International Journal of Scientific Research in Environmental Sciences, 2(1), pp. 1-7, 2014

Available online at http://www.ijsrpub.com/ijsres

ISSN: 2322-4983; ©2014 IJSRPUB

http://dx.doi.org/10.12983/ijsres-2014-p0001-0007

1

Full Length Research Paper

Arsenic Contamination: Food Toxicity and Local Perception

Md. Abdur Rakib1*, Mohammad A.H. Bhuiyan

2

1Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, Bangladesh

2Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh

*Corresponding Author: E-mail address: rakibmamun_ju@yahoo.com; abdur.rakib84@yahoo.com

Received 02 November 2013; Accepted 10 December 2013

Abstract. This study was performed based on local perception on arsenic toxicity with respect to socioeconomic status at the

Achintanagar village in the southwestern part of Bangladesh. The questionnaire was distributed randomly at the local scale in

the study area. It was found that the respondents are highly contaminated with arsenic and most of them have suffered from

economic crisis and ignorance. Arsenic contamination and food poisoning concept has direct bearing on educational level

which is emphasized on socioeconomic status. Correlation coefficient matrix had revealed that the whole aspects of

socioeconomic component negatively correlated with arsenic toxicity for group one and two. Female participant were

observed to be more unconscious than male respondents on food contamination through arsenic accumulation. Results showed that, most of the respondents continued to eat and practiced the sale of contaminated food in the community. It was observed

that this practice is highly contagious for human and environmental health.

Keywords: Arsenic food Toxicity, Local perception, Male & Female and Knowledge variability

1. INTRODUCTION Arsenic contamination and its consequence is an

emerging issue for public health with respect to social

aspects in Bangladesh. Scientific evidence of arsenic contamination and socioeconomic condition of a

society has direct linkage with health hazards and

behavioral attitude. Consequently, most of the countries in Asia have been reported to suffer from

this problem most especially in Bangladesh

(Chowdhury et al., 1999; Biswas et al., 1998; Nickson

et al., 1998; Nickson et al., 2000; Dhar et al., 1997; Khan et al., 1997). It acts as a limiting factor for

sustainable development (Ongley, 1999). About 110

million people in Vietnam, Nepal, Pakistan, India, China, Myanmar, Laos, Combodia, Taiwan and

Bangladesh have been suffered from Arsenic

contamination (Sharma, 2009).

The alarming content of As in groundwater resources has been identified as the biggest single

source of arsenic contamination in Bangladesh

(Hossian, 2006). About 100 million people in the world have been affected due to naturally occurring

As in ground water (Ahuja, 2008). It was estimated

that 97% people living in rural areas used As-contaminated water for drinking and irrigation

purposes (UNICEF, 2001; WHO, 2001). According to

WHO guideline, 10 μg L-1

count as a permissible limit

for drinking purpose, while the national standard is

five times higher (50 μg L-1

) in Bangladesh (Mosler, 2010). A few studies (Tondel et al., 1999; BGS, 1999;

Erickson, 2003) reported that this level has been

exceeded with it reaching up to 2000 μg L-1

in many cases.

Arsenic contamination in groundwater and its

degree of toxicity could cause arsenicosis due to excessive intake in human body. At the preliminary

stage, it is characterized by the different symptoms

occurring on the skin such as skin alteration.

Arsenicosis disease is a great threat of social implications such as social prejudice, insecurity and

refusal of victims by the society and family member

(Brinkel et al., 2009). But advancing from this stage, it may result to death due to its complications including

cancers of the lung, kidney, bladder and skin (WHO,

2001). Arsenic contamination through drinking water

and its consumption is also associated with peripheral vascular diseases and neuro developmental

impairment in children (Wasserman et al., 2004).One

study tried to investigate the key factor responsible for enhancing As contamination such as economic and

social agent in Bangladesh (Hassan et al., 2005).

However, scientific evidence reveals the situational condition in a specific time and place for arsenic

hazards and public health. In addition, observational

statement on arsenic contamination shows the

Rakib and Bhuiyan

Arsenic Contamination: Food Toxicity and Local Perception

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background of the study and it may consist of visual

factor. The coincidence of two evidences is a reflection of the factual result of a study. The aims of

this study are to evaluate the factors influencing

arsenic contamination among rural people as well as the impact of environmental hazards and its

community perception. In addition, this study will

evaluate how education, family income and social

perception influenced arsenic poisoning in a society.

2. METHODOLOGY

2.1. Justification of the Sample Site Selection

High levels of arsenic in ground water are causing

wide spread poisoning in the Jhenaidah district, Bangladesh. Significant attempts have been made in

recent decades to identify arsenic contaminated tube-

wells and food contamination in this locality by different national and international organizations.

Unfortunately, a very little effort has been made to

identify the relationships between arsenicosis patients and perceptional attitude towards the food

contamination in this area. Preliminary survey in this

study indicates that large numbers of persons in this

area have been affected from arsenic contamination. To assess the health effects from arsenic

contamination, knowledge and to awareness buildings

have been chosen to proper management of public health issues in the Jhenaidah district.

2.2. Study Area

The study was performed at Achintanagar village in

the Jhenaidah districts, Bangladesh. It is situated in

the southwestern part of Bangladesh. The study area was covered by Ganges flood plain sediments which

is rich in arsenic containing pyrites (Mandal et al.,

1998; Chowdhury et al., 1999).The average rain fall was 3000 mm and the temperature ranges from 32 to

33°C as recorded respectively. A group of people was

identified as arsenicosis patients (Rakib et al., 2013).

Most of the people were agro-economic dependent. Their ages varied from 18 to 76 years. The people‟s

behaviors were congenial who were victimized by

environmental stress and inferiority complex in terms of social status.

2.3. Research Design

A qualitative research was performed to find out the

real effect of environmental crisis on social aspects

through background analysis. A structured questionnaire was developed which contained the

entire demographic information (Part-1), educational

status and concern with arsenic contamination (Part-

2). It has been structured considering partial factor

including requisite information to complete a potential research.

A number of respondents (male, n=43 and female,

n=43) were selected randomly in the community. Most of them were showing arsenicosis symptoms.

The interview was taken to complete the purposive

work and prospective research with social

significance. It is laid on specific research interest “arsenic contamination” and social “perception” based

on education and socioeconomic condition. They

willingly agreed to talk with the interviewer about arsenic contamination. Significant information was

drawn from the participants. To serve the study aim

and objectives, total participants were split into four

groups (G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-4) depending on socioeconomic status along with economic growth,

arsenic poisoning with knowledge [According to

group, Per capita income (annual) of the respondent was recorded Tk. 10000-15000 (US $ 128.62-192.93),

Tk. 16000-20000 (US $205.79-257.23), Tk. 21000-

25000 (US $270.10-334.41) and Tk. 26000-30000 (US $334.41-385.85) respectively]. It was done to

make out the significant output of the correlation

coefficient matrix on perceptional view on arsenic

toxicity at the same time and place, followed by the same technique. On the other hand, male and female

perceptions to arsenic toxicity were measured based

on knowledge variability with box plot model. Group variability of arsenic poisoning perception was also

measured with box plot using variability index. The

measured information was confirmed to educational knowledge with respect to health perspectives.

The second part contained a number of questions.

Four questions out of them were likert-scale

questions. It was included to get the clear concept on arsenic contamination in categorical aspects. This

question could be affirmed in depth knowledge and

conclusive statement of the study. Arsenic poisoning and food contamination were defined in the following

aspects: arsenic toxicity, vegetable contamination,

food grain contamination and groundwater

contamination. It was scored both positively and negatively through reverse order as follows: known

(5), well known (4), either known nor unknown (3),

unknown (2) and completely unknown (1). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS

software (statistical package for windows 18) for

generating correlation coefficient matrix. Variability test was done using Sigma Plot software (version 7)

for evaluating arsenic toxicity and local perception

and education level.

International Journal of Scientific Research in Environmental Sciences, 2(1), pp. 1-7, 2014

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3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

3.1. Socioeconomic Status

The socioeconomic status is coincided with present environmental condition and future impact trends. It

plays a significant role for situational impact

management along with economical growth and per

capita income. It is emphasized on educational levels which are governed by ethical consideration in

purpose that seek out the alternative way to

sustainable development. Social components and it‟s worsen condition may lead to socioeconomic crisis.

Educational qualification was observed for class 1-

5 (primary level) as group one, class 5-8( Secondary

Level) as group two, class 8-12 (Higher Secondary Level) as group three and class 12- Masters (Tertiary

Level) for group four, respectively. However, most of

the respondents fall within group one and two. In addition, socioeconomic condition of the mass

participants was found below the margin of poverty.

Among the total respondents, 62% were involved in agricultural activities. They normally use arsenic

contaminated food grains, vegetables and water.

Besides, a number of female was observed who were

engaged in household and agricultural activities in the farmland. Due to poor economic condition and lack of

proper education, a critical situation arises to worsen

environmental condition in the study area.

3.2. Arsenic Contamination and Existing Status

A number of respondents were observed as arsenicosis

patients who showed several categories of arsenicosis

symptoms. Physical appearance and their utterances

revealed panic situation as conclusive environmental hazards in the study area. Groundwater contamination

and its magnitude were pointed out as a health disaster

among the rural people. Female respondents were found to be highly affected by arsenic than male

respondents. They frequently use arsenic

contaminated water for drinking, house hold purposes

and irrigation purposes. Poor socioeconomic conditions and higher residence time caused high

intensity and elevated exposure level of

contamination. Residence time and water using pattern act as a key parameter to make out the real

situation of arsenic accumulation. Arsenic

accumulation rate in human body differ to gender variation (Rakib et al., 2013) and human body

physiology (Yoshinaga et al., 1990, Nowak and

Kozlowski, 1998, Park et al., 2007). Average arsenic

concentration in groundwater was observed 0.89

±0.13 µg/g. Average arsenic content in female hair and nail was found to be 3.707±0.36 µg/g and

2.034±0.19 µg/g respectively. Consecutively, average

arsenic concentration in male hair and nail was found to be 0.926±0.08 µg/g and 1.397±0.09 µg/g

respectively (Rakib et al., 2013). The groundwater and

food contamination lead to occur health hazards. Most

of the respondents and children were also observed at health risk due to severe arsenic contamination.

Environmental pollution is responsible to occur

worsen condition for human health. The environmental components serve for generating

suitable habitat for living organism but a few

anthropogenic activities impede to natural dynamism.

3.3. Perceptive Evaluation

Human perception and its social aspects are interlinked to scientific view on any occurrence in a

society. Arsenic contamination and social view is

overlapped with each other in relation to long time exposure and pragmatic experience of the

respondents.

Regarding to female perception, 15%, 9%, 7% and

25% female were knowledgeable about arsenic toxicity, vegetable contamination, food grain

contamination and groundwater contamination

respectively (Fig. 1). On the other hand, for male respondents 25%, 10%, 14% and 19% were found to

be knowledgeable on arsenic toxicity, vegetable

contamination, food grain contamination and groundwater contamination, respectively (Fig. 1).

Results showed that both participants were found to

be well educated and high income group. For female respondents, 35%, 14%, 15% and 19%

were observed to be completely ignorant about arsenic

toxicity, vegetable contamination, food grain

contamination and groundwater contamination, respectively (Fig. 1). Nevertheless, among male

respondents 14%, 19%, 12% and 15% were found to

be illiterate on that issue, vegetable contamination,

food grain contamination and groundwater contamination respectively. Female participants were

observed to be more unconscious than male

respondents on arsenic contamination. Female respondents were found to be significantly arsenic

affected compare to males in the study area (Rakib et

al., 2013). Most of the female respondents were observed of lower literacy rate compare to male. The

main cause could be due increased rate of drop out

from school at the early stage and early marriage.

Rakib and Bhuiyan

Arsenic Contamination: Food Toxicity and Local Perception

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Fig. 1: Local perception and arsenic contamination

Education and socioeconomic growth is

significantly expedited to social welfare and

awareness build up. However, Social structure is consisted of its components which may act as a

driving force for sustainable development. In addition,

Arsenic contamination and its intensity is a reflection

of degree of toxicity and natural stress. Public concern may lead to socioeconomic development against

environmental impact. People of the study area were

not so aware about their health condition and environmental impact. Arsenic accumulation may get

enrich in human body due to lack of individual

awareness and daily intake of contaminated food from the environment.

3.4. Correlation Study

Arsenic contamination and its degree of toxicity may

influence social status. Social components play a

significant role to develop socioeconomic status with respect to environmental health. Education level and

family income are coincided with one another which

contributed to public health issues in a society. A

significant negative correlation was observed (r=-0.21; p=0.01) between income and arsenic toxicity for

group one. Another moderately negative correlation

was found to be between education (r=-0.13; p=0.01) and arsenic toxicity (r=-0.10; p=0.01) for group two.

On the other hand, a significant positive correlation

was found to be arsenic toxicity with respect to education (r=0.15; p=0.01) and income level

(r=0.024; p=0.01) for group two. Consecutively,

similar finding was observed for group four but it

implies on just only negative impact on public health as a situational or regional factor. However, a

significant positive correlation was observed between

arsenic toxicity (r=0.17; p=0.01) and education

(r=0.42; p=0.01) level, it also positively attributed to correlation matrix (r=0.29; p=0.01) for family income

capacity. Arsenic contamination and dietary intake is

correlated with degree of toxicity in human body.

3.5. Knowledge Variability on Food Contamination

Groundwater contamination and its consequences significantly affect the rooted plants and crops due to

using irrigation activities. Contaminated water is

frequently used in agricultural land for irrigation purpose. Plants uptake and metal availability in soil

may attribute to degree of contamination of food grain

and vegetables. Environmental education plays a vital

role in eliminating food contamination in a society. Results showed that, 75%, 81%, 89% and 93%

respondents were informed about arsenic

contamination and food safety for G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-4 respectively (Fig. 2). These concepts variation is

a consequence of impulsive socio-economical

components. Its ignorance and variability significantly

contributed to split exposure with arsenic contamination of the local respondents. Average 78%

female have heard about food contamination and

arsenic toxicity (Fig. 2). On the other hand, average 86% male respondents were updated on arsenic

hazards and its consequences. Education could be

very much effective to ensure sustainable knowledge empowerment about environmental stress. It is an

important subject on awareness development and

makes them understand about environmental impacts

on future health in a community.

International Journal of Scientific Research in Environmental Sciences, 2(1), pp. 1-7, 2014

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Fig. 2: Food contamination and Knowledge variability in different groups and Gender

However, Perception analysis indicated to

significant review to assess the health risk and arsenic toxicity. Correlation coefficient matrix study was

made a linkage between factual information and social

components in categorical groups. It was identified as significant information to judge the environmental

stress in the study area. It would be very much

effective to take the action against with arsenic

hazards with respect to public health issues.

4. CONCLUSION

Arsenic contamination and its severity may attribute

to health issues in a community. Education level,

income and social perception are emphasized on

health and family status. Its negative consequences impacted on sustainable development with respect to

social component. It was observed that most of the

respondents were not cognizant with health hazards and food safety. Lower income and education group

were found to be highly arsenic contaminated due to

ignorance and lack of awareness. Correlation coefficient matrix had revealed that, the whole aspects

of socioeconomic component significantly negatively

correlated with arsenic toxicity for group one and two.

In addition, knowledge variation was observed in four groups which are at the lowest level in group one and

two. On the other hand, male respondents were found

to be highly responsive than female participants. It may appear as health disaster in absence of social

component and/or without proper practice to achieve

sustainability.

AKNOWLEDGEMENT

My many thanks go to the participants who have given significant information about arsenic poisoning

and casual factor to health hazards. Author also

acknowledged the local authority for giving him access to the study area for the study purpose.

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International Journal of Scientific Research in Environmental Sciences, 2(1), pp. 1-7, 2014

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Md. Abdur Rakib, M.Sc, is a faculty member of the department of Disaster Management, Begum

Rokeya University, Rangpur, Bangladesh. He is experienced on environmental research aspects and

problem solving attitude. A number of articles have been published in reputed impact journals.

Dr. Mohammad Amir Hossain Bhuiyan, is a faculty member of the Department of Environmental

Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He feels interest to work in different

branches of geosciences. He has significant number of research articles published in several peer-

reviewed journals. He has been awarded from different national and international organizations for his

potential research achievements. Recently, he has been awarded as a „Young Geomorphologists‟ from

International Association of Geomorphologists (IAG/AIG), Australia in 2009. He is a professional

member of different international professional organizations such as The Geochemical Society (GS),

Geological Society of America (GSA), Edmonton Geological Association, Canada, and Japan

Geosciences Union. He is also working as editorial board member and reviewer of several international journals.