A recent study has detected dangerous levels of micro-pollutants in Bangladesh’s rivers, coastal areas, and drinking water. Researchers presented these findings on Saturday at a seminar held at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, following analyses of water samples from various locations across the country.
According to the research team, a total of 71 water samples and 23 fish samples were collected from different regions. Additionally, 16 samples of drinking water from Dhaka WASA and commercially available bottled water were included. The analysis identified over 200 pesticides, more than 300 pharmaceutical and personal care products, and 16 types of PFAS compounds.
The study revealed that surface water samples contained pharmaceuticals at concentrations ranging from 10 to 100,000 nanograms per liter, pesticides at 30,000 to 40,000 nanograms per liter, and PFAS at 75 to 1,700 nanograms per liter. Water samples from the Greater Dhaka area showed comparatively higher levels of contamination, with one drinking water sample containing PFAS at 2,900 nanograms per liter. Significant contamination was also found in fish, with pharmaceuticals ranging from 0.45 to 15,000 nanograms per gram, pesticides from 0.1 to 1,000 nanograms per gram, and PFAS from 0.1 to 200 nanograms per gram.
The research team stated that they have already initiated assessments of the health and environmental risks associated with these contaminants. They are also continuing to collect additional samples from Dhaka’s canals, rivers, and drinking water sources.
The seminar featured a keynote presentation by Dr. Iarkar Fik, Associate Professor of Chemistry at Umeå University, Sweden. Faculty members from the Department of Agricultural Chemistry at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, including Professors Dr. Ariful Islam, Dr. Tajul Islam, Dr. Sirajul Islam, and Dr. Abdul Qayum, discussed various aspects of micro-pollutant presence in river and coastal waters.
The event was chaired by Professor Dr. F. M. Aminuzzaman, Director of SOURCES, with the Vice-Chancellor of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Latif, as the chief guest. Special guests included Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Belal Hossain and Zakaria, Chairman of the Department of Safe Food. The seminar also showcased a documentary, presented by journalist Faizul Siddique, highlighting research on micro-pollutants in Bangladesh’s rivers and coastal waters.
