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Heavy Metal Pollution of Soil from Industrial and Municipal Wastes in Chittagong, Bangladesh

Sabrina Sharmeen Alam
Assistant Professor
Department of Soil Science,University of Chittagong, Bangladesh

Khan Towhid Osman
Professor
Department of Soil Science,University of Chittagong, Bangladesh

Md. Golam Kibria
Professor
Department of Soil Science,University of Chittagong, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Heavy metal pollution was assessed in soils collected from 0–15, 15–30 and 30– 45-cm depths of three industrial (FMC, PMC and CMC), and two municipal (BSD and MLF) waste disposal sites around Chittagong city in 2008. Soils were analysed for pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available P, exchangeable Ca, Mg, K and Na, and total Cd, Pb, Cu, Mn and Zn. The pH, organic C, total N, available P, total Cd, Pb, Cu and Mn, and contamination indices for Cd and Pb varied significantly among sites. Mean Cd, Pb, Cu, Mn and Zn were in the range 0.5–1.9, 54–86, 25–50, 261–624 and 204–330 mg kg71, respectively. Contamination indinces for Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu were estimated by comparison with respective threshold values. Contamination indices showed that the sites MLF and FMC had low Cu contamination. Other sites were not contaminated with this heavy metal. All sites except PMC were highly contaminated with Cd, FMC was moderately contaminated and the others had low Pb contamination. FMC was highly contaminated, but the others were moderately contaminated with Zn. The integrated contamination index revealed that PMC had low contamination and the other sites were highly contaminated with heavy metals.

Keywords: Biosolids; Contamination indices; Cadmium; Lead

Location: Chittagong City Corporation area

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Contamination of soil

Objectives:

To evaluate the impact of industrial and municipal waste disposal on the degree of contamination of soils with heavy metals.

Methodology:

Site selection: Three industrial complexes and two municipal waste disposal sites in and around Chittagong city, Bangladesh, were selected for the study. Biosolids (sewage sludge) disposal site (BSD)is located at Hazipara (228–22.890N and 918–50.160E) in the northern part of Chittagong city.Municipal open pit landfill (MLF) is located at Anandabazar, Halishahar (228–18.120N and 918–46.220E). Paper mill complex (The Asian paper mill) is a new industrial complex located at Nandirhat (228–27.780N and 918–48.990E) beside the Hathazari road.Fertilizer manufacturing complex (FMC): The triple-superphosphate (TSP) fertilizer manufacturing complex is located at Potenga (228–16.340N and 918–47.620E) in the high-lying area of the southern part of the Chittagong city.Cement manufacturing complex (CMC): The Rubi cement factory is located at Potenga (228–16.710N and 918–47.800E) in the high-lying area of the southern part of the city.

Soil sampling, processing and analysis: Soil samples were collected in September–December, 2008. In each site, three subplots (363 m) were established to collect soil samples. Within each subplot, three soil cores were randomly collected at 0–15, 15–30 and 30–45 cm depth, respectively. Soil samples were air-dried, ground to pass through a 2-mm sieve and preserved for analysis. Soil pH was measured using an electronic pH meter in soil–water suspension at a ratio of 1:2.5. Soil texture was determined using the hydrometer method. Organic carbon was determined using the wet oxidation method of Walkley and Black (1934). Total N was determined by micro-Kjeldahl digestion and distillation. Available P was extracted with Bray and Kurtz No. 2 extractant (1 M NH4F in 0.5 M HCl) followed by spectrophotometric determination by SnCl2 reduced molybdophosphoric blue color method. Extractable Ca, Mg, K and Na were extracted with 1 N NH4OAC at pH 7.0 and determined by a Varian Spectra AA-2201 atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). These methods of extraction and determination are described by Jackson (1973). For total Cd, Pb, Mn, Cu and Zn analysis, 2 g of oven-dried soil was digested with 25 mL aqua regia (concentrated HCl and HNO3 at a ratio of 3:1) by heating on a sand bath for 5 h. After cooling, the digested mixture was diluted with distilled deionized water, filtered through Whatmann No. 42 filter paper and made to 50 mL. The concentration of Cd, Pb, Cu, Mn and Zn in the extract was determined using the Varian Spectra AA-2201 AAS with the respective metal standards for calibration. The quality assurance of the AAS determination was ensured by checking the blank and standard reference materials after each 10 sample determination (90 to 110% recovery).

Statistical analysis: Data on soil properties and heavy metal contents were analysed for variance in a factorial combination of 5 waste disposal sites63 soil depths (SAS Institute 2008). Treatment means and interaction were separated by the least significant difference test at p0.05. An orthogonal linear contrast on heavy metals concentration between industrial and municipal sites was also performed.

Source of Information: Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science Vol. 58, No. 12, December 2012, 1427–1438

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

All the studied soils were contaminated with heavy metals to varying degrees. The soils are used for cultivation of rice and vegetables, and there remains a risk of influx of the contaminants into the edible parts of the crops. Future studies are needed in this regard.

Knowledge Management: Journal