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Nitrate Pollution in the Groundwater of Bangladesh: An Emerging Threat

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  • Md. Iftakharul Muhib

    (Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh)

  • Mir Mohammad Ali

    (Department of Aquaculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh)

  • Shafi M. Tareq

    (Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
    Hydrobiogeochemistry and Pollution Control Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh)

  • Md. Mostafizur Rahman

    (Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
    Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh)

Abstract

Access to safe potable water is one of the most significant challenges in an environmentally vulnerable country like Bangladesh. The presence of high concentrations of nitrate in groundwater can deteriorate its quality and pose serious health threats. A review was conducted to evaluate the current status of overall nitrate concentrations in different districts (35 out of 64 districts) of Bangladesh based on available published data. Human Health Risk Analysis (HHRA) and nitrate pollution index (NPI) were calculated to illustrate the level of chronic risk and degree of pollution among the population of the studied districts. The HHRA model predicted that the adult population of 48.57% districts and the child population of 56.25% districts were found to be facing potential health risks associated with elevated nitrate consumption. The NPI results revealed that at least 45.72% of the studied districts were characterized by light to very significant nitrate pollution loads. It can be concluded that the outcomes of this systematic study would draw the attention of policymakers and the population of all districts and enable them to take effective measures in preserve groundwater resources in Bangladesh and prevent long-term, complex diseases.

Suggested Citation

  • Md. Iftakharul Muhib & Mir Mohammad Ali & Shafi M. Tareq & Md. Mostafizur Rahman, 2023. "Nitrate Pollution in the Groundwater of Bangladesh: An Emerging Threat," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:10:p:8188-:d:1149577
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    References listed on IDEAS

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