Arsenic Content of the Drinking Water Sources for the Guadiana Valley; Mexico

Abstract

In recent years, high levels of arsenic concentration have been detected in some drinking water sources of the Guadiana Valley (Durango and surrounding towns) in Mexico. These levels are above the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the maximum levels allowed by the Mexican standards. Due to the well-known toxicity of this element, this study set as its objective to determine in quantitative terms the arsenic content of the drinking water sources for the Guadiana Valley; as the first step in the way to solve environment problems. It was found that 59% of the sources in the south, northeast and northwest zones of Durango exceed in 40% the maximum level established by Mexican standards for arsenic content. In the Guadiana towns, 48% of the sources surpass such levels even in 36%. If the maximum levels suggested by the WHO are taken as the reference, then virtually all sources exceed such level.