Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/R11582/01
Title:	Identification and Simulation of Arsenic Release To Groundwater In Bangladesh
Principal Investigator:	Yong, Professor R
Other Investigators:	Thomas, Professor HR
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	Bangladesh Council for Sci & Ind Res University of Dhaka
Department:	Sch of Engineering
Organisation:	Cardiff University
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 April 2001	Ends:	31 March 2004	Value (£):	123,119
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Assess/Remediate Contamination
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Environment Water
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
Since 1983, a massive catastrophe has been unveiled in the Bengal Basin. Wells, sunk to increase crop yield and reduce mortality due to waterborne diseases, have been found to produce arsenic-contaminated water. The natural, arsenic-bearing materials are located within the alluvial deposits which from the aquifers of Bangladesh and East Bengal, India. The data collected to date shows that the aquifers are on the border between oxidation and reduction. A redox 'tracing record' is necessary to confirm that samples are uncompromised when analysed.In order to correctly identify the mechanisms of release of arsenic from the soil to groundwater, the collaborating parties will undertake a three-phase project. Firstly the extraction and analysis of soil and groundwater samples in Bangladesh will provide information on the in-situ conditions and the formation of the aquifers. From this data, a synthesised soil will be developed, which has similar characteristics to the Bangladesh soil. The third, and final phase, is experimentation with the synthesised soil in order to determine the precise mechanisms of storage and release within the alluvial aquifers.The project is part of an on-going collaboration between the Commonwealth Science Council, the Geoenvironmental Research Centre and other agencies and institutions in the Bengal Basin. The successful outcome will provide information and facilities to be applied to the development of a long-term mitigation scheme, therefore preventing the deaths of millions of people from exposure to arsenic-contaminated water.
Key Findings
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Organisation Website:	http://www.cf.ac.uk