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International Journal of Water Research

Universal Research Publications. All rights reserved

ISSN 2348 – 2710

Original Article
Water quality assessment using physiochemical parameters and heavy metal
concentrations of circular rivers in and around Dhaka city, Bangladesh.
MD Anik Mahmud*, Kazi Albab Hussain, Masud Hassan, Abdur Rahman Jewel, S. Z. K. M. Shamsad.
Department of Soil, water and Environment, University of Dhaka-1000.
Email Address: mahmud341@gamil.com (MD Anik Mahmud)
Received 27 April 2017; accepted 07 June 2017
Abstract
Water quality of the rivers (Buriganga, Turag, Balu and Shitolokhya) in and around the Dhaka city was evaluated
throughout from post monsoon (November 2015) to pre monsoon (May 2016). Circularly twelve critical areas around
Dhaka city were selected. Important physicochemical parameters such as TSS, EC, TDS, DO, BOD, COD, pH, NH 4, NO3,
Cl, PO4, SO4, and K were determined. Potentially toxic heavy metals include Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Ni, and Pb were
determined. The post-monsoon water conditions of these circular rivers were better than pre-monsoon season. However, in
both seasons these rivers were not suitable for aquaculture and domestic uses. In pre monsoon, these rivers were so acidic
to be used as the irrigation source. The discharge of a huge quantity of the biodegradable and non-biodegradable pollutants
from nearby industrial complexes combine with domestic and municipal waste dumping are the main reasons.
Contaminated status of these encompassing rivers may jeopardize aquatic environment, pollute adjacent soil and
groundwater. The incumbent authority should promulgate efficient and stringent guideline and regulation against
indiscriminate and random disposal of the pollutants into these precious rivers.
© 2017 Universal Research Publications. All rights reserved
Key words: - Water Quality, Heavy Metal, Physiochemical Parameters, Pre Monsoon, Post Monsoon.

1. Introduction: circular rivers as irrigation source and aquaculture purpose.

Water is essential liquid for maintaining the life on the
earth. About 97% water exists in oceans that are not
suitable for drinking, and only 3% is freshwater wherein
2.97% is comprised by glaciers and ice caps a little
remaining portion of 0.3% is available as a surface and
ground water for human use [13].
In South Asia, where more than 0.5 million deaths of
infants happened per year with additional health threats due
to poor water quality and bad sanitation [19]. In
Bangladesh, Dhaka city is one of the most populous and
industrially dense cities of the world. Water Supply and
Sewerage Authority (WASA) is the responsible body to
supply of this city. But WASA can only produce 1900
million liters of water per day against Dhaka city’s daily
demand of 2200 million liters. About 87% of total water
supply by Dhaka WASA comes from deep tube wells, and
rest of the supply comes from surface water treatment. To
meet up with the demand of this huge population the
groundwater level is decreasing in alarming rate [27].
To reduce the pressure on groundwater, the dependence on
surface water is inevitable for WASA. Similarly, these
circular rivers are important for farmers who use these
Unfortunately, untreated industrial effluents and domestic
wastes are responsible for polluting these precious rivers.
Moreover, this polluted river water may contaminate the
aquatic environment and adjacent soils of the city. Thus, it
can produce irreversible consequences [3, 9].
Water pollution due to toxic heavy metals has been a major
cause of concern for environment [1]. Heavy metals in
water, even at trace level, are toxic and detrimental to
agriculture, animal and human [11, 4, 12]. Metals thus pass
up the food chain and become a primary source of human
exposure [11]. The metal oxides accumulated in soils
become chemically and biologically activated under the
influence of an increasing acidity which changes the
chemical and biological activity of soil [22]. The increased
concentration of toxic chemicals and pollutants like leather
tanning, paper, ceramics, pigments, and petrochemicals in
river water has the direct or indirect consequence of the
aquatic environment and inhabitants of Dhaka city. The
importance and urgency of quantifying and evaluating
levels of toxicity of heavy metals and physiochemical
parameters of rivers around Dhaka city were a long felt
need in Bangladesh for modeling corrective measures.

23 International Journal of Water Research 2017; 7(1): 23-29

Therefore, the systematic study was conducted from post
monsoon to pre monsoon to have an idea of pollution level
of rivers in and around Dhaka city. The present study was
undertaken to examine important physiochemical
properties and toxic heavy metals presence in surface water
and their impact on the aquaculture, domestic and
agriculture use in and around Dhaka city.
2. Materials and Methods
The study area comprises rivers in and around Dhaka city,
namely Buriganga, Turag, Balu, and Shitolokhya.
Circularly twelve areas in and around Dhaka city were
selected as per sampling technique throughout post-
monsoon (November 2015) to pre-monsoon (May 2016)
[4]. Samples were collected from Sadarghat (23º71ʹN and
90º39ʹE), Chawkbazaar (23º71ʹN and 90º38ʹE), Keraniganj
(23º71ʹN and 90º35ʹE), and Hazaribagh (23º73ʹN and
90º35ʹE) points of Buriganghativer. Mirpur (23º81ʹN and
90º34ʹE), Ashulia (23º91ʹN and 90º33ʹE), and Abdullahpur
(23º88ʹN and 90º39ʹE) points of Turag river. Murapara
(23º78ʹN and 90º52ʹE), Demra (23º.72ʹN and 90º49ʹE), and
Sayedpur (23º67ʹN and 90º53ʹE) points of Shitolokhy river.
Moreover, Ichapurabazaar (23º82ʹN and 90º48ʹE) and
Kayedpara (23º77ʹN and 90º48ʹE) point of Balu river.
These surface water samples represent pollution sites
around industrial and high population density areas of
Dhaka city [15]. The high-density PVC bottles (Merck)
used for sampling were thoroughly cleaned by rinsing with
8M HNO3 and deionized water followed by repeated
washing with water sample so as to avoid contamination
[7] Samples were collected from just below the water
surface also to avoid floating contaminants. Aeration
during sampling was avoided as far as possible. The
sampling bottles were kept air tight and labeled properly
for identification. Each sample was composited to
minimize error and heterogeneity [25]. Variable
determinants such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC),
dissolved oxygen (DO) were measured on spot using
portable pH, EC meter and DO meter respectively [4].The
collected samples were carefully transported to the
laboratory and kept in the refrigerator and were
immediately analyzed for intended physiochemical
parameters and heavy metal content. Total suspended solid
(TSS) was determined gravimetrically [16]. Total dissolved
solid (TDS) of the samples were determined by using TDS
meter [4].The COD was estimated titrimetrically [7] The
BOD test was done by measuring O2 concentration in the
samples before and after incubation in the dark at 20oC for
5 days [4] NH4-N and NO3-N were determined by kjeldhal
method [26].The pH of water samples were determined
directly by a pH meter taking 50ml of filtered water sample
in a 100ml clean beaker [26]. The electrical conductivity
(EC) of water samples were measured both in the spot and
in the laboratory directly by Electrical Conductivity meter
(EC meter) [26]. Potassium of the filtered water samples
were directly determined by flame photometry at 766nm of
the wavelength determined by flame photometer method
[26]. Chloride was determined by Mohr volume method
[26]. The concentration of potentially toxic heavy metals
Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Zinc (Zn),
Chromium (Cr) and Nickel (Ni) were determined directly
24 International Journal of Water Research 2017; 7(1): 23-29
by atomic absorption spectrophotometer [14]
3. Result and Discussion:
The physiochemical properties of water samples from post
monsoon to pre monsoon are presented in the table 1 and
table 2 respectively. The heavy metal concentration of the
water samples from post monsoon to pre monsoon are
presented in the table 3 and table 4 respectively.
The value of the total dissolve solid (TSS) in the post
monsoon (November) ranged between 100-300 mg/L (table
1). The highest value was found in the area of Ashulia and
the lowest value was found in the areas of Chawkbaazar,
Murapara, and Demra. The value exceeds the highest
permissible limit for domestic purposes [7]. The value of
the TSS in the pre monsoon (May) season ranged between
115-345 mg/L (table 2). The highest value was found in the
area of Ashulia. The lowest value was found in the area of
Chawkbazaar. This value exceeds the highest permissible
limit of domestic purposes [7].
The value of pH in the post monsoon season ranged
between 6.2-6.9 (table 1). The highest value was found in
the areas of Ashulia, Murapara, Kayedpara and Sayedpur.
But the lowest value was found in the area of Sadarghat.
Additionally, the value of pH in the pre monsoon season
ranged between 5.1-5.9 (table2). The highest value was
found in the area of Ashulia, Chawkbazar, Murapara,
Ichapurabazaar and Kayedpara. But the lowest value was
found in the area of Sayedpur and Sadarghat. In pre
monsoon season, the pH values were not within the
permissible limit of domestic and aquaculture uses [7, 21].
However, in post monsoon only Sadarghat area was not
suitable for aquaculture and domestic uses [7, 21]. In the
case of irrigation purposes, pH values of these rivers water,
in pre-monsoon, were not suitable for use [24]. But in post
monsoon, only Sadarghat area was not suitable for
irrigation use [24].
The values of electrical conductivity (EC) in the post
monsoon season ranged between 79.5-216 μS/cm (table 1).
The highest value was found in the area of Demra and the
lowest value was found in the area of Abdullahpur. The
values were within the standard limit of domestic purposes
[7]. Moreover, EC in the pre-monsoon season ranged
between 75.6 -226.7 μS/cm (table 2).The highest value was
found in the area of Chawkbazaar and the lowest value was
found in the area of Murapara. Both in pre-monsoon and
post-monsoon, EC value of these rivers water were suitable
for irrigation [24].
In the post monsoon season, the values of the total
dissolved solids (TDS) ranged between 51.6-99.7 mg/L
(table 1). The highest value was found in the area of Demra
and the lowest value was found in the area of Sayedpur.
The values did not exceed the standard value of domestic
purposes [7]. TDS of water in the pre monsoon season
ranged between 61.4-114.6 mg/L (table 2).The highest
value was found in the area of Demra and the lowest value
was found in the area of Sayedpur. The values did not
exceed the standard value of domestic purposes [7].
The values of Dissolve oxygen (DO) in the post monsoon
season ranged between 1.5-3.9 mg/L (table 1).The highest
value was found in the area of Murapara and the lowest
value was found in the area of Demra. The values were
Table 1. Physicochemical water quality parameters of rivers in and around Dhaka city during post monsoon.
K
Sample Name of TSS EC TDS DO BOD COD NH4 NO3 Cl PO4 SO4
pH pm
Number Sampling Site mg/L µS/cm mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L pmm pmm pmm pmm pmm
m

1 Sadarghat 200 6.2 192.5 95.0 2.3 6.43 18.86 nd 0.28 5.43 40 10.75 4.5

2 Chawkbazar 100 6.8 192.3 92.9 3.5 5.40 15.58 nd 0.06 6.29 nd 12 3.7

3 Keraniganj 200 6.5 180.6 89.1 3.3 6.29 16.32 nd 0.03 7.16 40 13.25 3.9
4 Hazaribagh 200 6.7 179.2 87.3 3.0 6.07 17.03 nd 0.11 4.99 40 10.5 3.8

5 Mirpur 200 6.5 155.2 75.4 3.9 4.05 5.60 nd 0.08 2.17 40 10.25 2.9
6 Ashulia 300 6.9 96.6 96.6 3.0 4.65 6.19 nd 0.08 6.73 40 13.75 2.8

7 Abdullahpur 200 6.8 79.5 79.5 2.9 5.0 6.37 nd 0.03 2.61 nd 11.25 4.1

8 Murapara 100 6.9 136.6 64.1 3.9 2.49 6.80 nd 0.05 6.07 40 6.25 3.5
9 Ichapurabazaar 200 6.7 182.7 84.5 2.3 3.05 7.10 nd 0.05 4.13 40 10.75 3.3

10 Kayedpara 200 6.9 181.7 70.0 2.2 3.15 6.05 nd 0.05 3.47 40 10.25 3.3
11 Demra 100 6.7 216.0 99.7 1.5 3.95 7.20 nd 0.09 3.47 350 9.25 4

12 Sayedpur 200 6.9 167.0 51.6 2.8 3.47 7.40 nd 0.05 4.99 nd 11.25 3.3
100- 6.2 79.5- 51.6- 1.53- 2.49- 5.60- 0.03 2.17 0- 6.25- 2.8-
Range
300 6.9 216.0 99.7 3.95 6.43 18.86 - -0.28 -7.16 350 13.75 4.5

Average 183.33 6.7 163.32 82.14 2.88 4.50 10.04 0 0.08 4.79 55.83 10.79 3.55

Total suspended solids (TSS), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total dissolve solid (TDS), Dissolved Oxygen (DO),
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), NH4 (Ammonium), NO3 (Nitrate), Cl (Chloride),
PO4 (Phosphorus), SO4 (Sulfate), K (Potassium), nd (o ppm, regard as not detected)

Table 2. Physicochemical water quality parameters of rivers in and around Dhaka city during pre-monsoon.

Sample Name of TSS EC TDS DO BOD COD NH4 NO3 Cl PO4 SO4 K
pH
Number Sampling Site mg/L μS/cm mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L pmm pmm pmm pmm pmm pmm

13 Sadarghat 232 5.1 225.2 112.1 1.9 7.52 22.25 nd 0.32 6.28 45 15.38 5.18

14 Chawkbazar 115 5.9 226.7 109.6 2.9 6.37 18.07 nd 0.07 7.08 nd 18 4.26

15 Keraniganj 234 5.6 211.3 102.5 2.8 7.29 18.93 nd 0.04 8.44 46 13.25 4.29

16 Hazaribagh 232 5.8 211.4 101.2 2.4 7.10 19.92 nd 0.13 5.78 47 19.86 4.37

17 Mirpur 230 5.7 183.1 88.7 3.2 4.69 6.60 nd 0.09 2.56 48 10.25 3.20

18 Ashulia 345 5.9 111.2 114.2 2.5 5.48 7.11 nd 0.10 7.94 46 11.28 3.22

19 Abdullahpur 236 5.7 91.4 92.2 2.4 5.80 5.90 nd 0.03 3.05 nd 12.48 4.51

20 Murapara 118 5.9 75.6 76.3 3.1 2.91 7.51 nd 0.06 7.16 46 6.60 3.85
Ichapurabaza
21 230 5.9 98.1 98.8 1.9 3.69 7.95 nd 0.06 4.79 45 10.75 3.80
ar
22 Kayedpara 232 5.9 81.2 81.2 1.9 3.68 7.13 nd 0.06 4.08 45 11.82 3.80

23 Demra 119 5.7 115.6 114.6 1.3 4.66 8.95 nd 0.10 4.06 402 9.25 4.40

24 Sayedpur 236 5.1 192.2 61.4 2.3 4.09 8.70 nd 0.06 5.93 nd 10.64 3.63
115- 5.1- 75.6- 61.4- 1.3- 2.91- 5.90- 0.03- 2.56- 0.0- 6.60-
3.2-5.18
Range 345 5.9 226.7 114.6 3.2 7.52 22.25 - 0.32 8.44 402 19.86
Average 213.25 5.6 151.92 96.07 2.38 5.27 11.58 0 0.09 5.95 60.68 11.56 4.04

Total suspended solids (TSS), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total dissolve solid (TDS), Dissolved Oxygen (DO),
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), NH4 (Ammonium), NO3 (Nitrate), Cl (Chloride),
PO4 (Phosphorus), SO4 (Sulfate), K (Potassium), nd (o ppm, regard as not detected).

25 International Journal of Water Research 2017; 7(1): 23-29

Table 3. Heavy metal concentrations of rivers in and around Dhaka city during post monsoon.
Sample Name of Pb Cd Ni Cr Fe Mn Cu Zn
Number sampling area ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm
1 Sadarghat 0.05 nd 0.02 nd 0.10 nd 0.02 0.04
2 Chawkbazaar 0.04 nd 0.02 nd 0.29 0.01 0.03 0.04
3 Keraniganj 0.05 nd 0.02 nd 0.01 nd nd 0.03
4 Hazaribagh 0.03 nd 0.01 nd 0.29 0.01 0.03 0.05
5 Mirpur 0.04 nd nd nd 0.44 0.02 0.03 0.04
6 Ashulia nd nd 0.02 nd 0.26 nd 0.03 0.08
7 Abdullahpur 0.05 nd 0.02 nd 0.91 0.04 0.07 0.07
8 Murapara 0.03 nd 0.02 nd 0.72 0.03 0.04 0.06
9 Ichapurabazaar 0.02 nd 0.02 nd 0.25 0.02 0.04 0.05
10 Kayedpara 0.05 nd 0.02 nd 0.44 0.06 0.03 0.05
11 Demra 0.02 nd 0.02 nd 0.65 0.07 0.03 0.04
12 Sayedpur 0.01 nd 0.02 nd 1.15 0.05 0.01 0.05
Average for post
0.03 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.46 0.03 0.03 0.05
monsoon
Range 0-0.05 0.-0.02 0.01-1.15 0-0.07 0-0.07 0.03-0.07
nd (o ppm, regard as not detected), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Zinc (Zn), Chromium (Cr) Iron (Fe),
Manganese (Mn) and Nickel (Ni)

Table 4. Heavy metal concentrations of rivers in and around Dhaka city during pre-monsoon.
Sample Name of Pb Cd Ni Cr Fe Mn Cu Zn
Number sampling area ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm
13 Sadarghat 0.06 nd 0.02 nd 0.12 nd 0.02 0.05
14 Chawkbazaar 0.05 nd 0.02 nd 0.35 0.01 0.04 0.05
15 Keraniganj 0.06 nd 0.02 nd 0.01 nd nd 0.04
16 Hazaribagh 0.04 nd 0.01 nd 0.35 0.01 0.04 0.06
17 Mirpur 0.05 nd nd nd 0.52 0.02 0.04 0.05
18 Ashulia nd nd 0.02 nd 0.30 nd 0.04 0.09
19 Abdullahpur 0.06 nd 0.02 nd 1.06 0.05 0.08 0.08
20 Murapara 0.03 nd 0.02 nd 0.84 0.04 0.05 0.07
21 Ichapurabazaar 0.02 nd 0.02 nd 0.29 0.02 0.06 0.06
22 Kayedpara 0.06 nd 0.02 nd 0.51 0.07 0.04 0.06
23 Demra 0.02 nd 0.02 nd 0.76 0.08 0.03 0.05
24 Sayedpur 0.01 nd 0.02 nd 1.35 0.06 0.01 0.06
Average for
0.04 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.54 0.04 0.04 0.06
pre monsoon
Range 0.01-0.06 - 0.01-0.02 - 0.01-1.35 0- 0.08 0-0.08 0.04-0.08
nd (o ppm, regard as not detected), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Zinc (Zn), Chromium (Cr) Iron (Fe),
Manganese (Mn) and Nickel (Ni)
In the post monsoon season, the values of chemical oxygen
demand (COD) ranged between 5.6 - 18.86 mg/L (table 1).
lower than the standard value of aquaculture and domestic The highest value was found in the area of Sadarghat and
uses [7, 21]. DO in the pre-monsoon season ranged the lowest value was found in the area of Mirpur. In the pre
between 1.3-3.2 mg/L (table 2). The highest value was monsoon, COD season ranged between 5.90-22.25 mg/L
found in the area of Mirpur and the lowest value was found (table 2). The highest value was found in the area of
in the area of Demra. The values were lower than the Sadarghat and the lowest value was found in the area of
standard value of aquaculture and domestic use [7, 21]. Abdullahpur. In both seasons, the values were higher than
Biological oxygen demand (BOD) in the post monsoon the standard value of domestic purposes [7].
ranged between 2.49-6.43 mg/L (table 1) and in the pre In the post monsoon season, the values of chloride (Cl)
monsoon ranged between 2.91-7.52 mg/L (table 2). In both ranged between 2.17- 7.16 (table1). The highest value was
season, the highest value was found in the area of found in the area of Keraniganj and the lowest value was
Sadarghat and the lowest value was found in the area of found in the area of Mirpur. The values were within the
Murapara. In post monsoon, Murapara, Ichapurabazaar, standard value of domestic purposes [7]. In pre monsoon
Kayedpara, Demra and Sayedpur were within permissible season, the value of Cl ranged from 2.56 to 8.44 ppm (table
limit for domestic use [7] Moreover, In pre monsoon, 2). The highest value was found in the area of Keraniganj
Murapara, Ichapurabazaar, Demra and kayedpara were and the lowest value was found in the area of Mirpur. The
within permissible limit for domestic use [7]. values were within the standard value of domestic purposes

26 International Journal of Water Research 2017; 7(1): 23-29

[7]. Both in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, Cl
values of these rivers water were suitable for irrigation
[24].
In post monsoon, phosphorous values ranged 0-350 ppm
(table 1). In pre monsoon, Phosphorus (PO4) value ranged
between 0-402 ppm (table 2). In both seasons, the highest
value was found in the area of Demra and lowest value was
found in three studied areas namely Chawkbazaar and
Abdullahpur and Sayedpur. Only these three studied sites
below eutrophication limit [29]. Apart from these areas, all
the studied areas were placed in class V [8]. This class
implies extremely bad condition for aquaculture.
In post monsoon, Sulfate (SO4) ranged from 6.25 to13.75
ppm (table 1). The highest value was found on Keraniganj
and lowest value was found on Murapara. In post monsoon,
Sulfate value within standard limit of domestic use [7]. In
pre monsoon, Sulfate ranged from 6.60 to 19.86 ppm (table
2). The highest value was found on Hazaribagh and lowest
value was found on Murapara. In pre monsoon, studied
sites were within standard limit of domestic use [7].
Complaints on water taste arise when sulfate concentration
is 500 ppm [20]. So taste problem was not present due
sulfate presence.
In the post monsoon, the value of Potassium (K) ranged
from 2.8 to 4.5 ppm (table 1). The highest value was found
in the area of Sadarghat and the lowest value was found in
the area of Ashulia. Moreover, in the pre monsoon season
the value of Potassium ranged from 3.22 to 5.18 ppm (table
2). The highest value was found in the area of Sadarghat
and the lowest value was found in the area of Ashulia.
In post monsoon season (table 1), nitrate (NO3) content
ranged from 0.03 to 0.28 ppm. In the pre-monsoon (table
2), nitrate (NO3) content ranged from 0.03 to 0.32 ppm. As
far as NO3 present was concern, the studied sites were
within permissible limit for aquaculture, irrigation and
domestic uses [7, 24, 28].
In both seasons, ammonium (NH4) presence was not
detected in these rivers. Thus, as far as NH4 content was
concern, the studied sites were within permissible limit for
aquaculture [28]. These studied four rivers were expected
to have potentially toxic heavy metals. Because, heavy
metal like Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Cr discharged by many
vital Industries like leather, tanning, ceramics, paper,
plastic, petrochemicals [9]. These heavy metals have
multifarious harmful effects on environment. Plant may
contaminate with Pb and it could deteriorate crops utility
value [22]. Similarly, others metals like Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and
Cu above standard level is toxic to all aquatic organisms [1,
4, 7].
In post monsoon (table 3), Pb value ranged between 0 -0.05
ppm. Where the highest Pb value, 0.05 ppm, was found in
four sampling sites namely, Kayetpara, Sadarghat,
Keraniganj, and Abdullahpur and the lowest value 0 ppm
was found in Ashulia. For domestic and irrigation uses, all
the studied sites were suitable [7, 23]. In pre monsoon, the
finding value of Lead (Pb) ranged from 0 to 0.06 ppm
(table 4). The highest value, 0.06 ppm, was detected in
three sampling sites namely Kayetpara, Sadarghat, and
Abdullahpur. The lowest value was detected in Ashulia.
For domestic use, apart from Kayetpara, Sadarghat, and
27 International Journal of Water Research 2017; 7(1): 23-29
Abdullahpur all other sites were suitable [7].
However, for irrigation purposes all the studied sites were
suitable [23]. In both seasons for aquaculture, Ashulia site
was in very good condition but rests of other sites were in
class IV. This class implies bad condition for aquaculture
[8].
Rapid uptake and bioaccumulation possibility make
Cadmium (Cd) an environmental hazardous element [5, 7,
12]. Cd is toxic to liver, kidney bones and blood vessels
[6]. Moreover, rice eaters have a higher intake of Cd uptake
than non-rice eaters [18]. Fortunately, the all subjected
sampling sites were free from presence in both post
monsoon (table 3) and pre monsoon (table 4). Therefore, as
far as Cd presence was concern, adjacent rivers can be used
for aquaculture, domestic and irrigation purpose [7, 8, 23].
Nickel (Ni) value in rivers both in post monsoon (table 3)
and pre monsoon (table 4) ranged from 0.00 to 0.02 ppm.
In both seasons, the highest value, 0.02 ppm, was found in
every sampling sites apart from two areas namely Mirpur
and Hazaribagh. Mirpur had the lowest value 0.00 ppm,
and Hazaribagh had 0.01 ppm. Therefore, as far as Ni
presence was concern, adjacent rivers can be used for
aquaculture, domestic and irrigation purpose [7, 8, 23].
Aqueous Chromium (Cr), present as Cr (VI) anionic
species- HCrO4- at pH 5-6 [17]. This is highly toxic for
aqueous life [5, 17]. Fortunately, the all subjected sampling
sites are free from Cr presence in both post monsoon (table
3) and pre monsoon (table 4) seasons. Therefore, as far as
Cr presence was concern, adjacent rivers can be used for
aquaculture, domestic and irrigation purpose [7, 8, 23].
In post monsoon, Iron (Fe) value ranged from 0.01 to 1.15
ppm (table 3). The concentration of Fe at pre monsoon
ranged from 0.01 to 1.35 ppm ( table 4). Both seasons, the
highest Fe value was found in Sayedpur and the lowest
value was found in Keraniganj. In pre monsoon for
domestic use, Fe presence was within permissible limit in
four studied sites namely Sadarghat, Kerniganj, Ashulia
and Ichapurabazaar [7]. However, all sites were suitable for
irrigation uses [23]. In post monsoon for domestic use, six
sites namely Sadarghat, Chawkbazar, Keraniganj,
Hazaribagh, Ashulia and Ichapurabazaar were within
permissible limit [7]. However, in post monsoon all sites
were suitable for irrigation uses [23]
In post.monsoon (table 3) Manganese (Mn) ranged between
0.00-0.07 ppm. Where the highest value was found in
Demra sampling area and the lowest value was found in
Karaniganj, Sadarghat and Ashulia. Therefore, as far as Mn
presence was concern, Burignaga river, Mirpur and
Ichapurabazaar were within standard limit for irrigation
purposes [23]. But in a case of domestic use, three
sampling sites namely Kayetpara, Sayedpur and Demra
were not suitable [7].
In pre monsoon (table 4), Mn concentration ranged 0.00 to
0.08 ppm. Where the highest value 0.08 ppm was found in
Demra study site and the lowest value 0.00 ppm was found
in Keraniganj, Sadarghat, and Ashulia. Thus, in pre
monsoon, for domestic and irrigation uses suitability
remained same as post monsoon for these rivers [7, 23].
In post monsoon season (table 3), Copper (Cu) value
ranged from 0.00 to 0.07 ppm. Where the highest value
0.07 ppm was found in Abdullahpur sampling site and the
lowest value 0.00 ppm was found in Keraniganj. In pre
monsoon (table 4), the concentration of Cu ranged from
0.00 to 0.08 ppm. Where the highest value 0.08 ppm was
found in Abdullahpur sampling site and the lowest value
0.00 ppm was found in Keraniganj. Therefore, as far as Cu
presence was concern, In both seasons these rivers can be
used for, domestic and irrigation purpose [7, 23]. However,
for aquaculture, except Keraniganj all the studied sites were
extremely bad for use [8]. In post monsoon (table 3), the
concentration of Zinc (Zn) in surrounding rivers ranged
from 0.03 ppm to 0.08 ppm. Where the highest value 0.08
ppm was found in Ashulia sampling site and the lowest
value 0.03 ppm was found in Keraniganj. In pre- monsoon
(table 4), the concentration of Zn ranged from 0.04 to 0.09
ppm. Where the highest value 0.09 ppm was found in
Ashulia studied site and the lowest value 0.04 ppm was
found in Keraniganj. Therefore, as far as Zn presence was
concern, In both seasons these rivers can be used for
domestic and irrigation purpose [7, 23]. In pre monsoon for
aquaculture, Keraniganj was excellent for use and rest of
other sites were good [8]. In post monsoon, Keraniganj,
Sadarghat, Chawkbazaar and Demra were excellent for
aquaculture. Rests of other sites were good for aquaculture
[8].
4. Conclusion
The water quality of circular rivers in and around Dhaka
city, Bangladesh (Buriganga, Turag, Balu and Shitolokhya)
was better in post monsoon than pre monsoon. In both
seasons, for high TSS value, all the rivers were unsuitable
for domestic use. In pre monsoon because of the low pH
values, these rivers were unsuitable for domestic,
aquaculture and irrigation use. However, in post monsoon,
all the rivers were suitable for these purposes. In both
seasons, EC, TDS, K, SO4, Cl values were excellent of
these rivers. DO content was very low for domestic use in
both seasons. In both season Shitolokhya and Balu river’s
BOD values were within the standard limit for domestic
use. For COD, all the rivers were unsuitable for domestic
use. In both seasons, all the rivers had enough PO4
presence for Eutrophication. This made these rivers
extremely unsuitable for aquaculture. Potential heavy metal
like Cd and Cr had no presence in these four precious
rivers. Ni and Zn presence in these rivers were within the
permissible limit for aquaculture, domestic and irrigation
uses. Both seasons, all the rivers had Pb presence. For Pb,
in pre monsoon, Shitolokhya was not fit for domestic use.
In both season, due to high presence of Fe, Shitolokhya
river was unfit for thedomestic uses. Both seasons,
Buriganga river had less Fe content than other rivers. In
both seasons, due to high presence of Mn, Shitolokhya
river was unsuitable for irrigation. However, in both
seasons for irrigation uses, Mn content was within
permissible limit in the Buriganga river. Both in
pre monsoon and post monsoon, Cu contents were within
permissible limit for domestic and irrigation purposes of
these four rivers. But for aquaculture, all the rivers were
extremely bad. As the considerable amount of Pb, Ni, Zn,
Mn, Cu and Fe were already detected in these precious
rivers, in near future heavy metal presence would likely to
28 International Journal of Water Research 2017; 7(1): 23-29
increase. Therefore, increasing heavy metal concentration
would be a new challenge for Bangladesh. To avoid these
problems, industries like tanneries, textiles, brickfields
should be relocated away from river banks and the
government should pressurize these industries to install
effluent treatment plants. For mitigate pollution and
improve water quality, immediate action should be taken
like large-scale solid waste management should be
introduced. Similarly, a large-scale door to door adjacent
households waste collection should be initiated. Lastly,
social awareness about importance of river health and
consequences of deterioration of river’s health should be
spread through mass media.
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