Assessment of Trace Metal Contamination in Water and Sediment of Some Rivers in Bangladesh

Trace metal contamination is a major problem globally, especially in developing countries. In this study, the levels of trace metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, and Pb) in water and sediment of some peripheral rivers of Dhaka City, Bangladesh, were investigated. Huge amount of municipal wastes, industrial effluents and agricultural runoff from the periphery of Dhaka City notably are dumped to these rivers. Most of the effluents channeled into these rivers are not treated. Sediment and water samples were collected from selected stations along the various rivers in winter and summer seasons and analyzed for the trace metals of concern. Considering the sampling sites, the decreasing order of total metal concentration in water samples were Cr > Cu > As…