Trace Metal Pollution near a Coal-Fired Power Plant in Bangladesh: Implications for Environmental and Human Health

Abstract

The rapid expansion of coal-fired power plants globally has raised significant environmental concerns, particularly regarding trace metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluates the extent of trace metal pollution in water, sediment, and fish from the Galachipa River, Bangladesh, near the Payra coal-fired power plant. The concentration of nine trace metals (As, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Co, V) was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) from samples collected at ten different stations. The results indicate that Pb concentrations in water (48.90 µg/L) exceeded WHO safety guidelines, with the highest levels recorded near the discharge point. Sediment analysis revealed a Geo-accumulation Index (I_geo) for Cr ranging from 1.71 to 4.12, indicating moderate to extreme contamination. Ecological risk indices, including the Water Quality Index (WQI) and Metal Quality Index (MQI), with highest values of 58.04 and 38.81, respectively classified the water as unsuitable for human consumption and aquatic life. Fish species such as O. pama, A. chacunda and G. chapra exhibited high Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) values, with health risk assessments identifying significant non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks primarily driven by arsenic exposure (up to 8.83 × 10^–3 for T. ilisha). Contamination Factor (CF) and Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI) suggest moderate to high risks for aquatic organisms. These findings emphasize the urgent need for improved effluent treatment, stricter regulatory enforcement, and sustainable energy alternatives. Future research should focus on seasonal variations, bioaccumulation trends, and long-term mitigation strategies to safeguard environmental and public health.