physicochemical assessment of surface and groundwater resources of greater comilla region of...

8/7/2019 Physicochemical Assessment of Surface and Groundwater Resources of Greater Comilla Region of Bangladesh

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July 2010, Volume 1, No. 1

International Journal of Chemical and Environmental Engineering

Physicochemical Assessment of Surface andGroundwater Resources of Greater Comilla Region

of Bangladesh

M. J. Ahmed*, M.R. Haque and T. M. A. Haque

Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh,

*corresponding author email: [email protected]

Abstr act

An extensive study was carried out to elucidate the distribution and occurrence of different parameters of water quality of the greater

Comilla region- Comilla, Brahmanbaria and Chandpur districts’, freshwater resources of Bangladesh. To study the different

physicochemical parameters, surface water samples from the Meghna, Gumti, Titas, Hoara and Dakatia Rivers and groundwater

samples from almost every Upazilas were collected and analyzed. Water samples from the freshwater resources were collected from

different points and at different seasons for continuous monitoring during the hydrological years 2008-2009. Collected samples were

analyzed for the following parameters: pH, EC, TDS, TSS, TS, DO, transparency, acidity, dissolved carbon dioxide, total alkalinity,

total hardness, chloride, ammonia-N, sulphate-S, o-phosphate-P, BOD, COD, nitrate-N, nitrite-N, total nitrite and nitrate-N, arsenic,

iron, manganese, copper, nickel, chromium, cadmium, lead, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium using the procedure outlined

in the standard methods. Arsenic was analysed for groundwater and Coli form only for surface water samples. Results of water

quality assessment identified the problem areas in respect of arsenic. The results also provided data to understand and quantify the

threat of the impact of climate change on freshwater resources of this region. The results also provided data for water quality of

surface and groundwater resources of Comilla region to match national and international standards for drinking, agricultural,

industrial and livestock requirements.

1. IntroductionEnvironment is the aggregate of conditions affecting

the existence or development of life and nature. The

environmental problems of Bangladesh are becoming

acute because of population explosion, urbanization,

unplanned industrialization and lack of adequate forest

areas. Anthropogenic activities like mining, disposal of

treated and untreated effluents from different industriesand also the indiscriminate use of heavy metal containing

fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture resulted in

deterioration of water quality rendering serious

environmental problems [1]. Pollution by organic matterand nutrients originates from anthropogenic sources,

mainly as municipal wastewater [2]. There are allegations

that untreated wastes are discharged from the factories

into the water bodies (Fig. I). Surface waters in

Bangladesh serve purposes including drinking, bathing,

fishing, irrigation, household and livestock watering.

Water pollution concerns within the rural and municipal

areas are therefore not limited to potable water criteria but

include the effects on general health of humans, livestock,

agriculture and aquatic life.

Greater Comilla region lies in the eastern part of

Bangladesh and consists of three districts- Comilla,Brahmanbaria and Chandpur. This region is almost plain

lowland with some hillock at Lalmai and Mainamati.

Comilla district comprises with an area of 3085.17 sq km

and has fourteen Upazilas. These are Comilla sadar, Sadar

Daskin, Barura, Chandina, Daudkandi, Titas, Laksham,

Brahmanpara, Burichang, Chauddagram, Debidwar,

Homna, Mur

adnagar and Nangalkot. Main rivers of this district

are the Meghna, Gumti and Dakatia. Brahmanbariadistrict comprises with an area of 1927.11 sq km and has

seven Upazilas. These are Banchharampur, Kasba,Nabinagar, Nasirnagar, Brahmanbaria Sadar, Sarail and

Akhaura. Main rivers of this district are the Meghna, Titas

and Haora. Chandpur district comprises with an area of

1704.06 sq km and has seven Upazilas. These are

Chandpur Sadar, Hajiganj, Kachua, Faridganj, Matlab,

Haimchar, and Shahrasti. Main rivers of this district arethe Meghna and Dakatia.

A global water supply and sanitation assessment stated



Physicochemical Assessment of Surface and Groundwater Resources of Greater Comilla Region of Bangladesh

48

that 75% of the populations of rural areas in Asia do not

have access to improved water [3]. A recent World Bank study also reported that environmental pollution is

responsible for 22% of all death from diseases in

Bangladesh and reducing environmental risks could

increase the national income by 3.5%. Therefore,

physicochemical assessment and monitoring of surface

and groundwater resources of the greater Comilla regionusing simple and rapid methods is of paramount

importance.

The results provided data for water quality of surface

and groundwater resources of this region to match

national and international standards for drinking,

agricultural, industrial and livestock requirements. Theassessment data can be used to help determine the

efficacy of existing water quality policies and to help

analysts determine the need for, and likely consequences

of new policies. The assessment data can be supplied to

the proper Govt. authority for making new national andregional policies and appropriate preventive measures can

be taken prior further deterioration of water quality. Theassessment will increase the awareness of the people of

the risk and affected areas so that they could be ready to

face the disaster due to climate change.

2. Materials and Method

Surface and groundwater samples from different

rivers and Upazilas (smaller administrative unit of

Bangladesh) of Comilla, Brahmanbaria and Chandpur

districts were collected for this study. Sample collection

points are shown in figure II. Samples were collected in

amber color polyethylene bottle cleaned by rinsing

thoroughly with 8M HNO3, followed by repeated

washing with distilled

water

Fig. 1 Photo shows dumping of solid wastes into the water body

washing with distilled water. Multiple samples were

collected from the same spot in different seasons to study

the seasonal variation of the results. The surface water

samples were collected in the boat if possible in the

middle of the flow. Two to four sub samples of equal

volume were collected from vertical section. The water

samples were collected within 3-9 inches from the surfaceof the water. Groundwater samples were collected from

tube wells after discarding water for the first 2 minutes.

The samples were mixed well and a sample of 1.0-1.5 L

was transferred for analysis in the laboratory.

Temperature, transparency, pH, Electrical conductivity

(EC), Total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen(DO) were measured at the sampling site. Other

parameters were analysed immediately after sample

collection at the laboratory. For the analysis of metals by

UV-Visible spectrophotometry and atomic absorption

spectrophotometry (AAS) samples were digested

according to wet-digestion method [4]. For chemical

analysis, standard preservation techniques and methods of

analysis [5-8] were used. Data were analysed by Excel

2000 software and SPSS 11.5 software was used for

statistical analysis.Different parameters of water quality

were analyzed by the following methods:A glass thermometer was used for the measurement

of temperature. Transparency was measured by Sacchidisc. pH, EC and TDS were measured at the sampling site

by Hanna Combo meter, Model – HI 98129.

Measurement of DO was done by Jenway 970 DO meter

at the sampling site. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)was measured from the differences of initial and 5 days

DO by DO meter. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) was

determined by titrimetric method after 2 hours open

reflux. Acidity and dissolved carbon dioxide were

measured by titrimetric method using standard 0.02M

NaOH. Total and phenolphthalein alkalinity were

measured by titrimetric method using methyl orange and

phenolphthalein, respectively as indicators. Hardness was

measured by complexometric titration method. o-phosphate-P was measured by colorimetric

vanadomolybdophosphoric acid method. Sulphate-S was

measured by colorimetric barium chloride turbidimetricmethod. Nitrite-N was determined by colorimetric method

by formation of a reddish purple azo dye produced at pH

2.0-2.5 by coupling diazotized sulfanilamide with

N-(1-naphthyl)-ethylenediamine dihydrochloride.

Chloride was determined by argentometric method in aneutral or slightly alkaline solution using potassium

chromate as indicator by standard silver nitrate as titer.

Iron was determined by colorimetric method using

1,10-phenanthroline as chelating agent. Manganese was

determined by colorimetric per-sulfate oxidation method.In colorimetric methods a Shimadzu, Model-1800 UV-

Vis spectrophotometer was used. Zinc, copper, lead,

cadmium, cobalt, nickel and chromium were determined

by Varian Model-AA240FS fast sequential atomic

absorption spectrophotometer. Coli form was measured

by MPN(Maximum probable number) method [9].




49

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Fig. 2. Maps showing sample collection points of Comilla,

Chandpur and Brahmanbaria districts

3. Results and Discussion

The results of surface water resources are shown in

Table 1 and groundwater resources shown in Table 2.

The results of Pearson Correlations among the differentparameters of surface, and groundwater are shown in

Table 3 and 4, respectively.

3.1 Surface water

For surface waters average value of pH (Table I) of the Gumti, Titas and Meghna, was found in the alkaline

region but Haora and Dakatia river water pH was found

slightly acidic. pH was found positively correlated with

DO (Table III) and negatively correlated with chloride.

The concentration of DO acts as a strong limiting

factor for aquatic organisms [11]. For many fish andshellfish, extended periods of DO below 5 mg L-1 can

cause adverse effects to larval life stages [12]. Except

for the Gumti and Meghna, DO content of other rivers,

Titas, Haora and Dakatia was found below 5.0 mgL-1.

Acidity value of these rivers was found negatively

correlated with sulphate-S. Higher value of carbondioxide was found for the Gumti, Haora, Dakatia and

Meghna than the Titas River. Total alkalinity of the

Gumti, Titas, Haora, Dakota and Meghna was found

within the acceptable. Chloride content of the Gumti,

Titas, Haora, Dakatia and Meghna was found within the

acceptable limit of criterion continuous concentration

(CCC) (230 mgL-1) and criterion maximum

concentration (CMC) (860 mgL-1) limit for freshwater.

BOD values found for the Gumti, Titas, Haora, Dakatia

and Meghna was found within the acceptable limit (6mgL-1). Except for the Haora and Dakatia other rivers

of this region may be considered clean [14]. Biney

(1982) has classified the pollution level into three

categories according to the BOD levels as follows:

unpolluted (BOD<4 mg L-1), moderately polluted

(BOD=4-12mg L-1), grossly polluted (BOD>12 mg L-1)[15]. COD found for the Gumti (11.80 mgL-1), Titas

(49.28 mgL-1), Haora (16.38 mgL-1), Dakatia (3.85

mgL-1) and Meghna (6.38 mgL-1).

Nitrate-N value found for the Gumti (1.98 mgL-1)

and Meghna (4.76 mgL-1) but for the Titas, Haora and

Dakatia nitrate-N was not detected. Nitrite-N values

found for the Gumti (0.11 mgL-1), Titas (0.04 mgL-1),Haora (0.03 mgL-1), Dakatia (0.03 mgL-1) and

Meghna (0.65 mgL-1). A higher value of o-phosphate-

P was found for all the rivers. Total phosphate-P

concentrations in excess of 1.00 mgL-1 P may interferewith coagulation in water treatment plants according to

EPA (1986). Excessive o-phosphate-P values were

found due to the agricultural runoff and use of

detergents in laundry purposes. Sulphate-S was found

positively correlated with o-phosphate-P and iron.

Nickel found in the Gumti and Titas was within theCMC and CCC limit (0.47 and 0.052 mgL-1,

respectively) [16]. Average values found for zinc for

all the rivers was within the CMC and CCC limit (0.12mgL-1) and total chromium found for all the rivers was

also within the CMC and CCC limit for Cr(III) (0.570

mgL-1 and 0.074 mgL-1) and for Cr(VI) (0.016 mgL-1and 0.009 mgL-1), respectively. Average values of

lead found for the Gumti, Titas, Haora was within the

acceptable CMC limit (0.065 mgL-1) for freshwater.

Average values of iron of the Gumti , Titas, Haora and

Dakatia exceeded the limit but for the Meghna within

the limit for freshwater aquatic life and iron was found

positively correlated with sulphate-S. Fianko et al.,

(2007) examined the impact of contaminated water

from the Sorowie River and points out that the

pollution of the Iture Estuary was found to beconnected to human activities in its catchments [17].Manganese content of the Gumti, Titas, Haora and

Dakatia exceeded the domestic water supplies limit (0.1

mgL-1) but the Meghna river water was found within

the limit. Manganese was found negatively correlated

with BOD. Quagraine et al. (2009) reported that only

about 8% surface water, about 6% tap water and about13% groundwater samples met the 0.2 mgL-1 Mn

CEQG guideline for irrigational purposes [18].




50

Table .1 Surface water quality of greater comilla Region

Parameters Gumti Titas Haora Dakatia Meghna

Ambient temp (0C) 35.80 30.97 31.50 33.20 35.00

Water temp (0C) 34.70 30.03 30.75 34.40 31.00pH 7.34 7.11 6.99 6.78 7.04

EC (µScm-1) 92.45 87.80 92.50 179.15 415.95

TDS (mgL-1) 46.15 43.43 46.30 89.85 207.40

TSS (mgL-1) 130.00 240.00 100.00 80.00 70.00

TS(mgL-1) 176.15 277.00 146.30 169.85 277.40

DO(mgL-1) 6.10 4.77 4.80 4.15 6.85

Transparency (cm) 32.50 20.00 16.00 26.00 30.00

Acidity (mgL-1) 11.86 6.36 8.84 9.72 15.47

CO2 (mgL-1) 10.86 3.17 7.78 8.55 13.61

P.alkalinity (mgL-1) BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL

T.alkalinity (mgL-1) 53.28 40.53 136.50 56.02 50.75

T. hardness (mgL-1) 43.00 45.00 72.00 107.00 92.00

Chloride (mgL-1) 37.17 25.84 39.93 65.69 85.31

BOD (mgL-1) 0.13 2.45 3.40 3.05 1.68

COD (mgL-1) 11.80 49.28 16.38 3.85 6.38

NO2—N (mgL-1) 0.11 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.65

NO3- -N (mgL-1) 1.98 BDL BDL BDL 4.76

PO43- -P (mgL-1) 3.59 1.73 4.18 2.52 1.87

SO42- -N (mgL-1) 8.72 9.64 14.27 11.96 7.25

Ni (mgL-1) 0.003 0.003 BDL BDL BDL

Zn (mgL-1) 0.044 0.040 0.045 0.048 0.039Cu (mgL-1) BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL

Co (mgL-1) 0.032 0.033 0.042 0.014 0.024

Cr (mgL-1) 0.012 0.021 0.019 0.014 0.013

Cd (mgL-1) BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL

Pb (mgL-1) 0.018 0.050 0.020 BDL BDL

Fe (mgL-1) 1.49 2.42 1.69 1.02 0.39

Mn (mgL-1) 0.36 0.16 0.32 0.18 0.08

%NaCl 0.50 0.15 0.45 0.55 0.85

Coli form (100mL) ≥ 1600 900 500 500 ≥ 1600

BDL= Below Detection Level, ND= Not Done




51

Table.2 Groundwater quality of the greater Comilla region

Parameters Comilla Chandpur Brahmanbaria BSTI Standard

Ambient Temp.(0C) 28.00-37.00 27.50-36.00 30.00-36.10 --

Water Temp.(0C) 16.00-32.00 22.00-30.00 26.00-32.00 --

pH 5.80-7.58 7.13-7.34 6.62-7.16 6.4-7.4EC (µScm-1) 73.20-1797.00 364.00-704.00 127.40-1688.00 --

TDS (mgL-1) 36.50-749.00 182.00-351.00 63.60-809.00 Max 500

% NaCl 0.10-2.90 0.70-1.40 0.20-3.20 --

DO (mgL-1) 1.25-3.42 1.33-2.54 1.08-3.76 Max 6

Acidity (mgL-1) 3.52-278.46 2.06-10.30 8.84-152.49 --

T. alkalinity (mgL-1) 21.33-1046.69 148.00-277.50 102.96-2832.00 --

T. hardness (mgL-1) 26.00-684.00 124.00-252.00 12.00-524.00 Max 500

Chloride (mgL-1) 10.06-364.48 15.31-59.34 4.78-272.26 Max 600

NO2—N (mgL-1) BDL-0.04 BDL-0.06 BDL-0.02 Nil

NO3—N (mgL-1) BDL - 3.59 BDL- 0.22 BDL - 3.56 Max 10

PO43—P (mgL-1) 0.00-8.91 4.18 - 5.15 0.00-7.08 Max 6

SO42- -S (mgL-1) 0.00 - 59.10 0.15-1.54 0.31-68.52 Max 400

Ni (mgL-1) BDL- 0.001 BDL-0.004 BDL-0.009 --

Zn (mgL-1) BDL-0.018 BDL-0.03 BDL-0.03 Max 5

Cu (mgL-1) BDL-0.010 BDL-0.007 BDL-0.04 Max 1

Co (mgL-1) BDL -0.037 BDL-0.008 BDL-0.04 ---

Cr (mgL-1) BDL -0.008 BDL-0.006 BDL -0.01 Max 0.5

Cd (mgL-1) BDL BDL BDL 0.005

Pb (mgL-1) 0.01-0.08 0.05-0.07 0.04-0.07 Max 0.05

As (mgL-1) 0.01 -0.50 0.1-0.60 BDL - 0.10 Max 0.05

Fe (mgL-1) 0.05-7.83 BDL -8.86 0.10-6.96 0.3-1.0Mn (mgL-1) BDL -3.94 BDL -0.38 BDL -1.63 Max 0.1

BSTI= Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute




53

Highest number of Coli form,≥1600 was found in

the Gumti and Meghna river water samples but for theTitas, Haora and Dakatia Coli form found for per 100mL

are 900, 500 and 500, respectively.

3.2 Groundwater

Groundwater depletion due to pollution mostly from

anthropogenic sources, which is estimated for about 20%

of global withdrawals, is a serious problem. Besidesreducing availability of good quality of water for

consumption, it poses a risk to associated aquatic and

terrestrial ecosystems [19]. Groundwater recharge to

shallow unconfined aquifers is complex and is dependent

upon the occurrence, intensity, and duration of

precipitation, temperature, humidity, wind velocity, aswell as the character and thickness of soil and rock above

the water table, and the surface topography, vegetation,

and land use [20]. pH of groundwater samples (Table II)

of Comilla and Brahmanbaria districts was found in the

slightly acidic to alkaline range but Chandpurgroundwater has pH in the alkaline range. pH was found

positively correlated (Table IV) with o-phosphate-P only.

Lower values of pH of Comilla district is not within the

acceptable limit set by BSTI (6.4-7.4) for drinking water.

pH of groundwater can be lowered by organic acids from

decaying vegetation, or the dissolution of sulfideminerals. Higher values of TDS of Comilla and

Brahmanbaria exceeded the limit of BSTI standard (Max

600 mgL-1). TDS values indicate the general nature of

water quality and are usually related to conductivity.

Water containing more than 500 mg/L of TDS is not

considered desirable for drinking water supplies, thoughmore highly mineralised water may be used where better

quality water is not available [21]. EC was foundpositively correlated with hardness, chloride, manganese

and sulphate-S.

Acidity was found positively correlated with

hardness and iron and total hardness was found positively

correlated with EC, acidity, chloride and manganese.

Higher values of total hardness of Comilla and

Brahmanbaria exceeded the limit of BSTI standard (Max

500 mgL-1). Higher values of total alkalinity of

groundwater samples of Comilla and Brahmanbariaexceeded the limit of BSTI standard (Max 600 mgL-1).

Chloride content of groundwater of Comilla, Chandpur

and Brahmanbaria was found within the acceptable limit

of BSTI standard (Max 600 mgL-1).Nitrate-N of groundwater samples of Comilla,

Chandpur and Brahmanbaria was within the limit (Max.10 mgL-1 ) of BSTI drinking water standard. Nitrite-N

should not be present in drinking water, but in some

samples of all the districts nitrite-N was found. O-

phosphate-P of all the districts was found positively

correlated with pH and iron. Higher values of Comilla

and Brahmanbaria exceeded the limit of BSTI standard(Max 6 mgL-1). Sulphate-S content of groundwater of all

the districts was within the acceptable limit of BSTI

standard (Max 400 mgL-1). Sulphate-S was found

positively correlated with EC, hardness, alkalinity andiron.

Among the toxic and trace metals nickel, zinc,

copper, cobalt, chromium and cadmium in groundwater

samples of all the three districts were found within the

acceptable limit of BSTI standard. Lead content of

groundwater samples of Comilla, Chandpur andBrahman aria is slightly higher than the permissible limit

for drinking water (Max 0.05 mgL-1). Arsenic is a toxic

element and classified as a human carcinogen [22]. The

total as content in polluted environmental samples (soil,

sediment) is poor indicator of its bioavailability, mobility

or toxicity [23]. About 35% groundwater samples of Comilla, 33 % of Chandpur and 27% of Brahmanbaria

district contained arsenic in concentration ≥ 0.1 mgL -1

and about 20% samples of Comilla and 50% of Chandpur

contained arsenic in concentration≥ 0.5 mgL -1.

Groundwater contamination by arsenic is a big threat to

the lives of thousands of people in Bangladesh [24].

Halim et al. (2008) reported that dissolved arsenic ingroundwater ranged from 0.006 to 0.461 mgL-1, with

69% groundwater samples exceeded the Bangladesh limit

for safe drinking water (0.05 mg L-1) [25]. It is evident

that groundwater of Comilla and Chandpur districts aremore prone to arsenic contamination. Arsenic, which is

naturally present in soil, can be mobilized and

transported, leading to increased concentrations of As in

aquifers, that are sources of drinking water [27]. Natural

processes (atmospheric emission, desorption and

dissolution of naturally occurring arsenic richminerals)/anthropogenic activities (mining/fossil fuel

combustion/metallurgical processes/wood preservative

etc.) are the two principal pathways for arsenic releaseinto the environment [28]. Kouras et al. (2007) reported

that almost 65% of the examined wells exceeded the limit

of 0.010 mg L-1 proposed for water intended for humanconsumption.

Higher value of iron of Comilla and Brahmanbaria is

higher than the permissible limit for drinking water (0.3-

1.0 mgL-1). Higher value of manganese content of all the

three districts exceeded the permissible limit for drinkingwater (Max. 0.1 mgL-1). No correlation was found among

iron, arsenic and manganese.

4. Conclusion

From the present physicochemical study of the waterquality of Comilla region, it can be concluded that surfacewater of this region is slightly acidic to alkaline. Higher

values of EC and TDS found for the Meghna river may be

due to the effluents from the industries of Ashuganj,

Brahmanbaria. From the COD value it can be concluded

that Titas at Brahmanbaria point is the most polluted

among these rivers. This is due to the municipal wastesand effluents discharged into the river. Alkalinity of all

these rivers is mainly for carbonates and bicarbonates.

Higher values of o-phosphate-P may be due to the




54

washing out of fertilizer from agricultural fields and

detergents used in household purposes.In comparison with the Karnafuli River, DO of these

rivers is in better condition. Dakatia and Meghna river

water is moderately hard but the Gumti, Titas and Haora

river water is soft. Among the metals nickel, cobalt, zinc,

cobalt, chromium and lead were found within the

acceptable limit of EPA and higher amount of iron andmanganese content of these rivers may be due to the

pollution from industrial and municipal sources and

geological conditions of soil through which these rivers

are flowing. Higher number of Coli form found in the

river water samples may be for human feces and

municipal wastes.pH of some groundwater samples of Comilla (5.80-

7.58) district was found far below the permissible limit

of BSTI (6.4-7.4) for drinking water. Continuous

consumption of acidic water may cause health hazard.

Higher values of TDS of Comilla (36.50-749.00 mgL-1)and Brahmanbaria (63.60-809.00 mgL-1) exceeded the

limit of BSTI (Max 600 mgL-1). Higher values of totalhardness of Comilla (26.00-684.00 mgL-1) and

Brahmanbaria (12.00-524.00 mgL-1) also exceeded the

limit of BSTI (Max 500 mgL-1). Higher values of total

alkalinity of groundwater of Comilla (21.33-1046.69

mgL-1) and Brahmanbaria (102.96-2832.00 mgL-1)

exceeded the limit of BSTI (Max 600 mgL-1). Higher

values of o-phosphate-P of Comilla (BDL-8.91 mgL-1)

and Brahmanbaria (BDL-7.08 mgL-1) exceeded the limit

of BSTI (Max 6 mgL-1).

Assessment of groundwater enables visualization of

areas of different groundwater chemical status, early

identification of a risk and timely undertaking

interception/reversal actions for restoration of goodgroundwater status. Assessment of groundwater of this

region reveled that groundwater of Chandpur district is

highly contaminated by arsenic. About 85% groundwatersamples of Chandpur contained arsenic in concentration ≥

0.1 mgL-1. Iron content of groundwater of Comilla

(0.05-7.83 mgL-1) and Brahmanbaria (0.10-5.52 mgL-1)

is higher than the permissible limit for drinking water

(0.3-1.0 mgL-1). Higher values of manganese of Comilla

(BDL-3.94 mgL-1), Chandpur (BDL-0.16) and

Brahmanbaria (0.00-1.63 mgL-1) exceeded the

permissible limit for drinking water (Max. 0.1 mgL-1).

Other metals such as-nickel, zinc, copper, cobalt,

cadmium and chromium were found within thepermissible limit of BSTI. The following is concluded

and recommended from the present study

1. From the present study it is found that the Titas

River water becomes polluted from industrial, municipal

and agricultural sources. Industrial and municipal

effluents must be discharged into the river after proper

treatment.2. Department of Environment (DoE) should take a

lead role in organizing an efficient effort with other

government and non government agencies in solving the

problems of the Titas River.

3. Proper law should be passed and implemented, sothat authority can take necessary action against the

industries and bodies responsible for polluting the Rivers.

The community people should be mobilized in such

efforts, because people’s participation is very much

fruitful in improving the environmental situation.

4. Government should take necessary steps to supplyarsenic free and non-acidic safe drinking from deep tube

well.

5. Steps must be taken for using rain water, after

preserving in tanks and ponds in the rainy season, as

alternate source of groundwater.

Acknowledgment

The authors are grateful to the Ministry of Science and

Information & Communication Technology for financial

assistance to complete this project. The authors would

also like to express sincere thanks to the Ministry of

Education and Bangladesh University Grants Commission

for sanctioning deputation and granting scholarship,respectively to one of us (M. Reazul Haque).

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