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08:01
Removal of Arsenic Using a Cationic Polymer Gel Impregnated with Iron Hydroxide
Published on: June 28, 2019
One solution to the arsenic problem: a return to surface (improved dug) wells.
Sakila Afroz Joya1, Golam Mostofa, Jabed Yousuf
1Dhaka Community Hospital, 190/1 Baro Moghbazar, Wireless Railgate, Dhaka 1217, Bangladesh.
Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition
|March 21, 2007
Summary
Safe, sanitary dugwells provide arsenic-free drinking water for over 1,500 families in Bangladesh. Community involvement ensures sustainable access to this vital resource.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Public Health Engineering
- Water Resource Management
Background:
- Arsenic contamination in Bangladesh's drinking water poses a severe public health crisis.
- Groundwater reliance led to widespread arsenic exposure, necessitating alternative safe water sources.
- National policy promotes surface water use, but sanitation challenges persist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the successful implementation of sanitary, arsenic-free dugwells by the Dhaka Community Hospital (DCH) team.
- To assess the feasibility and community impact of providing safe drinking water in arsenic-affected regions.
- To establish a sustainable model for community-managed water systems.
Main Methods:
- Installation of 66 sanitary dugwells in Pabna district, Bangladesh, between 2000 and 2004.
- Phased implementation involving active community participation in construction, payment for water use, and system maintenance.
- DCH provided technical support for installation, maintenance protocols, and water quality monitoring.
Main Results:
- 1,549 families gained access to safe, arsenic-free dugwell water.
- Some households received piped water connections to their kitchens.
- Community members actively participated in system management and maintenance, ensuring sustainability.
Conclusions:
- Sanitary dugwells are a successful and sustainable solution for providing arsenic-free drinking water in affected areas of Bangladesh.
- Community engagement and ownership are critical for the long-term success of water infrastructure projects.
- Ongoing monitoring and potential chlorination are necessary to address residual bacterial contamination.
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