Effect of Arsenic and Manganese Exposure on Intellectual Function of Children in Arsenic Stress Area of Purbasthali, Burdwan, West Bengal

Abstract

Arsenic existing in the soil and ground water worldwide is known as a neurotoxic that affects the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral neuropathy caused by chronic or sub acute arsenic exposure by inhalation or oral route is well documented. However, the effects of arsenic, especially chronic low-level exposure, on the central nervous system have been rarely reported. The present result highlights the direct interference of arsenic in the cognitive level of the school of children. The arsenic level in drinking water ranges from 0.0507 to 0.084 ppm with mean, SD, and SE are 0.0506, ±0.0196, and 0.0018, respectively. Mean IQ level in the contaminated area varies between 76 and 120 and two-sample t test results show significance difference (p < 0.000) with control. The multiple regression analysis suggests strong negative regression coefficient (−308.2) of IQ with water borne arsenic (WAs). Almost similar negative regression coefficient (−6.513) is also recorded with memory power. Results also suggest the inconsistency with urine arsenic and drinking water arsenic. On the other hand, drinking water manganese level also demonstrates weak relation with IQ.