Assessing the impact of arsenic in groundwater on public health

J. H. Chung, J. D. Park, K. M. Lim

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The determination of As in groundwater is fundamental to assess its impact on public health. Here, we measured As concentration of groundwaters in 722 sites covering all 6 major provincial areas of Korea. Groundwater was measured As concentration in two occasions (summer and winter) employing highly sensitive ICP-MS. Among targeted 722 sites, seasonal variation of As concentration in groundwater was minimal, while geographical difference, prominent. The concentrations of As in groundwaters ranged from 0.1 to 48.4 μg/L and the majority displayed lower than 10 μg/L. However, some area exceeded 10.0 μg/L (2–3%) and most remarkably, the urinary excretion of As in the population around 3 groundwaters with high arsenic levels was measured to be markedly higher with all stratified analysis yielding higher As levels compared to non-contaminated area (< 5 μg/L). Especially, urinary As excretion of non-smokers was significantly higher in the contaminated area, suggesting the possible contribution of As-contaminated groundwaters to low-dose arsenic exposure.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationArsenic Research and Global Sustainability - Proceedings of the 6th International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment, AS 2016
EditorsProsun Bhattacharya, Gunnar Jacks, Jochen Bundschuh, Prosun Bhattacharya, Marie Vahter, Jerker Jarsjo, Jerker Jarsjo, Jurate Kumpiene, Arslan Ahmad, Charlotte Sparrenbom, Marinus Eric Donselaar, Jochen Bundschuh, Ravi Naidu, Ravi Naidu
PublisherCRC Press/Balkema
Pages421-424
Number of pages4
ISBN (Print)9781138029415
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
Event6th International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment, AS 2016 - Stockholm, Sweden
Duration: 19 Jun 201623 Jun 2016

Publication series

NameArsenic Research and Global Sustainability - Proceedings of the 6th International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment, AS 2016

Conference

Conference6th International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment, AS 2016
Country/TerritorySweden
CityStockholm
Period19/06/1623/06/16

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Taylor & Francis Group, London.

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