Padma River Research Articles

Natural radioactivity and concomitant radiological risks in sediments of the Padma river near Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant of Bangladesh: Pre-operational status

Abstract In this study, natural radioactivity levels in sediments of the Padma River and concomitant radiological risks were assessed. Sediment samples were collected from the Padma River near the under-construction Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) of Bangladesh and analyzed for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K radioactivity levels using a gamma-ray spectrometry system. The activity concentrations (Bq kg−1) of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in sediments of the Padma River varied from 45.6 ± 6.7 to 119 ± 11 with average 73.2 ± 17.4; 49.8 ± 6.9 to 137 ± 11 with average 86.6 ± 20.3, and 540 ± 23 to 1,032 ± 32 with average 782 ± 146, respectively. This study indicates that activity concentrations of these radionuclides in the Padma River sediments are relatively higher than the world average values. Among the seven radiological hazard indices determined, four of them: radium equivalent activity, annual effective dose rate, and external and internal hazard indices are within their international guideline values. However, values of absorbed dose rate, gamma representative level index, and excess lifetime cancer risk are considerably higher at all sampling points, suggesting radiological risks for the river environment. The statistical analyses revealed a strong correlation between 238U and 232Th radionuclides. The spatial distribution of activity concentrations and radiological hazard indices for the studied area will serve as a documented radiological reference for the Padma River near RNPP. This study recommends routine monitoring of the radionuclides in the surrounding regions of RNPP to assess any post-operational environmental impact due to radionuclide contamination.

Communal nesting ecology of Little Tern (Sternula albifrons) and Small Pratincole (Glareola lactea) in two seasonally emerged riverine islands in Bangladesh

Abstract The nesting ecology of two wetland-dependent bird species, the Little Tern (Sternula albifrons) and the Small Pratincole (Glareola lactea) were studied in two seasonally emerged riverine islands, locally named as charlands in Padma River of Bangladesh. A total of 269 and 299 nests of Little Tern and Small Pratincole were found in the breeding season of 2022. We monitored 70 nests of the two species from two charlands, and the nesting success was 74.28% and 78.57%, respectively. No correlation was found between nesting success of both species in relation to clutch size, nest height, nest depth and presence of vegetation near nest. We found strong positive correlation between nesting success and nest distance to river for Little Tern. Nesting success was higher if the Little Tern’s nests were located far from the river channel. However, no such trends were observed for Small Pratincole in the study area. The main factor affecting Little Tern nesting success was nest predation by avian predator (n = 6) and tropical storms (n = 3). On the contrary, eight Small Pratincole nests were predated by avian predators and four nests were lost due to storm. However, in case of 12 deserted nests (with unhatched eggs) of both species, no apparent reasons were identified. The study suggests that these charlands, if protected from human interferences, can provide great breeding support for colonial ground nesting waterbirds.

Environmental factors regulating the population dynamics and reproductive strategy of freshwater mussel Parreysia corrugata in the Padma River, Bangladesh

Freshwater mussel Parreysia corrugata is an ecologically important species endemic to south-east Asia, which has been suffering from a dramatic decline in recent years. The present study investigated the population dynamics and reproductive strategy of P. corrugata in a changing climate of Bangladesh waters. Mussels were sampled monthly from January to December 2021 from the Padma River near the Rajshahi city of Bangladesh. A total of 809 specimens were collected with a sizes ranging from 36.07 to 101.41 mm shell length and 7.92–87.54 g weight, respectively. The mussels displayed a growth pattern characterized by negative allometry in body weight-shell length relationship. The asymptotic length (L∞) was 106.05 mm, the growth coefficient (K) was 0.370 per year, and the growth performance index (Φ′) was 3.58. The recruitment of P. corrugata was occurred throughout the year, with a peak during the month of February. The annual total mortality (Z) was 1.15, and natural mortality (M) and fishing mortality (F) were 0.61 and 0.54 per year, respectively. The exploitation level was E = 0.47 which indicates a state of under exploitation. Sex was identifiable throughout the study period and the sex ratio of the mussels did not differ significantly from the 1:1 (M: F) ratio ((χ2 = 15.80, P > 0.05). In terms of gonadal development, maturation, and spawning activity, both sexes had similar trends. Histology identified five gonad development stages for both male and female mussels: early developing, late developing, ripe, spawning, and spent. Monthly GSI data showed significant seasonal fluctuations with the highest GSI in April and it was sharply declined in May indicating the peak spawning of the mussels, which was in consistent with condition index and gonadal histology. All the physicochemical parameters showed significant variation except for pH. The most important factors explaining mussel body condition (b value) and reproductive strategies (GSI and CI) were water temperature, dissolved oxygen and water level. Although no known major threats of this species have been documented from Bangladesh, conservation measures could be adopted to protect the natural habitats of P. corrugata from adverse physicochemical and hydrological factors.

Bridge Construction Impacts the Adjacent Channel Morphology and Turbidity: A Study on a Dying Distributary of River Padma

River-road crossings are one of the basic infrastructures for rolling the wheels of development of the modern world facilitating connectivity and overcoming geographical obstacles. Their impacts on the hydro-geomorphology of the riverine landscape and the lotic habitat is a long concerning issue amongst scientists, planners and stakeholders. The construction of a new highway bridge over the Jalangi River commenced a few years ago, experiencing occasional halts and progressing at a notably sluggish pace. However, in 2022, the construction gained momentum and was completed in 2023. The study aims to evaluate the influence of the bridge and its construction procedures on the river’s channel morphology and turbidity. We gathered data on various structural aspects of the recently built highway bridge at Krishnagar spanning the Jalangi River, a dying distributary of the Padma River. This included assessments of channel geomorphology and information to water turbidity. To assess the impact of road crossing on channel geomorphology we applied tools of w/d ratio, channel efficiency and channel asymmetry (A*). At-a-station channel geomorphology of the river was drastically impacted by the structure of the bridge and its construction processes. As the river is a dying one, the impulse of road crossing felt to the downstream insignificant. The impact of road-river crossing on water turbidity appears significant at the construction site. Non-clearance of debris and soil from river beds and banks obstructed animal movement along the river banks. In like environments where robust data forms the foundation, it is recommended to pursue additional research to identify a mitigation strategy for the way forward.

Assessment of the activity concentration of radon and its health hazard in surface water around the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) site, Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Radon is a colourless, unscented, radioactive inert gas. As a gaseous element, Rn-222 can be effectively breathed in, leading to a health hazard. The main objective of this study is to measure the amount of Rn-222 concentration in surface water and its associated health hazards around the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) construction site area in Bangladesh. Twenty water samples were collected each year (2022 and 2023) from different specific locations of the Padma River and investigated for radon concentration through a Durridge RAD7 detector with RAD H2O accessories. The range of radon activity in surface water measured from 0.070 ± 0.035 to 0.385 ± 0.211 BqL−1 with a mean activity of 0.194 ± 0.114 BqL−1 in the year 2022 and in the year 2023, the range of radon activity in surface water measured from 0.035 ± 0.070 to 0.455 ± 0.239 BqL−1 with an average activity of 0.228 ± 0.140 BqL−1. All the radon concentration results were below the recommended limits of WHO (100 BqL−1) and USEPA (11.1 BqL−1). The ranges of annual effective dose (AED) were from 0.1911 to 1.051 µSvy−1 and from 0.095 to 1.242 µSvy−1 in the years 2022 and 2023, respectively, which were lower than the AED recommended by WHO (0.1 mSvy−1). The mean values of excess lifetime cancer risk are 0.0021 × 10−3 and 0.0025 × 10−3 in the years 2022 and 2023, respectively, which were lower than the average standard value recommended by UNSCEAR (0.29 × 10−3). The result of this investigation can be applied as baseline data for radon concentration measurement in the under-construction nuclear power plant site area vicinity of Bangladesh.

Analyzing the association between the hydrodynamics and bank erosion along the Padma River: 2020 monsoon floods

The 2020 Monsoon floods submerged two-thirds of Bangladesh, profoundly affecting the stable char areas along the Padma River. This study addresses the under-explored link between Monsoonal flood hydrology and river morphological changes, introducing a novel approach that integrates one-dimensional steady flow hydraulic modeling, dual-sensor satellite imagery analysis (Sentinel-1 SAR and Sentinel-2 optical), and multiple machine learning techniques to assess flood impacts on bank erosion in the most affected reaches. Multiple linear regression (MLR), random forest (RF), artificial neural networks (ANN), and support vector machines (SVM) along with other statistical analyses, were employed to elucidate relationships between hydraulic variables and bank erosion. Results indicated a gradual decrease in river discharge-related variables from July to October, with peak erosion in July, primarily along the right banks and concave areas. In analyzing the relationships between hydraulic variables and bank erosion, the ANN model outperformed others, identifying flow area, stream power, and shear stress as the most influential predictors through importance analysis. This integrated approach offers a transferable framework for analyzing flood-induced bank erosion, enhancing riverbank erosion understanding crucial for flood risk management strategies in Bangladesh and similar river systems worldwide.

Tracing fluorescent dissolved organic matter (fDOM) characteristics and water quality parameters: Insights from an urban industrial river to marine zone.

This study aims to identify continuous water quality changes and identify fluorescence properties from urban rivers to marine zones. Various types of natural and anthropogenic sources derived dissolved organic matter (DOM) have been identified in this study. These include soil-derived DOM, plant remnants, and soluble particles produced when organic material partially decomposes and is released by microorganisms, such as bacteria, algae, and plants. DOM was characterized using a three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (3DEEM), parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC), and water quality parameters from the Buriganga River, Dhaka to Patenga Seaport, Chittagong, along with the Shitalakshya River, a small portion of the Padma River, and the Meghna River. To better understand the data analysis, the study area was divided into three central regions: urban industrial rivers, industrial estuarine rivers, and marine zones. In the urban industrial river, 3DEEM and PARAFAC identified five fluorophores (peaks: A, C, M, T, and Tuv) with five components: detergent-like, fulvic-like, tryptophan or protein-like, fulvic-like (C-type), and protein-like, which might originate from the industrial activities and sewage pollution. In the industrial estuarine river zone, three fluorophores have been identified (peaks: A, C, Tuv) with two known components, namely, fulvic acid (A-type) and fulvic acid (C-type), with an unknown photoproduct at Ex/Em = 295/368 (peak Tuv). Components in the industrial river zone may originate from terrestrial sources, indicating vegetation along the river. In the marine zone, four fluorophores have been identified (peaks: Tuv, A, T, C) with two components, that is, protein- or tryptophan-like and humic acid-like from coral origin. The intensities of both fulvic-like and protein-like substances were high in urban industrial river water owing to industrial activity and sewage pollution. SUVA254 suggests high aromaticity in all three regions, whereas the optical properties suggest that terrestrial and microbial components are present in the urban industrial and estuarine rivers. This further indicates that urban industrial river water quality is highly polluted. The lowest degradation potential index (DPI) in the marine zone might result from the presence of the highest number of dissolved solids in the water, and the highest DPI of industrial estuarine rivers explains the comparatively high presence of terrestrial-derived humic (A)- and humic (C)-like components in the ratio to the unknown photoproduct of mid-wavelength. PRACTITIONER POINTS: This study's uniqueness is a 220-km cruise from an urban river to a coastal seaport to analyze fluorescence properties. The study found that most water parameters were within the DoE standards, except for DO, which was consistently low. 3DEEM-PARAFAC identified five fluorophores linked to detergent, fulvic, and protein-like substances from sewage and industrial sources. Our study concludes that microbial and terrestrial sources dominate dissolved organic matter in urban, estuarine, and marine regions.

Flowing Prosperity: Empowering Riverbank Communities in Rajshahi City

This study investigates strategies to enhance the quality of life for riverbank communities in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh, situated along the Padma River. A comprehensive analysis of socioeconomic, environmental governance, and community aspects, the study identifies key challenges and opportunities. By paying attention to the natural resources and cultural heritage of the riverbanks, the endeavor seeks to foster socio-economic growth, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. Findings reveal pervasive socio-economic disparities, exacerbated by environmental degradation and governance shortcomings. The study also indicates that only 78% of inhabitants take the polio vaccine and the Body Mass Index shows 72% of people are under-weight. Despite these challenges, the study highlights community resilience, and the potential of grassroots initiatives to effect positive change. The study emphasizes the importance of integrated and participatory approaches to address the multifaceted issues facing riverbank communities. By prioritizing socio-economic equity, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment, it is possible to create inclusive and resilient communities along the riverbanks of Rajshahi City in Bangladesh. Through collaborative efforts including local stakeholders, governmental bodies, and non-profit organizations, the study creates opportunities for inclusive participation, enhances livelihoods, and promotes resilience against socio-economic challenges. The authors identify why these (River-bank people) cannot manage the sustainability of river ecosystems, health problems, and sustainable development, which advocates for a harmonious balance between social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Finally, a well-thought-out recommendation has been drafted by the authors.

FORMATION AND EVOLUTION OF SANDBARS IN THE PADMA RIVER, BANGLADESH

Sandbars are natural formations in river channels, typically composed of sand and other sedimentary particles, created by river flow and erosion-deposition The shapes, sizes, and types of these sandbars exhibit diversity depending on factors such as river flow, sediment composition, hydrological conditions, and erosion-deposition processes. These sandbars are an integral part of the river ecosystem and influence the water flow patterns, navigation routes, aquatic habitats and even provide shelter to humans and habitats. In the context of Bangladesh, there is a considerable size of population that dwell in these sandbars. The process of sandbar formation and recession is quite dynamic, and its complexity is further accentuated within the confluence zones. The Ganges, the Brahmaputra, and the Meghna River systems together form the largest delta (GBM Delta) in the world which is characterized by numerous interlaced rivers, canals, and streams. These river systems contain numerous sandbars which contribute to its complex river morphology. These sandbars are home to many people, animals, and wildlife. However, the dynamic nature of sandbars, high monsoon discharge, flooding and erratic erosion-deposition patterns make the sandbar formation and recession process quite unpredictable and puts the lives of people living on it in danger. This paper aims to study the morphological changes in sandbars, the erosion-deposition patterns within these river systems causing the sandbar formations, compare the sandbar formations in the two confluence zones of the Padma River, determine the changes in water-sandbar surface area ratio, visualize the evolution of sandbars, and quantify the movements of sandbars. The study revealed that over the past two decades (1990-2010), the main channel of the river was dominated by sandbar area. In contrast, in the past 7 years (2016-2022), the average surface area of water within the main channel of the Padma River was approximately 73,387 ha while the sandbars covered an area of around 51,274 ha, highlighting the recent dominance of water in the main channel. Conversely, in a similar time frame (2016-2022), at the two confluence zones of the Padma River, the average surface area of sandbar was greater than that of water within a 30km radial distance from each confluence node. At the upstream confluence (Padma-Jamuna-Ganges), the average surface area of sandbars was approximately 40150 ha while water covered an area of around 28531 ha. Similarly, at the downstream confluence (Padma-Meghna), sandbars covered an area of 43696 ha on an average while water covered an area of around 40889 ha. This showed that sandbars have been rapidly accumulating at the two confluence zones. It is also observed that the sandbars are very dynamic as both lateral and longitudinal migrations are observed. It is however evident that the littoral sandbars are more stable compared to the medial sandbars and therefore more suitable for habitation. From visual inspection it is evident that the bankline of the medial sandbar (Amirabad) shifts more rapidly compared to the littoral sandbar (Harirampur within the period from 2016 to 2022. Additionally, the coefficient of variation of area for the littoral sandbar and the medial sandbar are approximately 2.11% and 5.37% respectively. This indicates that the area of the littoral sandbar is more stable over the years compared to the medial sandbar as it has a lower coefficient of variation and therefore is less active. Over the years, the confluence nodes on either side of the Padma River have constantly shifted due to rapid sandbar accumulation. Between 1990 and 2022, the maximum shifting of the upstream and downstream confluences reached approximately 7500 meters and 18000 meters respectively, both in the southeast direction.

Size-specific variations in the length-weight relationship and relative condition factor of Hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha) across its habitats in Bangladesh

The length-weight relationship (LWR) and relative condition factor are widely used as the most important biological parameters to infer the growth pattern and well-being of fishes. The aim of our study was to investigate the growth parameters of the LWR in different growth phases of Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha), a flagship species of Bangladesh, and compare its relative condition factors across its major habitats. Fish from various rivers in Bangladesh and the Bay of Bengal were sampled, their length-weight growth parameters were measured and subjected to statistical analysis with pooled data from other studies. An isometric growth pattern in Hilsa was predominantly found in the size classes of 25 ≤ TL (total length) < 30, 30 ≤ TL < 35, and TL ≥ 40. However, the size class TL < 25 showed negative allometric growth with the value of the exponent (b, also known as growth coefficient) between 2.797 and 2.833. The highest weight-growth of Hilsa was within the size class of 35 ≤ TL < 40, with exponent values of 3.271–3.381 (positive allometric growth) across habitats. Our results revealed that the exponent value varied significantly (P < 0.05) between different size classes of Hilsa except between 30 ≤ TL < 35 and TL ≥ 40; however, no such significant differences in the exponent values were found across habitats. The Akaike Information Criterion value was lowest for the size-specific length-weight regression model of Hilsa, indicating it was the best-fit model compared to the habitat-specific and pooled sample models. The relative condition factor of Hilsa by habitat was found in the order of Meghna > Bay of Bengal > Andharmanik > Biskhali > Tetulia > Padma. Additionally, the relative physiological well-being of Hilsa from the river Padma and Tetulia was poor compared to that of other habitats. A more in-depth analysis is required to determine the factors that can influence Hilsa's growth and well-being in relation to habitat quality. The present findings have significant relevance for fisheries biologists and managers in understanding and interpreting Hilsa's ecology, relative well-being of populations of same or contrasting habitats, demographic assessment, and for better management of Hilsa in the future.

Assessment of vulnerability to flood risk in the Padma River Basin using hydro-morphometric modeling and flood susceptibility mapping.

An evaluation of flood vulnerability is needed to identify flood risk locations and determine mitigation methods. This research introduces an integrated method combining hydro-morphometric modeling and flood susceptibility mapping to assess Padma River Basin's flood risk. Flood zoning, flooding classes, and resource flood risk were explicitly analyzed in this river basin study. Flood risk was calculated using GIS-based hydro-morphometric modeling. Using Horton's and Strahler's methods, drainage density, stream density, and stream order of the Padma River Basin were determined. The Padma River Basin has five sub-basins: A, B, C, D, and E, with stream densities of 0.53km-2, 0.13km-2, 0.25km-2, 0.30km-2, and 0.28km-2 and drainage densities of 0.63km-1, 0.16km-1, 0.29km-1, 0.35km-1, and 0.33km-1, respectively. Sub-basin A is the most prone to floods due to its high stream and drainage density, whereas B and C are the least susceptible. This study used elevation, TWI, slope, precipitation, NDVI, distance from road, drainage density, distance from river, LU/LC, and soil type to create a flood vulnerability map incorporating GIS and AHP with pair-wise comparison matrix (PCM). The study's flood zoning shows that the northeastern part of this basin is more likely to flood than the southwestern part due to its elevation and high-order streams. Moderate River Flooding, the region's most hazardous flood class, covers 48.19% of the flooding area, including 1078.30 km2 of agricultural land, 94.86 km2 of bare soil, 486.39 km2 of settlements, 586.42 km2 of vegetation cover, and 39.34 km2 of water bodies. The developed hydro-morphometric model, the flood susceptibility map, and the analysis of this data may be utilized to offer long-term advance alarm insight into areas potentially to be invaded by a flood catastrophe, boosting hazard mitigation and planning.

Properties of concrete using water from the Padma River and the Shitalakshya River, Bangladesh

Assessing the impact of river water on concrete properties is an important aspect of the construction industry, especially in regions with significant exposure to riverine environments, like Bangladesh. This study investigated the applicability of river water in concrete manufacturing regarding its compressive strength and density. Water samples were collected from two major rivers (the Padma and the Shitalakshya) in Bangladesh and analyzed for thirty water quality parameters. 168-cylinder specimens were cast and tested for compressive strength after curing for 7, 14, and 28 days. The investigation was also carried out with two different coarse aggregates (brick and stone chips) in the mix design. Curing was performed with fresh and river water separately. Therefore, ten different experimental conditions were explored. The compressive strength of concrete using river water compared to freshwater decreased from 0 to 24%, except for three cases, where strength increased by 4.2%, 7.3%, and 8%. The variation in water quality between the two rivers significantly influenced the reduction in compressive strength. Higher values of pH, total suspended solids, total solids, ammonia, total hardness, alkalinity, and conductivity in the Padma River water led to a greater reduction in compressive strength than using the Shitalakshya River water. The type of coarse aggregate used also had an impact on strength. Both rivers’ water met the concrete production standards; nevertheless, a pre-treatment process is recommended. Successfully using river water in concrete production could reduce the demand for freshwater resources, contributing to the construction industry’s sustainability.

Fluvio-geomorphic change of the Padma-Meghna river course using the NDWI and MNDWI techniques

ABSTRACT This study intends to investigate the fluvial-geomorphic change and erosion-accretion processes of two significant rivers. The 2149 km2 research area’s overall erosion and accretion were depicted using multi-temporal Landsat images and Normalized Difference Water Index, Modified Normalized Difference Water Index methods to measure and investigate change. However, focus has been placed on four unique sections that are prone to erosion, and the bank migration of the section has been measured in order to depict the actual state of erosion. The Padma-Meghna River eroded approximately 11.0, 77.0, and 13.0 km2 between 1973–1978, 1978–1989, and 1989–1994. However, 78.0 and 48.0 km2 of accretion occurred in the years between 1994 and 1999 and 1999 and 2004. Moreover, between 2004 and 2021, the river’s erosional activity was remarkably dynamic compared to deposition. Besides, 64 km2 and 4 km2 of land accretion occurred during 2008–2014 and 2014–2019, while 77 km2 and 68 km2 of land eroded during 2004–2008 and 2019–2021. The overall rates of erosion and accretion are 5.12% and 4.04%, respectively. Statistically, both banks of the Padma River eroded about 2 km from 1973 to 2021. Padma-Meghna confluences are more unstable and susceptible to change. The Meghna’s left bank moved 4.5 km east between Goshairhat and Haimchar in 1989, and in 2008, the river shifted 4.8 km west from the river of 1994. In 1989, it moved 5 km east from a previous location between Goshairhat and Haiderganj, and in 2008, it moved 6.3 km west from the 1989 river. The bank migrated 12 km eastward in 2014 from where it was in 2008 through the bar development. The Mehendiganj Upazila’s eastern side lost more than 7.4 km between 1973 and 2021, and the current major channel is simply 7.4 km west of the 1973 river. The findings of the dynamic changes might be useful to planners, developers, researchers, and government agencies as they develop and put into practice new development initiatives and river basin management.

Present status of brood stock management and breeding operations at Carp Hatcheries in Jashore, Bangladesh

Sustainable aquaculture production depends on the proper management of brood stock. In this regard, multiple survey studies were reviewed to assess the present status of management of carp brood stock at Jashore region in Bangladesh from March 2023 to August 2023. A total of 38 hatcheries were selected in Jashore. The areas of ponds were ranged from 33.33 to 400 decimal and shape with maximum rectangular. The green color water of pond was 79% and 75% practice pond drying. Most of the farmers applied liming doses were ranged from 500- 1200 gm dec-1. Most of the farmers used rotenone (39%) to control predators in the brood stock pond. Different sorts of fertilizers both organic and inorganic were applied. Most of the brood stocks (39%) were collected from the hatcheries and the rest of them were collected from other pond, World fish, BFRI and the natural sources (Halda and Padma River). Moreover, 4 carp species (rui, catla, mrigala and kalbashu) among 13 endemic and 4 exotic carp species (silver carp, grass carp, bighead and common carp) out of 6 exotic carp’s species were used for seed production. Negative selection of brood stock was performed in few hatcheries in order to reduce the cost for collecting or purchasing good quality broods. The formulated feed which contained 20-30% protein for carp brood stock were prepared using the indigenous ingredients including mainly rice bran, mustard oil cake, vitamin and mineral premix, wheat flour, fish meal and soya bean flour and maize flour. The main problem of hatchling production is Argulosis (fish lice) diseases which causes 95% of hatchlings mortality. Finally, these survey findings indicate that proper brood stock management could be a good approach to attain the main purpose of aquaculture.

Bioaccumulation and lipid quality indices in Paratelphusa lamelifrons from padma river in Bangladesh: Implications for environmental and public health

This study examines the impact of heavy metals on the aquatic ecosystem, specifically focusing on the freshwater crab Paratelphusa lamellifrons from the Padma River. The investigation reveals that heavy metals (Mn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Cd, and As) are present in the crab specimens, with Cd exceeding international standards. However, the levels of heavy metals in the crabs are below the suggested intake limits, indicating no immediate harmful effects. Nevertheless, the target hazard quotient and Hazard Index values suggest a potential hazard, and the target cancer risk value indicates a carcinogenic risk from Cd consumption. Significant positive correlations are found between Pb and As, Cu and As, and Cu and Pb. Furthermore, different body parts of the crabs exhibit varying ratios of fatty acids, cholesterol-related indexes, and thrombogenicity indexes. The study concludes that while the current crab accumulation levels are safe for consumption, long-term excessive intake may pose health risks.

Land Cover Change using GIS and RS Techniques of the Padma River Floodplain in the Three Adjacent Districts in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a nation characterized by its reliance on river systems for various aspects of its socio-economic and geographical features. The region experiences a significant number of natural disasters every year as a result of the existence of the river. The region undergoes regular riverbank erosion as a result of the continuous changing of river channels. This study aimed to assess the changing of the Padma River and its impact on land use and land cover in the three adjacent districts of Munshiganj, Madaripur, and Shariatpur. Geographic Information System (GIS) along with remote sensing (RS) techniques were employed to analyze data collected between 1988 and 2023. Best results in detecting land-use/land-cover type and identifying erosional impact were achieved using K-means cluster unsupervised image classification. The accuracy of image preprocessing and classification was separately evaluated using the kappa coefficient. For the years 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, 2017, and 2023, the findings indicated an overall accuracy of 86.36%, 83.32%, 87.1%, 85.43%, 87.3%, 87.92%, 88.42%, 90.06% and a kappa coefficient of 83.02%, 83.32%, 86.66%,85.37%, 87.78%, 87.29%, 87.91%, 86.59% respectively. Arable land accounted for 56.40 percent of the overall accreted land area (26340.06 ha), whereas cropland accounted for just 5.99 percent (2798.10 ha) based on long-term river channel migration results. In 35 years, arable land (23661.21 ha) suffered the most erosion (55.42%), followed by inland water (3351.53 ha), which suffered the least (7.15%). The implementation of an embankment inside the research area is proposed as a potentially efficacious strategy for mitigating riverbank erosion in this particular region. The government may implement long-term rehabilitation projects to support individuals who have been displaced by bank erosion and are now landless. Jagannath University Journal of Science, Volume 10, Number I, Jun. 2023, pp. 43-54

Fostering Resilience: An In-depth Investigation into the Dynamics of Growth and Development in Slum Children

The goal of the study is to understand the socio-economic and educational circumstances of Slum dwellers in the Rajshahi City Corporation. The study was carried out in the Jahaj Ghat area, which is located on the Padma River. 31 street children were chosen to collect data at random from the vulnerable slum. Interviews and questionnaires were conducted with the kids and their family heads. The finding reveals that the households are at significant risk related to housing, shelter, sanitation, water, social security, education, health, and livelihood troubles. Finally, the study recommended resolving the existing problems which will empower the parents of the slum dwellers to provide adequate support for their children to continue schooling.

The Impacts of Environmental Amenities and Recreational Sites on Sustainable Human Life in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh

Environmental amenities and recreational sites are the blessing of nature that promote sustainable urban life through raising living standard quality of urban residents. This study is an effort to assess the impact of environmental amenities and recreational sites on urban human life. For achieving research objectives primary data was obtained through a simple random survey conducted on 400 in-house residents of Rajshahi City. The data was analysed in terms of frequency, percentage, graph chart and likert scale measurements for getting result according to research demand. The survey reveals that the Padma River was most picturesque and relaxing place to 73.25% of the respondents. Regarding social cases the presence of environmental facilities community wellbeing (84% respondents’ opinion) and social network (66% respondents’ opinion) has increased while social crime (76% respondents’ opinion) has decreased. Availability such amenities prevent chronic diseases (76% respondents’ opinion) and promotes mental health (89% respondents’ opinion) along with longevity of life (76.75% respondents’ opinion). A high percentage of respondents agreed that these amusement sites create employment (66% respondents’ opinion) and develop infrastructure (77% respondents’ opinion) and local business (70% respondents’ opinion). Cultural enrichment including preservation cultural heritage (26% respondents’ opinion), fostering cultural festival (33% respondents’ opinion), cultural views exchange (23% respondents’ opinion) have occurred while environmental pollution including noise (76% respondents ‘opinion), land (66% respondents’ opinion), and water (86% respondents’ opinion) and air pollution (83%respondents’s opinion) have remarkably reduced due to these amusement sites in the study area. Finally, this study proposes that upgrading recreational spaces, preservation of cultural heritages, integrating green infrastructure, health programs in green places, more recreational sites, public-private partnership, community engagement help to foster inclusive, comfortable and sustainable urban life.

Assessment of fish biodiversityin the Padma river fromFarakka Barragepoint to the Shampur Nagar Ghat, Rajshahi, Bangladesh

The Padmariver starts from the Himalayas and enters into Bangladesh through the district of ChapaiNawabganj. Farakkabarrage has resulted in a significant alteration in the richness of fish in thisriver. We assessed the fish biodiversity of the Padma river through river and local market visit. The current investigation yielded a total of 37 fish species, divided into 9 orders and 17 families. The highest number of fish belongs to order Cypriniformes (43%) followed bySiluriformes (19%), Perciformes (16%), Clupiformes (11%); whereas the threatened fish species encountered 35% (Vulnerable 8%, Endangered 24% and Critically Endangered 3%), based on IUCN Bangladesh (2015) criteria. The obtained result argued that the abundance of fish biodiversity at the Padma river is sharply declining and many fish species is now under threat due to anthropological effect.

Assessment of the Efficiency of 5th (20 KM) Hilsa Shad (Tenualosa Ilisha) Sanctuary of the Padma River (Bangladesh) for Sustainable Policy Formulation and Conservation Management

Abstract The studied area is the single largest fishery in Bangladesh. The present work was conducted at two points of the Padma River (Sureshwar and Tarabunia) from July 2019 to June 2021 to monitor the efficiency of the 5th Hilsa sanctuary. Proportion of spent rate, length frequency, larvae and Jatka abundance, CPUE of larvae, the length-weight relationship of Jatka, plankton composition, and physico-chemical parameters of water were assessed and found adequate in the Hilsa sanctuary.