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MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development

global challenges, engineering solutions
 

An Assessment of Arsenic Contamination in Groundwater and Appropriate Mitigation Strategies in Bangladesh

Adit Sharma

An Assessment of Arsenic Contamination in Groundwater and Appropriate Mitigation Strategies in Bangladesh

 

The thesis seeks to assess the situation of arsenic contamination in groundwater and effectiveness of mitigation strategies in Bangladesh from the perspective of the local people living in the affected areas – from whose context little is known or published. The study seeks to raise questions, but not generalize, based on the information gathered from the target group, analysing their knowledge on the issue and satisfaction with various mitigation programmes. For these purposes an exploratory study was conducted in Bangladesh which involved semi-structured interviews with a sample group of 60 individuals from four contaminated areas.

Based on the interviews, the findings indicate that in most of the cases the local people are not consulted or involved in the process of deciding on the alternative safe water solutions, and in many cases the development agencies do not perform hydro-geological surveying before deciding on the mitigation solution. Further, even though there is a general widespread awareness about arsenic in groundwater and arsenicosis, not everyone has had their water sources tested. This is due to the combination of lack of information about the whereabouts of arsenic testing centres and cost involved in the process. Finally, major emphasis in terms of mitigation intervention is on alternative safe water solutions, with very limited work done in the fields of arsenicosis patient identification and treatment and diet / nutrition awareness.

It is argued in this thesis that despite the fact that arsenic mitigation work has been going on for almost two decades in Bangladesh there are loop holes in the process which are affecting the success of the entire initiative. Systematic and holistic approach is required at this point for sustaining what has been done in the past and improving upon it.

 

Course Overview

Context

The need to engage in better problem definition through careful dialogue with all stakeholder groups and a proper recognition of context.

Perspectives

An ability to work with specialists from other disciplines and professional groups acknowledging that technical innovation and business skills also must be understood, nurtured and combined as precursors to the successful implementation of sustainable solutions.

Change

An understanding of mechanisms for managing change in organisations so future engineers are equipped to play a leadership role.

Tools

An awareness of a range of assessment frameworks, sustainability metrics and methodologies such as Life Cycle Analysis, Systems Dynamics, Multi-Criteria Decision making and Impact Assessment.