A research submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Environmental Engineering and Management

Research report (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2017

Arsenic pollution in ground water is an alarming problem on a global scale in many countries.Over fifty million people in more than seventy countries are affected by arsenic pollution in drinking water. The main sources of arsenic contamination in groundwater are considered to be anthropogenic, gelogenic (geothermal) and biogenic. Therefore, as groundwater is one of the main important drinking water sources in Afghanistan and it is highly susceptible to be contaminated by any of these sources, the need for sustainable household water treatment methods for arsenic removal is sensed. Currently, 78 percent of the population rely on groundwater, which is mainly being taken using household tub wells in order to access safe drinking water. Recently, the high level of arsenic contamination of groundwater in Afghanistan become a critical problem. According to a study on water quality in Afghanistan, 459 out of 746 water point samples showed high level of arsenic contamination (around 61%) and it exceeds the WHO standard. The main goal of this research study is the comparative assessment of the current household arsenic removal technologies in developing countries. Additionally, it is critically review the current state of arsenic contamination of groundwater in Afghanistan in order to suggest sustainable household arsenic removal methods. For this purpose, the three most popular household arsenic removal technologies such as Sono Sand Filter, Kanchan Arsenic Removal and Arsenic Bio Sand Filter already tested in a study area (Nawalparasi district of Nepal). Based on the tests, samples analysis report and assessment of existing household arsenic removal technologies; it has been shown that the Arsenic Bio Sand Filter (ABSF) is the most effective method. In this method removal of arsenic is done with an effectiveness of 95 %. Additionally, the method is very effective for removal the pathogens, bacteria,iron, and turbidity reduction. Finally, the outcome of this this study will assists the authorities and decision makers to develop some mitigation policies for controlling potential contamination of arsenic in the groundwater, which will lead to improve the public health by reducing arsenic related diseases.