Analysis and Comparision of Surface Water Quality

International Journal of Civil
Engineering and
Technology
ISSN 0976 6308AND
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ANALYSIS AND COMPARISION OF SURFACE WATER QUALITY

PARAMETERS IN AND AROUND DHAKA CITY
Abdur Rahman1, M. A. Zafor2 and Shantanu Kar3
1
Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering, Stamford University Bangladesh, Dhaka-1217,

Bangladesh. Cell: 088 01721440154, E-mail: ceeabdur09@gmail.com
2
Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering, Leading University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh. Cell:
088 01191083433, E-mail: zaforcee@gmail.com
3
Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering, Stamford University Bangladesh, Dhaka-1217,
Bangladesh. Cell: 088 01717533217, E-mail: shuvo_m87@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Dhaka is one of the most densely-populated cities in the world. All the economic
activities in Bangladesh are Dhaka centric. Water supply problem is acute in this city.
This work is on assessment of the water quality of rivers in and around Dhaka city over
the years. Mainly, this paper deals with the present scenario of surface water quality and
comparison with the past scenario of water quality among the Buriganga, Shitalakhya,
Turag, Balu River and Tangi Khal. Besides, this study will also observe the seasonal
fluctuation of water quality parameters of this river. From the study it is found that,
maximum Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in the Buriganga River during February in
2010 and 2011. Maximum Dissolved Oxygen (DO) observed in the year of 2010 was 10
mg/l in the Turag River. On the other hand, the Turbidity was found, varies from 7.0 to
85.0. Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP) is urgently needed to tenderize the concentration
of industrial pollutants, supposed to be disposed to the River.
Key Words: Water quality, Rivers, Comparison, Parameters, ETP, Tenderize.
1. INTRODUCTION
Dhaka city, the nerve center of all activities in Bangladesh, is very rich in both ground
and surface water resources having an inherent problem of surface water pollution. The
water bodies located in the periphery of the city comprise ample water even in the dry
season. But domestic and industrial wastes generated in the city are deteriorating the
International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 6308
water bodies gradually and even are jeopardizing their sustainability. In developing
countries like Bangladesh, rapid expansion of population and industry can increase the
loads to wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) and can cause deteriorating surface water
quality (Kamal et al., 1999; Drolc and Koncan, 1999; Stamou et al., 1999; Tsagarakis et
al., 2001; and Karakoc et al., 2003). Pollution in the surface water of Bangladesh is
principally due to uncontrolled disposal of untreated industrial and domestic wastes. The
River Buriganga running by the side of the Dhaka City, the capital of Bangladesh, is one
of the most polluted rivers in Bangladesh. Many industries have set up in and around the
Dhaka city during the last decade, and the number of new industries are continually
increasing. All river in and around Dhaka City is increasingly being polluted with the
citys thousands of industrial units and sewerage lines dumping huge volumes of toxic
wastes which contain lots of heavy metal into it day and night (Islam et al., 2006). The
population density is extremely high in around the city areas. Of the chemical pollutants,
heavy metal being non-biodegradable, they can be concentrated along the food chain,
producing their toxic effect at points after far removed from the source of pollution
(Tilzer and Khondker, 1993). Saha and Hussain (2011) found the concentrations in the
total sediments are as follows: 60.3-105.6 mg/kg for Pb, 0.4-1.6 mg/kg for Cd, 52.8139.6 mg/kg for Cr, 70-346 mg/kg for Cu and 245-984.9 mg/kg dry weights for Zn and
fine portion of sediments contain higher heavy metal concentration compared to total
sediments (Saha and Hussain 2011). Consequently, a huge amount of liquid waste industrial and domestic - finds their easy way to the nearby water courses e.g. among the
Buriganga, Shitalakhya, Turag, Balu River near Dhaka city. Thus, the Buriganga and
Shitalakhya River stands out among these rivers with having the worst problems in terms
of pollution and encroachment. The overall objective of this study is to assess the present
scenario of surface water quality and comparison with the past situation of water quality
among the River. Besides, this study will help to observe the seasonal fluctuation of
water quality parameters of the river and will also help to take the necessary steps for
sustaining proper surface water quality of the river.
2. THE STUDY AREA
Dhaka city, the study area, lies within the north central region of Bangladesh. The area is
enclosed by the Tongi Khal on the north, the DND embankment on the south, the Balu river
on the east, and the Turag and Buriganga rivers on the west. The local surface water
hydrology around Dhaka is complex. The Buriganga is a tributary of the Dhaleswari river
which empties into the Meghna. It originated from the Dhaleshwari near Kalatia. This
river is only 27 km long. The Turag, a small river demarcating the western boundary of
Dhaka falls into the Buriganga just north of the main urban area near Kamrangirchar.
The upstream of the Buriganga, above the confluence of the Turag, was formerly a
branch of the Dhaleswari and contributed substantially to the flow in the Buriganga.
However, in recent times this portion of the river has silted up. During the lean flow
period, the discharge of the Turag along with the local runoff is the main sources of water
into the Buriganga. In the dry season, with tidal effect, the net flow is very low or nonexistent (SWMC, 1996). This low flow rates of the Buriganga during the dry season
implies that there is little dilution capacity in the Buriganga during this period causing
serious degradation in quality of water as described in the subsequent sections. The
8
downstream junction with the Dhaleshwari fluctuates from time to time according to
changes in the position of the latter river; at present it lies about 3.22 km southwest of
Fatullah.
3. METHODOLOGY
The water samples were collected from three different locations of the Buriganga,
Shitalakhya, Turag, Balu River and Tangi Khal shown in Table 1. For Turbidity testing,
Microprocessor Turbidity Meter HI 93703 by HANNA Instruments was used. PO4, NO3
were tested using HACH UV Spectrophotometer DR/ 4000U. Suspended Solids,
Dissolved Solids, Dissolved Oxygen, COD were tested by Standard Methods developed
by APHA, AWWA, WPCF (1998). For this study, field observation was needed to know
about the existing physical and environmental condition of the study area. The secondary
data, map and information have been collected from BUET, DOE, IWM, and BWDB to
compare them with the present tested data.
Table 1: Location of different stations among the River.
River
Buriganga
Shitalakhya
Turag
Sadar Ghat
Ghorashal Urea Fertilizer
Factory
Amin Bazar
Balu
Tangi Khal
Gazaria
Masimpur
Stations
Kamrangir Char
Demra Ferry Ghat,
Mirpur Bridge
Khalopara
Tongi Railway
Bridge
Dolai Khal
Tanbazar
National Botanical
Garden
Talia
Bhatulia
4. ANALYSIS OF WATER QUALITY

In this investigation, surface water quality data around Dhaka city were collected from
various sources for analysis and to investigate the trend of degradation of water quality.
The degradation and seasonal fluctuation of important water quality parameters are
analyzed and presented graphically.
4.1.Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
One of the most important parameters frequently considered in river pollution studies is
Dissolved Oxygen. This parameter has been analyzed to find out the trend of degradation
of DO around the year from 1968 to 2011. The critical concentration of DO is 4 mg/l,
which must be maintained for healthy aquatic lives in the water. Historical trend of DO
has been tried to evaluate in spite of insufficient data. From this research work, it is
observed that generally Dissolved Oxygen concentration remains low in January,
February, March, and April (dry season). Figure 1 shows the Dissolved oxygen Yearly
variation of DO in the Buriganga River from 1968 to 2011. A complete diurnal variation
is not conceived since DO had been measured only from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm in most of
the campaigns.
Minimum DO in Buriganga River(1968 - 2011)

7
DO (mg/l)
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Year
Figure 1: Yearly variation of Dissolved Oxygen in the Buriganga River from 1968 2011
However, Figure 2 and Figure 3 show the monthly variation of DO among the River in
the year 2010 and 2011. It is seen that the DO level is very low at the first four months
and also last month of this year. These four months- January, February, March and April
markes the driest period of the year. At this time the flow of water in the river is very low
and concentration of pollutants is very high.
Shitalakhya River
12
Buriganga River
Turag River
Balu River
10
DO (mg/l)
8
6
4
2
0
Year in 2010
Figure 2: Monthly variation of DO among the River in the year 2010.
10
Tongi Khal
Shitalakhya River
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Buriganga River
Turag River
Balu River
Tangi Khal
Year in 2011
Figure 3: Monthly variation of DO among the River in the year 2011.
2011
4.2. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD
(COD)
Measured chemical oxygen demand (C
(COD at 20C) in the riverr system varies from 9
mg/1 to 145 mg/l (Figure 4).
). During the rainy season the COD has been found very low
(9 to 30 mg/l) whereas in the dry season C
COD were observed as the highest.
est. In this study
Figure 4 shown that the highest C
COD was found in February, 2010 and lowest in June
August, 2010. Also Figure 5 shown that the yearly variati
variation
on of COD value in 2011.
Shitalakhya River
Buriganga River
Turag River
Balu River
COD (mg/l)
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Year in 2010
Figure 4: Monthly variation of COD among the River in the year 2010.
2010
11
Tongi Khal
Shitalakhya River
Buriganga River
Turag River
Balu River
Tongi Khal
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Year in 2011
Figure 5: Monthly variation of COD among the River in the year 2011.
2011
4.3.Turbidity
The monthly variation of Turbidity among the River in the year 2010 and 2011 varies
from 7 to 90 NTU. Figure 6 shows the highest turbidity found in January in the
Buriganga River.. It is also observed that the turbidity is lowest at the wet season and
usually remains high in flood period. Figure 7 shows that the monthly variation of
turbidity among the river.
Shitalakhya River
Buriganga River
Turag River
Balu River
Tongi Khal
80
Turbidity (NTU)
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Year in 2010
Figure 6: Monthly variation of Turbidity among the River in the year 2010.
2010
12
Shitalakhya River
Buriganga River
Turag River
Balu River
Tangi Khal
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Year in 2011
Figure 7: Monthly variation of Turbidity among the River in the year 2011.
2011
4.4 pH and Ammonia
8
6
4
Year in
2010
Year in
2011
2
0
Figure 7: Average ammonia

ammonia-nitrogen
concentrations in different year in
different River.
13
Average pH Value
Average NH3 Value
High ammonia-nitrogen
nitrogen concentration (around 7 mg/1) is observed at Shitalakhya in
2011 and minimum
nimum at Turag River (around 3.761 mg/l) which is shown in Figure 8.
Maximum NH3-N
N concentration in the river system is more than the allowable limit
USEPA guideline (0.02 mg/1) and ECR, 1997 guideline (0.5 mg/l) to avoid toxic effect
for fishes. Average pH concentrations over the year in 2010 and 2011in different Rivers
as shown in Figure 8.
7.25
7.2
7.15
7.1
7.05
7
6.95
6.9
6.85
Year in
2010
Year in
2011
Figure 8: Average pH concentrations in

different year in different Rivers.
5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

All rivers in and around Dhaka City receives solid wastes, sewage and wastewater,
containing biodegradable materials and industrial effluent. Thus the water quality is being
deteriorated over the years. The increase of domestic and industrial pollutant loads can be
attributed to the rapid increase of population, industries and subsequent increase of
people without proper sanitation facilities. Low flow of water, lack of rainfall and
increase in temperature during dry season also contribute to the pollution status among
the river. In the wet season there is a scope of dilution of pollutant loads by high water
flow enhanced by rainfall. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) for sustaining aquatic lives (4-5 mg/l)
does not prevail in any of the selected locations along this river. Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
reaches to zero in some locations especially at Dolai Khal, Kamrangir Char, Sadar Ghat
during dry season. It is observed that generally Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentration
remains low in January, February, March, and April (dry season). Recent scenario in
2011 is worse than the scenario in 2010. Maximum Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
generally occurs at Dolai Khal in the Buriganga river during January. February, and June
in 2011, COD varies from 25 mg/l to 150 mg/l in the Buriganga and Shitalakhya River
during January to June. Maximum COD observed in January of 2011 was 145.8 mg/l. It
is essential to make provisions for protection and improving water quality among the
River to sustain the ecosystem in this river and overall environment of the Dhaka city.
Current pollution will be minimized if necessary approaches are properly implemented.
Hazaribagh tanneries are responsible for causing pollution in the Buriganga River by the
contribution of toxic and persistent pollutants, for that an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP)
should be established without delay. Uproot every kind of pollution making industry
including tannery from both sides of the Buriganga River. Pagla sewage treatment plant
will need to be expanded to handle extra pollution load.
In order to arrange proper and systematic approaches to restore water quality among the
River, the following recommendations should be considered:
Though the adjacent area among the River is foreshore/ shore, assurance should be given
from the ministry of land that the land would not be encroached further.
Dhaka bypass road can be implemented along the both side of the river and trees can be
planted between the bypass and the river. Thus we can increase the total environment of
old Dhaka and thereby increasing the transportation facilities of the city as well as
reducing the opportunities for further encroachment.
Tannery industries should be shifted from the surrounding among the River.
Proper laws should be enforced from the Department of Environment to reduce the
pollution of the river water from adjacent pollution.
Uproot every kind of pollution making industry including tannery.
Proper treatment plant of sewage needed before sewage disposal in the Buriganga,
Shitalakhya, Turag, Balu River and Tangi Khal for that pollution making industry should
have effluent treatment plant (ETP).
New and old industries must be regulated under pollution control law.
Establish a treatment plant at Hazaribagh or shifting of tannery units to provide
considerable opportunity to properly manage the Buriganga river Water quality.
Pagla Sewage Treatment Plant need to be expanded and route the discharge from Dholai
Khal and city drains to Pagla Sewage Treatment Plant.
14
6. References
1. Kamal, M. M., Malmgren-Hansen, A. and Badruzzaman, A. B. M.: 1999, Assessment
of pollution of the River Buriganga, Bangladesh, using a water quality model, Water
Sci. Technol. 40(2), 129136.
2. Drolc, A., Koncan, J. Z. (1999). Calibration of QUAL2E model for the Sava River
(Slovenia), Water Sci. Technol. 40(10), 111118.
3. Stamou, A. I., Koumanova, B., Stoyanov, S., Atanasov, G. and Pipilis, K.: 1999,
Water quality of the Beli Lom river, Water Sci. Technol. 39(8), 5562.
4. Tsagarakis, K. P., Mara, D. D. and Angelakis, A. N.: 2001, Wastewater management
in Greece: Experience and lessons for developing countries, Water Sci. Technol.
44(6), 163172.
5. Karakoc, G., Erkoc, F. U. and Katiricoglu, H.: 2003, Water quality and impacts of
pollution sources for Eymir and Mogan Lakes (Turkey), Environ. Int. 29(1), 2127.
6. Islam, M. M., Haque, M. R, Ahmed, M. K. Mannaf, M. A. (2006)Seasonal variation
of heavy metals concentrations in Gudusia chapra inhabiting the Sundarban mangrove
forest J. NOAMI., 23(1), pp. 1-21, 2006.
7. Tilzer, M. M and Khondker, M (1993) Hypertrophic and polluted freshwater
ecosystems: Ecological basis for water resource management, Dept. of Botany,
Dhaka University, Bangladesh, 1993.
8. Saha, P. K, Hossain, M. D, (2011) Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and
Sediment Quality in the Buriganga River, Bangladesh 2011 2nd International
Conference on Environmental Science and Technology IPCBEE vol.6 (2011)
(2011) IACSIT Press, Singapore.
9. SWMC (2000). Baseline Information Study of the Dhaka Combined Flood Control
cum Eastern Bypass Road Project, Surface Water Modeling Centre Final Report.
10. APHA, AWWA, WPCF (1998). Standard Methods for the examination of water and
wastewater, 19th edition.
15

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International Journal of Civil

ANALYSIS AND COMPARISION OF SURFACE WATER QUALITY

Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering, Stamford University Bangladesh, Dhaka-1217,

4. ANALYSIS OF WATER QUALITY

Minimum DO in Buriganga River(1968 - 2011)

Figure 7: Average ammonia

Average NH3 Value

Figure 8: Average pH concentrations in

5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

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