A study conducted by scientists at Patna’s Mahavir Cancer Sansthan has revealed a disturbing link between manganese (Mn) contamination in water and the surge in cancer cases across the Gangetic plains of Bihar.
The research, which analysed the blood samples of 1,146 cancer patients from districts including Patna, Vaishali, East Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Siwan, and Saran, found elevated levels of manganese in both the blood and household water samples of cancer patients.
Arun Kumar, the leading scientist of the study, explained that the correlation between manganese levels in the blood of patients and their hand pump water was significant, highlighting the potential cancer risk posed by manganese contamination in water.
“Manganese contamination in water has emerged as a serious risk factor for cancer, and our study points to a strong association between elevated manganese levels in the blood of cancer patients and their hand pump water,” Kumar said.
The study revealed that the highest manganese level found in a blood sample was 6,022 micrograms per litre (µg/L), with a notable number of patients exhibiting significantly high levels.
Of the cancer patients surveyed, 249 individuals had blood manganese levels between 101 and 500 µg/L, while 98 patients showed levels between 501 and 1,000 µg/L.
Kumar stated that the increase in manganese contamination was most evident in patients with carcinoma, especially those in Stage III and IV.
“There has been a significant rise in manganese contamination in blood samples as cancer progresses, particularly in the later stages,” he said.
The researchers further discovered that the majority of households had high manganese levels in their hand pump water, with 8.4% of households having manganese concentrations between 100 and 200 µg/L.
The average manganese level in hand pump water was 65.30 µg/L, far exceeding the World Health Organisation’s permissible limits.
Ashok Kumar Ghosh, head of the research centre at Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, noted that this novel finding, linking cancer to hand pump water contamination, is being reported for the first time in India.
He stressed the role of long-term manganese exposure as a potential cause of increased cancer incidences in the region.
“While other factors may contribute to the rise in cancer cases, manganese toxicity is certainly one of them, particularly because of its carcinogenic properties,” Ghosh added.
The study also highlighted that the threat of manganese contamination is more pronounced in rural areas, where healthcare awareness and facilities are limited, leading to delayed diagnoses, often at advanced stages of cancer.
The research team used an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer to analyse water and blood samples for manganese contamination.
The findings suggest that elevated levels of manganese are particularly concentrated in the middle Gangetic plains of Bihar, as well as in the southwestern and northeastern parts of the state.
Threat from Manganese?
Manganese itself is not inherently carcinogenic, but excessive exposure to high levels, particularly over long periods, can lead to toxicity, which may increase the risk of various health issues, including potential cancer development.
Manganese is an essential trace element needed by the body for proper functioning, such as in bone formation and metabolism, but when it accumulates in the body at dangerous levels, it can cause serious health problems.
Research, such as the study from Bihar, suggests a possible link between high concentrations of manganese in drinking water and a rise in cancer cases in the region, particularly in areas where manganese levels exceed safe limits.
However, more research would be necessary to fully confirm whether manganese contamination directly causes cancer or if it acts as a contributing factor in conjunction with other environmental or genetic factors.
In general, manganese toxicity has been associated with neurological damage, a condition known as manganism, which has symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease.
The studies showing a link between manganese contamination and cancer risk indicate that long-term exposure to excessive manganese might have a carcinogenic effect, though more studies would be needed to establish definitive causality.
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