Arsenic Contamination in the Groundwater of India and Bangladesh and Green Practices in Concrete Construction incorporating Arsenic-Laden Sludge as Admixture

Abstract

Geogenic arsenic contamination in groundwater represents a critical public health emergency across South Asia. This study presents a comprehensive regional assessment of arsenic distribution patterns across ten Indian states and Bangladesh, synthesizing state-level contamination data with health impact trajectories and remediation technology performance. Exposure affects an estimated 22.38 million people across ~1,800 habitations in India alone. We examine both biogeochemical mechanisms driving arsenic mobilization in alluvial and hard-rock aquifers and epidemiological evidence for multi-system health effects. Critical examination of existing remediation approaches reveals significant gaps in acceptability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. This paper proposes an innovative circular-economy solution: stabilization of arsenic-laden sludge from treatment plants within non-structural concrete elements—a green practice that addresses the "end-of-pipe" waste challenge while adhering to environmental safety thresholds. Recommendations include staged implementation protocols prioritizing government infrastructure, rigorous long-term monitoring of leachate pathways, and comprehensive risk communication frameworks for affected communities.