ArticlePDF Available

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Sediment Quality in the Buriganga River, Bangladesh

Authors:

Abstract

Concentrations of five heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Zn) for sediment from the Buriganga River and for the portion of sediment which passing through the #200 sieve were determined in this study to evaluate their levels and spatial distribution. The ranges of the measured concentrations in the total sediments are as follows: 60.3-105.6 mg/kg for Pb, 0.4-1.6 mg/kg for Cd, 52.8-139.6 mg/kg for Cr, 70-346 mg/kg for Cu and 245-984.9 mg/kg dry weights for Zn and fine portion of sediments contain higher heavy metal concentration compared to total sediments. To assess metal contamination in sediment, US environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) Guidelines were applied. The concentrations of Pb, Cu, and Zn in all sediment samples are above the EPA guideline for heavily polluted sediment and the concentration of Cd and Cr are fall in the criteria of moderately to highly polluted range. The metals contamination in the sediments were also evaluated by applying Index of geo-accumulation (I geo), contamination factor (C f) and toxicity characteristics leaching procedure test (TCLP test).TCLP test results showed that the Buriganga River sediments are not likely to leach hazardous concentrations of particular toxic constituents into the environment as a result of improper management. Sieve analysis of sediment samples, moisture content and organic matter content test were also performed in this study to determine the physical characteristic of sediment samples.
Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Sediment Quality in the Buriganga
River, Bangladesh
P. K. Saha
Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering
Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology
Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
e-mail: provat_ce@yahoo.com
M.D. Hossain
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering
Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology
Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
e-mail: delwar@ce.buet.ac.bd
Abstract—Concentrations of five heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu,
and Zn) for sediment from the Buriganga River and for the
portion of sediment which passing through the #200 sieve were
determined in this study to evaluate their levels and spatial
distribution. The ranges of the measured concentrations in the
total sediments are as follows: 60.3-105.6 mg/kg for Pb, 0.4-1.6
mg/kg for Cd, 52.8-139.6 mg/kg for Cr, 70-346 mg/kg for Cu
and 245-984.9 mg/kg dry weights for Zn and fine portion of
sediments contain higher heavy metal concentration compared
to total sediments. To assess metal contamination in sediment,
US environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) Guidelines
were applied. The concentrations of Pb, Cu, and Zn in all
sediment samples are above the EPA guideline for heavily
polluted sediment and the concentration of Cd and Cr are fall
in the criteria of moderately to highly polluted range. The
metals contamination in the sediments were also evaluated by
applying Index of geo-accumulation (Igeo), contamination
factor (Cf) and toxicity characteristics leaching procedure test
(TCLP test).TCLP test results showed that the Buriganga
River sediments are not likely to leach hazardous
concentrations of particular toxic constituents into the
environment as a result of improper management. Sieve
analysis of sediment samples, moisture content and organic
matter content test were also performed in this study to
determine the physical characteristic of sediment samples.
Keywords-sediment; heavy metal; contamination; organic
content; contamination factor; geo-accumulation index ;TCLP
test
I. INTRODUCTION
The River Buriganga running by the side of the Dhaka
City, the capital of Bangladesh, is one of the most polluted
rivers in Bangladesh. Many industries have set up in and
around the Dhaka city during the last decade, and the number
of new industries are continually increasing. The river
Buriganga is increasingly being polluted with the city’s
thousands of industrial units and sewerage lines dumping
huge volumes of toxic wastes which contain lots of heavy
metal into it day and night (Islam et al., 2006). Heavy metals
contamination in aquatic environment is of critical concern,
due to toxicity of metals and their accumulation in aquatic
habitats. Trace metals in contrast to most pollutants, not bio-
degradable, and they undergo a global ecological cycle in
which natural water are the main pathways. Of the chemical
pollutants, heavy metal being non-biodegradable, they can be
concentrated along the food chain, producing their toxic
effect at points after far removed from the source of pollution
(Tilzer and Khondker, 1993). Exposure to heavy metals has
linked to several human diseases such as development
retardation or malformation, kidney damage, cancer,
abortion, effect on intelligence and behavior, and even death
in some cases of exposure to very high concentrations.
The aim of this study is to assess the level of heavy metal
concentrations and sediment quality in surface sediments of
the Buriganga River and to explore the natural and
anthropogenic input of heavy metals and to assess the
pollution status on the area and to highlight relationships
among metals pollution.
II. METHODS AND MATERIALS
Sediments sample were collected from five sites along
the Buriganga River as showing in Fig.1 Latitude and
Longitude for each site were illustrated in Table I. The
sediment samples were directly collected from the Buriganga
River during the dredging of Buriganga bed sludge. The
samples were carried by polythene bag. After collection,
some portion of sediment samples were dried in a vacuum
oven at 105ºC until constant weight, lightly ground in an
agate mortar for homogenization and prepared for analysis of
heavy metal and some portion of samples were prepared for
sieve analysis, moisture content and organic content test. For
heavy metal test, 5 gm of dried sample was digested with
acid and prepared 500 ml solution. Finally, five heavy metals
(Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Zn) concentration were determined in
the environmental engineering laboratory, BUET by using
atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). To determine
the physical characteristics of sediment, moisture content,
organic matter content and sieve analysis test were also
performed. Toxicity characteristics leaching procedure
(TCLP) test for sediment samples were performed for five
heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn) to determined the
readily toxicity level of heavy metals. Heavy metal
concentration for the fine portion of sediment samples
(sample which passing through # 200 sieve) were also
performed in this study.
TABLE I. LOCATION OF SEDIMENT SAMPLE COLLECTION
Station
No Location Latitude Longitude
1 Wachpur Ghat 23°44'41.6"N 90°20'35"E
V1-384
2011 2nd International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology
IPCBEE vol.6 (2011) © (2011) IACSIT Press, Singapore
2 Kolatiya Para 23°44'17.2"N 90°21'1.8"E
3 kamrangirchar(End) 23°42'37.4"N 90°23'20.9"E
4 Kamrangirchar(North) 23°44'1.4"N 90°21'21.1"E
5 Badamtoli Ghat 23°42'37"N 90°24'1.3"E
Figure 1. Map showing the sampling location
III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
A. Heavy Metal Concentrations
The total metal concentrations for each sampling site
found in sediments in this study are shown in Table II. Metal
contents were ranging over following intervals: Pb: 60.3-
105.6 mg/kg; Cd: 0.4-1.6 mg/kg; Cr: 52.8-139.6 mg/kg; Cu:
70- 346 mg/kg; Zn: 245-984.9 mg/kg dry weights. Mean
concentration of the metals were: Pb: 79.4 mg/kg; Cd: 0.82
mg/kg; Cr: 101.2 mg/kg; Cu: 184.52 mg/kg; Zn: 502.26
mg/kg dry weights, allowing to arrange the metals from
higher to lower mean content in this area as: Zn > Cu > Cr>
Pb > Cd.
Pearson's correlation coefficient matrix among the
selected heavy metals is presented in Table III. Significant
correlations between the contaminants of Cd and Zn
(r=0.987), Cd and Cu (r=0.976), Zn and Cu (r=0.965), Pb
and Zn (r=0.892), Pb and Cr (r=0.853), Cd and Pb (r=0.823),
Pb and Cu (r=0.801), Cr and Cu (r=0.753) could indicate the
same or similar source input. The metal concentrations for
the sediment passing through the No. 200 sieve are shown in
Table IV. Metal contents were ranging over following
intervals: Pb: 62.5-128.5 mg/kg; Cd: 0.2-1.1 mg/kg; Cr: 55-
160.4 mg/kg; Cu: 95.6- 426.6 mg/kg; Zn: 227.9-950.1 mg/kg
dry weights. Mean concentration of the metals were: Pb:
85.72 mg/kg; Cd: 0.54 mg/kg; Cr: 107.86 mg/kg; Cu: 233.12
mg/kg; Zn: 528.28 mg/kg dry weights. By comparing the
result obtain from metal concentrations of total sediment
(without sieve) and metal concentration of the sediment
which passing through No. 200 sieve (fine portion), it is
shown that the average concentration for all the metal in fine
portion is higher than total sediment except Cd. It is also
shown in this study, the standard deviation (SD) between the
concentrations of metal at different sites are very high that
may indicate the spatial distribution of metal contamination
is not uniform.
TABLE II. CONCENTRATION OF HEAVY METALS (MG/KG DRY WEIGHT)
Station No.
Concentration of heavy metal (mg/kg dry weight)
Pb Cd Cr Cu Zn
1 82.3 0.4 129.9 107.7 329.6
2 70.4 0.5 57.9 85 276
3 60.3 0.4 52.8 70 245
4 80.6 1.2 125.8 313.4 675.8
5 105.6 1.6 139.6 346 984.9
Mean 79.8 0.8 101.2 184.4 502.3
Max 105.6 1.6 139.6 346 984.9
Min 60.3 0.4 52.8 70 245
SD 16.9 0.55 42.2 133.8 320.3
Background 20 0.2 97 32 129
TABLE III. CORELATION MATRIX BETWEEN HEAVY METALS IN
SEDIMENT SAMPLES FROM THE BURIGANGA RIVER
Pb Cd Cr Cu Zn
Pb 1
Cd 0.823 1
Cr 0.853 0.662 1
Cu 0.801 0.976 0.753 1
Zn 0.892 0.987 0.741 0.965 1
TABLE IV. CONCENTRATION OF HEAVY METALS (MG/KF DRY WEIGHT)
SEDIMENTS WHICH PASSING THROUGH #200 SIEVE
Station No.
Concentration of heavy metal (mg/kg dry
weight)
Pb Cd Cr Cu Zn
1 62.4 0.2 113.7 146.9 359.3
2 77.4 0.3 62.4 147.3 337.4
3 46.3 0.2 55 95.9 227.9
4 114 0.9 160.4 348.9 766.7
5 128.5 1.1 147.8 426.6 950.1
Mean 85.7 0.6 107.9 233.1 528.3
Max 128.5 1.1 160.4 426.6 950.1
Min 62.5 0.2 55 95.9 227.9
SD 34.6 0.4 48.1 145.3 312.3
B. Physical Characteristic of Sediment (Sieve analysis,
Moisture content & Organic Content)
Moisture content and organic matter content result of
sediment sample is presented in table V and sieve analysis
result of sediment sample is presented in the table VI
Average in all sites, 1.75% materials retain on #4 and above
sieve and 25.34 % materials passing through the #200 sieve
whereas 72.90% materials retain on #8 to #200 sieves that
indicate the sediment size of the Buriganga River ranges
over medium to fine size and it contains a significant amount
of fine particle. The average moisture content and organic
matter content of the sediment sample are 82.26% and 7.12%
respectively. A relationship is found between the moisture
content and organic matter content. Higher moisture content
in the sediment sample shows the higher organic matter
content. There is another relationship found in this study, the
sites which contain higher organic matter shows higher
heavy metal concentration .For example, Station No. 4 and 5
V1-385
which contain higher organic matter (10.14% and 12.2%
respectively) showed higher heavy metal content.
TABLE V. MOISTURE CONTENT AND ORGANIC CONTENT OF
SEDIMENT SAMPLES OF THE BURIGANGA RIVER
Moisture Content and Organic matter Content of Sediment
Sample(% of dry sample)
Station No. Moisture Content Organic Content
1 64.33 4.11
2 43.15 5.52
3 38.11 3.61
4 100.21 10.14
5 165.5 12.2
Average 82.26 7.12
TABLE VI. SIEVE ANALYSIS RESULT OF THE SEDIMENT SAMPLE OF
THE BURIGANGA RIVER
Sieve Analysis result of Sediment Sample
Station 1 Station 2 Station 3 Station 4 Station 5
Sieve
Size %
materials %
materials %
materials %
materials %
materials
(ASTM
) retains retains retains retains retains
(gms) (gms) (gms) (gms) (gms)
1/4" 0.75 1.06 1.17 0.47 0
No 4 1.38 1.38 1.44 0.76 0.37
No 8 9.07 6.96 7.02 9.23 4.96
No 16 15.14 10.26 11.59 16.89 11.36
No 30 10.35 6.82 8.45 14.03 10.6
No 40 4.06 4.12 3.77 7.18 4.51
No 50 4.95 5.25 5.41 7.03 5.61
No 100 17.5 22.59 17.56 13.64 17.52
No 200 13.95 17.84 15.14 9.82 14.33
PAN 22.86 23.71 28.44 20.95 30.74
TOTAL 100 100 100 100 100
%
Coarse 2.13 2.44 2.61 1.23 0.37
%
Medium 75.02 73.84 68.94 77.82 68.89
% Fine 22.86 23.71 28.44 20.95 30.74
IV. ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION
A. Assessment According to United States Environmental
Protection Agency (USEPA)
The chemical contaminations in the sediments were
evaluated by comparison with the sediment quality guideline
proposed by USEPA. These criteria are shown in Table VII.
Present study shows that all the sites are heavily polluted for
Pb, Cu and Zn while for Cr, sites 2 and 3 are moderately
polluted and sites 1, 4, 5 are heavily polluted. For Cd, all the
sites are ranges over not polluted to moderately polluted
condition.
B. Assessment According to Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo)
A common criterion to evaluate the heavy metal
pollution in sediments is the geo-accumulation index (Igeo),
which was originally defined by Muller (1979) to determine
metals contamination in sediments, by comparing current
concentrations with pre-industrial levels and can be
calculated by the following equation (Muller 1979)
2󰇟
.󰇠 (1)
Where, Cn is the concentration of element ‘n’ and Bn is
the geochemical background value [In this study, consider
Bn=world surface rock average given by Martin and
Meybeck (1979)]. The factor 1.5 is incorporated in the
relationship to account for possible variation in background
data due to lithogenic effect. The geo-accumulation index
(Igeo) scale consists of seven grades (0-6) ranging from
unpolluted to highly pollute (shown in Table VIII).
According to the Muller scale, the calculated results of Igeo
values ( Shown in Table IX) indicate, for Pb sediment
quality be considered as moderately polluted (1Igeo<2) for
all stations while for Cr sediment quality was recorded
unpolluted for all stations (Igeo<0). For Cu and Zn, sites 5 are
ranges from moderately to strongly polluted sediment quality.
From unpolluted to moderately polluted situation was
recorded for Cd, Cu, and Zn for station No. 1, 2, 3 (except
station No 1 for Cu which Igeo is 1.17 that indicates
moderately polluted situation).Higher Igeo values are showed
for Station No 4 and 5 which sediment quality ranges from
moderately polluted to strongly polluted for most of the
tested heavy metals. On the basis of the mean values of Igeo,
sediments are enriched for metals in the following order: Cd >
Cu > Pb > Zn > Cr.
TABLE VII. EPA GUIDELINES FOR SEDIMENTS (MG/KG DRY WEIGHTS)
Metal Not
polluted Moderately
polluted Heavily
polluted Present
study
Pb <40 40-60 >60 60.3-105.6
Cd …. >6 0.4-1.6
Cr <25 25-75 >75 52.8-139.6
Cu <25 25-50 >50 70-346
Zn <90 90-200 >200 245-984.9
TABLE VIII. MULLERS CLASSIFICATION FOR THE GEO-ACCUMULATION
INDEX
I
g
eo Value Class Sediment Quality
0 0 Unpolluted
0-1 1 From unpolluted to moderately polluted
1-2 2 Moderately polluted
2-3 3 From moderately to strongly polluted
3-4 4 Strongly polluted
4-5 5 From strongly to extremely polluted
>6 6 Extremely polluted
TABLE IX. GEO-ACCUMULATION INDEX VALUES FOR THE SEDIMENTS
SAMPLES OF THE BURIGANGA RIVER
Station I
g
eo
V1-386
Pb Cd Cr Cu Zn
1 1.46 0.42 -0.16 1.17 0.77
2 1.23 0.74 -1.33 0.82 0.51
3 1.01 0.42 -1.46 0.54 0.34
4 1.43 2 -0.21 2.71 1.80
5 1.82 2.42 -0.06 2.85 2.35
Mean 1.39 1.97 -0.65 1.62 1.15
C. Assessment According to Contamination Factor
The contamination factor (Cf) or enrichment ratio(ER)
and the degree of contamination (Cd) are used to determine
the contamination status of sediment in the present study. Cf
values for describing the contaminations level are shown in
table X .The contamination factor are calculated according to
the eq.2 and the degree of contamination (Cd) was defined as
the sum of all contamination factors. Calculated
contamination factor (Cf) and degree of contamination (Cd)
for this study is shown in the table XI.
 
  (2)
Where, Background value of the metal= world surface
rock average given by Martin and Meybeck (1979).
In the present study, maximum contamination factor was
found in the station No. 5 where the degree of contamination
is 33.16.Contamination factor, Cf>6 (indicate very high
contamination) are found in station No 4 for Cd , Cu and
station No. 5 for Cd, Cu and Zn. All the station has a
contamination factor (Cf)>1 for all tested heavy metals
except station 2 and 3 for Cr. The mean value of the Cf are
found: Pb: 3.99 (considerable contamination); Cd: 4.1
(moderate contamination); Cr: 1.043 (moderate
contamination); Cu: 5.76 (considerable contamination); Zn:
3.89 (considerable contamination) .On the basis of the mean
values of Cf, sediments are enriched for metals in the
following order: Cu> Cd > Pb >Zn > Cr.
D. Assessment According to Toxicity Charateristics
Leaching Procedure (TCLP)
Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP) is a
very important tool for assessing readily contaminated heavy
metal for sediment samples. In this study, heavy metal
concentrations from leachate of Buriganga River Sediments
were tested in the laboratory and pollution levels of leachate
were assessed with comparison of EPA standard. Results of
the TCLP test are presented in the Table XII. For all the sites,
concentrations of heavy metal in leachate are not exceeded
the permissible EPA standard. That indicate regarding the
readily toxicity pollution by heavy metal, Buriganga River
Sediment condition is not the severe state.
TABLE X. CONTAMINATION FACTOR AND LEVEL OF CONTAMINATION
(HAKANSON 1980)
Contamination Factor (Cf) Level of Contamination
Cf < 1 low contamination
1 Cf < 3 moderate contamination
3 Cf < 6 considerable contamination
Cf > 6 very high contamination
TABLE XI. CONTAMINATION FACTOR VALUES FOR THE SEDIMENT
SAMPLE OF THE BURIGANGA RIVER
Sample
Location
Enrichment Ratio (ER) or
Contamination Factor (Cf)
Degree of
contamination
Pb Cd Cr Cu Zn
1 4.11 2 1.33 3.365 2.5 13.3
2 3.5 2.5 0.59 2.656 2.1 11.41
3 3.01 2 0.54 2.187 1.89 9.64
4 4.03 6 1.29 9.793 5.23 26.35
5 5.28 8 1.43 10.812 7.6 33.16
Mean 3.99 4.1 1.04 5.76 3.89 18.8
TABLE XII. TCLP TEST RESULT FOR THE SEDIMENT SAMPLE OF THE
BURIGANGA RIVER
Concentration of heavy metal in mg/l
Station No Pb Cd Cr Cu Zn
1 0.101 0.015 0.053 0.344 9.43
2 0.125 0.011 0.022 0.202 6.25
3 0.185 0.012 0.029 0.118 4.193
4 0.131 0.023 0.042 0.274 18.961
5 0.173 0.024 0.045 0.246 26.09
Mean 0.143 0.017 0.0382 0.237 12.99
Max 0.185 0.024 0.053 0.344 26.09
Min 0.101 0.011 0.022 0.118 4.193
SD 0.031 0.0055 0.011 0.0752 8.28
EPA
Standard 5 1 5
V. CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study supply valuable information
about metal heavy contents and physical characteristics of
sediment from different sampling stations of Buriganga
River. The order of the mean concentrations of tested heavy
metals: Zn > Cu > Cr> Pb > Cd and it is found in this study
that, the fine portion of the sediment (sediment. which
passing through #200 sieve) are contain more heavy metal
contents than total sediments. USEPA guideline, Geo-
accumulation Index, contamination factor and degree of
contamination, TCLP are successfully applied for the
assessment of contamination. According to USEPA: for Pb,
Cu and Zn, the sediment samples are heavily polluted
whereas for Cd, Cr, the sediments samples are moderate to
heavily polluted; according to Igeo: the sediments quality is in
moderately polluted condition for Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn while
according to contamination factor (Cf): Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn
are responsible for considerable contaminations. TCLP test
showed that there is no considerable risk of contaminations
from leachate of Buriganga River Sediments. Considering all
assessment criteria, Pb, Cu and Zn are responsible for
considerable or significant amount of heavy metal
contaminations while Cr and Cd are responsible for moderate
to high level contaminations. Station 5 (Badamtoli Ghat)
contains highest amount of heavy metal contamination and
V1-387
station 3 (Kamrangirchar-End) contains lowest amount of
heavy metal contamination.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors realized thanks to the BUET Authority and
the staffs of the BUET Environmental Engineering
laboratory, for providing all kinds of assistance to conduct
this research work.
REFERENCES
[1] M. Chakravarty and A. D. Patgiri, “Metal pollution assessment in
sediments of the Dikrong River,N.E.India “, J Hum Ecol, 27(1),
pp.63-67, 2009.
[2] R .M. Engler “Prediction of pollution potential through geochemical
and biological procedure: development of regulation guidelines and
criteria for the discharge of dredge and fill material,” edited by R. A.
Baker, pp 143-170.Michigan, Ann Arbor Science Publication, 1980.
[3] H. H. Hoda , Ahdy and A. Khaled, “Heavy metals contamination in
sediments of the western part of Egyptian Mediterranean
Sea,”Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 3(4): pp.
3330-3336, 2009.
[4] M. R. Haque, M. K. Ahmed, M. A. Mannaf, and M.M. Islam, M. M.
“Seasonal variation of heavy metals concentrations in Gudusia chapra
inhabiting the Sundarban mangrove forest, ” J. NOAMI., 23(1), pp. 1-
21, 2006.
[5] L. Hakanson, “An ecological risk index for aquatic pollution control a
sedimentological approaches, “ Water Research, 14, pp. 975–
1001,1980.
[6] G. Muller, “The heavy metal pollution of the sediments of Neckars
and its tributary, ” A stocktaking.Chem. Zeit., 105, pp .157-164, 1981.
[7] G. Muller, “Heavy metals in the sediment of the Rhine-Changes seity,”
Umsch. Wiss. Tech.79, pp. 778-783,1979.
[8] J. M. Martin, and M. Meybeck, “Elemental mass balance of materials
carried by major world rivers, ” Mar Chem, 7, pp. 173-206, 1979.
[9] M.M. Tilzer, and M. Khondker, “Hypertrophic and polluted
freshwater ecosystems: Ecological basis for water resource
management,” Dept. of Botany, Dhaka University, Bangladesh, 1993.
[10] M.K. Ahmad, S. Islam, S. Rahman, M. R. Haque and M. M. Islam,
“Heavy metals in water, sediment and some fishes of Buriganga
River,” Bangladesh. Department of Fisheries, University of Dhaka,
Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh., 2010.
[11] S. K. Sundaray, U. C. Panda, B. B. Nayak, and D. Bhatta,
“Multivariate statistical techniques for the evaluation of spatial and
temporal variation in water quality of Mahanadi river-estuarine
system (India). A case study,” Environ. Geochem. Health, 28 (4), pp.
317-330, 2006.
[12] B. R. R. Seshan, U. Natesan, and K. Deepthi, “Geochemical and
statistical approach for evaluation of heavy metal pollution in core
sediments in southeast coast of India,” Int. J. Environ. Sci. Tech., 7
(2), pp. 291-306, 2010.
[13] D. C. Tomlinson, J. G. Wilson, C. R. Harris, and D. W. Jeffery,
“Problems in the assessment of heavy metals level in estuaries and the
formation of a pollution index,” Helgol. Wiss. Meeresunters., 33 (1-
4),pp. 566-575 , 1980.
[14] F. Pederson, E. Bjorestad, H. V. Anderson, J. Kjolholt, and C. Poll,
“Characterization of sediments from Copenhagen Harbour by use of
biotests,” Water Sci. Tech., 37 (6-7), pp. 233-240, 1998.
[15] M. B. Lohani, S. Singh, D. C. Rupainwar, and D. N. Dhar, “Seasonal
variations of heavy metal contamination in river Gomti of Lucknow
city region,” Environ. Monitor. Assess. 147 (1-3), pp. 253-263 , 2008.
[16] O. Akoto, T. N. Bruce, and G. Darko, “Heavy metals pollution
profiles in streams serving the Owabi reservoir.African,” J. Environ.
Sci. Tech., 2 (11), pp. 354-359, 2008.
[17] K. P. Singh, A. Mallik, D. Mohan, and S. Sinha, “Multivariate
statistical techniques for the evalution of spatial and temporal
variations in water quality of Gomti river (India): A case study,”
Water Res., 38 (18), pp. 3980- 3992 , 2004.
[18] V. Hatje, E. D. Bidone, and J. L. Maddock, “ Estimation of the
natural and anthropogenic components of heavy metal fluxes in fresh
water Sinos river, Rio Grande do Sul state, South Brazil” Environ.
Tech., 19 (5), pp. 483-487 , 1998.
[19] R. Reza and G. Singh, “Assessment of heavy metal contamination
and its indexing approach for river water,” Int. J. Environ. Sci.
Tech.,7 (4), pp. 785-792, 2010.
[20] G. Bakan and H. B. Ozkoc, “An ecological risk assessment of the
impact of heavy metals in surface sediments on biota from the mid-
Black coast of Turkey,” Int. J. Environ. Stud., 64 (1), pp. 45-57, 2007.
V1-388
... According to research, people exposed to pesticides during work or drinking water experienced profuse perspiration, burning eyes, and exhaustion (Bhattacharjee et al., 2013). Water body's heavy metal exposure can result in several illnesses, including kidney damage, cancer, miscarriage, changes to the mind and behavior, and occasionally even death in high-exposure instances (Saha, 2011). Also, microplastic contamination is alarming in these rivers and seriously threatens human health. ...
Article
This study was carried out to determine the current state of the physicochemical water quality parameters and the effects of urbanization over 50 years in the peripheral rivers by using primary and secondary data adjacent to Dhaka city. These rivers and waterways had DO levels much below the recommended standard of Bangladesh, and occasionally, they even approached 0. This suggests that the water in these rivers is highly polluted and unfit for aquatic life. For the most part, high rates of pollution also contribute to high BOD readings. Besides, the weighted arithmetic method discovered that the urban rivers have deficient water quality, which requires immediate attention. Compared to the seasonal variations, the water quality is worse in the dry season compared to the wet season. Among all the rivers, the lowest WQI found was 11.89 in the wet season and 123.65 in the dry season. Moreover, the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) calculation was done, with data from 1 to 3797 indicating that most heavy metal data sets are unsuitable for drinking and household uses. The current study found that built‐up areas have grown 288%, and the water bodies have declined by 60% over the last 30 years. This study shows that the quality of peripheral river water in Dhaka city hinders the objectives of the SDG 6 Goal: Clean Water and Sanitation. Revitalizing the water supply requires the attention of the city authorities. Practitioner Points Rapid urbanization has made Dhaka one of the least habitable cities, with industrial growth contributing significantly to pollution. DO levels are far below than Bangladesh's standards, sometimes approaching zero, making the water unfit for aquatic life. The study reveals a decline in water quality, especially during the dry season, and WQI indicates extremely low standards. Built‐up areas have increased by 288%, while water bodies have decreased by 60% over the past 30 years.
... The metal concentrations are almost high in the studies conducted between 1993 and 2017. Pb, As, and Cr concentrations are less significant in studies done by Saha and Hosain (2011); Mohiuddin et al. (2015); Sikder and Islam (2016). The most recently published studies carried out by Nargis et al. (2021) showed a drop in concentrations of HMs, especially Cr, which was explained by the effects of the carried out management projects to reduce the pollution levels by chromium through dredging and preventing the direct discharge of tanning effluents (Nargis et al., 2021). ...
Article
The Buriganga River is an urban river heavily impacted by many pollutants from multiple sources, such as the direct and indirect discharge of land-based pollutants and sewage from the Asian megacity of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Previous research reports have documented the severe ecotoxicological impact on the surrounding environment of this Asian urban river through heavy metal contamination. This review critically assessed the spatiotemporal distribution of heavy metals in the water and sediment of the river and their consequences on the inhabiting fish species. For this purpose, an archive of earlier published peer-reviewed papers between 1993 and 2021 was meticulously analyzed. All published studies have indicated that Pb, Cd, and Hg heavily pollute the Buriganga River. The analyzed samples have suggested the presence of heavy metals in the various fish species, which may pose a potential health risk for humans through food web toxicity. In addition, the trophic transfer and several research uncertainties of the published research have been conclusively summarised. As a result, we highlighted the urgent need to implement a policy framework, considering people living around the river as the primary stakeholders in a pioneering attempt. National and local awareness to change people’s behavior towards managing their waste is the first step towards rehabilitating and restoring the Buriganga River in Bangladesh. Besides, establishing laws regulating the waste released from industries is highly recommended, especially for toxic elements exhibiting higher concentrations than the recommended level.
... Cr (VI), Ni, and Cd are carcinogenic; As and Cd are teratogenic, and Pb's health issue effect includes neurological disorder and the central nervous system. Although several heavy metals such as Fe, Mn, Co, Cu, and Zn are essential micronutrients to flora and fauna nevertheless dangerous at a high level (Saha and Hossain, 2011). ...
Article
Full-text available
Batanghari River is the primary source of water for the people of Jambi. Batanghari River’s condition nowadays is worrying because its color is no longer clear. This research focused on determining the content of heavy metals in the Batanghari River's water and sediment. The conducted analysis is an ICP-MS analysis to determine the level of heavy metal (Cu, Cr, Co, Cd, Hg), and an enrichment factor calculation is conducted to determine the source of pollution. The enrichment factor value from the Batanghari River sediment sample declined with the following sequence Cd>Hg>Cu>Cr>Co, in 10 pinpoint locations. These indicate a high degree of anthropogenic activities along the Batanghari River which become the source of heavy metals entering the Batanghari River. The average concentration of heavy metals in the Batanghari River showed that the metal concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Hg are higher than the quality standards that have been set, whereas the metal concentrations of Cr and Co are still by the quality standards that have been set in PP 22 the year 2021.
Article
Full-text available
There is concern over potential toxic elements (PTEs) impacting river ecosystems due to human and industrial activities. The river’s water, sediment, and aquatic life are all severely affected by the release of chemical and urban waste. PTE concentrations in sediment, water, and aquatic species from river ecosystems are reported in this review. Among the PTEs, chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) revealed high pollution levels in water and aquatic species (fish and shellfish) at many rivers. The Karnaphuli, Ganga, and Lee rivers have high levels of Pb and Cd contamination, while the Buriganga and Korotoa rivers’ water had notable Ni contamination. A number of rivers with PTEs showed ecological risk as a consequence of the sediment’s potential ecological risk (PER), the pollutant load index (PLI), and the geoaccumulation index (Igeo). A comprehensive study suggests elevated PLI values in river sediments, indicating significant pollution levels, particularly in the Buriganga River sediment, marked by high Igeo values. The PER of the Shitalakshya and Buriganga rivers was marked as very high risk, with an Eir > 320, while the Dhaleshwari and Khiru rivers showed ‘high risk’, with 160 = Eir < 320. It was found that fish and shellfish from the Buriganga, Turag, and Swat rivers have a high concentration of Cr. PTE pollution across several river sites could pose health toxicity risks to humans through the consumption of aquatic species. The CR value shows the carcinogenic risk to human health from eating fish and shellfish, whereas an HI value > 1 suggests no carcinogenic risk. The occurrence of other PTEs, including manganese (Mn), arsenic (As), and nickel (Ni), significantly increases the ecological risk and concerns to aquatic life and human health. This study emphasises the importance of PTE toxicity risk and continuous monitoring for the sustainability of river ecosystems.
Article
Navigation channels provide a vital link in the supply chain of inland transport. Excavation of sediment from the river bed and fluvial islands is necessary to make the large braided river navigable for transportation. Present research work investigates the feasibility of dredging operations in the mid-sand bars of the Brahmaputra River (Assam, India) for navigation purposes. Pernicious metal (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Co, Cr, Pb, Cd) concentrations were assessed at 42 sampling locations, covering a reach length of approx. 600 km (reaches 1 and 2). Vertical samples were obtained from 0 cm, 50 cm, and 100 cm of the mid-sand bar. Various indices were evaluated to quantify the contamination level in the mid-sand bars. Based on the enrichment factor (EF), reach 2 was highly enriched with toxic metal-limiting dredging operation. Conversely, reach 1 was found suitable for dredging operations, owing to the low EF value. Various anthropogenic activities are likely to be the causative factor for the heavy metal enrichment in reach 2, including effluents from pharmaceutical industries, oil refineries, and industrial and domestic runoff. Statistical analysis also endorsed those heavy metals possess similar anthropogenic origins. Overall, the dredging can be feasible for reach 1 and at localized zones for reach 2 across the Brahmaputra River. Further, the study tries to present a suitable mitigation measure to carry out dredging operations and manage contaminated dredged sediment for reach 2.
Article
Aim to Evaluation the contamination levels of heavy metals As, Cr, Zn, and Pb in upstream of Brantas River using IP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) to measure heavy metal and identify the use of synthetic pesticide and fertilizer and Recommend strategies reduce contamination of heavy metal, Where were collected16 samples sediment from two different branches river, Each Location has different grains size 0.063 µm and 0.200 µm. The increasing trend of metals was observed in sediments of the Grain size 0.200 µm As ˂ Pb ˂ Zn ˂ Cr respectively and in the Grain size 0.063 µm As˂ Cr ˂Zn ˂Pb in the river 1 and for the river 2 in the Grain size 0.200 µm The increasing trend of metals was observed in sediments Pb˂ As ˂ Cr ˂ Zn and in the Grain size 0.063 As ˂Zn˂ Pb˂ Cr which means the concentration levels in sediment all the metals in the Grain size 0.200 µm in river 1 and river 2 higher than safe values and in grain size 0.063 µm lower than safe values. This is what was shows it in Assessment of the degree of pollution in sediments using (EF), (PLI) , (Igeo) and (CF).
Article
Full-text available
Abstract The community's residents have traditionally exploited the fresh water of the Kaani River for home and agricultural uses. Surface sediment samples were taken from four stations: Maa di Binnise Igbara water side (station 1), Mann stream (station 2), Woman stream (station 3), and Nwii ke ma kor stream (station 4). The samples were then digested and subjected to an atomic absorption spectrophotometric method to determine the concentrations of certain heavy metals. The order of metal concentrations were iron (Fe) > zinc (Zn) > lead (Pb) > chromium (Cr) > nickel (Ni) > copper (Cu) > manganese (Mn) > arsenic (As) > cadmium (Cd), according to the obtained data. Fe was [124.981±2.673]mg/kg, Zn was [36.356±1.593]mg/kg, Pb was [7.647±0.081]mg/kg, Cr was [6.361±0.074]mg/kg, Ni was [5.734±0.024]mg/kg, Cu was [5.541±0.071]mg/kg, Mn was [4.000±0.021]mg/kg, As was [0.182±0.002]mg/kg, and Cd was [0.049±0.002] mg/Kg, according to their respective mean values. A few model indices (contamination factor, ecological risk factor, possible ecological risk index, and enrichment factor) were used to further assess the results. The sediments were found to be somewhat contaminated, according to an examination of sediment contamination factors. According to an ecological risk assessment, the metals are safe for the ecosystem at the current quantities. All of the metals, with the exception of Cd in Nwii ke Ma Kor Stream (station 4) and Fe at Mann Stream (station 2), had considerable anthropogenic enrichment at the various stations, according to enrichment factor analysis. Thus, it is important to implement sufficient and ongoing monitoring to stop the introduction of an increased amount of anthropogenic heavy metals into the river
Article
Full-text available
Groundwater is a vital source of safe drinking water in Bangladesh and most South Asian countries. The study aimed to identify the sources and assess the contamination of Fe, Mn, and Pb in groundwater. The study considered published articles, reports, and data repositories of concerned departments over the past two decades using various search engines, including Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, etc. The study results showed the concentrations of Fe, Mn, and Pb in groundwater exceeded 55.93, 75.44, and 37.50%, respectively, of different standards, including the World Health Organization and United Nations Environmental Protection Agency. The concentrations of Fe, Mn, and Pb ranged from 0.003 to 16.6, 0.00063 to 3.11, and 0.0006 to 3.01 mg/L, respectively, and followed the order Fe > Mn > Pb in the groundwater of Bangladesh. Sources of Fe and Mn in groundwater are mostly geogenic in origin, while Pb contamination in groundwater is anthropogenic and derives from industry dust piles, vehicle exhaust discharge, lead pipes, faucets, fixtures, and batteries. The higher levels of heavy metals in groundwater cause health and environmental hazards. The study recommended that the higher concentrations of Fe, Mn, and Pb in groundwater make it unsuitable for drinking purposes and should be treated before consumption.
Article
Full-text available
The effects of anthropogenic activities on the accumulation of heavy metals and other compounds in sediments, mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and water of the mid‐Black Sea coast of Turkey were examined in this study. The aim was to work ecological risk assessment of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, Pb and Ni) at surface sediment and mussel samples. Sediment and mussel samples were subjected to a total digestion technique (HNO3 – HCl – HF conc.) and analysed for selected heavy metals by AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry). The general environmental properties of water, sediment and mussel samples were also measured (i.e. BOD5, organic matter %, mussel dimensions). Sediments were evaluated based on Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQG) and also with ERL/ERM and TEL/PEL values of EPA guidelines. The degree of contamination (Cd) was estimated for each station. The degree of heavy metal contamination of mussel samples was higher in Samsun city harbour. The values of sum of toxic units (Σ TU) for each of the sampling sites based on concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, Pb, and Ni were also calculated. The whole results at sediment, mussel and water samples showed that the mid‐Black Sea coast of Turkey is facing beyond any question heavy metal pollution. To be more specific, high concentrations of Cd and Pb determined at both marine and freshwater samples may indicate a fresh and continuous contamination from domestic and industrial discharges.
Article
Full-text available
The spatial and temporal distribution of heavy metals in water, sediment and fish (dry weight basis) of Buriganga River, Bangladesh were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In water concentration of Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu and Cr varied seasonally and spatially from 58.17 to 72.45µg/L, 7.08 to 12.33µg/L, 7.15 to 10.32µg/L, 107.38 to 201.29µg/L and 489.27 to 645.26µg/L, respectively. Chromium was the most abundant in the water of Balughat during pre-monsoon, whereas, Cd was the most scarce in the water of Shawaryghat during monsoon. The sediment also showed spatial and temporal variation of Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu and Cr ranged from 64.71 to 77.13 mg/kg, 2.36 to 4.25 mg/kg, 147.06 to 258.17 mg/kg, 21.75 to 32.54 mg/kg and 118.63 to 218.39 mg/kg, respectively. Among all the metals studied in sediment, Ni was the highest at Foridabad during pre-monsoon and Cd was the lowest at Shawaryghat during monsoon. In six species of fish studied, the concentration of Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu and Cr varied seasonally from 8.03 to 13.52 mg/kg, 0.73 to 1.25 mg/kg, 8.25 to 11.21 mg/kg, 3.36 to 6.34 mg/kg and 5.27 to 7.38 mg/kg, respectively. Of the five metals studied Pb concentration was the highest in Gudusia chapra during monsoon, in contrast, Cd concentration was the lowest in Cirrhinus reba during post-monsoon. Some of the heavy metals’ concentrations are higher than the recommended value, which suggest that the Buriganga is to a certain extent a heavy metal polluted river and the water, sediment and fish are not completely safe for health.
Article
Full-text available
The aim of this work has been to penetrate one of many possible avenues towards a potential ecological risk index to be used as a diagnostic tool for water pollution control purposes, i.e. to sort out which lakes/basins and substances should be given special attention. The work is based on the thesis that a sedimentological risk index for toxic substances in limnic systems should at least,account for the following four requirements.
Article
Full-text available
Water samples from five sampling points on four rivers, Owabi, Akyeampomene, Pumpunase and Sukobri, representing the main streams serving the Owabi reservoir were analysed for some pollution indicators using standard methods. Heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Mn, Cu, Pb and As) concentrations and some physical parameters of the water samples were determined. Electrical conductivity and pH of waters from all the streams were found to be within the acceptable limits of the World Health Organization (WHO). All the streams showed high turbidity values above WHO limits. Of the heavy metals determined in the water samples, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu concentrations in all the streams were within the acceptable WHO limits, whiles Pb and As appeared to be higher than the acceptable limits in all the streams. The highest concentrations of most of the heavy metals were recorded at the Kronum site on Owabi stream. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between pH and some metals at all the sample points (p = 0.05). The results showed that all the streams were polluted and must be treated before consumption. It was also recommended that, human activities within the catchments should be monitored closely to minimise their polluting impacts on the water quality.
Article
The Sinos river receives the effluents released by one of the most important industrial centres in South Brazil. To evaluate the environmental impact of heavy metal contamination in the Sinos river is a difficult task, because the river basin is dominated by basaltic rocks that are naturally rich in metals. Therefore, a part of the metal concentrations in the river water originates from a natural source, i.e. rock weathering. The anthropogenic sources of heavy metals are also widespread along the river. The analysis of the heavy metal concentrations in the Sinos river water was not enough either to identify spatial gradients along the river, or to quantify the anthropogenic metal inputs partially responsible for these concentrations. To estimate the anthropogenic inputs, this study proposes an approach based on mass balance of heavy metal fluxes, including the estimate of the natural component using a natural tracer (Fe). The approach estimated the metal loads released by the anthropogenic activities into the river (Total 28.0 ton yr−1: Cu 1.8 ton yr−1; Zn 8.3 ton yr−1; Cr 11.4 ton yr−1; Cd 1.5 ton yr−1; and, Pb 5.0 ton yr−1), and identified the critical river segment contaminated by heavy metals (87% of the total estimated anthropogenic inputs occur in the lower basin). These results agree with contamination source data reported by the governmental environment agency for effluent emitted into the Sinos river.
Article
An estimate of average river particulate matter (RPM) composition was bàsed on analyses of more than 40 elements in the Amazon, Congo, Ganges, Magdalena, Mekong, Parana and Orinoco rivers, to which were added literature data for 13 other major world rivers, covering the whole spectrum of morphoclimatic features. Geographic variations of major elements in RPM are mostly linked to weathering types and to the balance between weathering rate and river transport. As a result of chemical erosion, Al, Fe and Ti are enriched in RPM with respect to the average parent rock, while Na, Ca, Mg and Sr are strongly depleted. These figures are directly related to the relative importance of dissolved and particulate transport in rivers; this has been computed for each of 40 elements. In order to study weathering on a global scale, the total observed elemental fluxes (dissolved + particulate) have been computed and compared to theoretical ones. The latter were derived from the elemental content in the average parent rock and the total quantity of weathered material, computed from the Al ratio in RPM and in parent rock. Observed and theoretical fluxes are balanced for the less mobilized elements (rare earths, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Mn, Rb, Si, Th, Ti, U and V) for which no enrichment relative to Al is noted in RPM, and for B, Ba, Ca, K, Mg, Na, Sr which are relatively depleted in RPM due to their high dissolved transport. Additional fluxes have been found for Br, Sb, Pb, Cu, Mo, Zn and are possible also for Ni and P. This is reflected by marked enrichments in RPM relative to Al for the poorly or moderately dissolved transports (Pb, Cu, Zn). Several hypotheses involving either the natural origin (volcanic dust, marine aerosols, geochemical fractionation) or the artificial origin (worldwide pollution) are discussed to explain these discrepancies, assuming river transport and weathering either to be in a steady state on a global scale or not. However, none of them can fully account for these additional fluxes. It is most likely that these excesses have multiple origins, anthropogenic or natural or both. The comparison between RPM and deep-sea clay compositions emphasizes the prime influence of river input on oceanic sedimentation of Si, Al, Fe, Ti, lanthanides, Sc, Rb, V, etc. A few elements such as Zn, Sb, occur in excess in RPM as compared to deep-sea clays; in order to balance this excess, a remobilization of these elements out of the sediment can be considered. Finally, the enrichment of Co, Cu, Mn and Ni in deep-sea clays compared to RPM is discussed and attributed to several sources and processes.
Article
The degree of contamination in the sediments of the Dikrong river, for the metals Al, Fe, Ti, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni and Pb, has been evaluated using Enrichment ratio (ER), Pollution load index (PLI) and Geo-accumulation index (Igeo). The sediments have been found to be contaminated with Cu and Pb which has been attributed mainly to dispersion from the mineralized zone of the upper catchment area since no major industrial establishments are present in the area.