Impact of industrialization and urbanization on water quality of Surma River of Sylhet City
Mujibur Rahman, Fahmida Ishaque, Md. Altaf Hossain, Imran Hussain Mahdy, Partha Protim Roy
Abstract
ABSTRACT The discharge of households and industrial waste into the river adversely affects the water quality, causing existential problems for aquatic life and health risks to those living near rivers. This study investigated the effect of industrialization and urbanization on the water quality of the Surma River of Sylhet City in Bangladesh. The water samples were obtained and analyzed in the laboratory for water quality monitoring from various sampling areas using geographic information systems and remote sensing. The analysis of water quality was determined using the water quality index of parameters in the National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index (NSFWQI), comprehensive pollution index (CPI), and river pollution index (RPI) methods. Based on the NSFWQI techniques, the results revealed that the Surma River’s water quality is average. Simultaneously, the CPI indicates severe quality water in 1/3rd of the sampling sites and remains 2/3rd of the sampling areas demonstrating medium-quality water. The RPI implies a moderate water quality. Because of the accelerated urbanization and industrialization on the riverside, river water’s pollution level is increasing. It is therefore essential to analyze all factors that affect water quality deterioration and appropriate intervention.