Water Pollution in a Densely Populated Megapolis, Dhaka

Water

卷:12

IvanW.H. Fung¹  Toriqul Bashar² 

[1] Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong, China;

[2] Institute for Social Policy, Housing & Equalities Research, Heriot Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK;

关键词: urbanization;    water pollution;    environmental sustainability;    megapolis;    Dhaka;    LDCs;   

DOI  :  10.3390/w12082124

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Rapid urbanization has been a boon for industrial growth in Bangladesh, leading the Dhaka megapolis to become one of the least livable places in the world. These circumstances, however, have received little attention by policy makers and in academic research. Using mainly secondary data, this article explores the water quality of the river Buriganga that flows across Dhaka and identifies major sources of pollutants. While much of the article analyzes the sources and extent of pollution, it also points toward a great threat to public health from the presence of high levels of heavy metals, such as chromium, lead, and iron, as well as chemicals, including ammonia and phosphate. Moreover, the article recommends some policy changes that could potentially reduce pollution levels and boost water sustainability not only in Dhaka but also in other fast-growing cities in the least developed countries (LDCs).

【 授权许可】

Unknown