A STUDY ON THE GROUNDWATER CHARACTERISTICS IN SATKHIRA MUNICIPAL AREA, BANGLADESH (MS Thesis)- Degree Awarded

Abstract:

Many parts of Bangladesh rely heavily on groundwater for residential and drinking water, but both natural and man-made pollutants are posing a growing danger to the quality of this water. Using key physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Salinity, Bicarbonate, Chloride, Nitrate, Sulfate, Calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium) and Toxic metals (Ferric and Ferrous iron, Arsenic, Chromium and Lead), this study evaluates the spatial variation of groundwater quality across selected wards in the Satkhira Municipality. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and the Bangladesh Drinking Water Standards (BDWS) were compared with the water samples. The results showed trace levels of Arsenic, as well as higher iron concentrations in many samples that were over allowable limits, which raised worries about possible long-term health hazards. Furthermore, certain wards with high TDS, salinity, and Sodium levels show restricted appropriateness for irrigation and drinking. For safe water access, the report suggests ward-by-ward water quality monitoring, the use of rainwater collection systems, and the deployment of localized water treatment technology. Sustainable groundwater management and regional public health protection depend on these measures, as well as increased community knowledge and stricter enforcement of regulations.

• Supervision