North South University

Group Report
ENV107

Section: 06

Submitted by:

Name ID
Ahanaf Bin Tarek 2131451630

Nafiul Hasan 2211816020

Zidan Chakma 2211458015

Tabassum Khalil Mahiya 2223031047

Syed Mahedy Hasan Khan Emon 2221384030

Md.Mansib Ali Prottoy 2322812630

Submitted to:
Asma Safia Disha [ADI]

Lecturer

Department of Environmental Science & Management

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 Table Of Contents
Introduction 2
Understanding the causes of Groundwater Pollution in Dhaka 3
Impacts of Groundwater Pollution on Public Health and Environment 4
Current management efforts 5
Proposed solutions and strategies: 6
Challenges and Limitations 8
Future Outlook and Recommendations: 9
Conclusion 11
References 12

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Introduction

Groundwater pollution is the contamination of underground water reserves, which are a

critical source of drinking water for much of the world. This pollution typically results from
human activities such as agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, improper waste disposal,
and leakage from landfills and septic systems. Contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals,
nitrates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) infiltrate the soil, reaching aquifers and
rendering water unsafe for consumption. Natural processes such as mineral leaching can also
contribute to groundwater pollution.
Groundwater pollution in Dhaka poses significant threats to public health and the
environment due to rapid urbanization, industrial activities, and inadequate waste
management, leading to aquifer contamination, which is crucial for the city's water supply.
Pollutants such as heavy metals, industrial chemicals, and pathogens seep into the
groundwater, leading to waterborne diseases and long-term health problems for the residents
of Dhaka. Inadequate wastewater treatment facilities and weak regulatory enforcement
worsen the situation.

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Understanding the causes of Groundwater Pollution
in Dhaka

Industrialization

Dhaka is one of the industrial hubs of Bangladesh. As such several industries are set up
throughout different locations in the city. Typically these industries are set up on the banks of
the sea or river for easier discharging of industrial wastes. These industrial wastes or effluents
when discharged into water bodies without treatment invade the groundwater and pollute it. It
is seen from a survey, that river water around Dhaka is highly contaminated and 60% of that
contamination occurred due to industrial effluent (Ahsan, 2019). Polluted seawater and river
water can infiltrate into the groundwater of industrial areas (Arefin and Mallik, 2017). In
some water bodies, like as industrial regions of Dhaka, the content of Arsenic is found to be
disturbingly higher (0.75 mg/L).

Agriculture

Dhaka relies on groundwater for 70% of its water supplies. Again, as Bangladesh is an
agricultural country as such a large portion of it are farmers. As such, millions of tons worth
of chemicals and fertilizers are used in the agricultural lands in order to benefit from higher
yields. They also use harmful substances like pesticides in these lands to protect the crops
from the attack of insects and pests. All these chemicals and pesticides runoff to different
water bodies and drainages due to rainfall or flooding. Then from there, some of these toxic
substances enter into the groundwater which eventually enter into surfaces from where we
take up water to drink.

Poor Sanitation Systems

There are many areas in which the main source of drinking water for the people in these areas
is from the tube well. Typically the tube wells in the rural areas are situated close to the
latrines which are situated outside. Due to the poorly constructed sanitation system in these
latrines, the groundwater may become contaminated with fecal bacteria which come in
contact with the water extracted from the tub well. In these ways the groundwater becomes
contaminated and various diseases spread from drinking water of these tubewells.

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Improper sewage disposal

The sewage system is contaminated with all types of bodily wastes possible. When these
sewage materials remain untreated from poorly maintained septic tanks and landfills, the
pollutants enter the groundwater system and penetrate the soil and contaminate it.

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Impacts of Groundwater Pollution on Public Health
and Environment

Groundwater is one of the important resources that plays a vital role for lives and livelihood
as well as in economic growth of a country like Bangladesh(Science direct).Groundwater
pollution poses serious health risk due to their toxicity, persistence and carcinogenic
nature(Science direct).Contaminated groundwater may cause shortness of breath, cancer,
hypertension, vascular disease, lung disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, neurological disorder
and reproductive effects. (Science direct)

Groundwater contamination also can negatively affect the quality of lands and forests.
Contaminated groundwater can lead to soil contamination and degradation of land quality. For
example, in many agricultural areas in arid regions, high groundwater salinity is one of the
major factors influencing soil salinization. The soluble salts and other contaminants, such as
toxic metals, can accumulate in the root zone, affecting vegetation growth. Groundwater
contaminants also can be transported by surface water-groundwater interactions, leading to
deterioration of surface water quality. (“Sources and Consequences of Groundwater
Contamination - PMC”)

Groundwater pollution also affects us economically.Freshwater is probably the most valuable

of the natural resources. However, chronic groundwater contamination may reduce the
availability of freshwater, breaking the balance between water supply and demand and leading
to socioeconomic crises and even wars. (“Sources and Consequences of Groundwater
Contamination - PMC”)

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 Current management efforts

Groundwater management in Bangladesh is facing significant challenges due to over-

extraction, pollution, and rapid urbanization. In Dhaka, the groundwater table is dropping by
2-3 meters annually, which threatens long-term water availability. Efforts to address these
issues include initiatives to recharge aquifers and reduce reliance on groundwater for
industrial purposes, particularly by relocating industries to riversides to use surface water.
Here are some proper steps.

Regulatory and Policy Measures:

Groundwater Rights and Permits: Many regions have implemented systems for issuing
permits to regulate groundwater extraction. This ensures that usage is within sustainable
limits.
Water Allocation Plans: The city corporation and other relevant bodies are developing
comprehensive water allocation plans that balance the needs of agriculture, industry, and
domestic use with environmental sustainability.
Legislation: Specific laws to manage groundwater resources effectively are being produced
in the parliament.
Technological Innovations:
Monitoring and Data Collection: Advanced monitoring systems, including remote sensing and
GIS (Geographic Information Systems), are used being to track groundwater levels and usage
patterns.

Sustainable Agricultural Practices:

Government is introducing
Efficient Irrigation Systems: Drip and sprinkler irrigation systems are promoted to reduce
water wastage in agriculture, which is the largest consumer of groundwater globally.
Crop Selection: Government is encouraging cultivation of less water-intensive crops can
significantly reduce groundwater extraction for irrigation.

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Proposed solutions and strategies:
1) Prevention:

i)Agriculture:

 Establishing vegetative buffer zones around water bodies to absorb and filter
contaminants before they reach groundwater.
 Using organic pesticides and fertilizers.
 Reducing the use of chemical pesticides by using integrated pest management (IPM).

ii)Urban management:

 Reducing contaminants that may leak into the ground can be accomplished by properly
treating wastewater from households and businesses.
 Ensuring the upkeep and modernization of sewage treatment facilities to stop leaks and
spills.
 Proper disposal of dangerous substances, such as paints, chemicals, etc. and stop them
from leaking into groundwater.

2) Remediation:

 Using the pump and treat technique, contaminated groundwater is pumped to the surface,
treated, and refilled into the aquifer.

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 By adding microorganisms, pollutants in groundwater can be broken down through a
process known as bioremediation.
 We can inject oxidizing agents into groundwater to convert contaminants into less
dangerous forms.

3) Policies and Individual measures:

 Enforcing environmental laws

 Mapping the groundwater protection zones
 By using less water, less wastewater will need to be treated, lowering the risk of
pollution.
 Get rid of household chemicals in the proper way.
 Chemicals should never be dumped on the ground or down the drain.
 We can take initiatives that remove hazardous garbage from households.

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Challenges and Limitations

Challenges:

 We need to cover a wide range of areas.

 Constant monitoring is costly.
 Sometimes pollution occurs through different sources. So, it is hard to detect the
pollution source.
 Contaminated groundwater remediation requires costly and technically demanding
solutions.
 Various health issues might arise from groundwater contamination, depending on the
nature of the particular contaminant

Limitations:

 Lack of data availability: Sometimes there is a lack of historical data, making it difficult
to assess the progression and the source of contamination.
 Sparse or nonexistent monitoring networks: There are barely any groundwater
monitoring networks in many places, particularly in developing nations.
 Sometimes current technologies are not effective for all kinds of contaminants.
 Limited budget for research, monitoring, and cleanup efforts.
 Lack of public awareness: Low public knowledge of the causes and effects of
groundwater pollution often hinders community involvement and support for cleanup
initiatives.

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Case Studies of Successful Interventions on Groundwater Pollution

1. Woburn, Massachusetts (USA): In the 1980s, Woburn experienced serious groundwater

contamination primarily caused by industrial solvents such as trichloroethylene (TCE)
and perchloroethylene (PCE) from local industries. This contamination led to an
increased incidence of childhood leukemia. The response involved thorough investigation
and legal actions, leading to significant cleanup efforts funded by responsible parties
under the Superfund program. Advanced remediation techniques, including pump-and-
treat systems, were implemented to remove contaminants from groundwater. Public
awareness and continuous monitoring ensured the restoration of safe drinking water,
demonstrating a comprehensive approach to addressing industrial pollution..
2. Rajasthan, India: The city of Bikaner in Rajasthan was affected by high fluoride levels
in groundwater, leading to widespread dental and skeletal fluorosis. To address this issue,
the intervention involved the installation of community defluoridation plants and the
promotion of alternative water sources such as rainwater harvesting. The government and
NGOs worked together to educate the public about the health risks and prevention
methods. This comprehensive approach not only decreased fluoride levels in drinking
water but also enhanced public health outcomes, highlighting the significance of
community engagement and sustainable practices.
3. Taizhou, China: "Due to rapid industrialization, Taizhou suffered severe groundwater
contamination from heavy metals and organic pollutants. In response, the government
launched a large-scale cleanup project. This initiative involved the use of technologies
such as in-situ chemical oxidation and bioremediation. To prevent further pollution, strict
regulations on industrial discharge were implemented, and heavily polluting industries
were relocated. Furthermore, comprehensive groundwater monitoring systems were set
up to ensure long-term water quality. These measures were successful in reducing
contamination levels and restoring safe groundwater supplies, demonstrating the
effectiveness of integrated pollution control measures and regulatory frameworks."

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These case studies highlight the importance of a multifaceted approach involving technological,
regulatory, and community-driven strategies to successfully mitigate groundwater pollution and
protect public health.

Future Outlook and Recommendations:

Groundwater pollution in Dhaka poses a significant threat to the city's sustainability and
public health. The primary sources of contamination include industrial discharge, improper
waste management, agricultural runoff, and the infiltration of untreated sewage. As Dhaka
continues to urbanize rapidly, these pressures are likely to intensify. By the end of the century,
as many as 66% of the global population may reside in areas experiencing a lack of clean
water for at least one month per year. The situation is particularly dire in the Global South,
where rapid population and economic growth, climate change, and declining water quality are
contributing to increased water scarcity. By 2100, up to 5.5 billion people could be exposed to
polluted water. Without significant intervention, the quality of groundwater in Dhaka is
expected to deteriorate, posing severe risks to health and the environment.

Figure: GRACE Groundwater Storage Trends from 2003-2013

Keeping in mind the current trends and the future outlook, the following recommendations
can be made to mitigate groundwater pollution:

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1. Improving water quality monitoring and incorporating water quality in scarcity
assessments. This can be achieved by employing smart sensors and devices and
implementing IoT (Internet of Things) and cloud computation technology like Google’s
climate engine.

2. Establishing strong international mechanisms to prevent the global water crisis from
spiraling out of control. Using satellite and remote sensing systems such as NASA’s GRACE
can help establish better control.

3. Applying in situ remediation technologies, such as bioremediation and bio

electroremediation, which offer greener solutions compared to physical and chemical
approaches

4. Enhancing public education and outreach to promote better waste disposal practices and
minimize chemical use.

5.Implementing land use controls, regulations, permits, inspections, and best management
practices to protect groundwater sources

These measures are crucial for safeguarding this precious resource for future generations and
require collaboration among governments, businesses, scientists, civil society, and
communities. Subsequently proper utilization of the advancements in Science and Technology
can pave the way to a brighter future for our groundwater quality.

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Conclusion

The groundwater pollution in Bangladesh is an issue with serious health and environment
repercussions. In these circumstances, the government and the people need to take proper
measures to ensure that the current problems are mitigated. We hope that if the government
implements our recommendations and is able to raise awareness amongst the people about
this problem, it will be able to resolve this issue and ensure safe water for all.

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References
Abel O. Talabi, T. J. (2019). Groundwater Pollution and Remediation. Journal of Water
Resource and Protection.

Akash Mamon Sarkar, A. K. (2019). Surface and Ground Water Pollution in Bangladesh: A
Review. Asian Review of Environmental and Earth Sciences.

Kazi Matin Ahmed, R. Q. (2011). Groundwater contamination in Bangladesh. In R. Q. Kazi

Matin Ahmed, Water Resources Planning and Management. Cambridge University Press.

Metzger, M. R. (2021). Groundwater Pollution: Sources & Prevention.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352801X19303765.

“Sources and Consequences of Groundwater Contamination - PMC.” NCBI, 2 January

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7778406/.

(PDF) groundwater pollution in Bangladesh: A Review. Available at:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357728292_Groundwater_Pollution_in_Bangladesh
_A_Review (Accessed: 31 May 2024).

(No date a) EPA. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/septic/septic-system-impacts-water-

sourcess (Accessed: 31 May 2024).

The over growth rate of population (2021) Recent status of water quality in Bangladesh: A
systematic review, meta-analysis and Health Risk Assessment, Environmental Challenges.
Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010021003905?
fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3l2SGeNib_8REAK3L5nhihMokTVzulRYbQnRsr0m
C24a8moOe7i7sbvEM_aem_AfoGqUxYdvvtgXl7N4Y-
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(Accessed: 31 May 2024).

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