Arsenic contamination of the environment: An update

Abstract

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that poses a significant threat to animal as well as human beings, due to its widespread presence in the environment, affecting millions worldwide. Ganga-Meghna-Brahmaputra basin is one of the major arsenic contaminated hotspot in the world. Presence of arsenic in groundwater has been reported in many countries, In Chhattisgarh, high concentrations of AS in groundwater have been reported in Koudikasa village of Rajnandgaon area. Arsenic has a direct effect on vital organs of body system the capillaries, causing damage to microvascular integrity, transudation of plasma, loss of blood, and hypovolemic shock. Profuse watery diarrhoea, sometimes tinged with dark blood, is characteristic, as are severe colic, dehydration, weakness, depression, weak pulse, and cardiovascular collapse. Diagnosis of inorganic arsenical toxicities is generally based on suspicion of arsenic poisoning, clinical signs, history of the area, and confirmatory diagnostic testing.In large animals, Sodium thiosulfate has also been used, PO, at 20–30 g in 300 mL of water in horses and cattle, one-fourth this dose in sheep and goats, and 0.5–3 g in small animals or as a 20% solution, IV, at 30–40 mg/kg, every 6–8 hours for 3–4 days or until recovery. The water-soluble analogues of dimercaprol, 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate (DMPS) and dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), are considered to be less toxic and more effective and could be given orally. Adopting rainwater harvesting/ watershed management practices will not only reduce water stress but also ensure arsenic free supply of water (naturally or through filtration) reducing the As exposure to human as well as animals.