| Author | Irshad, Muhammad |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.EV-05-17 |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
degree of Master of Engineering |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Arsenic contamination of groundwater has been recognized in recent years as a worldwide problem. It has also emerged as a serious concern in Punjab (Pakistan) where 18 districts out of 34 have dangerous As-related groundwater contamination with both shallow and deep water sources demonstrated to have well over 50 g/L (Pakistan safety standard). Nine districts have the arsenic greater than 10 g/L (maximum allowable limit in WHO guidelines) and remaining seven districts have the indication of contamination that is lower than 10 g/L. During the present research work all Punjab districts were surveyed for potential arsenic contaminated areas. It is one of the most industrialized provinces of Pakistan with the population density of 353 persons per square kilometer as compared to the national figure of 197. The area is stressed in terms of availability of drinking water which makes arsenic issue critically important in the light of safe water supply. A present study for potential arsenic contamination for the first time covering all the remaining districts was carried out and twelve more districts were tested for revalidation. The analysis of 24 districts showed that 85.5 % samples had 0-10 g/L, 10.3 % were in the range of 10-50 g/L while 4.3 % had arsenic concentration over 50 g/L. The six districts out of 12 new explored had the arsenic contents over 50 g/L. The analysis of 12 districts showed that 84.4 % samples had 0-10 g/L, 10.2 % are in the range of 10-50 g/L while 5.4 % had arsenic concentration over 50 g/L. The total samples screened from all districts of Punjab for arsenic investigation up to date are 36,304. The samples having arsenic lower than10 g/L are 24,278 that are 66.9 % of total samples. The samples having the arsenic in the range of 10-50 g/L are 8,709 that are 24.0 % of the total samples collected. The samples having the arsenic concentration over 50 g/L are 3317 that are 9.1 % of the samples collected. The drought conditions in Pakistan over last many years has not only reduced recharging of the aquifer but also placed a higher demand on ground water to meet the ever increasing water requirements. The Indus Water Treaty that was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan has caused not only upset of water table but also environment. In Punjab 34 MAF groundwater is being used that has lowered the water table significantly. As a result, the ground water level is receding at a rate of 30-60 cm per annum in various areas of Punjab. Other closely related factors contributing to the arsenic contamination prominently include oxidation of arseno-pirite leading to solubilization of arsenic. Epidemiological survey carried out in ten districts of Punjab did not show any alarming situation but problem should be mitigated to protect the population from future disaster. The overall prevalence of arsenicosis is very low and did not stand out as public health problem presently. So far only 10 districts out of 34 have been surveyed in the province and there is a wide variation in prevalence of dermatological lesions in district wise comparison. Arsenic mitigation in Pakistan is in its very early stage. But considering the socio-economic background of population in the affected areas three options of low cost removal technologies have been developed by PCRWR and UNICEF Pakistan. Monitoring of these technologies demonstrated that the 20 L clay pitcher arsenic removal filter proved to be the most appropriate technology due to its efficiency, life of media used, estimated cost as well as simplicity and ease of use. |
| Year | 2005 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Environmental Engineering (EV) |
| Chairperson(s) | Shipin, Oleg V.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Preeda Parkpian;Aramaki , Toshiya ; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Asian Institute of Technology Fellowship; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) -- Asian Institute of Technology, 2005 |