Impacts of the Partial Relocation of Hazaribagh Tanneries on the Environment and Human Health: Focus on Children and Vulnerable Population

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study is to determine whether the partial relocation of Hazaribagh tanneries has any effect on the area’s soil quality with respect to chromium and to determine a possible link between human exposure/diseases to chromium, with the focus being placed on children and vulnerable population.
 Methodology: Geochemical sampling and public health research related to fieldwork (Focus Group Discussions, two In-Depth Interview, and Key Informant Interview).
 Main Findings: The study indicates that there is a significant presence of chromium in the area’s soil two years following the partial relocation of Hazaribagh tanneries. Flu-like symptoms, generalized skin rash, and fertility issues are common in the vulnerable population. The residents are ignorant, belong to the marginalized section of the society, and do not fully comprehend of the impact of environmental exposure to chromium.
 Applications of this study: The geochemical data may be used to identify in situ treatment technologies for remediation of the area’s soil. The public health data will allow health policymakers to generate ideas and implement solutions to one of the greatest health challenges faced by the impacted population.
 Novelty/Originality of this study: The study is multidisciplinary by nature and employs science and technology to systematically develop an insight into the environmental contamination resulting from the release of untreated effluent and solid waste containing chromium.

Bangladesh: Climate Change Issues, Mitigation, and Adaptation in the Water Sector

“…Overall, in Bangladesh, the impacts of changing climate pose serious threats to the quality and availability of source water through increased surface runoff of pollutants and sediment, water shortage resulting from drought, and salt water intrusion. ,, It is extremely important that there is systematic monitoring of both surface water and groundwater. Specifically, given that the majority of the population is heavily reliant on groundwater resources, there should be regular monitoring in place to evaluate the functioning of the hydro-geological system and the velocity of the salinization processes .…”

“…In many regions, urban infrastructure and services have not kept pace with rapid urban growth. Unplanned urban growth and rapid industrialization along with a lack of sewage and wastewater treatment facilities, and an absence of effective pollution control measures as well as legal enforcement, have been identified as the main causes of increased pollution of numerous surface water bodies, including wetlands. − Within the Ganges delta, there are 12 main freshwater and saltwater wetlands (haors and baors). Many of the wetlands and wetland-reliant ecosystems, ecological diversity, farming, pisciculture, shrimp aquaculture, and subsistence patterns are under serious threat because of the climatic variations …”