Impact of River Water Quality on Public Health in Perspective of Asian Rivers: A Case Study of Buriganga River, Bangladesh

Abstract

Water pollution is one of the current global problems. So many countries are suffering from this problem specifically most South Asian and Southeast Asian countries, and Bangladesh is one of those countries that are suffering from water pollution. Furthermore, the city of Bangladesh, Dhaka is one of the most densely populated cities in the world and overpopulation is showing a negative impact on the water quality now. Most of the rivers are very polluted around Dhaka city because of anthropogenic causes. This study focused on Buriganga river pollution and its impact on public health. This study intended to find out the major cause of Buriganga river pollution and the health status of the community living beside the Buriganga river. Also the study identified all the common diseases which people are suffering from around the Buriganga river area. Then the study compared the results with other southeast Asian countries so that it can make the relationship and can make it easier to understand the current situation of water pollution on public health in East Asia and Southeast Asia regions. During the research work, it was noticed that the Buriganga river is very polluted due to human activities. The transportation system, fishing, and waste canals from industries become the primary reasons behind Buriganga’s current condition. Also irresponsibility of both the environmental department and civil society is the major factor in Buriganga river pollution. The hygienic level was also not in a good condition because so many wastes like plastic materials and other daily use materials were thrown out into the river. That’s why public health conditions around the Buriganga river become vulnerable nowadays. So policies have to be implemented from the right perspective and the institutions have to be strong enough to handle all the issues regarding the Buriganga River.

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“…Moreover, flooded areas may experience a breakdown in sanitation infrastructure, further the potential for the fecal contamination of water sources. A considerable proportion of households in Dhaka are highly vulnerable to flooding [14], with 63% and 20% of slum and non-slum households falling in this category. A total of 63% of slum inhabitants are highly vulnerable, whereas 78% of non-slum habitats are in the low-vulnerability category [14].…”

“…A considerable proportion of households in Dhaka are highly vulnerable to flooding [14], with 63% and 20% of slum and non-slum households falling in this category. A total of 63% of slum inhabitants are highly vulnerable, whereas 78% of non-slum habitats are in the low-vulnerability category [14]. Addressing flood-related effects on water quality is imperative for safeguarding the health and well-being of Dhaka City's residents and necessitates integrated strategies for flood management and water sanitation.…”

“…The most common ailments reported are as follows: diarrhea (56.5%), skin diseases (31.1%), cholera (11.1%), and malaria (2.2%). Hence, diarrhea and skin diseases are the prevailing diseases in the Buriganga River area [14]. Various factors have deteriorated the water quality of the Buriganga River, adversely affecting its aquatic ecosystems.…”

“…There is significant concern regarding certain key water parameters, including pH, BOD, DO, and chloride levels, as they consistently do not meet the environmental standards established by the Department of Environment, Bangladesh [15]. In recent years, the Buriganga River has faced an alarming crisis, escalating its status to Bangladesh's most polluted river [14]. The primary culprits behind the pollution of the Buriganga River are anthropogenic factors, including the rapid urbanization of Dhaka City, industrial revolution, population density, and climate change effects.…”