Arsenic Contamination in Food Poses Growing Health Threat

Photo: Collected

Climate change-driven droughts are worsening Bangladesh’s groundwater crisis, intensifying arsenic contamination in several districts and threatening national food and health security.

A new study has found toxic concentrations of arsenic in rice and vegetables grown in contaminated regions, warning that prolonged consumption could severely damage the liver and kidneys.

The research, led by Prof. Dr. Laila Khaleda, Chair of the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at Chittagong University, involved a team including Md. Mazharul Alam, Lecturer Jarin Tasnim of Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Al-Forkan, and several scientists from the Bangladesh Medical University.

Funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Bangladesh Medical Research Council, the study was conducted between January 2021 and January 2023 in Hajiganj and Shahrasti upazilas of Chandpur, two areas known for arsenic-contaminated groundwater.

The findings, published on June 14, 2025, in the journal Toxicology Reports (Elsevier), mark the first experimental evidence showing how contaminated food directly harms health.

Researchers discovered arsenic levels in water, soil, and crops far above international safety limits. Groundwater samples contained up to 0.373 mg/L, nearly 30 times higher than the WHO safe limit of 0.01 mg/L. Soil arsenic levels reached 32.51 mg/kg, over three times the global average, while rice contained 0.91 mg/kg, more than double the WHO limit of 0.37 mg/kg.

Edible ferns had the highest contamination, with 1.93 mg/kg — nearly four times the permissible level.

The study found a strong correlation between arsenic in irrigation water, soil, and crops, proving how contamination moves through the food chain and endangers both humans and animals.

In controlled laboratory experiments, Wistar albino rats were fed arsenic-free and arsenic-contaminated rice and ferns for 120 days. Rats consuming contaminated food showed reduced appetite, weight loss, anaemia, elevated liver enzymes, and kidney toxicity.

Microscopic tissue analysis led by Prof. Dr. Md. Zillur Rahman revealed fat accumulation, inflammation, and necrosis in the liver and kidneys.

“We observed chronic organ damage, showing that arsenic harms tissues directly, not just through blood,” said Dr. Rahman.

Experts warned that arsenic, once considered only a groundwater hazard, has now infiltrated Bangladesh’s food chain.

“This research proves that food is now a silent source of arsenic exposure,” said research assistant Md. Mazharul Alam.

The researchers called for immediate government action, including ensuring arsenic-free irrigation, safe soil management, and regular food testing.

“Contaminated food introduces invisible toxins that threaten children, women, and the elderly,” said Lecturer Jarin Tasnim.

“This is not just an academic study—it exposes a real problem,” added Prof. Dr. Mohammad Al-Forkan. “Arsenic-contaminated water seeps into soil, is absorbed by crops, and ends up on our plates.”

Prof. Khaleda said the findings demonstrate biological damage caused by arsenic exposure through food.

“Feeding arsenic-laden rice and vegetables for months caused severe organ damage in animal models. In humans, it could lead to cancer, kidney failure, and liver cirrhosis,” she said.

The researchers urged the establishment of a national monitoring system to test irrigation water, soil, and crops regularly.

“Our findings send a crucial message: contaminated food causes unseen yet lifelong harm. Without swift government action, Bangladesh could face a long-term public health crisis,” warned Prof. Khaleda.

Experts also called for greater public awareness, food testing, and sustainable irrigation to curb the spread of arsenic through the food chain.

As rice remains Bangladesh’s main crop and staple food, researchers cautioned that contamination in one region could endanger millions nationwide.

“Arsenic is a silent killer,” Prof. Khaleda said. “If we fail to act now, it may spark an invisible epidemic threatening future generations.”