A multi-parametric spatial modeling of vulnerability due to arsenic pollution in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, India

Arsenic pollution in groundwater is the most serious geo-environmental problem posing a threat to the health of millions of people in the densely populated area of interfluvial region of Bhagirathi-Hugli and the Jalangi-Ichamati Rivers. The present paper focuses on arsenic vulnerability assessment at the mouza level (smallest revenue unit) in Beldanga II block of Murshidabad district of West Bengal in India. A number of indicators (e.g., arsenic concentration in groundwater, population density, well depth, and seasonal fluctuation of water level) have been incorporated, and weighted linear combination method was adopted into this model to develop a composite vulnerability index. The results reveal that about 15 and 10 % of the total mouzas are respectively high and extreme vulnerable, found in the eastern part of block, where 34 % people are potentially vulnerable due to arsenic pollution. This study reveals a multi-parametric spatial model for micro level arsenic vulnerability assessment, may be further improved if more relevant parameters are incorporated into this model, and it can facilitate as a basis for directing policy interventions.