This study assessed heavy metal contamination and ecological and human health implications in waters of mudskipper habitats along the southeastern Bay of Bengal coast, Bangladesh. Concentrations of Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Co, Mn, Zn, and Fe were quantified by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Nickel had the highest concentration (0.33 mg/L), followed by Co (0.15 mg/L), Pb (0.09 mg/L), Mn (0.06 mg/L), Cd (0.04 mg/L), and Cu and Zn (0.03 mg/L), while Cr and Fe were below detection limits. Significant spatial variation (p < 0.05) indicated contamination linked to maritime activities, agricultural runoff, hatchery effluents, domestic waste, and coastal transport. Correlation, principal component, and cluster analyses revealed co-occurrence patterns consistent with mixed anthropogenic and natural influences. Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, Co, and Zn were associated with localized human activities, whereas Mn, Fe, and Cr patterns may reflect geochemical inputs, low concentrations, or analytical non-detection. These findings indicate potential source patterns rather than definitive source apportionment. Human health risk assessment identified dermal absorption as the dominant exposure pathway, with children more susceptible than adults. Several hazard quotient and hazard index values exceeded the screening threshold (HI > 1.00), particularly for Cd, Ni, Co, and Mn, indicating possible non-carcinogenic concern. Carcinogenic risk was mainly associated with Cd, Ni, and Pb, although estimates were sensitive to exposure assumptions and cancer slope factors. Overall, the study provides baseline evidence for contamination in mudskipper-associated intertidal waters and supports integrated coastal monitoring programs for water, sediment, and biota along Bangladesh's southeastern coast.
Md. Simul Bhuyan, Vinmoy Mondal, A. Morshed et al.· Marine Pollution Bulletin· 0 citations
Indoo air pollution poses a critical public health risk, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions like Bangladesh, where inadequate ventilation and climatic conditions intensify exposure risks. This study investigated seasonal and diurnal variations in indoor air quality (IAQ) across AC and Non‐AC environments in Mymensingh, assessing compliance, pollutant correlations, and quantification of health risks (ELCR, HQ). Measurements of PM
1
, PM
2.5
, PM
10
, TVOCs, HCHO, temperature, and humidity were taken from 56 rooms (28 AC, 28 Non‐AC) during the monsoon and post‐monsoon seasons using real‐time monitors. During the post‐monsoon season, PM
2.5
levels in Non‐AC rooms reached 123.29 µg/m
3
in the afternoon, compared to 79.79 µg/m
3
in AC rooms, while PM
10
concentrations peaked at 145.32 µg/m
3
in Non‐AC environments and 89.75 µg/m
3
in AC rooms. TVOC levels were highest in AC rooms, reaching 884 µg/m
3
, likely due to limited ventilation, and HCHO concentrations in AC spaces (301.14 µg/m
3
) consistently exceeded WHO guidelines. Temperature and humidity influenced pollutant dynamics, with PM levels positively correlated with temperature and HCHO negatively correlated. Health risk assessments revealed significant hazards during the post‐monsoon season, with children in Non‐AC environments facing high estimated lifetime cancer risks (ELCR) from PM
1
(5.16E‐03) and PM
2.5
(2.7E‐03), while AC environments showed elevated risks from HCHO (8.75E‐06). Hazard Quotients (HQ) for PM
2.5
(9.30) and PM
10
(3.21) in Non‐AC environments reached alarming levels, indicating severe non‐carcinogenic risks. Source apportionment using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) identified distinct pollutant sources, underscoring the complex interplay of indoor and outdoor factors. Spatial analysis highlighted central urban zones as high‐risk areas due to traffic emissions and commercial activities. These findings emphasize the dual burden of particulate exposure in Non‐AC spaces and chemical accumulation in AC environments, influenced by seasonal shifts. Policy reforms focusing on source reduction, improved building codes, and public awareness are crucial to mitigate health disparities in tropical urban settings.
Md. Monabbir Hossain, M. Sojib, Md. Azharul Islam et al.· Environmental Quality Manage...· 0 citations
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