Arsenic Concentration in Public Wells Around the Ring Road in Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal

Abstract

An estimated 110 million people across South and Southeast Asia—including the Kathmandu valley and Terai region of Nepal—are susceptible to arsenic contamination. To assess the current levels of arsenic in shallow public wells (1–30m depth), this study was conducted in February 2022 with in the ring road area of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. Eleven water samples (n=11) were collected from the wells selected through simple random sampling. Arsenic concentrations were analyzed using Continuous Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (HG-AAS). Results revealed arsenic levels below the detectable limit (<0.005 mg/L) in all samples, well within Nepal’s permissible limit of 0.05 mg/L. These findings indicate no immediate arsenic-related health risk from the shallow public wells examined. However, prior research has documented significant arsenic pollution in the deep aquifers of the Kathmandu Valley, which is hydrologically distinct from the shallow groundwater sources sampled. Despite known risks of chronic arsenic exposure, including cancer, infertility, and developmental impairments, 84.61% of respondents were unaware of arsenic and its potential health impacts. This necessitates urgent public awareness and education.