Low-Oxygen Atmosphere and its Predictors among Agricultural Shallow Wells in Northern Thailand

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In 2006, three farmers died at the bottom of an agricultural shallow well where the atmosphere contained only 6% oxygen. This study aimed to document the variability of levels of oxygen and selected hazardous gases in the atmosphere of wells, and to identify ambient conditions associated with the low-oxygen situation. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey, conducted in June 2007 and July 2007, measured the levels of oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and explosive gas (percentage of lower explosive limit) at different depths of the atmosphere inside 253 wells in Kamphaengphet and Phitsanulok provinces. Ambient conditions and well use by farmers were recorded. Carbon dioxide was measured in a subset of wells. Variables independently associated with low-oxygen condition (2 days vs. 25,000 ppm) in seven wells with a low oxygen level. CONCLUSION: Oxygen concentrations in the wells vary widely even within a small area and decrease with increasing depth.