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Comparative Study on Toxic Metal Contamination in Balu River Water Adjacent to Dhaka–narayangonj–demra

M. E. Haque
Principal Scientific Officer
Soil Science Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, Mymensingh, Bangladesh

M. A. Satta
Director General
Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, Mymensingh, Bangladesh

M. K. Khan
Director Training
Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, Mymensingh, Bangladesh

H. K. Sumon
Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

An extensive study was carried out in the Balu river water during the year of 2011-2012 with a view to evaluate the water quality regarding toxic metal contamination. A total of 72 surface water samples were collected from four different locations adjacent to the Balu river area of Dhaka-Narayangonj-Demra, during wet (July to September 2011) and dry season (November to January 2011-12). To determine the spatial distribution and seasonal variation of toxic metals (Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd and Zn), detailed, laboratory analysis was performed in the Soil Science Division of Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA). Among the different locations, the maximum concentration of Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd and Zn was observed at Termuni area as; 0.10, 0.096, 0.263, 0.118 and 1.31 mgL^-1, respectively. Considering locations and seasons, the highest concentration of toxic heavy metals was found at Termuni area during the dry season as; Pb (0.13 mgL^-1), Cr (0.11 mgL^-1), Ni (0.30 mgL^-1), Cd (0.161 mgL^-1) and Zn (1.772). The minimum concentration of Pb, Cr and Zn was noted at Demra area during the wet season as; 0.04, 0.048 and 0.697 mgL^-1, respectively. The Cd and Ni concentration was observed as; 0.025 and 0.133 mgL^-1 at Nagarpara area. The present study reveals that concentration of Pb, Cr, Ni and Cd exceeded the standard level of drinking, irrigation, aquaculture and surface water set up by WHO, GOB, USEPA, DOE and FWPCA for the dry season.

Keywords: Balu river, Water quality, Heavy metals

Location: Balu river area of Dhaka-Narayangonj-Demra

Start Date: 00-07-2011

End Date: 00-01-2012

Program Area: Risk Management in Agriculture

Commodity: Contamination

Objectives:

To evaluate the water quality regarding toxic metal contamination

Methodology:

The study area was Balu river, Dhaka–Narayangonj–Demra. Balu river located 23°43´51´´ (23.7308º) north latitude and 90º30´5´´ (90.5014º) east longitude. Seventy two water samples were collected (including 3 replications) from different locations during July 2011 to January 2012. For the river Balu, samples were taken from 4 locations namely- Termuni, Itakhola, Nagarpara and Demra Bridge to cover the maximum pollution areas due to industrial activities, municipal sewage sludge and urban runoff including agricultural activities. All samplings were performed through water sampler using country boat. Water samples were kept in clean plastic containers. All the bottles full of samples, after proper marking and labeling, were placed in the icebox to avoid direct sunlight and thus, the samples were transferred to laboratory and were kept in the refrigerator at 4⁰C till analysis. For analysis of the toxic metal, the water samples from the source points were also collected and immediately filtered with ADVANTEC 0.2 μm size sterile syringe filter and transferred into acid-cleaned 50 mL polypropylene bottles. One mL of ultra pure nitric acid was added in each polypropylene bottle to achieve a pH of ~1 . Toxic metals (Cd, Cr, Zn, Ni and Pb) of the water samples were determined by the AAS method (Model-Perkin Elmer Analyst 800) by using the software Winlab 32 TM Changing Technique after digesting the samples with concentrated HNO₃ in the laboratory of Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA).

Source of Information: Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric. 27 & 28: 25-32, 2013

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1. Government

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

It may be concluded that Balu river water contained acceptable amount of Zn whereas the concentration of Pb, Cr, Cd and Ni exceeded the recommended limit for drinking water, irrigation water and for aquaculture. Therefore, it is hazardous for human health, crops and aquaculture. From the results of the experiment it can be clearly stated that the concentrations of studied pollutants were higher during the dry season, particularly in the month of November to January, when the rainfall was comparatively low or absent. Conversely, during the wet season, the values were generally low and fall within various standard levels. The excess toxic metal load of river water may be due to the discharge of industrial effluents and municipal wastes, geology of river bed and catchments’ area.

Knowledge Management: Journal