Bioaccumulation and adverse effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on ecosystems and human exposure: A review study on Bangladesh perspectives

The role of chemical exposures in reducing the effectiveness of water–sanitation–hygiene interventions in Bangladesh, Kenya, and Zimbabwe

“…For example, recent studies in Bangladesh (Miah, Hoque, Paul, & Rahman, 2014), Thailand (Sapbamrer & Nata, 2014), Tanzania (Manyilizu et al, 2017), and Pakistan (Tarar et al, 2019) have revealed increased incidences of diarrhea (and other ailments) among farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides. A number of studies have found gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea statistically correlated with exposure to organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides, and PCBs^ (Alam et al, 2015;Islam et al, 2018;Kim, Youn, Ko, Lee, & Lee, 2017;Manyilizu et al, 2017;Miah et al, 2014). Phthalates, parabens, and phenols such as bisphenol-A (BPA) are found in a wide variety of consumer products such as plastics, detergents and cleaning products, paints, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, soaps, toothpaste, and other personal care products (PCPs), and some canned and processed foods.…”

“…Chowdhury et al, 2013). Groundwater aquifers in Bangladesh are closely connected to surface water, and so can easily be impacted by agricultural runoff and industrial effluent (Islam et al, 2018). Groundwater wells around the country have contained heptachlor^at levels ranging from 5 to 5,000 μg/L according to a recent review article (Islam et al, 2018).…”

“…Pesticide residues A 2018 review of the effect of POPs on ecosystems and human health in Bangladesh concluded, "the level of contamination in food and foodstuffs by POPs in Bangladesh sends an alarming message about the risks faced by people" (Islam et al, 2018). Other Bangladeshi scientists concluded that, "it's really difficult to find pesticide residue free vegetables, foods and fruits in our country at present" (Miah et al, 2014).…”

“…Consequently, residues of pesticides are found "in an alarming proportion on vegetable crops" (Miah et al, 2014). For example, several studies have found pesticide residues in different vegetable samples such as tomatoes, okra, eggplant, long yard bean, cauliflower, as well as meat, milk, and fish (Bergkvist et al, 2012;Borrell et al, 2019;Hasan et al, 2019;Islam et al, 2018;Miah et al, 2014).…”

“…Pentachlorobenzene was detected in 100% of samples of fish, cereals and dairy products. Other studies have shown high levels of DDT^( 135) and heptachlor^in fish (Islam et al, 2018). DDT^( 135) contamination of dried fish was due to fishermen and vendors spraying the product to prevent spoilage (Bergkvist et al, 2012;Borrell et al, 2019;Islam et al, 2018).…”