SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF GROUNDWATER ARSENIC CONTAMINATION IN GOPESWAR AND ITS NEIGHBORING VILLAGES OF KAMRUPDISTRICT OF ASSAM, INDIA

Arsenic contamination in groundwater is a widespread problem in many villages of Assam. Largest number of people in Assam affected by arsenic toxicity is due to arsenic contaminated drinking water. The groundwater of 24 district of Assam has been contaminated by arsenic. Groundwater of Gopeswar and its neighbouring villages of Assam have been contaminated by arsenic beyond World Health Organization limitation. Gopeswar and its neighbouring villages shares same hydrological condition with neighbouring state West Bengal where arsenic concentration is very high. Gopeswar and its neighbouring villages are situated in the flood plain region of river Brahmaputra. The aim of this research paper is to investigate the spatial distribution pattern of arsenic contamination in the study area. Water samples were collected from Gopeswar and its neighbouring villages to know the level of arsenic contamination in groundwater. Samples were collected from tube wells used for drinking, cooking and other household purposes. Based on field data arsenic distribution map have been prepared with the help of Geographical Information System. The coordinates of the locations were recorded using Geographical positioning System machine. It was found that Gopeswar and its neighbouring villages have arsenic contamination more than World Health Origination limit i.e. 10 ppb. Villagers of the study area use arsenic contaminated drinking water. This has caused a variety of health related problems like skin disease, bronchitis, anemia and cancer. Therefore, a proper strategy is required for arsenic mitigation in the study area through supply of safe drinking water