Impact of shipbreaking industries on the Sitakunda coastal environment, Chattogram by analyzing water quality parameters

Shipbreaking is an extremely profitable business; however, it simultaneously destroys the surrounding environment. The discharge of toxic chemicals and materials containing wastes is contaminating surrounding water. However, there is still no sufficient published information particularly focusing on shipbreaking yard (SBY) water quality. Therefore, this research was carried out by questionnaire survey among the workers following simple random sampling and purposive simple random sampling for water samples collection from SBY. Results showed that young energetic, experienced and courageous workers (20-35 years) generally work in SBY. Most of the workers are illiterate except for a few graduate officials. The workers are provided in-yard small-scale treatment facilities for injuries which is not sufficient. The tested water parameters were as turbidity (276-640 JTU), pH (6.3-6.7) and EC (1850-3636 μs/cm), while TSS (1925-4005), TDS (921-2150), chloride (543-1023), ferrous (1.4-34), DO (5.3-6.5), BOD (4.3-7.3), oil (30-7375), NH₃ (0.75-2.27), lead (55-107), copper (29-58), cadmium (0.2-0.7), mercury (0.01-0.12), zinc (71-128), chromium (18-107) and arsenic (0.02-5.3) in mg/l unit in SBY. These findings indicate the potential water contamination by shipbreaking activities. Statistical analysis showed big F-value with small p-value in all studied water parameters, indicating significantly different. In addition, the water parameters in most of the sampling points in SBY crossed the Department of Environment (DoE) standards. Therefore, regular monitoring of DoE and strengthened government regulations with sufficient technical support to shipbreaking industries are recommended for mitigating water pollution and protecting the surrounding ecosystem.