Mineral nutrients and toxicants in Bangladesh groundwater—do we need a holistic approach to water quality?

M. Hoque, A. Butler

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingOther chapter contribution

Abstract

Groundwater, a drinking water source for > 95% of inhabitants living in Bangladesh, has received much attention because of its naturally occurring Arsenic (As), but the coupling or decoupling of As toxicity by other water constituents remains unexplored. Although food provides nutrients, in rural settings, where people subsist on a low nutrient diet, drinking-water-nutrients may supply quantities significant for human health thereby preventing diseases. Here, we show, using augmented datasets from Bangladesh, that the content of groundwater is such that in some areas individuals obtain up to 50% or more of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of some nutrients (e.g., calcium, magnesium, iron) from just two litres of drinking water. We also show the spatial association of groundwater nutrients and health outcomes in Bangladesh. We suggest, therefore, that a holistic approach, i.r., considering the entire range of groundwater constituents, should be considered when undertaking health impact studies of groundwater.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationArsenic Research and Global Sustainability
EditorsProsun Bhattacharya, Marie Vahter, Jerker Jarsjö, Jurate Kumpiene, Arslan Ahmad, Charlotte Sparrenbom, Gunnar Jacks, Marinus Eric Donselaar, Jochen Bundschuh, Ravi Naidu
PublisherCRC Press Inc
Pages416-418
Number of pages3
ISBN (Electronic)978-1315629438
ISBN (Print)978-1138029415
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 9 Jun 2016
Externally publishedYes
EventSixth International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment - Stockholm, Sweden
Duration: 19 Jun 201623 Jun 2016

Publication series

NameArsenic Research and Global Sustainability
Publisher10.1201/ASENP
ISSN (Print)2154-6568
ISSN (Electronic)2372-3599

Conference

ConferenceSixth International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment
Abbreviated titleAs2016
Country/TerritorySweden
CityStockholm
Period19/06/1623/06/16

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Mineral nutrients and toxicants in Bangladesh groundwater—do we need a holistic approach to water quality?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this