Risk Assessment for Arsenic in Groundwater in the Ganges Delta of West Bengal, India

The Ganges Delta in West Bengal, India, is one of the world’s most densely populated and agriculturally rich regions, with the groundwater sustaining the livelihood of millions of people. Groundwater arsenic contamination has emerged as a significant environmental and health concern in this region. The delta regions studied in the chapter include the districts of Murshidabad, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas in West Bengal, India. This chapter outlines the key sources, including the geological, hydrological, and anthropological factors contributing to arsenic contamination and its concentration in groundwater. It discusses the various methodologies to evaluate arsenic risk, such as geospatial analysis and data-driven techniques. The districts in the Gangetic Delta region, especially some mentionable blocks, were found to bear significant groundwater arsenic concentrations beyond the standard limits of the Indian Standard code along with toxicological effects indicated by calculating Hazard Quotient, which signifies that the groundwater is not fit for consumption and the region is prone to facing agricultural and domestic risks, thereby hindering socioeconomic development. This chapter also emphasizes the importance of early detection and mitigation strategies to safeguard against potential health implications of arsenic exposure, making it a critical issue to address in the context of sustainable groundwater management.