DETERMINATION OF ARSENIC CONCENTRATION IN DRINKING WATER IN THE MORENO DISTRICT
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Abstract
Arsenic (As) is a natural contaminant found in the environment, both in the Earth's crust and in water. It is well established that the long-term ingestion of As-contaminated water increases the risk of developing a clinical condition known as Chronic Regional Endemic Hydroarsenicism (CREHA). This is of critical relevance, to the point that the World Health Organization (WHO) has set a maximum limit for arsenic in water for human consumption at 10 µg/L (10 ppb), a threshold that was subsequently incorporated into the Argentine Food Code (CAA).
For over a century, it has been known that the Chaco-Pampean plain naturally contains significant concentrations of arsenic in its aquifers. In this study, the total arsenic content in groundwater was determined across various localities in Moreno, using Primary Health Care Centers (CAPS) distributed throughout the district as sampling points. It was observed that the values obtained exceed the limits set by the various regulatory bodies. In light of this situation, the public health approach is discussed, highlighting strategies to guarantee safe drinking water for the inhabitants of the region.
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References
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Abstract
Arsenic (As) is a natural contaminant found in the environment, both in the Earth's crust and in water. It is well established that the long-term ingestion of As-contaminated water increases the risk of developing a clinical condition known as Chronic Regional Endemic Hydroarsenicism (CREHA). This is of critical relevance, to the point that the World Health Organization (WHO) has set a maximum limit for arsenic in water for human consumption at 10 µg/L (10 ppb), a threshold that was subsequently incorporated into the Argentine Food Code (CAA).
For over a century, it has been known that the Chaco-Pampean plain naturally contains significant concentrations of arsenic in its aquifers. In this study, the total arsenic content in groundwater was determined across various localities in Moreno, using Primary Health Care Centers (CAPS) distributed throughout the district as sampling points. It was observed that the values obtained exceed the limits set by the various regulatory bodies. In light of this situation, the public health approach is discussed, highlighting strategies to guarantee safe drinking water for the inhabitants of the region.
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