InfoAnda - Study: Ponds source of arsenic in Bangladesh

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Analysts slash targets after Zynga warns of loss | | 6 October 2012
Microsoft exec sees lower margins from cloud | Technology | | 5 June 2009
US-TECH Summary | 10 December 2010

UN chief in Gaza calls for lifting of Israeli blockade | 22 March 2010

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Study: Ponds source of arsenic in Bangladesh

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Study: Ponds source of arsenic in Bangladesh By MICHAEL CASEY,AP Environmental Writer - Monday, November 16 Send IM Story Print BANGKOK – Ponds dug for fish rearing and storing water for agriculture in Bangladesh are a primary source of arsenic-contaminated drinking water which has caused widespread poisoning in the densely populated South Asian nation, according to a study released Sunday. The findings of the study, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, could help the Bangladeshi government as it draws up strategies to provide safe drinking water and also benefit countries like Cambodia and Vietnam wrestling with similar problems. Odorless and tasteless, arsenic enters water supplies from natural deposits in the ground or from agricultural and industrial waste. Consuming even small amounts over a long period can cause cancer, skin problems, abnormal heart rhythms and death. Some 25 million people in Bangladesh are exposed to arsenic contamination in their drinking water, and researchers have said hundreds of thousands of people are likely to die from cancers of the lung, bladder and skin caused by arsenic. Charles Harvey, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and one six authors on the study, said he had expected that rice fields would be the source of the contaminated water that is pumped from aquifers. An aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing rock or sand into which wells are dug. But after tracing the origins of the contaminated water, Harvey said he and his colleagues found that water from rice fields had low concentrations of arsenic while the levels spike for water that percolates through artificial ponds. The reason, Harvey said, is the ponds become a dumping ground for all sorts of debris. "They are nasty. There is a lot of grunge at the bottom of the pond and it's there all year," he said. "It's full of organic carbon, human waste, dead plants," he said. "When the water passes through this organic carbon, it takes some with it and that fuels the microbes down in the aquifer. The microbes dissolve minerals that releases arsenic into the water." Millions of dollars have been spent on providing safe drinking water since arsenic was first discovered in groundwater in Bangladesh and reports of widespread poisoning emerged two decades ago. Yet most people in the country of 150 million still depend on wells for their drinking water, and about 80 percent of wells in more than 8,000 Bangladeshi villages are highly contaminated, according to UNICEF. The study recommends that villagers avoid digging artificial ponds above wells and calls for relocating wells to deeper aquifers dating to the Pleistocene period from at least 3.75 million years ago until about 11,000 years ago where arsenic concentrations are low. It also suggested that shallow wells below rice fields could be a good source of safe drinking water. "It's necessary to have this fundamental understanding to make long term strategies" for providing safe drinking water, Harvey said. "In the short term, the understanding will help to decide where to put wells that are safe." Lex van Geen, a geochemist at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory who has studied arsenic contamination in Bangladesh and did not participate in the study, praised it as a "major contribution." He said the findings were more convincing than an earlier study which found irrigation pumps played a key role in arsenic contamination. "All in all, a major achievement likely to be discussed extensively and followed up with complementary experiments," Van Geen said. "I just worry that, given the remaining uncertainties, the policy implications may be a little overstated." Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles US, Russia say sanctions a possibility for Iran AP - Monday, November 16 Study: Ponds source of arsenic in Bangladesh AP - Monday, November 16 Jones breaks second world record, eyes London 2012 AFP - Monday, November 16 French, Afghan troops push into hostile valley AP - Monday, November 16 Obama faces tensions in China Reuters - Monday, November 16 News Search Top Stories Mystery of Bangladesh's mass arsenic poisoning solved Obama vows 'serious' bid to cut US deficit Madoff's spoils go under the hammer Commercial real estate woes imperil US recovery British PM vows law to crackdown on banker bonuses More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Paris rampage after cash giveaway cancelled: police Obama vows 'serious' bid to cut US deficit Madoff's spoils go under the hammer British PM vows law to crackdown on banker bonuses Commercial real estate woes imperil US recovery More Most Viewed » Somali centenarian weds 17-year-old Fibre may keep asthma, diabetes at bay, study finds More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Monday, 16 November 2009
Reports: Iran ex-deputy minister jailed in Israel
Internet to speak Arabic: Egypt
Iraqi Sunni Arab VP threatens to veto election law
Palestinians aim to secure U.N. support for state | International |
Palestinians say they will ask UN to recognise state
Obama in China faces tensions on trade and Tibet | International |
Iran's parliament approves last ministers
Clinton wants tangible Afghan progress from Karzai | International |
Iran to resume French lecturer's trial Tuesday: report | International |
Berlusconi's mounting woes fuel talk of early vote | International |
U.N. mulls exit strategy for Congo troops: diplomats | International |
US, Russia say sanctions a possibility for Iran
Alaska fights to reverse polar bear listing
Study: Ponds source of arsenic in Bangladesh
American charities may not have a happy holiday
DNA evidence in 1998 Yale killing was contaminated
French, Afghan troops push into hostile valley
Obama faces tensions in China
Jackpot: Lawyers earn fees from law they wrote
China's plan for Three Gorges' water level stalled
Dems, GOP split on NY trials of alleged terrorists
Obama arrives in China for maiden visit
Geeky 'tweeters' to report on space shuttle launch
Plans to raise Three Gorges' water level stalled
THE INFLUENCE GAME: Front group fights health bill
Excerpts from rulings in Guantanamo Bay cases
Obama arrives in China for first-ever visit
Early Sri Lanka presidential election likely
Mass. immigrant tuition bill to get new push
Anti-Thaksin protesters rally in Thailand
Clinton: Specific demands will accompany US help
NZ housing confidence eases in Q3
APEC urges new growth model, climate pact progress
APEC leaders vow new economic model after crisis
Moviegoers make date with disaster film 2012 | Entertainment |
Screen siren Lauren Bacall gets lifetime Oscar | Entertainment |
`2012' has worldwide box-office bang of $225M
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Disaster film "2012" strikes worldwide box office
'Hello, Ohio!' (Psst! Boss, we're in Michigan)
Dobbs says his departure from CNN was 'amicable'
Surfing is a new freedom for handicapped in Rio
Stepping back in time to the Yemen of old
Japanese chef scoops top award in London
UN atomic agency to unveil latest Iran report
Italian police arrest Sicilian Mafia 'number two'
Palestinians aim to secure U.N. support for state | International |
All eyes on Murdoch as newspapers ponder digital future
NASA readies space shuttle Atlantis for launch
Palestinians aim to secure U.N. support for state
Russia suggests Renault take control of Avtovaz
Suicide bomber kills 3 near Pakistani air base | International |
Chinese online users bombard Obama with questions
Frustrated Palestinians to appeal to UN for state
Kosovo's statehood faces first test at local polls | International |
Mystery of Bangladesh's mass arsenic poisoning solved
Australia's Rudd says sorry to orphans, child migrants | International |
French academic's trial resumes in Tehran on Tuesday: ISNA
Gunmen in army uniforms kill 12 Iraqi villagers | International |
African immigrants drift toward Latin America | International |
Thousands gather to honor German soccer star | International |
Obama presses Iran on atomic deal, Tehran defiant | International |
Aquino leads in latest Philippine presidential poll | International |
Report: Imam says he didn't pressure Hasan
Drilling for Scotch whiskey on frozen continent
Pro-Cuba embargo money flows to lawmakers
Obama: Key to success is improvement
Police kill guard in NYC bar brawl, wound 2nd man
Obama: Terrorist networks largest threat to US
Hawaii gov's plan would restore classroom days
IBM's new service jumps on cloud computing bandwagon | Technology |
Obama speaks out against Web censorship in China
Obama will accept Nobel prize with 'humility'
Obama foes lash out at 9/11 trial plans
SKorea's opposition against Afghan troop dispatch
US, Russia warn Iran over nuclear crisis
Cambodia revokes opposition leader's immunity
Authorities acting on tip search for missing girl
Obama says diversity strength of United States
Idaho boy kills bear that wouldn't leave porch
Obama: US, China must cooperate on global issues
Obama: China, US need not be adversaries
Asian markets rise on Wall Street recovery
Hitachi plans to raise 4.6 billion dollars
IMF chief again says Chinese yuan should rise
Taiwan Chi Mei shares soar to 5-mth high on merger
S.Korean bond yield curve flattens; 1-yr notes lose
China corners rare earths market
Tarantino's Nazi villain storms Hollywood
Seoul shares edge up; Hyundai Heavy, Lotte gain
Screen legend Lauren Bacall given Oscar for life's work
NZ services sector activity pulls back in October
Moviegoers make date with disaster film 2012 | Entertainment |
Seinfeld veteran Larry Charles returns to NBC | Entertainment |
Mother Of Missing North Carolina Girl Charged With Human Trafficking
FX makes date for 2012 | Entertainment |
Kara on Ellen: Idol chemistry is crucial | Entertainment |
U.K. scientist unmasked as call girl Belle de Jour | Entertainment |
Comic Mo'Nique takes dramatic turn in "Precious"
Tarantino's Nazi villain storms Hollywood | Entertainment |
Tarantino's Nazi villain storms Hollywood
Education star Carey Mulligan enjoying spotlight | Entertainment |
"Education" star Carey Mulligan enjoying spotlight
Charlie's Angels flying again on TV | Entertainment |
Sandra Bullock buoys conventional football film
Alyssa Milano to guest on Castle | Entertainment |
"Planet 51" a modest cartoon aimed at youngsters
Kara on Ellen: "Idol" chemistry is crucial
Alyssa Milano to guest on "Castle"
"Seinfeld" veteran Larry Charles returns to NBC
Yves Saint Laurent's everyday knick-knacks up for grabs
US-TECH Summary
IBM's new service jumps on cloud computing bandwagon
Obama says al Qaeda still greatest threat to U.S. | International |
Airbus may cut output again in late 2010: EADS chief
Ahmadinejad says Western pressure empowers Iran
U.S. raises pressure on Pakistan over Taliban, al Qaeda | International |
Edward Woodward Dies At 79
OPEC head: $75 to $80 a barrel a 'good price'
Gunmen in army uniforms kill 12 Iraqi villagers
Afghanistan to form anti-graft unit as pressure grows | International |
DJ AM's Estate Sues Charter Company For Wrongful Death
Six killed in Kirkuk car bomb blast | International |
Russia delays Iran's Bushehr nuclear power station | International |
Shayne Lamas Arrested For Suspicion Of DUI
India puts nuclear plants on alert: report | International |
Israel could annex more of West Bank: minister | International |
Playboy Issues "No Comment" At Possible Sale
Disney Sued Over Pooh Royalties
Israeli soldiers protest razing of settler homes | International |
Pirate suspects to face trial in Spain | International |
Italian women disappointed by Gaddafi party | International |
"Cheers" Writer David Lloyd Dies Of Prostate Cancer
50 Cent Suing Hip-Hop Website For Using His Image Without Permission
Cindy Crawford And Husband Reveal Extortion Plot Involving Their Daughter's Bound And Gagged Photo
French forces: Rockets kill 3 at Afghan market
Nintendo Wii may provide actual exercise: study | Technology |
Spelling Obama in Chinese not an easy task
Methodology for AP poll on health care
Online gangs cashing in on swine flu | Technology |
Advice to Congress: Be clear, fair on health care
Australia apologises to abused migrant children
AP Poll: Fine print in health care prompts worries
AIDS patients to president: Send more money south
China detains activists as Obama arrives
Suicide car bomb kills four in NW Pakistan
Arrest at Walmart leads to charges of racism
Obama arrives in Beijing
Calif. man set for hearing in wine warehouse fire
WHITE HOUSE NOTEBOOK: Language skills on display
Census: Small US cities lose luster in downturn
Japan mulls over relocation of US Marine base
Dakotas might see record sunflower yields
Anti-Castro Cubans shift funding to US Democrats
Marathon bid to part conjoined Bangladeshi twins
Encephalitis kills 3 in India despite vaccination
Canada PM visits India to boost trade, tourism
Japan 3Q GDP surprises with 4.8 percent growth
S.Korea c.bank asks Fed for FX swap extension-paper
Twitter to scrap controversial suggested user list
Tokyo shares mixed on pessimism about new issues
Canon to bid for Dutch printer maker Oce
Japan's economy posts strongest growth since 2007
Wicker Man, Equalizer actor Edward Woodward dies | Entertainment |
China shares up for 2nd day on possible yuan rise
Remittances of Filipinos abroad up 8.6 percent
Priced-out Londoners turn to empty homes
MARKETS-KOREA-STOCKS/ (UPDATE 2)=2
U.K. scientist unmasked as call girl Belle de Jour
FX makes date for "2012"
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01