In the heart of Bangladesh, the Shitalakshya River, known as the “Cool Lakshmi” for its life-sustaining waters, is under siege. This vital waterway, a lifeline for drinking, industry, agriculture, and aquaculture in the bustling urban areas of Dhaka and Narayanganj, is grappling with escalating pollution. A recent study, led by Md. Mazharul Islam from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Dhaka, sheds light on the alarming spatiotemporal dynamics of water quality parameters (WQPs) in the river, offering crucial insights for policymakers, industries, and communities.
The Shitalakshya River, spanning a 75 km stretch, was sampled bi-monthly from autumn 2022 to spring 2024 across ten stations. The study, published in the journal Heliyon (which translates to “Open Skies”), measured 18 key WQPs, revealing a stark picture of the river’s health. The Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index ranged from 68 to 164 seasonally and 93 to 127 spatially, indicating water quality deterioration from poor to severely poor, particularly in urban areas.
“Our findings highlight the urgent need for targeted pollution control measures,” said lead author Md. Mazharul Islam. “The river’s health is intricately linked to public health, livelihoods, and the ecological sustainability of the region.”
The study employed Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify the dominant factors contributing to the river’s pollution. Three to five principal components (PCs) with eigenvalues greater than one were identified, highlighting ionic and nutrient loadings from industrial effluents and agricultural runoff as key culprits. Seasonal PCA further emphasized solids, ions, and organics as critical pollutants.
For the energy sector, the implications are significant. The Shitalakshya River is a crucial source of water for cooling thermal power plants, a process that requires large volumes of high-quality water. The deterioration of water quality can lead to increased operational costs due to enhanced pretreatment requirements and reduced efficiency of cooling systems. Moreover, the ecological impact of pollution can affect the river’s ability to support aquatic life, further complicating water intake for industrial use.
The study’s findings provide a roadmap for stakeholders to implement sustainable practices and targeted pollution control measures. By addressing the identified sources of pollution, industries can mitigate their environmental impact and ensure a stable water supply for their operations.
As Md. Mazharul Islam noted, “This research is not just about understanding the problem; it’s about providing actionable solutions. By working together, we can safeguard the Shitalakshya River and ensure its sustainability for future generations.”
The study’s comprehensive approach and actionable insights make it a pivotal resource for policymakers, industries, and communities. By leveraging these findings, stakeholders can take proactive steps to improve water quality, protect public health, and support the region’s ecological and economic sustainability.
In the face of escalating pollution, the Shitalakshya River’s future hangs in the balance. However, with concerted efforts and informed action, there is hope for its revival. The study by Md. Mazharul Islam and his team serves as a clarion call, urging all stakeholders to come together to preserve this vital waterway for generations to come.