Investigation of Physicochemical and Microbial Water Quality at Some Selected Tannery Industries in Savar

Water is the most vital resource for life on Earth. Water quality in the Dhaleshwari River, adjacent to the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Tannery Industrial Estate, was assessed due to concerns over microbial presence and heavy metal contamination. Fifteen water samples were collected during the post-monsoon season and were examined using numerous methods. (November of 2024). The total carcinogenic risk was inconsiderable, whereas 95% of samples presented a medium non-carcinogenic risk through skin absorption, as revealed by the study. Though physicochemical parameters were within acceptable limits and biological features were above allowable values. Physicochemical parameters were within acceptable limits, and biological features were above allowable values. All samples exhibited high amounts of heavy metals: Zn (3.196 – 9.946 mg/L), Pb (4.356 – 9.56 mg/L), Cd (4.413 – 5.9 mg/L), Cr (3.196 – 6.73 mg/L), Cu (3.92 – 5.406 mg/L), Ni (2.306 – 3.703 mg/L), and Fe (46.946 – 194.94 mg/L), suggesting considerable contamination, whereas some physicochemical parameters were within acceptable bounds and biological features above allowable values. All samples were determined to be unfit for domestic use based on water quality ratings (WQI varied from 72,679.18 to 89,206.77) and ecological evaluations (ERI ranged from 49,037.16 to 64,620.27) that found significant hazards to aquatic life, notably chromium. The findings of the study emphasize the importance of improved wastewater treatment and regulatory activities to combat environmental degradation and preserve local ecosystems.

Keywords: Heavy metals; E. coli, Human health risk assessment, WQI, ERI, ICPMS.