Introduction to Arsenic

Arsenic and Agriculture

Arsenic originating form soil or irrigation water could result in:

increased uptake of arsenic by plants and increased arsenic in the food chain
arsenic-induced plant-physiologic disorders or phyto-toxicity
reduced crop yields
reduction in food quality
decreased market value of crops
loss of agricultural sustainability
detrimental impact on livestock health and food value
problems associated with the use of animal byproducts, e.g., the use of dried manure
as a fuel for cooking

Arsenic and Land Sustainability

The long-term application of arsenic through irrigation water could result in the continual build-up of arsenic in the soil and the loss of land and agricultural sustainability.

Arsenic and the Economy

Loss of family productivity because of arsenic-induced illness
Economic loss through the impact of arsenic on food quality and subsequent impact on marketability of the crops
Partial economic loss through the decline in consumer confidence

In Bangladesh, consumer confidence is now becoming a major issue, as evident from labels on bottled water and signs in the vegetable market advising people of arsenic-free products. Crops originating in those regions where severe occurrence of arsenic toxicity have been reported may reduce their marketability. This impacts the economic sustainability of the farmers.