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New study estimates that millions continue to be exposed to arsenic contamination of water supply in Bangladesh
By: Mike Davy
Last updated: Friday, 17 April 2026
Close-up environmentalist hand of a researcher in a process of taking a sample of contaminated water from a lake By Daniel CHETRONI/Adobe Stock
Scientists in the Geography Department of The University of Sussex and University College London have estimated that over 24 million people in Bangladesh are exposed to unsafe levels of arsenic in their water supply. Arsenic in the country’s water supply originates from high natural levels of the element in groundwater which is a favoured source of water for households. Poor people continue to use contaminated supplies because of lack of affordable alternatives. Results have just been published in the journal Water International.
The study stems from work begun by the lead author, Daniela Pakkos, as part of her undergrad thesis in the Geography Department at Sussex. Prof Joseph Alcamo (Geography Dept. and SSRP), co-author of the article along with Prof Mohammad Shamsudduha of UCL, commented that “While mitigation actions have led to a decrease in exposure, the current health risk of arsenic in drinking water remains distressingly high. Thankfully, there are many practical and realistic steps that can be taken to further reduce exposure. A national assessment of options, with full participation of communities and other stakeholders, is urgently needed to set priorities and protect health.”
The study 'An updated assessment of arsenic exposure and mitigation effectiveness in Bangladesh’s household water supplies' is available to read here