ABSTRACT
Arsenic (As) contamination of groundwater is a worldwide concern and West Bengal in India is affected by this problem. Different food crops may accumulate As differently, and studies often show conflicting results. A previous study from Karimpur block, Nadia district, West Bengal indicated high concentration of As in two tube wells. Groundwater from these wells is used for irrigating nearby agricultural fields. The aim of this study was therefore to analyze As and other metals concentration in different vegetables and rice growing in these fields. In addition, animal fodder plants and cow milk was also analyzed to investigate the possibility of transfer of arsenic through food chain. The samples were analyzed using a microwave digestion procedure followed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Animal fodder roots showed high concentration of As compared to other samples. The results also showed possible translocation of Cd along with As from root to shoot, in animal fodder. The milk samples showed high concentrations of As and Pb.
