Water Quality of Coal Ash Pond and Its Impact on Adjoining Surface and Groundwater Systems

Abstract

This study was performed to know the quality of coal ash pond water of Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant (BTPP) and its impact on the surrounding surface and ground water systems. Three different types of water samples i.e., directly from coal ash pond, nearby surface water and groundwater system were investigated. Physico-chemical parameters [pH, EC, TDS, Turbidity, DO and BOD] and different heavy metals [Pb, Cr, Fe, Zn and Cu] of water samples were determined. The concentrations of heavy metals were found very high in the investigated area. The contamination level was measured through different water pollution indices such as heavy metal pollution index (HPI), heavy metal evaluation index (HEI), and degree of contamination (Cd). According to water quality standards of Bangladesh standard and International standards it was indicated that this water was highly polluted with regards to Pb, Cr, Fe, Zn and Cu. From this study it can be suggested that if necessary steps should not be taken in near future the heavy metal contamination of coal ash pond will be a serious threat to human and environment. This research will enhance the public awareness about heavy metal contamination.