denoting the element arsenic or one of its compounds, especially arsenic acid."

Arsenic poisoning. Arsenic poisoning or arsenicosis is a condition caused by the ingestion, absorption or inhalation of dangerous levels of arsenic. Arsenic is a natural semi-metallic chemical that is found all over the world in groundwater. 

How does it affect our body? Pyruvate (3C) Arsenic compounds disrupt ATP production through several mechanisms. At the level of the citric acid cycle, arsenic inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase and by competing with phosphate it uncouples oxidative phosphorylation, thus inhibiting energy-linked reduction of NAD+, mitochondrial respiration, and ATP synthesis. Hydrogen peroxide production is also increased, which might form reactive oxygen species causing oxidative stress. These metabolic interferences lead to death from multi-system organ failure, probably from necrotic cell death, not apoptosis. A post mortem reveals brick red colored mucosa, due to severe hemorrhage. Glucose (6c) Pyruvate (3C) CoA and NAD+ Pyruvate Decarboxylase Complex (enzyme) NADH2

Symptoms drowsiness headaches confusion terrible diarrhea metallic taste in the mouth mouth produces excess saliva problems swallowing blood in the urine cramping muscles loss of hair stomach cramps convulsions excessive sweating breath smells like garlic vomiting diarrhea (More Severe) drowsiness headaches confusion terrible diarrhea (less severe)

Treatments Combination drug therapy Anti-oxidants in aloe vera can combat the oxidative stress Removing contaminated clothes and thoroughly rinsing skin Bowel irrigation-passing large amount of polyethylene solution to flush out arsenic Supportive treatment for complication like heart failure.

In countries like Bangladesh emphasis is to put on to prevent Arsenic poisoning! Treatments can be too expensive METHODS TO PREVENT: Fixing arsenic removal systems in homes Periodically testing drinking water for Arsenic Rainwater harvesting Digging adequately deeps wells