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Geological and geochemical examination of arsenic contamination in groundwater in the Holocene Terai Basin, Nepal

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

Geological and geochemical study has been carried out to investigate arsenic contamination in groundwater in Nawalparasi, the western Terai district of Nepal. The work carried out includes analyses of core sediments, provenance study by rare earth elements analyses, 14C dating, and water analyses. Results showed that distribution of the major and trace elements are not homogeneous in different grain size sediments. Geochemical characteristics and sediment assemblages of the arsenic contaminated (Nawalparasi) and uncontaminated (Bhairahawa) area have been compared. Geochemical compositions of sediments from both the areas are similar; however, water chemistry and sedimentary facies vary significantly. Extraction test of sediment samples showed significant leaching of arsenic and iron. Chemical reduction and contribution from organic matter could be a plausible explanation for the arsenic release in groundwater from the Terai sediments.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the Monbukagakusho Japan for financial support and the Department of Irrigation (HMG) Nepal for logistical support during the field survey for this study. Thanks are also due to F. Ahmed and P.D. Ulak for their help with field work, to Mst. H. Bibi for her guidance on water analysis, and to Dr B.P. Roser for helpful comments on the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geoscience, Shimane University, Matsue, 690-8504, Japan

    Jaya K. Gurung & Hiroaki Ishiga

  2. Department of Irrigation, HMG/Nepal, 2055, Jawalakhel, Nepal

    Mohan S. Khadka

Authors
  1. Jaya K. Gurung
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  2. Hiroaki Ishiga
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  3. Mohan S. Khadka
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Correspondence to Jaya K. Gurung.

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Gurung, J.K., Ishiga, H. & Khadka, M.S. Geological and geochemical examination of arsenic contamination in groundwater in the Holocene Terai Basin, Nepal. Environ Geol 49, 98–113 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-005-0063-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-005-0063-6

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