An analysis of institutional stakeholders' opinion on arsenic mitigation in Bangladesh

N. I. Khan*, H. Yang

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    1 Citation (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The extent and severity of Arsenic (As) contamination in groundwater throughout Bangladesh and its detrimental effects on human health are well known. While various mitigation measures have been undertaken by various organizations, most of them have not achieved their expected outcomes due to associated technical, spatial and socio-economic challenges. In this study, institutional stakeholders' opinions on various aspects of As mitigation were elicited to identify their preferences for and reservations on specific mitigation measures. The current status of As mitigation activities and the factors influencing the success of As mitigation were also explored. While institutional weakness, lack of accountability and a latency period were the major factors hindering sustainable As mitigation, stakeholders' understanding of the As problem and their preferences for the different mitigation measures also had a significant impact on mitigation effectiveness. Mitigation of As contamination was a complex issue that required coordinated effort from various levels of stakeholders and the concept of "paying for water", which is currently unknown in Bangladesh, needs to be developed to create a greater sense of user ownership of As safe water and thus better water management.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationUnderstanding the Geological and Medical Interface of Arsenic, As 2012 - 4th International Congress
    Subtitle of host publicationArsenic in the Environment
    PublisherTaylor and Francis - Balkema
    Pages499-502
    Number of pages4
    ISBN (Print)9780415637633
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2012
    Event4th International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment, As 2012 - Cairns, QLD, Australia
    Duration: 22 Jul 201227 Jul 2012

    Publication series

    NameUnderstanding the Geological and Medical Interface of Arsenic, As 2012 - 4th International Congress: Arsenic in the Environment

    Conference

    Conference4th International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment, As 2012
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    CityCairns, QLD
    Period22/07/1227/07/12

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