The mega-scale open beaching shipbreaking operations in Bangladesh, conducted over the last four decades, have resulted in the uncontrolled discharge of hazardous waste, including metal/loids, into the surrounding environment, leading to the contamination of soil, water, and food chain. This study by the Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering suggested that highly toxic inorganic arsenic, lead, and cadmium could pose significant environmental threats to agroecosystems and human health. This study addressed environmental issues by quantifying metal/loids in agricultural soil, rice, and vegetables and investigating their sources, spatiotemporal dynamics, and associated human health risks. The findings help to inform management strategies for protecting agroecosystems and public health.

Read the whole article: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132931