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Assessing the Health of Karnaphuli River, Bangladesh: A Comprehensive Study of Macro Plastic Pollution, Water Quality, and Community Perspectives
Summary
This multidisciplinary study of the Karnaphuli River in Bangladesh found strong correlations between organic pollution indicators (BOD and COD) and identified urban and commercial zones as dominant contributors to macro plastic accumulation. A community survey revealed that while most residents were aware of river pollution, only a small fraction recognized health risks or trusted government responses, underscoring the need for improved waste management and public education.
Background: Plastic pollution has emerged as a critical environmental challenge in riverine ecosystems, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions.The Karnaphuli River, a vital waterway in southeastern Bangladesh, faces escalating pollution pressures from industrial, residential, and commercial sources.Understanding the magnitude, sources, and community perception of this issue is essential for effective management and policy intervention.Materials and Methods: This study employed a multidisciplinary approach combining fieldbased macro plastic collection from six strategically selected sites, water quality analysis, and a structured survey of 150 local residents.The sites represented varying pollution sources, including industrial, urban, and commercial zones.Statistical analyses were performed to identify relationships among physicochemical parameters, and thematic analysis was used to interpret community responses.Results: A strong and statistically significant correlation was found between biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) (r = 0.951, p = 0.004), suggesting high levels of organic pollution.Urban and commercial zones were the dominant contributors to macro plastic accumulation.Survey findings indicated that while 80.8% of respondents were aware of river pollution, only 38% recognized associated health risks, and merely 6% expressed confidence in government actions.Key pollution sources included household waste, market runoff, and pluvial flow during rainfall events. Conclusion:The study underscores the urgent need for targeted policy reforms, improved municipal waste management systems, and enhanced public environmental awareness.These findings contribute valuable insights for sustainable river management and plastic pollution mitigation strategies in South Asia.