Archive | 2021
“Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Soil of Chattogram Hill Tracts, Bangladesh and Concomitant Health Risk”
Abstract
\n The increased human population and associated activities may create a risk in the ecological balance of Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT), Bangladesh via contamination of soil with toxic heavy metals. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the concentration of heavy metals (Lead, Cadmium, Copper, Zinc, Iron, Manganese, Chromium and Nickel) in forest soils of the CHT area by using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The degree of contamination of soil was evaluated by five indices: geo-accumulation index (I geo ), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk index (PERI). According to these criteria, these soils can be classified as moderately contaminated with some metals. Furthermore, the identification of pollution sources based on principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis have revealed that all analyzed metals are anthropogenic except Fe. Calculated hazard index>1 indicates the possibility of noncarcinogenic effect due to higher value of Fe. Carcinogenic risks through the ingestion, inhalation and dermal pathway for carcinogenic elements (Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni) shows a non-significant risk (CR<10 -6 ) for both children and adults living in the studied area.\nMeasured data may help the policymakers to reduce the potential effects of soil contamination on eco-environment and human health.