Global Arsenic Contamination of Groundwater, Soil and Food Crops and Health Impacts

Arsenic (As) is an extremely toxic metalloid of global concern. Numerous health and environmental organizations have classified As being the “toxic and dangerous for the environment”. Environmental and food chain contamination by As has been described globally, especially in Asia. Numerous reports have reported high As contents in the groundwater of South-Asian countries, especially India and Bangladesh. According to several reports, globally about > 200 million individuals are at severe risk of As-poisoning due to possible exposure to its toxic levels in drinking water, irrigation water, soil and edible plant tissues. Some recent reports in Pakistan have also revealed As levels > 10 mg/L in groundwater of the country. The groundwater is routinely consumed for drinking in many regions of Pakistan, especially Punjab and Sindh provinces. Hence there is a possibility of severe As-poisoning in different areas of Pakistan containing high As in groundwater. Moreover, soil/crop irrigation by As-containing groundwater has mediated As build-up in soils in different areas of the country and thereby a potential accumulation in food crops. Exposure to As, even at low levels, via any potential source can induce numerous As-mediated health issues, such as cancer. Hence, there is a need to assess the As environmental contamination level in the country. The purpose of this book chapter was to compile recent data regarding As status in groundwater, soils and food crops in Pakistan. The data compiled in this book chapter can be highly useful for future studies and policy making by regulatory authorities.