Arsenic Contamination in Bihar, India: Exploring the Impact, Mitigation, and Bioremediation Strategies

Abstract

Abstract Arsenic is a metalloid that is naturally present in the environment. Exposure to arsenic can cause health issues like cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, and respiratory complications. With more than a million people affected due to arsenic contamination in groundwater, Bihar is one of the worst arsenic-affected states in India. Groundwater is one of the primary sources for cooking, farming, and other household chores. People are exposed to arsenic through food as well as contaminated drinking water. As a result, arsenic has made its way into the food chain. Several cases of cancer, arsenical dermatosis, and keratosis have been reported in Bihar. The source of arsenic contamination in Bihar has yet to be identified, although the Himalayan sediments have been suspected as one of the prime reasons. The government has taken steps to prevent and control arsenic contamination in the state; however, reports in recent years indicate the number of blocks affected by arsenic contamination has been rapidly increasing. This necessitates a more comprehensive arsenic mitigation tool. Various technologies can be employed to mitigate levels of arsenic in groundwater, of which bioremediation is one of the more cost-effective and sustainable methods. The current article is an attempt to give an overview of the sources and areas of Bihar with arsenic contamination, and the concentration in different regions. It also provides a piece of detailed information on arsenic contamination on health, and the current state of arsenic bioremediation.