The Karnaphuli is the most important river in the Chattogram region, the second largest city of Bangladesh. Many industries and slaughterhouses are located in the city, and most of the effluents from these industries enter directly or indirectly into the Karnaphuli, often without any pretreatment.
Sewage containing large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds discharged into aquatic environment is a major concern of pollutions it induces excessive algal growth and resulting eutrophication.
Presence of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds containing nutrients in river water may have adverse physiological effects on humans and may interfere with growth and reproduction of aquatic organisms.
Sewage polluted water is also a significant source of epidemic threat due to the presence of disease-causing bacteria. In developing countries like Bangladesh, many latrines are connected directly to the river and the Karnaphuli is not an exception. Consequently, fecal contamination is a frequent occurrence in this river.
Therefore, pollution of the Karnaphuli is a major concern for public health and environment. Pollution of water bodies is a major threat to public health worldwide.
The Majority of the industrial effluents and wastes of this region enter into this river through numerous streams and channels resulting in pollution spreading across a large area. Because a large population depends on this river for drinking and household waters causinga great concern for public health.
Many natural and anthropogenic activities including rapid urbanization, industrialization, population growth, lack of waste management etc. have greatly increased pollution of the river. Assessed the level of water pollution of this river based on several standard physicochemical and microbiological parameters.
Contaminated water is a major source of infectious diseases. Because the water of the Karnaphuli is used for drinking and recreational purposes by a large population, it is important to determine the health risks the water poses.
Microbiological quality of water is critical parameter to measure health risks. . Surface waters often receive gut microbiota from humans and other animals and therefore disseminate the pathogens in the environment.
Many poor and vulnerable populations live in the surrounding areas and many of them use the river water without any treatment for subsistence, the water poses significant health risks for these people.
Latest News