Although Bangladesh has set a target of supplying safe water for all its people by 2011, a recent survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and the United Nations children's fund (UNICEF) showed that 12.6% of Bangladesh households, or about 20 million people, still drink water containing arsenic above the government's recommendation of no more than 50 micrograms per litre.
"Urgent action is needed to re-focus the attention of the nation towards an arsenic-safe environment," said Renata Lok Dessallien, U.N. resident coordinator in Bangladesh, as quoted by Reuters. "Concerted efforts by the government and all stakeholders are necessary to reinvigorate arsenic monitoring and mitigation efforts and conduct comprehensive research on emerging threats."
Arsenic is a naturally occurring chemical introduced into water through the dissolution of minerals and ores. It is poisonous to humans and is known to cause skin lesions and cancers of the bladder, kidney, lungs and skin.
Organic carbon can trigger the release of arsenic from sediments into groundwater. Studies have recommended against using groundwater in man-made ponds and rice fields.
EPA International
Environment programs, technologies and products for developing countries
Monday, March 22, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Asia to be 'Global Ethanol Hub' by 2012
Strong government support and surging clean fuel acceptance will drive ethanol production in Asia Pacific region to reach a record height by 2012, according to a new report by market researchers, RNCOS.
Global Biofuel Market Analysis details the "promising growth pattern" in the region's ethanol production over the last few years. For example, China registered over 21.1% CAGR in ethanol production during 2005-2008 and is expected to grow rapidly in coming years. Similarly, India has also exhibited even more rapid developments in ethanol production. The country is anticipated to see some important growth reforms in ethanol production during 2009-2012.
Apart from China and India, countries like Australia, Thailand, South Korea and Japan will provide significant boost to the overall ethanol industry in the region. The prime reason for encouraging ethanol production in most of the Asia Pacific countries is their dependence on imported oil. They allocate a huge reserve for oil purchase in order to meet their energy requirements. Under such scenario, the use of biofuel will certainly help them to cut their dependence on imported oil with added benefit of energy security.
The report has also found that developed economies like the US and European countries are not showing any sign of saturation although the global economic slowdown has had severe impact on their development programs. The study has shown that both ethanol production and consumption in the region are expected to bear post-reversionary effects without any significant dent.
The report provides statistics and non- manipulative information about the biofuel industry current status and its future prospects with a deep focus on regional level developments. It also contains details of government supports, Kyoto Protocol, second-generation biofuel production, cost analysis and several other aspects of the industry.
Global Biofuel Market Analysis details the "promising growth pattern" in the region's ethanol production over the last few years. For example, China registered over 21.1% CAGR in ethanol production during 2005-2008 and is expected to grow rapidly in coming years. Similarly, India has also exhibited even more rapid developments in ethanol production. The country is anticipated to see some important growth reforms in ethanol production during 2009-2012.
Apart from China and India, countries like Australia, Thailand, South Korea and Japan will provide significant boost to the overall ethanol industry in the region. The prime reason for encouraging ethanol production in most of the Asia Pacific countries is their dependence on imported oil. They allocate a huge reserve for oil purchase in order to meet their energy requirements. Under such scenario, the use of biofuel will certainly help them to cut their dependence on imported oil with added benefit of energy security.
The report has also found that developed economies like the US and European countries are not showing any sign of saturation although the global economic slowdown has had severe impact on their development programs. The study has shown that both ethanol production and consumption in the region are expected to bear post-reversionary effects without any significant dent.
The report provides statistics and non- manipulative information about the biofuel industry current status and its future prospects with a deep focus on regional level developments. It also contains details of government supports, Kyoto Protocol, second-generation biofuel production, cost analysis and several other aspects of the industry.
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