Bioaccumulation and adverse effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on ecosystems and human exposure: A review study on Bangladesh perspectives

Abstract

Abstract As a developing country, Bangladesh has produced, utilized, imported, and released several types of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). However, currently we only have limited information about their eco-toxicological impacts on the ecosystem and human beings. For this reason, it is important to assess the contamination levels of common POPs (DDT, HCH, HCB, PCB, heptachlor, and ∑ PFAAs, PFOA, PFOS) and their damaging impacts on the health of people and ecosystems in Bangladesh. Admittedly, POPs are extremely resistant to natural decomposition in the environment and remain in the aquatic environment, soil, food cycles, and finally in the human body for decades even after production has stopped. POPs are proven to adversely affect people’s health. Indeed, they can disrupt endocrine, reproductive, immune and nervous systems as well as cause behavioral problems, diabetes, thyroid problems, and even cancer. As well, these contaminants interrupt the food chain and resist vital physiological functions in the long term. Therefore, investigations of environmental and ecological impacts of POPs on physiological functions of the human body are urgently required. This review paper aims to summarize the environmental toxicity levels of POPs in Bangladesh and their lethal concentrations which are creating diseases through the destruction of the human body’s vital organs. The findings will underpin future policies and lead to good, practical decisions regarding how to properly manage of POPs contamination in the ecosystem of Bangladesh and on a global scale.