Impact of Ship Breaking Activities on the Water Quality at the Coastal Area of Chattogram, Bangladesh

Abstract

The ship breaking area of Chattogram is one of the most ecologically effective regions in Bangladesh. It includes wealthy biodiversity that consists of numerous species which are endemic to this region. The impact of various physico-chemical parameters on pollution is a significant concern for both the environment and biodiversity. In order to evaluate the potential ecological impact, water samples were obtained using standard procedures from several sites within ship breaking yards. The values of physico-chemical parameters like, temperature, EC, TDS, TSS, pH, DO, BOD, salinity, oil and greases were found 29.65 ºC, 2028.87 μS/cm, 1014.89 mg/L, 7392.42 mg/L,8.03, 7.28 mg/L, 4.03 mg/L, 12.83 ppt, 7166.64 mg/L, respectively. A decreasing trend in the amount of trace elements present in water and sediment: Pb (0.46 mg/L) > Cr (0.49 mg/L) > As (0.205 mg/L) > Cd (0.049 mg/L). The concentrations of toxic metals, however, exceeded the permissible thresholds in both regions. Lead and chromium had no seasonal effects, whereas arsenic and cadmium significantly varied with the seasons. The evaluation of the heavy metal pollution index (HPI) and contamination factor (CF) showed that the study area had a critical score of water quality (HPI > 100). The metal concentrations had an elevated contamination effect (CI > 3). According to the study’s findings, the ship breaking site is moderately polluted with heavy metals and posed a risk to the ecosystem.