Archival indicator of metal pollution in a tropical monsoon coastal region: Impact on environment and human health

Abstract

Ample sediment and bivalves from six distinct sites along Bangladesh's southern coast were employed to assess the pervasiveness of heavy metal contamination and probabilistic human health implications. For the first time, the extent and spatial distributions of seven metals (Fe, Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni, Mg, and Cd) were determined, together with the associated risk to human and ecological health, from sediment deposition stations and bivalve dwelling sites along the coast. Fe (680.14), Zn (30.94), Pb (6.90), Cr (20.25), Ni (17.50), Mg (917.4), Cd (0.25), and Fe (632.89), Zn (192.29), Pb (0.29), Cr (0.04), Ni (0.03), Mg (201.36), and Cd (0.02) were found to have the mean concentrations (mg/kg) in sediment and bivalve, respectively. The study revealed that all the metals found in sediment and bivalves fell within the safe levels established by international and national laws. Indices and chemometrics disclosed prevalent anthropogenic interferences of hazardous inorganic metals. Despite the lack of a confirmed health concern for the Indigenous community, it is crucial to continue surveillance and implement the necessary measures in the coming year to prevent heavy metal bioaccumulation and biomagnification in Bangladesh's resource-rich, mighty coastal region.