Concentrations of arsenic and other elements in groundwater of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India: Potential cancer risk

• Data on arsenic and other elements from arsenic-endemic areas of Bengal delta.
• Arsenic contaminated groundwater also had unsafe levels of Mn, Se and U.
• Data were compared with previously published data from Southeast Asian regions.
• Correlations between arsenic and other elements.
• Estimation of potential cancer risk.

We investigated the concentrations of 23 elements in groundwater from arsenic (As) contaminated areas of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India to determine the potential human exposure to metals and metalloids. Elevated concentrations of As was found in all five study areas that exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value of 10 μg/L. The mean As concentrations in groundwater of Noakhali, Jalangi and Domkal, Dasdia Nonaghata, Deganga and Baruipur were 297 μg/L, 262 μg/L, 115 μg/L, 161 μg/L and 349 μg/L, respectively. Elevated concentrations of Mn were also detected in all areas with mean concentrations were 139 μg/L, 807 μg/L, 341 μg/L, 579 μg/L and 584 μg/L for Noakhali, Jalangi and Domkal, Dasdia Nonaghata, Deganga and Baruipur, respectively. Daily As intakes from drinking water for adults and the potential cancer risk for all areas was also estimated. Results suggest that mitigation activities such as water treatment should not only be focused on As but must also consider other elements including Mn, B and Ba. The groundwater used for public drinking purposes needs to be tested periodically for As and other elements to ensure the quality of drinking water is within the prescribed national guidelines.