ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Groundwater is the main source of drinking water in the Terai region in Nepal. Analysis of arsenic contaminated groundwater of 287 tubewells and nutrition level of the rural communities of Bagahi village, Rautahat district, Terai region has been performed. Altogether 538 households (average 6 persons) consume the tubewells water. About 6% of the total tested tubewells are considered as risk tubewells based on Nepal Interim Standard (50 μg/L). Of the total risk population about 9% has been identified as arsenicosis patients. About 80% risk populations are taking inadequate nutrition in terms of calorie content. The risk of arsenic among the risk populations is higher because majority of them are under nutrition and using the contaminated water for cooking and drinking. This alarming situation therefore calls for measures to mitigate the problem.
