We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Health Risks Associated With Sources of Water: An Exploratory Study From Turag-Tongi Riparian Areas, Bangladesh
Summary
This paper is not about microplastics; it is a household survey examining drinking-water sources and disease occurrence in riparian communities along the Turag River in Bangladesh.
The present study aims to investigate the available water sources for drinking and domestic purposes and their relationship with the occurrence of diseases in a given community. To accomplish this, 1826 households in the Turag River area of Tongi at twelve different locations were surveyed. Six focus group discussions (FGDs) and twelve key informant interviews (KIIs) were also conducted in six different Turag River locations. Data on water quality has been gathered from various government surveys (BNDWQS, 2011; BBS, 2017; SVRS, 2019, etc.), international reports (WHO, World Bank, etc.), individual studies, and other relevant sources. Of all the recorded (13) drinking water sources, motorized tubewells were the most common and were used by 73.8 percent of respondents. Other sources include pipe connections into the yard (16.7%) and dwelling (4.5%), deep and shallow tube wells (2.6%), public tap water (2.1%) etc. The study also revealed that a notable percentage (2.8%) of the survey population still depended on open sources such as rainwater, rivers, lakes, ponds, etc., for drinking and domestic purposes. The respondents also reported the presence of yellow crust (iron) and other unwanted components in their water sources, with foul odors and unpleasant tastes. It has also been documented that the communities have been suffering from various diseases, such as diarrhea, skin diseases, dysentery, malaria, jaundice, typhoid, tuberculosis, pneumonia, cholera, etc. diseases over the past year. The Spearman's rho (ρ’s) test showed significant associations between these diseases and the water sources. The issues identified by the present study are likely to aid policymakers in including water and health concerns in national policy and ensuring access to sustainable water resources, aligning with SDGs 6.1, 6.3, and 6.4. J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 49(2): 121-138, December 2023
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Recent status of water quality in Bangladesh: A systematic review, meta-analysis and health risk assessment
Researchers conducted a comprehensive review of water quality in Bangladesh, finding that heavy metals, pesticides, fecal bacteria, and emerging contaminants — including microplastics and antibiotic residues — are widespread in water bodies, posing serious health risks to a large portion of the population. The study highlights an urgent need for stricter water quality laws and enforcement in the country.
Extent and distribution of microplastic contamination in the benthic sediment of Turag river in Bangladesh
Researchers quantified microplastic contamination in benthic sediments of the Turag River in Bangladesh, finding widespread microplastic accumulation that poses threats to benthic communities and highlights a significant knowledge gap in freshwater sediment microplastic studies.
Unveiling the microplastic crisis: Insights into Bangladesh's aquatic ecosystems - origins, impact, and solutions
This review examines the growing microplastic crisis in Bangladesh's rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters, finding that the country's rapid urbanization and limited waste management have led to widespread contamination. Microplastics were documented in water, sediment, and fish across multiple Bangladeshi water systems. Since over 160 million people in Bangladesh depend on these water resources for drinking, farming, and fishing, the contamination poses a significant public health concern.
Assessment of stream quality and health risks in Indonesian river systems: A social analysis and water quality index approach
Researchers assessed water quality in three Indonesian rivers used by local communities, finding microplastics — primarily polyethylene and polypropylene — alongside elevated levels of iron, lead, and manganese, with residents reporting rising rates of skin disease and diarrhea linked to polluted water use.
Microplastic accumulation, morpho-polymer characterization, and dietary exposure in urban tap water of a developing nation
Researchers analyzed tap water from four major cities in Bangladesh and found microplastics in every sample, with an average of about 35 particles per liter, higher than most other countries studied. The vast majority were tiny fibers less than 0.5 mm, primarily made of polyethylene. The estimated daily intake of about 2.65 microplastic particles per person through tap water alone highlights how people in developing nations may face disproportionate microplastic exposure through their drinking water.