STUDY OF ARSENIC IN DRINKING WATER: A CASE STUDY IN EAST AZERBAIJAN PROVINCE

Background and Objectives: Consumption of water contaminated with arsenic can cause various adverse health effects. Iranian standard of arsenic in drinking water is 50µg/L, while World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a maximum level of 10µg/L arsenic in the drinking water. As some drinking water sources are contaminated with arsenic in Hashtrood (in neighborhood of Charoymagh) and also arsenic detection is not included in the current routine monitoring of the drinking water, this study aimed to trace the detectable amounts of arsenic in the drinking water sources of Charoymagh district in the East Azerbaijan province. Materials and Methods: Water supply, sanitation status and arsenic presence were studied in the Charoymagh district including residential villages. Water sampling and field works were carried out by environmental health experts. Ez arsenic test kit was used for testing the arsenic in the water samples. Results: Of 210 studied villages, arsenic was detected in the drinking water of 41 villages (19.52%). In eight villages, the level of arsenic in the drinking water was higher than the Iranian standard (50µg/L) allowance. In 33 villages, arsenic concentration was 10µg/L � �”� 50µg/L. A total number of 7290 individuals (22.06%) were exposed to arsenic in the drinking water which was higher than that recommended by WHO. Conclusion: It is concluded that Charoymagh district is an area with arsenic presence in some drinking water sources. It is necessary to replace the water sources of the villages with high level of arsenic with safe drinking water.