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Monitoring of Surface Soil Quality Parameters of the Sitalakshya River, Bangladesh

Md. Simul Bhuyan
Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh

Md. Rashed-UnNabi
Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh

Md. Enamul Hoque
Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh

Abu Sayeed Muhammad Sharif
Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh

Md. Shafiqul Islam
Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The present study was carried out to monitor and assess the surface soil quality parameters of the Sitalakshya River, Bangladesh. The soil samples were collected from Kanchpur Bridge and Atlapur during rainy and winter season. Soil texture is an important tool that aids in organic matter retention, minerals dispersal, microbial biomass, and other soil properties. The soil of the study area was recorded sandy loam and loam. The concentrations of soil parameters ranged for EC: 65.7 μS/cm-99.83 μS/cm; pH: 6.67-6.97; organic matter: 0.43%-0.66%; and organic carbon: 0.23%-0.35% in the soil of the Sitalakshya River. Most of the parameters showed no substantial variations in respect of sites and seasons (p>0.05) except electrical conductivity and pH (p<0.05). Statistical analysis like correlation matrix exposed the close relationship between organic matter and organic carbon. The soil of the Sitalakshya River has low nutrient contents that are not enough for the plants and organisms. Rapid industrialization and the huge establishment of brickfields are the major factors behind this less productive ecosystem. The river must be protected from further deterioration by taking fruitful management plan. This preliminary study will be a useful tool in the conservation plan. This will also help the future researchers who want to work on the river.

Keywords: Preliminary Assessment, Soil quality parameters, Variations, Conservation, Sitalakshya River.

Location: Sitalakshya River, Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Soil quality

Objectives:

The present study is undertaken with aim; (1) to assess soil quality parameters of the Sitalakshya River; (2) to see the seasonal and spatial variations of the parameters; (3) to find out the significant difference in the concentrations of soil parameters; and (4) to examine the correlation among the soil parameters using Pearson correlation method.

Methodology:

2.1. Sampling Sites The present study was conducted in Sitalakshya River. The samples were collected from Kanchpur Bridge (23°42'11.17"N and 90°31'01.92"E) and Atlapur (23°87'58.98"N and 90°57'91.90"E) of the Sitalakshya River. The Kanchpur is located beside the Kanchpur Bridge that connects the busiest road of Chittagong and Dhaka city. The ship breaking machines and the effluents from the Sinha Textile Ltd. are continuously being discharged into the upstream of this location. In Khanpur some sand loaded launch/steamer are loaded and unloaded there. Water vehicles like launch or steamer carry goods via this river and dumped oil into the river. The municipal or domestic sewerage is also discharged there. There are many cement factories at the bank of the river. Different types of chemical industries also located and discharged their untreated effluents. In Atlapur, there are also industries, brickfields, the mobility of water vehicles. Domestic sewage also contributes effluents in the river. Steamers and transport boats are also found here. Sampling procedures were performed in two phases: firstly, in July 2017 (monsoon-rainy season); secondly, in January 2018 (post-monsoon-winter season). 2.2. Sample Collection and Preservation A total of 8 surface sediment samples were collected at 2 selected sites (Kanchpur Bridge and Atlapur) in July 2017 (Rainy season) and January 2018 (Winter season). Kanchpur Bridge is the polluted site and Atlapur is selected as the reference site. Samples were collected by Eckman Grab Sampler from a hired boat. Then the samples were labeled polythene bag and transferred to the laboratory of the Department of Soil Science, University of Chittagong. Then the samples were dried under sunlight for several days to evaporate the moisture. The samples were also air dried at room temperature for further removal of moisture. After that, samples were grinded with a hand operated grinder (Haman dista) and passed through a 2mm sieve mesh size. After sieving, the samples were kept in a plastic container for further analysis in the laboratory. 2.3. Sample Analysis Soil pH was measured at sampling sites (in situ) using a soil pH meter. Soil texture analysis was executed following the Hydrometer method (% of sand, silt, and clay) Described by Huq and Alam modified from Bouyoucos. This method quantitatively determines the physical proportions of three sizes of primary soil particles as determined by their settling rates in an aqueous solution using a hydrometer. Following stated formula was used for texture analysis: The corrected hydrometer reading is given by

Rc = (R-RL) + (t-20.0) *0.3 Where, R= hydrometer reading at a different time (40 sec and 2 hours) Rc = corrected hydrometer reading. RL= blank t = temperature.

Source of Information: Review of Environment and Earth Sciences 2018 Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 42-54; ISSN(e): 2313-8440 ISSN(p): 2409-2150

Article Link (Online Journal): DOI: 10.18488/journal.80.2018.52.42.54

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

This study was conducted to assess the soil quality parameters of the Sitalakshya River, Bangladesh. Electrical Conductivity and pH showed temporal variation among the studied parameters. Studied parameters showed no significant variation in respect of sites. Correlation analysis revealed the close relationship between organic matter and organic carbon. The present study indicates that there are not enough nutrients in the soil for the optimum growth of species (both plant and fish). This scenario occurs may be due to the heavy industrialization and brickfields in the study area. The river ecosystem should be protected for our forthcoming future by implementing some good management practices. This is a baseline study and it will be a supportive resource for researchers and policymakers that will help in the holistic watershed managing plan.

Knowledge Management: Journal