Assessment of pollution of the river Buriganga, Bangladesh, using a water quality model

Abstract

The River Buriganga, which runs past Dhaka City, is at present one of the most polluted rivers in Bangladesh. Dhaka City is very densely populated and will be one of the ten ‘Mega Cities’ by the year 2000. However, only a small fraction of the total wastewater being generated in the City is treated. Consequently, the amount of untreated wastes, both domestic and industrial, being released into the Buriganga is tremendous and is increasing day by day. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the status of the river water quality in terms of some cardinal water quality parameters, and to simulate the dissolved oxygen (DO) level using a water quality model. In order to fulfil the objectives, a comprehensive data acquisition programme – from both in situ and laboratory testing – was carried out. Then, a one-dimensional water quality model was developed for the Buriganga River system for a dry period of 1994-95. Different scenarios were tested to predict the most likely condition of the river. The results of the model simulations have replicated the alarming low DO level in the Buriganga. Option runs show that an integrated approach would be required to restore the river water quality with regard to biodegradable pollutants.

Water Quality Response to Reductions in Waste Loading of Sitalakhya River, Bangladesh

“…Besides this, DND Drainage Canal and a number of industries discharge their untreated effluents around this area. Comparing with the previous studies (Kamal et al, 1999;Karim et al, 2000;Magumder, 2005;Ahmed and Badruzzaman, 2007) it has been found that water quality of Sitalakhya River has gradually deteriorated and pollution has extended upstream towards Ghorasal. In the case of Scenario-1, the model predicts that near SWTP intake the average level of NH 3 -N and BOD 5 will decrease from 12.9 mg/L to 9.8 mg/L and from 24.2 mg/L to 21.2 mg/L, respectively and the DO level will increase from 0.39 mg/L to 0.50 mg/L.…”

“…The rapid urban expansion and industrialization, and the absence of proper management practices will undoubtedly result in further deterioration of the river water quality, especially in the dry season. Previous studies on river water quality showed that water quality of peripheral river systems of Dhaka City is being deteriorated day by day (Kamal et al, 1999;Karim et al, 2000;Magumder, 2005 Ahmed andBadruzzaman, 2007).…”

European procedures to river quality assessment

“…River Basin Management Plans will be prepared for each district that will incorporate a programme of measures to meet specific environmental objectives set for each river basin. Public consultation programmes will be integral to the identification of significant water management issues and the development of River Basin Management Plans [1,2,3]. The timeframe for implementation of the directive is relatively short, spoken in terms of previous European water policies (Figure 1).…”

“…The water basin of the Sele river covers a surface of 600 km 2 ; the overall length of the main tributary is 64 km. The river, predominantly creek state, is made up of a gravelypebbly bottom in the downstream part, with broad riverbed and small riverside in the intermediate reach, while it is built-in and calcareous formations exist in the upstream reach where the riverbed has a width that is seldom grater than 5 m.…”

A Critical Review of Heavy Metal Pollution and Its Effects in Bangladesh

“…Discharge of wastewater from various industries without any treatment deteriorate river water quality badly [52][53][54][55]. The pollution with heavy metals worsen the situation.…”