Journal of Pollution Effects & Control
Open Access

Abstract

Current Situation of Aqueous Arsenic Contamination in Pakistan, Focused on Sindh and Punjab Province, Pakistan: A Review

Sanjrani MA, Teshome Mek, Sanjrani ND, Leghari SJ, Moryani HT and Shabnam AB

The arsenic contamination has seriously affected public health in Pakistan, especially in highly contaminated Sindh and Punjab provinces. Results of recent studies show that over 3% of the population in Punjab was exposed to arsenic contamination of over 50 ug/L in drinking water, and 20% of the population is exposed to over 10 ug/L, with the limited standard of WHO, same as the EPA also sets the maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) for drinking water. The situation in Sindh province was worse than in Punjab province, as the results show that 16% and 36% of population exposed to arsenic contaminated water over 50 ug/L and 10 ug/L respectively. According to a study conducted and based on samples from 1,184 wells across the country that actually proved that the process of boiling or filtration was not helpful to remove As from groundwater. Recent medical studies have confirmed 40 cases of arsenicosis occurred in worst situation. The purpose of this paper is to make a review about the current situation of arsenic contamination and its effect in the Pakistan.