Pollution and health risk assessment of heavy metals in surface water of the industrial region in Gazipur, Bangladesh

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in surface water poses significant health and environmental risks, especially in industrial regions. This study evaluates heavy metal pollution and associated health hazards in the Basan Industrial Area, Gazipur, Bangladesh. A total of 30 surface water samples were analyzed for cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe). Pollution indices, including the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI), and Degree of Contamination (Cd), classified the water as severely polluted, with Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr exceeding WHO standards. Health risk assessments show that children face greater non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks than adults, with ingestion being the primary exposure route. Health risk assessments revealed that both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks are significant, with children being more vulnerable than adults. The total hazard quotient (HQ) for ingestion exceeded the safe limit, particularly for Cd (2.16–6.89), Cr (2.59–4.48), and Pb (0.37–13.98) in children. Dermal exposure risks were lower, but still exceeded safety thresholds for children in several locations. The total hazard quotient values for ingestion exceeded the safe threshold, particularly for Cd, Cr, and Pb, posing serious risks such as kidney damage, neurological disorders, and increased cancer probability. Health risk assessments revealed that both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks are significant, with children being more vulnerable than adults. Multivariate statistical analyses- correlation matrix, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis identified industrial effluents as the dominant pollution source, with heavy metal concentrations correlating with industrial discharges. The findings highlight the urgent need for effective wastewater treatment, stricter environmental regulations, and sustainable water management strategies to mitigate contamination risks. Addressing heavy metal pollution in industrialized regions of Bangladesh is essential for protecting public health and ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources.