Trace element dynamics and ecological risk indices in coastal sediments along the southeastern Bangladesh
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Bangladesh's southeastern estuaries are increasingly contaminated with trace metals from industrial effluents, aquaculture waste, and maritime activities. This study evaluates ecotoxicological risks and contamination levels of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in sediments at five locations: Matamuhuri, Moheshkhali, Bakkhali, Naf River, and St. Martin's Island. Sediment quality was analyzed using geochemical indices, including Contamination Factor (CF), Degree of Contamination (C d , mC d ), Geo-accumulation Index (I geo ), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Potential Ecological Risk (PER), and compared with sediment quality guidelines (SQGs). The results show significant regional variability, with Bakkhali and Moheshkhali having high to extremely high pollution loads (PLI > 2), I geo values for Cd (>2.16), Cr (>1.36), Cu (>1.20), and Ni (>1.58), and values exceeding the ecological risk threshold (>300). St. Martin's Island and the Naf River, on the other hand, demonstrate very low levels of pollution (PLI <0.77), I geo values for Cd (<0.05), Cr (<-0.58), Cu (<-1.29), and Ni (<0.89), and (PER<91.87) and ecological concern. Multivariate analyses (Pearson correlation, PCA, and HCA) reveal familiar anthropogenic sources linking Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr. Recommendations include recognizing Bakkhali and Moheshkhali as pollution hotspots for regulatory actions and supporting sustainable development by contributing to global sustainable development initiatives, particularly SDG 6, SDG 13, SDG 14, and SDG 15, and addressing regional coastal pollution management.
Institution: University of Chittagong
Language: English
Topic: Heavy metals in environment
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,250
Funders: University of Chittagong, British Council
OpenAlex ID: W4416823247