Assessment of heavy metal contamination status and associated health risk from solid waste open dumping site in Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Mahmud Al Noor Tushar; Md Fazle Rabbi Joy; S.M. Mainul Kabir; Sadek Ahamed Sheikh; Subrota Kumar Saha; Biraj Kumer Sarker; Sabbir Ahmad

doi:10.35208/ert.1754651

Authors

Mahmud Al Noor Tushar University of Dhaka, Department of Geology https://orcid.org/0000-0003-8562-7576
Md Fazle Rabbi Joy Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8422-9577
S.M. Mainul Kabir University of Dhaka, Department of Geology https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4747-590X
Sadek Ahamed Sheikh University of Dhaka, Department of Geology https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8530-9594
Subrota Kumar Saha University of Dhaka, Department of Geology https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4950-2741
Biraj Kumer Sarker Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8562-7576
Sabbir Ahmad Geological Survey of Bangladesh https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5385-2103

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35208/ert.1754651

Keywords:

Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), integrated pollution degree (Cd), occupational exposure, health risk

Abstract

Municipal solid waste (MSW) dumping sites are major sources of heavy metal pollution, posing severe environmental and public health risks in rapidly urbanizing areas. This study evaluates heavy metal concentrations, contamination status, associated health risks, and potential sources at an open dumping site in Mymensingh City Corporation, Bangladesh. Seven heavy metals (Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) were quantified using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), with average concentrations following the order Zn > Cu > Mn > Cr > Pb > Ni > Co. Contamination levels were assessed using the Contamination Factor (CF), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Integrated Pollution Degree (Cd). Copper (CF = 8.85) and Lead (CF = 8.36) were dominant pollutants, while Chromium (CF = 3.24) also showed significant contamination. High Cd values (>20), with a maximum of 625.10, indicate severe environmental degradation. PLI values (>1 in all samples) confirm site pollution, posing risks to agricultural land and the food chain. Leachate analysis reveals high concentrations of Manganese (25.00 mg/L) and Zinc (15.00 mg/L), highlighting the risk of heavy metal migration into water bodies. Source analysis identifies commercial and municipal waste as primary contributors, while health risk assessments indicate 78% of workers face high risks due to inadequate safety measures. The findings underscore the urgent need for improved waste management, protective interventions, and health safety measures to mitigate heavy metal pollution and safeguard environmental and public health.

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