American Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

 The ground water pollution is of great concern to the people of middle Gangetic belt, particularly along river Ganga from Sultanganj to Pirpainti of Bhagalpur district. The probable sources of arsenic contamination is reported to be through geological formations. The proportion of iron and H2 S (Hydrozen Sulfide) is very high in this part of the land and the rural population are worst affected by stiffness of skin and skin-cancer. Keeping in view the severity of the situation, an attempt was being made to bring out the nature and extent of arsenic contamination in the underground water level of Nathnagar Block of Bhagalpur District. Wells and tube-wells have been considered as a source of ground water. The depth of the wells varies between 8-12 metres, and arsenic level ranged from 25-60 ppb (in well), that of shallow and dead tubewells between 6-80 metres and arsenic level ranged from 10-950 ppb (part per billion). Selection of villages is based on random sampling out of the villages located south of river Ganga 30 villages have been selected to carry out the research work. The paper shows that how the use of arsenic contaminated ground water is affecting people`s health in the Ganga Valley and suggests the storage and use of rain water as an alternative for drinking purposes to overcome the problem.