Arsenic infiltrates food chain in rural Bihar

Contaminated irrigation water found to be root cause of many health hazards

Scientists are worried with arsenic now entering the food chain in rural households of Bihar due to extensive use of contaminated irrigation water posing serious health hazards to the villagers.

A recent study conducted by the federal science ministry and British Council found high amounts of arsenic in three major staple foods such as rice, wheat and potato. The fact came to light following an extensive study conducted in several Bihar villages during which the researchers examined the groundwater, food grains and the vegetables grown in the countryside.

Scientists say the arsenic poisoning can cause cancer, digestive disorders, skin ailments and mental health issues. The fresh threats come amid the villagers already battling lifethreatening ailments due to consumption of arsenic-mixed groundwater.

“Our study has confirmed the higher content of arsenic in food stuffs which is very alarming. It has entered the food chain through the irrigation water,” said Ashok Kumar Ghosh, a leading scientist who was part of the team which conducted the study.

Ghosh, who is also the chairman of the Bihar Pollution Control Board, said they focused their study on rice, wheat and potato since these cereals form a staple diet of rural Bihar.

What was further alarming, higher arsenic content was also found in cooked rice and home-baked bread as compared to raw grains, according to the study. The reason for the presence of arsenic in food grains, scientists say, is that the farmers are dependent on shallow tube wells to irrigate their crops while shallow water has a high amount of arsenic.

According to an official report, 29 districts of state’s total 38 have reported a higher concentration of contaminated groundwater.

A study found high amounts of arsenic in three major staples — rice, wheat and potato.