Analytical considerations of arsenic contamination in water

The high concentrations of arsenic now being found in ground water in many parts of the world pose an important analytical challenge because of the large number of wells that must be tested. This is particularly true in Bangladesh and other Asian hotspots. Cheap but robust methods of analysis are needed. Training and quality control are also important particularly when the majority of wells are privately owned and testing may be carried out by the private sector. Here, using Bangladesh as an example, we review some of the methods of testing drinking water for arsenic in the field.