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Trace Metals in Coastal Water Along the Ship Breaking Area, Chittagong, Bangladesh

M.Y. Mehedi*
Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh

D. Kamal
Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh

K. Azam
Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh

Y.S.A Khan
Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong-4331, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The levels of trace metals in surface water from the intertidal zone of ship breaking (Fouzdarhat, Madambibirhat and Kumira) and Halishahar (controlled zone) area, Chittagong were analyzed seasonally. The maximum concentration of Fe was found at Kumira varying from 65.710 to 67.900 µg ml-1 while the minimum was observed in Station-4 (0.119 to 0.122 µg ml-1). In case of Cu concentration, Fouzdarhat indicated the highest value ranging between 0.037 and 0.041 µg. ml-1. The lowest concentration of Cu was found in Halishahar (0.018 µg. ml-1) during pre-monsoon period. The level of Zn concentrations found in Fouzdarhat was twice the value observed in Halishahar. Cd concentrations were higher in Madambibirhat and Kumira in comparison with those at Halishahar. The concentration of different trace metals measured was found to be higher than the certified limit indicating deleterious effect on aquatic biota. However, concentrations of Pb were within the certified limit. The concentrations of trace metals in Halishahar (Controlled zone) were lower compared with those at ship breaking area. Besides, there were minimal seasonal fluctuations of trace elements observed in the studied four Stations. As per analysis and subsequent determinations the ship breaking area has been indicated as polluted zone.

Keywords: Trace metal, Ship breaking, Coastal water, Pollution

Location: The Ship Breaking Area, Chittagong, Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Tress matal

Objectives:

Scanty information is available on the marine pollution of coastal area of the Bay of Bengal. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the concentration of trace metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) in the ship breaking area, Chittagong and to evaluate the environmental condition and level of pollution in that area.

Methodology:

About 14 km area along the ship breaking zone from Fouzdarhat to Kumira was divided into three Stations namely Fouzdarhat (Station-1), Madambibirhat (Station-2) and Kumira (Station-3). Another Station outside the ship breaking area near Halishahar Sea Coast was treated as Station-4 (Controlled Zone). Surface water samples from the intertidal zone were collected seasonally from the four Stations in pre-washed (20 ml HNO3 and 0.5 ml H2O2) and pre-dried (65⁰C overnight) bottles (1 litre). To avoid bacterial degradation, the collected samples were mixed with concentrated HNO3 and preserved in refrigerator (4⁰C) until analyzed. Samples were then brought to Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Centre, Dhaka for spectrophotometic measurement of trace metals.

Water samples were then digested with nitric acid in a water bath at 55^oC. Blank digestions were also performed with the result of a quantity for possible contamination. Prior to analysis of the digested samples of different trace metals, several dulutions were made. The digested samples were analsyzed using Air Acetylene Flame with combination as well as single element Hollow Cathode Lamp and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Perkin Elmer560). The calculations were made with the help of calibration curve using standard solution of the elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) with known concentration.

Source of Information: Khulna University Studies, Vol. 1, Issue 2, December 1999, pp. 289-293

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

It may be concluded that the trace metal concentrations of surfacial water were always higher in the ship braking area in comparison with those at controlled zone and sometimes exceeded the different certified values. It is therefore apprehended that ship breaking operation contaminates the water of the intertidal zone by its unregulated fast expansion and through the discharge of metal rust (Particularly Fe), refuse materials etc coming from the scrap ships.

Knowledge Management: Journal