Probabilistic Risk Assessment Due to Ingestion of Arsenic Contaminated Water in Maner, Bihar

Abstract

Presence of arsenic in drinking water sources is a major concern in more than 100 countries due to its negative health impact on human even at a low concentration. Groundwater is a main source of drinking water worldwide. More than 13 districts of Bihar (India) is experiencing elevated arsenic concentration in groundwater. Probabilistic risk assessment study was carried out to evaluate non-carcinogenic as well carcinogenic risk among children, teens and adults residing in Maner nagar panchayat locality of Patna district, Bihar. Total 17 numbers of bore-wells, source of drinking water to 439 residents, were analyzed for arsenic concentration. More than 0.01 mg/L arsenic concentration were observed in the bore-wells. However, 4 bore-wells had more 0.05 mg/L. Probabilistic risk assessment analysis indicated that adults are at the highest health risk for the both categories namely non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic followed by the children and teens. The higher health risk in the adults may be attributed to prolong consumption of arsenic contaminated water. However, in case of the lowest risk among teens may be due to high body weight and less consumption of water.