Research Article Open Access

MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS LEVELS IN LITTORAL SEDIMENTS FROM THE NORTH EASTERN PART OF THE BAY OF BENGAL COAST, BANGLADESH

Abstract

Heavy metal contents (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe) in littoral sediments of the Bay of Bengal coast were examined in this study. Sediment samples of five different sites were subjected to a total digestion technique (HNO3 – HCl – HF conc.) and analysed for selected heavy metals by AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry). Sediments were evaluated based on Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQG). The degree of contamination (Cd) was estimated for each site. The data obtained indicate that the sediment sample demonstrate various degrees of metal accumulation and can be used as indicators for the type and quantity of anthropogenic contamination in marine ecosystems. To be more specific, high concentration of Cd and Pb determined the study sites may indicate a fresh and continuous contamination from domestic and industrial discharges. The results in sediments samples showed that the Bay of Bengal coast is facing beyond any question heavy metal pollution.

ASHRAFUL M.A.K, ZAINI B. ASSIM AND NORHADI ISMAIL