Comprehensive assessment of trace element pollution and its distribution in surface and groundwater around the Ishwardi export processing zone, Bangladesh

Abstract

Introduction

Due to industrial development and rapid urbanization, the discharge of industrial effluents significantly impacts the environment and ecosystems, particularly affecting surface and groundwater systems. This study assesses trace element contamination near the Ishwardi Export Processing Zone (IEPZ) in Bangladesh, with the aim of evaluating trace element concentrations in both surface and groundwater and their potential environmental impacts in and around the IEPZ.

Materials and methods

Fourteen samples, including industrial waste, groundwater, and river water, were collected from the IEPZ. The concentrations of trace elements like Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Co in the collected samples were measured. Statistical analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA), were performed with a confidence level of 95 % and a significance threshold of p < 0.05.

Results and discussion

Levels of Pb, Cu, and Ni exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines in some samples, with Pb ranging from 4.3 to 34.3 µg l^-1, indicating potential health risks. The Contamination Index (Cd) varied from -2.696 to 0.277, reflecting low contamination, while the Metal Pollution Index (MPI) was 1.603, suggesting generally satisfactory water quality. PCA highlighted two components which explained 36.182 % and 28.161 % cumulative variance for PCA1 and PCA2, respectively.

Conclusion

This study investigates the impact of industrial effluent discharge on surface and groundwater quality around the IEPZ, Bangladesh. Among the trace elements, Pb showed the highest concentration, likely due to battery recycling/manufacturing at one of the factories in the IEPZ. The wastewater flows into nearby rivers and also leaches into the surrounding groundwater. These findings emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring and improved waste management to mitigate the environmental impacts of industrial discharges in the IEPZ.