Final Report

on
Environmental Impact Study of Two Tannery Estates on the
Buriganga and the Dhaleshwari Rivers
 Acknowledgements

The Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS), a Public Trust
under the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR) is greatly indebted to the Department of
Environment (DoE) for awarding the study of ‘Environmental Impact Study of Two Tannery
Estates on the Buriganga and the Dhaleshwari River’.
Firstly, CEGIS would like to show the utmost gratitude to Dr. Sultan Ahmed, Director
General, Department of Environment (DoE) for his confidence in CEGIS for the
accomplishment of the assignment. We also express sincere gratitude to Mr. A. K. M.
Rafiqul Islam, Deputy Director, Natural Resources Management (NRM), DoE for his valuable
directions and advices on various aspects of the study from the beginning of the study.
CEGIS also expresses its gratitude to Dr. Md. Sohrab Ali, Director, Dhaka Laboratory, DoE,
for his continued support and guidance in achieving various tasks of the impact evaluation
and solution recommendation study in an efficient way. We are very thankful with such
distinction to have a provocative Director from DoE who made such an environment to
complete the whole work very smoothly.
Last but not the least; CEGIS is appreciating the support of Mr. Shariful Islam, Chemist,
Dhaka Laboratory Office, DoE for his enormous support during reconnaissance visit and the
detail field visit during the study.

i
ii
 Table of Content

Acknowledgements ............................................................................................. i
List of Tables .................................................................................................... vii
List of Figures ................................................................................................... ix
Acronyms and Abbreviations ........................................................................... xiii
Unit of Measurement ...................................................................................... xvii
Executive Summary ......................................................................................... xix
1. Introduction ................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Background ................................................................................................ 1

1.2 Objectives .................................................................................................. 2

1.3 Scope of Works ........................................................................................... 3

1.4 Study Areas................................................................................................ 3

1.5 Approach and Methodology........................................................................... 6

1.5.1 Approach ........................................................................................... 6

1.5.2 Methodology ...................................................................................... 6

1.6 Limitation of the Study .............................................................................. 17

2. Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area ................... 19

2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 19

2.2 Physical Environment ................................................................................. 19

2.2.1 Water quality ................................................................................... 19

2.2.2 Land resources ................................................................................. 27

2.2.3 Soil quality ....................................................................................... 29

2.3 Biological Environment ............................................................................... 31

2.3.1 Plankton Status ................................................................................ 31

2.3.2 Fisheries Resources ........................................................................... 31

2.3.3 Ecological Resources ......................................................................... 36

2.3.4 Agricultural resources ........................................................................ 38

2.4 Socio-economic Condition .......................................................................... 39

2.4.1 Socio-economic Resources ................................................................. 39

2.4.2 Population, Demographic Profile and Ethnic Composition ........................ 40

2.4.3 Settlement and Housing .................................................................... 40

2.4.4 Public Utilities ................................................................................... 42

2.4.5 Economy and Employment ................................................................. 42

3. Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area .................. 45

iii
 3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 45

3.2 Physical Environment ................................................................................. 45

3.2.1 Water Availability of Dhaleshwari River ................................................ 45

3.2.2 Quality of Savar Tannery Effluents ...................................................... 46

3.2.3 Water Quality of Dhaleshwari River ..................................................... 49

3.2.4 Odor of Savar Tannery Estate ............................................................. 56

3.2.5 Land Resources ................................................................................ 63

3.2.6 Soil Quality ...................................................................................... 65

3.3 Biological Environment ............................................................................... 65

3.3.1 Plankton Status ................................................................................ 65

3.3.2 Fisheries Resources ........................................................................... 66

3.3.3 Ecological resources .......................................................................... 69

3.3.4 Agricultural resources ........................................................................ 73

3.4 Socio-economic Condition .......................................................................... 74

3.4.1 Socio-economic Resources ................................................................. 74

3.4.2 Population, demographic profile and ethnic composition......................... 74

3.4.3 Settlement and Housing .................................................................... 75

3.4.4 Public utilities ................................................................................... 77

3.4.5 Economy and employment ................................................................. 78

4. Existing Wastes Management Facility at STE .............................................. 81

4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 81

4.2 Waste Generation Status ............................................................................ 81

4.2.1 Liquid waste ..................................................................................... 81

4.2.2 Solid waste ...................................................................................... 81

4.3 Management Plans/Facility ......................................................................... 83

4.3.1 Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) ............................................ 83

4.3.2 Solid Waste Disposal Yard .................................................................. 84

4.3.3 5.0 MW Sludge Power Generation System (SPGS) ................................. 85

4.3.4 Systematic drainage system ............................................................... 86

4.3.5 Internal road network development ..................................................... 86

4.4 Status of waste management facilities of STE ............................................... 87
5. Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate ..................................... 89

5.1 Impact on Water Quality ............................................................................ 89

5.1.1 Changes in physical quality of the water .............................................. 89

5.1.2 Changes in chemical status of the water .............................................. 89

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 5.1.3 Changes in metal status of the water .................................................. 90

5.1.4 Changes in WQI ................................................................................ 90

5.2 Impact on Planktons .................................................................................. 91

5.3 Impact of Odor ......................................................................................... 91

5.4 Impact on Soil Quality ............................................................................... 92

5.5 Impact on Fisheries Resources .................................................................... 92

5.5.1 State and pressure for Chromium (Cr) ................................................. 92

5.5.2 Impact Assessment ........................................................................... 93

5.5.3 Sensitivity of fish to heavy metal ........................................................ 93

5.6 Impact on Ecological Resources .................................................................. 94

5.6.1 Impact on Flora ................................................................................ 94

5.6.2 Impact on Fauna............................................................................... 95

5.6.3 Landscape capacities to supply Ecosystem Services in and around the

Hemayetpur tannery area .............................................................................. 96

5.7 Impact on Agricultural Resources ................................................................ 99

5.7.1 Bio-accumulation .............................................................................. 99

5.7.2 Irrigation ......................................................................................... 99

5.7.3 Crop loss ......................................................................................... 99

5.8 Impact on Socio-economic Condition ......................................................... 100

5.8.1 Human health................................................................................. 100

5.8.2 Labor and working condition............................................................. 100

5.8.3 Standard of living ........................................................................... 100

5.8.4 Force changes of livelihood .............................................................. 101

5.8.5 Waste management due to increase population .................................. 101

5.9 Impact Evaluation of Savar Tannery Estate ................................................ 101
6. State of Environment of Two Sites Tannery Estate ................................... 111
7. Future Management Suggestions ............................................................. 117

7.1 Performance Improvement of the CETP ...................................................... 117

7.2 Managing Odor Problem ........................................................................... 117

7.3 Managing Soild Wastes ............................................................................ 117

7.4 Enhancing Ecological Resources ................................................................ 118

7.5 Improving Socio-economic condition .......................................................... 118

7.6 Resources Monitoring............................................................................... 118

7.7 Institutional Framework ........................................................................... 119
8. Conclusions .............................................................................................. 121

v
 8.1 Conclusions ............................................................................................ 121
References ..................................................................................................... 123
Appendix A: Reconnaissance Field Visit ......................................................... 129
Appendix B: Matrix-Evaluation of Socio-Economic Status............................... 135
Appendix C: Available fish species in the Buriganga River ............................. 137
Appendix D: Major fish species in the Dhaleshawari river system .................. 139
Appendix E: Chemicals Used in Leather Processing ........................................ 141
Appendix F: ES scoring matrix of Hemayetpur Tannery area .......................... 145
Appendix G: Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan ................................. 147

vi
 List of Tables

Table 1.1: Aspects of Literature Review and list of Organizations Visited to Collect
Information .......................................................................................................... 8
Table 1.2: Water Quality Parameters and Testing Laboratories .................................... 9
Table 1.3: Water Quality Sampling Sites and their Characteristics ............................. 10
Table 1.4: The Weighted Values of Water Quality Parameters in Water Quality Index
System – NSF ..................................................................................................... 13
Table 1.5: Water Quality Rating as per NSFWQI ...................................................... 13
Table 1.6: Soil, river bed and plant sampling locations and its characteristics ............. 14
Table 1.7: Parameters observed and sampling frequency ......................................... 15
Table 2.1: Physical water quality status of the Buriganga River ................................. 20
Table 2.2: TDS and salinity status of the water quality of Buriganga River .................. 22
Table 2.3: Status of organic pollution in the Buriganga River .................................... 23
Table 2.4: Status of chemicals in Buriganga River ................................................... 23
Table 2.5: Status of metals in Buriganga River........................................................ 24
Table 2.6: Classes of water in respect to Water Quality Index (WQI) ......................... 27
Table 2.7: Land Use of Hazaribagh Tannery Estate .................................................. 27
Table 2.8: Presence of Chromium (Cr) in soil, sediment and plant in Hazaribagh Tannery
Estate ................................................................................................................ 29
Table 2.9: Composition of Zooplankton in Buriganga River ....................................... 31
Table 2.10: Breakdown of fish habitats in the HzTC ................................................. 33
Table 2.11: Seasonal Variation in Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation in to Fish .................. 36
Table 2.12: Breakdown of Fish Production from Different Habitats in the HzTA ............ 36
Table 2.13: Locations of the study area along with coverage of Upazilas .................... 40
Table 2.14: Demographic Scenario of the Study Area .............................................. 40
Table 3.1: Physical characteristics of the effluent quality of Savar Tannery Estate ....... 47
Table 3.2: TDS Concentrations of the Effluent of Savar Tannery Estate ...................... 48
Table 3.3: Status of Organic Pollutants in the Effluent Quality of Savar Tannery Estate 48
Table 3.4: Status of metal pollutants in the effluent of Savar Tannery Estate .............. 49
Table 3.5: Physical Characteristics of the Water Quality of the Dhaleshwari River ........ 49
Table 3.6: TDS and Salinity status of the Water Quality of the Dhaleshwari River ........ 51
Table 3.7: Status of organic pollution of the Dhaleshwari River ................................. 52
Table 3.8: Status of Chemicals in the Dhaleshwari River .......................................... 53
Table 3.9: Status of Metals of the Dhaleshwari River ............................................... 54
Table 3.10: Water Quality Index Calculation ........................................................... 55
Table 3.11: Classes of Water in Respect to Water Quality Index (WQI) ...................... 55

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Table 3.12: Standard for Odor of ECR, 1997, SCHEDULE – 8 .................................... 57
Table 3.13: Rate of emission of the Odorant from tannery industry ........................... 60
Table 3.14: Maximum concentration of the Odorant pollutants disperse from Savar
Tannery Estate ................................................................................................... 60
Table 3.15: Land Use of Hemayetpur/Savar Tannery Estate ..................................... 63
Table 3.16: Presence of Chromium (Cr) in soil, sediment and plant in Hemayetpur
Tannery Estate ................................................................................................... 65
Table 3.17: Composition of Zooplankton in Dhaleshwari River................................... 66
Table 3.18: Hazards of Trace Elements or Ions ....................................................... 67
Table 3.19: Breakdown of fish habitats in HmTC ..................................................... 68
Table 3.20: Breakdown of fish production in HmTA .................................................. 69
Table 3.21: Chromium concentration of plant bodies along the study area.................. 73
Table 3.22: Locations of the study area along with coverage of upazilas .................... 74
Table 3.23: Demographic scenario of the study area ............................................... 74
Table 3.24: Demography of ethnic groups .............................................................. 75
Table 3.25: Household monthly income and expenditure in the study area ................. 78
Table 4.1: The proportion of the types of tannery solid wastes generated from processing
of 1 ton of raw hides............................................................................................ 83
Table 4.2: Solid waste generation scenario ............................................................. 83
Table 4.3: Status of the existing waste management facilities in Savar Tannery Estate 87
Table 5.1: Order of heavy metal accumulation and sensitivity of different fish species . 94
Table 5.2: Area of landuses in three different time period ........................................ 96
Table 5.3: Impact evaluation of Savar Tannery Estate ........................................... 102

viii
 List of Figures

Figure 1.1: Hazaribagh Tannery Cluster and its Drainage System, which is Directly
Linked to the Buriganga ...................................................................................... 4

Figure 1.2: Savar Tannery Cluster, which is situated on the Bank of Dhaleshwari River.
............................................................................................................... 5
Figure 1.3: Flowchart of the Study Methodology .................................................... 7

Figure 1.4: Sampling Locations of Hazaribagh Tannery Estate ............................... 11

Figure 1.5: Sampling Locations of Savar Tannery Estate ....................................... 12

Figure 2.1: Trend of temperature, pH, DO and TSS in Buriganga River ................... 20

Figure 2.2: Trend of TDS in Buriganga River ........................................................ 22

Figure 2.3: Trend of organic indicators of water quality in Buriganga River .............. 23
Figure 2.4: Trend of NO3- and PO43- quality in the Buriganga River .............................. 24

Figure 2.5: Trend of Metals (Cr, Al, Pb, Zn) Concentrations in the Buriganga River ... 25

Figure 2.6: Status of fecal coliforms in Buriganga River ........................................ 26

Figure 2.7: Land use map of Hazaribagh Tannery Estate ....................................... 28

Figure 2.8: Time series data of Cr concentration in Hazaribagh soil ........................ 30

Figure 2.9: Time series data of mean Cr concentration in the Buriganga River sediment
............................................................................................................. 30
Figure 2.10: Exponential smoothing series with linear trend of habitat suitability scores
for the Buriganga River ..................................................................................... 32

Figure 2.11: Fish Composition of the Buriganga River at Baschila Bridge Point ......... 34

Figure 2.12: Historical Trend of Heavy Metal Bio-accumulation to Fish based on

Literature Review ............................................................................................. 35

Figure 2.13: Existing vegetation pattern of Hazaribagh Area .................................. 37

Figure 2.14: Chromium (Cr) Bioaccumulation at Hazaribagh Area main Channel ...... 39

Figure 2.15: Housing Tenancy in the Study Area .................................................. 41

Figure 2.16: Distribution of Households by Type .................................................. 41

Figure 2.17: Households by Drinking Water Facilities ............................................ 42

Figure 2.18: Employment Status among the Male-Female ..................................... 43

Figure 2.19: Occupation Status among the Studied Population .............................. 44

Figure 3.1: Historical Maximum Discharge of the Dhaleshwari River (1991-2013) .... 45

Figure 3.2: Monthly Variation of Average Discharge of the Dhaleshwari River (1991-
2013) ............................................................................................................. 46

Figure 3.3: Dependable Average flow analysis of Dhaleshwari River (1991-2013) .... 46

ix
Figure 3.4: Trend of Physical (pH, DO and TSS) Characteristics of Water Quality of the
Dhaleshwari River ............................................................................................ 50

Figure 3.5: Trend of TDS in Dhaleshwari River ..................................................... 52

Figure 3.6: Characteristics of BOD in Dhaleshwari River ....................................... 53

Figure 3.7: Status of Phosphate and Nitrate Concentrations in Dhaleshwari River..... 54

Figure 3.8: Status of Fecal Coliforms in Dhaleshwari River .................................... 55

Figure 3.9: Wind Histogram and WindRose diagram at Savar Tannery Estate .......... 59
Figure 3.10: Maximum Concentration of VOC after Dispersion from Savar Tannery
Estate ............................................................................................................. 61

Figure 3.11: Maximum Concentration of H2S after Dispersion from Savar Tannery
Estate ............................................................................................................. 62

Figure 3.12: Maximum Concentration of NH3 after Dispersion from Savar Tannery
Estate ............................................................................................................. 63

Figure 3.13: Land Use Map of Hemayetpur/Savar Tannery Estate .......................... 64

Figure 3.14: Discharge of Industrial Effluent into the Dhaleshwari River .................. 66

Figure 3.15: Exponential Smoothing Series with Linear Trend of Habitat Suitability
Scores for the Dhaleshwari River ....................................................................... 67

Figure 3.16: Fish species composition of the Dhaleshwari at Singair Bridge Point ..... 69

Figure 3.17: Existing vegetation pattern of the Haringdhara Site ............................ 70

Figure 3.18: Egrets observed at solid waste dumping site at Harindhara Tannery
Estate ............................................................................................................. 71

Figure 3.19: Wildlife distribution within the Harindhara Tannery Estate ................... 72

Figure 3.20: Bioaccumulation of heavy metals from tannery waste ......................... 73

Figure 3.21: Percentage of population by age group ............................................. 75

Figure 3.22: Housing tenancy in the study area (%) ............................................. 76

Figure 3.23: Distribution of households by Type ................................................... 76

Figure 3.24: Households by drinking water facilities ............................................. 78

Figure 3.25: Employment status among the Male-Female ..................................... 79

Figure 3.26: Occupation status among the studied population ............................... 79

Figure 4.1: General flow diagram for leather tanning and finishing process ............. 82
Figure 4.2: Design View of Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) and Dumping
(Disposal) Yard ................................................................................................ 84

Figure 4.3: Solid waste disposal yard.................................................................. 85

Figure 4.4: Layout Plan of SPGS (replacing Dumping Yard) building integrally with
CETP ............................................................................................................. 85
Figure 4.5: Internal road network system ........................................................... 86

Figure 4.6: Real picture of internal roads of Savar Tannery Estate .......................... 87

x
Figure 5.1: Comparison of WQI among Buriganga, Dhaleshwari and predicted
Dhaleshwari River condition .............................................................................. 91

Figure 5.2: Comparative scenario of Cr concentration in Hemayetpur and early stage

of Hazaribagh .................................................................................................. 92

Figure. 5.3: Landuse maps of the study area in three different time periods ............ 97
Figure 5.4: Ecosystem service capacity of different landuses of the study area ........ 98

xi
xii
 Acronyms and Abbreviations

% Percent
µg/L Microgram per liter
3R Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
American Meteorological Society/Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory
AERMOD
Model
AEZ Agro Ecological Zone
Al Aluminum
APHA American Public Health Association
As Arsenic
BADC Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation
BBS Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics
BSCIC Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation
BCSIR Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
BDT Bangladesh Taka
Bangladesh Finished Leather, Leather goods and Footwear Exporters
BFLLFEA
Association
BIWTA Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority
BLRI Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute
BMP Best management practices
BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand
BTA Bangladesh Tanners' Association
BWDB Bangladesh Water Development Board
Cd Cadmium
CEGIS Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services
cell/ml Cell per milliliter
CETP Central Effluent Treatment Plant
CFU Colony Forming Units
CH4 Methane
CNG Compressed Natural Gas
CNRS Center for Natural Resource Studies
COD Chemical Oxygen Demand
CPCB Center Pollution Control Board
CPD Centre for Policy Dialogue
CPUE Catch per Unit Effort

xiii
Cr Chromium
+6
Cr Hexavalent Chromium
Cu Copper
D/T Dilution Threshold
DCC Dhaka City Corporation
DNA Deoxyribonucleic Acid
DO Dissolved Oxygen
DoE Department of Environment
DPHE Department of Public Health Engineering
ds/m deciSiemens per metre
EC Electrical conductivity
ECR 1997 The Environment Conservation Rules, 1997
EIA Environmental Impacts Assessment
EPA Environmental Protection Agency of USA
EPB Export Processing Bureau
EQS Environmental Quality Standard
ES Ecosystem Services
ETPs Effluent Treatment Plants
EU European Union
FAO Food and Agricultural Organization
Fe Iron
FGD Focus Group Discussion
FWIP Future With Project
FWOP Future Without Project
GBM Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna
GC Gas Chromatography
GC-MS Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
GoB Government of Bangladesh
H2S Hydrogen Sulphide
ha Hactare
HCHO Formaldehyde
Hg Mercury
HH HouseHold
HmTC Hemayetpur Tannery City
HRs Hours
HTE Hazaribagh Tannery Estate
HU Hazen Units

xiv
HYV High Yield Variety
HzTA Hazaribagh Tannery Area
IECs Important Environmental Components
ILET Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology
ILO International Labour Organization
KII Key Informant Interviews
LDC Least Developed Country
LLWA Leather Labors Welfare Association
LRI Leather Research Institute
LWU Leather Workers Union
m Meter
m3/day Cubic meter per day
3
m /s Cubic meter per second
MAC Maximum Allowable Concentration
Mg Magnesium
Mg/Kg Miligram/Kilogram
mg/L Milligram per liter
Mg/L Miligram/Liter
Mg/m3 Miligram per Cubic Meter
MoU Memorandum of Understanding
MoWR Ministry of Water Resources
MT Metric Ton
NCA Net Cultivable Area
NGO Non-governmental organizations
NH3-N Ammonium Nitrogen
NO3-N Nitrate Nitrogen
NRM Natural Resources Management
NSF National Sanitation Foundation
NSFWQI National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index
NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Unit
o
C Degree Celsius
3
OU/m Odor unit per cubic meter
OUE European Odor Unit
OUM3 Odor units per unit volume
PAN Peroxyacetyl Nitrate
Pb Lead
pH Potential of Hydrogen

xv
PO43- Orhto-phosphate
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
ppm Parts per million
Pt-Co Platinum-Cobalt
RDPP Revised Development of Sludge Project Proposal
RMG Ready-Made Garments
ROS Reactive Oxygen Species
RRA Rapid Rural Appraisal
RTO Regenerative Thermal Oxidation
SEHD Society Environment and Human Development
SIS Small Indigenous Species
SO42- Sulphate
SPGS Sludge Power Generation System
SRDI Soil Resource Development Institute
SRDI Soil Resource Development Institute
SRTM Shuttle Radar Topography Missio
STE Savar Tannery Estate
TDS Total Dissolved Solids
TSS Total Suspended Solids
UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization
US EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
US$ United States Dollar
USGS U.S. Geological Survey
UV Ultraviolet
VOCs Volatile Organic Compounds
WQI Water Quality Index
Zn Zinc

xvi
 Unit of Measurement

1 m2 = 10.77 ft2
1 Decimal = 435.60 ft2
1 Decimal = 40.47 m2
1 Katha = 1.653 Decimal
1 Bigha = 33 Decimal
1 Bigha = 20 Katha
1 Acre = 3 Bigha
1 Acre = 60 Katha
1 Acre = 100 Decimal
1 Hector = 247 Decimal
1 Hector = 7.5 Bigha
1 Hector = 2.47 Acre
1 Anna = 0.0625 Decimal
1 Ganda = 0.0031 Decimal
1 Kara = 0.00078125 Decimal
1 Kranti = 0.00026 Decimal
1 Til = 0.000013 Decimal
1 feet = 0.3048 meter
1 yards = 0.9144 meter
1 cubic feet = 0.0283168 cubic meters
1 cubic feet = 28.316847 liter
1 mg/l = 1 ppm
1 gm = 1000 mg
1 km = 1000 m

xvii
xviii
 Executive Summary

From the very beginning of industrialization in Bangladesh, tanning industries have been
playing a significant role in the country’s economy. Due to its importance as a labor based
export oriented industry, the full flourish of this industrial sector is essential. In accordance
with this endavour, Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has shifted Hazaribagh Tannery
Industries from Hazaibagh, Dhaka to Savar Tannery Estate at Harindhara, Savar, Dhaka for
organizing and managing these industries with a target of sustaninable environmental
management and ensuring regulatory requirements in regard to environmental and social
standards. But, environmental pollution problems in Harindhara, Savar, have been
aggravating day by day. Therefore, Department of Environment (DoE) has engaged Center
for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) to conduct an
environmental impact study of these tannery industries on both the Buriganga and
Dhaleshwari River. The main purpose of this study is to assess the environmental impacts of
Savar Tannery Estate on the adjacent environment especially on aquatic ecosystems. In this
case, lessons those were learnt at Hazaribagh disaster, have been applied in assessing and
identifying the sectors/issues to be managed more effectively in Savar Tannery Estate.
In the entire study, a comprehensive methodology has been followed. Desk work and
literature reviews were conducted to understand the current situation of the industries and
the extent of activities to be performed. After realizing the facts and scope of works, the
study team performed a reconnaissance field visit to figure out the significant issues to be
addressed along with the best applicable methods for assessing those issues scientifically.
During the study, surface water availability and water quality were examined in the physical
environment while fish community and all the floral and faunal composition were assessed
for biological environment. To understand the socio-economic statuses properly, human
health, employment opportunity and standard of living were studied. In addition, agricultural
resources were studied to have a complete picture of the study areas. Water quality were
tested following in-situ and ex-situ methods whilst all other baseline information were
collected through field visits (checklists, observation, interviews etc.) supplemented by
secondary information from related organizations (BSCIC, BTA, LRI and DoE) and published
papers. This study also includes odor dispersion modeling for Savar Tannery Estate and
capacity assessment to support ecosystem services to the communities. AERMOD was
used to observe the odor dispersion in the study area while score based matrix was
performed to evaluate the ecosystem service capapcity.
Water quality has been chosen priority component in this study as tannery wastes impacted
this resource rapidly. Numerous indicators were used to assess the current water quality
status. Out of these, physical water quality parameters especially DO and TSS indicated
negative impacts of tannery wastes on water body. The DO level of Buriganga River was
about less than 2.5 mg/L while it was found in the range of 4.0-6.0 mg/L in the Dhaleshwari
River. DO status is still in good condiction in Dhaleshwari River than the Buriganga River.
TDS and salinity is not an issue at this moment in Buriganga and the Dhaleshwari River as
these two parameters complied with the national standards for both the cases. Simialrity was
also found in terms of Cr and other heavy metals such as Pb, Al and Zn as present
conditions are not harmfull for both the riverine ecosystems. In the evaluation of water
quality of Dhaleshwari River, there is an alarming issue of discharging high concentrations of

xix
 Executive Summary

organic, chemicals and metal pllutants directly into Dhaleshwari River which could have
adverse impacts on this aqutic ecosystem.
Polluted water affects fish community in many ways. Bio-accumulation of Cr was found high
in the fish body in Buriganga River due to high Cr disposal for a longer period in the river
which will ultimately affect the human who are consuming those fish. In the Dhaleshwari, no
such issues were found yet regarding Cr in fish body. Breeding zone and fish eggs were
damaged due to excessive pollutants and lack of light availability in the water column. The
same reasons afflict the floral and faunal composition in both the rivers. Buriganga River lost
its diversity since long while Dhaleshwari River started to face this problem since last year
(2017, starting of Savar Tannery Estate). For instance, water loving snakes and Indian
bullfrogs are already rare in Dhaleshwari River. Degrading of the riverine environment will
ultimately destroy all the habitats of faunal biodiversity and lastly the ecosystem services.
Agriculture is facing the same Cr bioaccumulation issue through ‘irrigation’ and ‘soil
pollution’. There is a chance of Cr bioaccumulation in food crops in both the areas of HTE
and STE. Beside the above stated scenarios, other frightening issues are the occupational
health and safety (OHS) and human health impacts on the surrounding communities due to
chemiclas used in rawhide and skin processing in the tanneries and by hazardous by-
products disposing into surrounding environment. Labors and staffs of tannery industries and
the neighboring living communities are facing chronic Odor issue along with skin diseases
and respiratory problems. In addition, unsafe working environment and lack of Personal
Protective Equipment (PPEs) puts tannery workers life in great danger.
Lastly, lack of cooperation among BSCIC, CETP Contractor, Tannery owners and
surveillance department e.g. DoE, is a barrier to manage this tannery sectors more
efficiently.
Suitable measures and its effective implementation could be the best solution in managing
Savar Tannery Estate efficiently.

xx
 1. Introduction

1.1 Background
Since independence of Bangladesh, the country is slowly and steadily turning its attention to
develop its economy, through industrial development, moving away from the agricultural
sector (Sarkar, M. A. R., 2013). And in line with that plan, the Government of Bangladesh
(GoB) has identified the leather sector as one of the promising sectors of the country with
considerable growth and investment potential ranked 5th in the export-earning sector.
Currently, Bangladesh produces and exports quality bovine and ovine, caprine (buffalo and
cow; sheep and goat) leathers that have a good international reputation for fine textured
skins. However, until now, the entire leather sector meets only 2.0% of the world’s leather
trade (US$75 billion). Leather industry contributes only 3.4% of total country’s export (EPB,
2016).
Leather industry plays an important role in Bangladesh Economy due to its large potential for
employment, growth and export. At the same time, it poses serious environmental threats by
discharging liquid effluents and solid wastes directly into surrounding low lying areas without
proper treatment (Tinni et al., 2014). Industrial wastes are major sources of pollution in all
environments which require onsite treatment before discharge into sewage system
(Emongor et al., 2005). In Bangladesh, there is a progressive increase in industrial wastes
and due to rapid industrialization such waste products have been causing severe
contamination to the air, water and soils thus pollutes the environment (Islam et al., 2000).
The DoE identified 900 large polluting industries, which have no treatment facilities for
effluent and wastes (DoE, 2001). These heavily toxic effluents were discharging directly to
adjacent soils and rivers (Khan, 2006). Among all the industrial wastes tannery effluents are
ranked as the highest pollutants (Azom et al., 2012).
The glaring evidence of industrial pollution could be noticed from the status of Buriganga
River and other adjacent rivers in Dhaka City such as Balu and Turag. Since 1970, the
wastes of Hazaribagh Tannery Estate (HTE), Dhaka are being discharged to the Buriganga
indiscriminately. Any of the tannery of HTE, didn’t have Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) for
treating chemical and metal pollutants coming from various rawhide and skin processing
units and finished leather production. Among all the industrial wastes, tannery effluents have
been ranked as the highest pollutants (Azom et al., 2012). About 40 heavy metals and acids
are used for processing rawhides using traditional approach (UNIDO, 2005). Around 220
tanneries were found in HTE and of them 113 were in functional mode before shifting of HTE
to Savar Tannery Estate (STE). It was found that 20,000 m3 of tannery effluents and 232
tons of solid waste were released per day during the operation period (1960-2012) of HTE,
(Paul et al., 2013).
The tannery industries at Hazaribagh made the most damaging effect on the environment of
Buriganga Watershed, which has caused serious impacts on human health, aquatic life, river
ecology, society and environment. Working in a congested and unhygienic environment
together with no safety protocols, the workers faced both health risks of exposure to many
hazardous chemicals especially Chromium (Cr). The most inacceptable condition is the odor
from leather industry, made the neighboring residents dissatisfied. Moreover, pollutants of
Buriganga River, at the very first, destroyed the habitat of aquatic organisms like pelagic

1
 Introduction

insects, benthos community and the fishes of the river, which disrupted the normal
ecosystem functions at the foremost and later shattered the ecosystem functions completely.
Water pollution tipped the degradation of soil quality over the last few decades as well. In the
end, water pollution of Buriganga River has created artificial crisis of the availability of
irrigation and recreational water use. Above all, loss of complete ecosystem services, has
become now one of the major concerns of the surrounding community.
At Hazaribagh, lack of development and effective implementation design of policies for the
maintenance and regeneration of the environment were the main lackings. In addition,
inadequate sewerage and infrastructure facilities were found to be the secondary reasons of
the Hazaribagh Disaster. These reasons made the situation worse (Banani, 2013) in the last
decade. Adding to this, in a growing city like Dhaka, it was difficult for the government to shift
human settlements who were residing near HTE. Unplanned tannery industry establishment
and lack of proper urban planning was the main reason behind the nuisance situation.
Having all those issues at once, the chance of restoring Buriganga River was becoming
narrower day by day. Nevertheless, western companies showed more reluctance in
purchasing leather and leather made finished products from the countries those are listed in
the least environmental management activities.
The Hazaribagh Tannery Industry, has been shifted to the new location at Horindhara, called
Savar Tannery Estate. A total of 200 acres of land were developed for 195 industrial plots in
four categories of A-D considering the plot size. STE includes industrial plots, Central
Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), disposal yard, administrative building, drainage facility and
sub-station for electricity supply to the industrial units. European Union (EU), obliged to
install CETP by June 2014 in a functional mode, which was found incomplete with its poor
construction materials, and faulty design in respect to treat all the pollutants coming from
effluents especially salinity of the water (Speaker of the Parliament, December 2017).
A total of 154 tannery industries have been shifted to this new tannery estate out of 155. Of
them, 111 industries have started productions partially with lots of difficulties. GoB, therefore,
has become more concerned about the management of the newly established tannery
industry more effectively.
Therefore, this study evaluated the likelihood of future impacts of Savar Tannery Estate on
the adjacent Dhaleshwari River and its surrounding environment having the management
approach as business as usual. This study also revealed environmental solutions to save the
surrounding environment from any further degradation.

1.2 Objectives
The overall objective is to compare state of environment of two sites Tannery Estates and
future projection of environmental impacts of STE if not managed properly.
However, this study has the specific objectives for:
 Evaluation of present tannery management activities, pollution abatement
measures and performance of CETP;
 Assessment of likely future impacts of newly established tannery industry on
Dhaleshwari River;
 Identification of best management aspects/practices for saving the adjacent
environment from degradation;

2
 Introduction

 Identification of future research studies and/or projects in favor of sustainable

management of tannery industries;

1.3 Scope of Works

This study is basically is a scoping study for finding out appropriate aspects of future
environmental management of Savar Tannery Industry and its wastes. The scope of works is
listed below.
 Ongoing tannery wastes management practices observation and
information/documents collection being used in handling this matter;
 Strategy and methods of pollution reductions measures; and
 Performance evaluation of CETP especially its water treatment capacity;
 Assessment of water availability, water quality and soil quality of the two
rivers;
 Assessment of pelagic and benthos community together with floral and faunal
diversity of the two rivers;
 Assessment of human health risk, employment opportunity and standard of
living of the residents neighboring in both of the study area (Hazaribagh,
Dhaka and Horindhara, Savar);
 Identification of important environmental components (IESCs) to measure the
qualitative and quantitative impacts of tannery industry on environmental and
socio-economic resources;
 Sorting of major issues and problems behind improper operations and
management of tannery industry in the current management practices;
 Application of focus group discussion (FGD), key informant interviews (KII)
and stakeholder consultation with relevant stakeholders, both in governmental
and non-governmental sectors, to find out the best tannery management
approaches/aspects /practices;
 Finding out the issues to be researched for the sustainable management of
leather industry at STE;

1.4 Study Areas

Study area consisted of two different locations named Site1 and Site 2 inside Dhaka District.
Site 1 was Hazaribagh Tannery Estate (HTE), its adjacent Buriganga River, and Site 2 was
the shifted tannery estate of Horindhara, called Savar Tannery Estate (STE) on the bank of
Dhaleshwari River. Around 8 km length and 2 km buffer zone for both the Buriganga and
Dhaleshwari rivers were considered as study areas. The main reason of this areas was to
see the direct impact of tannery industries along the rivers with tentative impacted zones. To
understand the study areas properly, a brief description is given below to address the
geographic locations and major features related to this study.

3
 Introduction

Hazaribagh Tannery Estate

Hazaribagh Tannery Estate is located very close to the bank of the Buriganga River. It was
established in 1960s on 62 acres of land. More than 220 registered tanneries, 90%
Bangladeshi, were located in Hazaribagh. Hazaribagh, once a peasant, semi-rural place in
Dhaka, is now a wasteland of toxic swamps, garbage landfills and mountains of
decomposing leather scraps. There was lack of planned infrastructure facilities at HTE. Most
of the tanneries were not properly modernized and were using non-or semi-mechanized
systems and antiquated processing methods. No tannery in Hazaribagh had effluent
treatment facilities, posed a grave threat to environment. The industries disposed their
untreated liquid wastes directly to the open drains, which was finally connected to the
Buriganga. Industries also threw their solid wastes on the road like dumping station. Dhaka
City Corporation (DCC) collected around 3,500 tons of solid wastes from this area every day
during the operation time, but they were not able to collect highly hazardous tannery wastes
properly. The Hazaribagh Tannery cluster is represented in Figure 1.1.

Source: Banani, 2013.

Figure 1.1: Hazaribagh Tannery Cluster and its Drainage System, which is Directly
Linked to the Buriganga

Buriganga is a tide-influenced river, passing through the west and South of Dhaka. Some
upstream rivers namely; Jamuna, Turag, Karnatali, Dhaleshwari and Tongikhal influence the
flow of this river. The Buriganga originated from the Dhaleshwari River near Karnatali. The

4
 Introduction

Turag has joined the Buriganga at Kamrangirchar of Dhaka. In fact, the main flow of the
Buriganga comes from the Turag. The present head of the Buriganga near Chhaglakandi
has silted up and opens only during floods but the lower part is still open throughout the
year.
The Buriganga is a single channel river whose upstream part is meandering in nature and
the downstream part is more or less straight. Flow and sediment supply from the upstream
to the Buriganga River is very low. It has been found that the bank line of the river is almost
fixed for the last 60 years except changing of the off-take.
The length of the Buriganga River is about 29 kilometres. The maximum width of the River is
480m and the minimum 80m with an average width of 270m. The width of the river is almost
same over the years.

Savar Tannery Estate (STE)

Savar Tannery Estate is situated at Horindhara on the bank of the Dhaleshwari River. A total
of 200 acres of land has been developed for 195 industrial plots in 4 different categories
(category A-D) considering the plot size. STE includes industrial plots, CETP, disposal yard,
administrative building, drainage facility and sub-station for electricity supply to the industrial
units. European Union (EU), obliged to install CETP by June 2014 in a functional mode,
which was found incomplete with its poor construction materials, and faulty design in respect
of treating all the pollutants coming from tannery effluents (Speaker of the parliament,
December 2017).

Dhaleshwari River

Figure 1.2: Savar Tannery Cluster, which is situated on the Bank of Dhaleshwari River

Dhaleshwari River is a left bank distributary of the Jamuna River and after flowing for about
160km, the river finally ends its journey at the Upper Meghna River. Average depth of
Dhaleshwari River is 122 feet (37m) and maximum depth is 265 feet (81m). Before entering
into Manikganj District, the River splits into several courses such as the Pungli, Louhajang
and Alongjani Rivers. The present course of the Dhaleshwari River is divided into two
courses, the Northern course goes through Dhaka District as the Bangshi River and the
Southern course as the Dhaleshwari River, enters into Manikganj. After flowing a few
kilometers, the river is further divided into two courses; the Northern course assumes the
name Dhaleshwari and merges with the Bangshi River, and the Southern branch taking the

5
 Introduction

name as Kaliganga River flows in the Manikganj District, which carries most of the flow of
the Dhaleshwari. The flow of the Ichamati and Buriganga merges with the Dhaleshwari
River. Finally, falling in the Lakhya River near Narayanganj District, the combined course
flows southwards to join with the Meghna River.

1.5 Approach and Methodology

1.5.1 Approach
This study followed a comprehensive approach in evaluating all the objectives properly. At
first, a reconnaissance field was (Appendix-A) conducted to finalize the effective
approaches and methods of the study. Then, this study evaluated impacts of Hazaribagh
Tannery activities on Buriganga River together with a trend analysis. In addition, status of
Dhaleshwari River and its adjacent areas were also assessed in terms of all environmental
and social components. The lessons those were learnt at Hazaribagh Tannery Estate and its
impacts on surrounding environment, was used to predict the impacts of Savar Tanneries on
Dhaleshwari River and its adjacent areas. At the end, realizing the situations and the
likelihood of future impacts of Savar Tanneries, environmental solutions were drawn for each
of the sectors supposed to be managed more effectively and efficiently.

1.5.2 Methodology
This study used both qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate the objectives of the
study properly. The overall study procedure and the methods are presented in the following
flowchart (Figure 1.3).

6
 Introduction

Study Methodology

Literature Review

Conceptualization and
Identification of Data Need

Data collection

 Secondary data collection

- Waste management;
- Capacity of CETP;
 Environmental and Social Baseline
information collection at Hazaribagh and
Savar Tannery area
- Air, Water and Soil quality
- Ecology;
- Fisheries;
- Agriculture and
- Standard of living;

Evaluation of Environmental
Management Plan of STE

Impact Prediction of Savar

Tannery Activities (FWIP/ Dissemination
FWOP) Workshop

Impact Evaluation Report Share

Comments and Suggestions

Further Management Aspects

Final Report Submission

Figure 1.3: Flowchart of the Study Methodology

7
 Introduction

Secondary Information Collection

Academicians, individual researchers and related stakeholders conducted studies on leather
processing system, leather products and potentiality in world market, pollution of leather
industry, tanneries effects and possible solutions for sustainable management of leather
sectors. Studies on the socio-economic consequences of leather industries are available in
different journals. Therefore, this study, reviewed all the above-mentioned issues from
published documents for gathering sufficient knowledge in relation to the study objectives. A
table containing aspects of literature review and secondary information collection
organizations is provided in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1: Aspects of Literature Review and list of Organizations Visited to Collect
Information
Secondary Information Data and knowledge gathering aspects/organizations
i.
Literature review
 Leather Industry Development and Export: Bangladesh
 Leather industry-environmental pollution and mitigation measures
 Environmental effect of leather industry in Bangladesh
 Environmental impacts assessment (EIA) of Tanneries
 Treatment of wastewater of tanneries in Bangladesh
 Environmentally sustainable leather industry in Bangladesh
ii.
Information from
 Major governmental and non-governmental organization acts for saving
Government/
natural resources;
non-government
 Department of Environment (DoE)
organizations
 Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB)
 Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR)
 Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services
(CEGIS)
 Center for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS)
 Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC)
 Professional associations;
 Bangladesh Finished Leather, Leather Goods and Footwear
Exporters Association (BFLLFEA)
 Bangladesh Tanners Association (BTA)
 Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology (ILET)
 Leather Labors Welfare Association (LLWA)
 Leather Workers Union (LWU)

Having a information and knowledge on Hazaribagh and Savar Tannery activities, an

extensive field visit was conducted in both the tannery estates for the detailed primary data
collection to construct a good baseline of both the study areas. The details of data collection
comprised of six different resources (Air, Water and Soil quality, Fisheries, Agriculture,
human health & standard quality of life) of three different types viz. Physical Environment,
Biological Environment and Socio-economic statuses of the study area.

8
 Introduction

Environmental and Social Baseline Information Collection

Physical Environment
Water availability: Mainly water availability, water quality, odor status and soil quality of
both the study areas were studied. Water availability of Dhaleshwari River at upstream of the
Savar Tannery was collected from North-Central hydrological region model predicted by
CEGIS.
Water Quality: A range of water quality parameters were selected in this study. Water
quality parameters were selected considering the type of tannery wastes (solids and liquids)
and its capacity in degrading water quality. Therefore, this study found numerous water
quality parameters those were assessed are listed in the Table 1.2.

Table 1.2: Water Quality Parameters and Testing Laboratories

Type Water Quality Parameters Testing Laboratory
Physical Odor On site measurement by U-50
Color Multiparameter Water Quality Meter
Temperature (HORIBA), device from CEGIS
Turbidity laboratory
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Organic Dissolved Oxygen (DO) DPHE Central Laboratory,
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) Mohakhali, Dhaka
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
Chemical Nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) DPHE Central Laboratory,
Ortho-Phosphate (PO43-) Mohakhali, Dhaka
Sulphate (SO42-)
Ammonium nitrogen (NH3-N)
Metal Chromium (Cr) DPHE Central Laboratory,
Aliminum (Al) Mohakhali, Dhaka
Lead (Pb)
Zinc (Zn)
Microbiological Fecal coliforms DPHE Central Laboratory,
Mohakhali, Dhaka

Surface water samples were collected in sterilized sampling bottles. Two sets of acidified
and non-acidified samples were collected from each sampling point. All the samples for
‘Metal’ assessment were gone under acidification to stabilize the sedimentation of dissolved
metals concentration inside the bottles. During transportation, samples were stored in the ice
box which contain temperature <10oC. E. coli sampling was carried out using EPA standard
method and submitted to DPHE Central Laboratory within 6 hours of sampling time.
A total of 7 sampling points was considered in this study to assess the surface water quality.
Two from Buriganga, two from Dhaleshwari River and three sampling sites from CETP and
solid waste dumping yard. The details of the sampling locations have been presented in
Table 1.3. The sampling locations of Hazaribag and Savar Tannery Estates are displayed in
Figure 1.4 and Figure 1.5 respectively.

9
 Introduction

Table 1.3: Water Quality Sampling Sites and their Characteristics

SL Sampling point Study Area Site Description and rationales Remarks
1 Baschila bridge Buriganga This site is a little bit upstream of the previously
disposed liquid waste from Hazaribagh tanneries
in Buriganga. This data showed the tannery effect
on upstream water quality.
2 Showari ghat Buriganga A bit downstream of Hazaribagh waste disposal Zooplankton sampling
point. Showari ghat was selected to see the point
overall water quality status of Buriganga river at
the downstream site.
3 Singai bridge Dhaleshwari This site will provide the upstream water quality of
Dhaleshwari River considering the new tannery
estate.
4 Milkyhata Dhaleshwari A bit downstream of Savar effluent disposal point. Zooplankton sampling
Milkyhata was selected to see the overall water point
quality status of Buriganga river at the
downstream site.
5 Effluent disposal point This site describes the effluent water quality being
Dhaleshwari
discharged after treatment by CETP.
6 Dometic water disposal point To ascertain the domestic water quality status
Dhaleshwari
being discharged into Dhaleshwari from Savar
tannery estate.
7 Soild mixed liquid at soild waste dumping yard To understand the umexpected effluent quality
Dhaleshwari
directly coming from tannery.

10
 Introduction

Figure 1.4: Sampling Locations of Hazaribagh Tannery Estate

11
 Introduction

Figure 1.5: Sampling Locations of Savar Tannery Estate

12
 Introduction

Water Quality Index (WQI) Assessment: The water quality index formulated by National
Sanitation Foundation (NSF), known as NSFWQI, was followed to calculate WQI of both the
water bodies (Buriganga and Dhaleshwari Rivers). The WQI was based upon nine water
quality parameters such as (i) Temperature, (ii) pH, (iii) Turbidity, (iv) Fecal Coliform, (v)
Dissolved Oxygen, (vi) Biochemical Oxygen Demand, (vii) Total Phosphates, (viii) Nitrates
and (ix) Total Solids. The recorded water quality data was transferred to a weighting curve
chart (), wherefrom a numerical value of Qi was obtained. The mathematical expression for
NSF WQI is given by-

Where,
Qi = sub-index for ith water quality parameter;
Wi = weight associated with ith water quality parameter;
n = number of water quality parameters
The weighted values of water quality parameters on water quality index system is presented
in Table 1.4. For this NSFWQI method, the ratings of water quality were defined by using
Table 1.5. For calculating sub-index, Water Research Centre calculator was used1.

Table 1.4: The Weighted Values of Water Quality Parameters in Water Quality Index
System – NSF

Table 1.5: Water Quality Rating as per NSFWQI

1 https://www.water-research.net/index.php/watertreatment/watermonitoring/monitoring-the-quality-of-
surfacewaters

13
 Introduction

Soil, River Bed and Plant Quality: In the physical environment, river bed sediment quality,
soil quality and concentration of pollutants in plant body were also assessed from five
different sampling sites. The quality was assessed in term of Cr concentration as Cr was the
only pollutant coming from tannery wastes exclusively and possesses serious threats to
human health. The soil quality was tested from Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI),
Farmgate, Dhaka. The site selection criteria are presented in Table 1.6. The sampling
locations of soil, river bed and plants quality of Buriganga and Dhaleshwari Rivers are also
presented in Figure 1.4 and Figure 1.5 respectively.

Table 1.6: Soil, river bed and plant sampling locations and its characteristics
SL Sampling point Site Characteristics
This was the major outlet of tannery wastes. Soil and plant sample
1 Main Channel was collected to have chromium contamination in soil and plant.
River bed sample was collected from Showari subsequent floating
2 River bed/ Sediment plant (water hyacinths) was also collected.
River levee soil and plant sample was collected form in between
3 River Levee main channel and river bed sample collecting point.
This site is situated in the opposite bank of the Buriganga River
4 Agricultural Field which is single cropped land. Soil and plant sample was collected
to have chromium contamination in soil and plant.

Odor Modeling: The latest version of the USEPA regulatory model AERMOD has been
used to predict and simulate the effects of Odous pollutants from the sources. However,
AERMOD 8.9.0 air dispersion model has been used for predicting the dispersion of VOC,
NH3 and H2S around the Savar Tannery Estate.

Biological Environment
In this study, zooplankton, fisheries resources and flora and fauna were assessed to see the
status of biological environment of Buriganga and Dhaleshwari River.
Zooplankton Assessment: This study considers the method involved in microscopic
examination of preserved zooplankton samples collected with a conical net towed
horizontally from surface water. In assessing zooplanktons, single horizontal sample was
collected from each of the river. A standard net size (56 micron) was used to collect the
samples. Lugol’s solution was used to preserve the samples. In the laboratory, random
counting method was used to count the planktons properly. The zooplankton sampling sites
were the same sites of water quality sites of Showari Ghat for Buriganga and Milkyhata for
Dhaleshwari River.
Fisheries Resources Assessment: In this study, fisheries resources were evaluated
intensively as water pollution at first affects fish resources. In addition, it is basically very
sensitive to the integrity of the aquatic ecosystem which can be at high risk by tannery
activities. At first, a number of available published national and international literatures were
reviewed comprehensively to understand the bioaccumulation process of heavy metals into
fish body and their impact on fish morphology, physiological changes and behavioural
pattern. Furthermore, different international standard for the prevalence of heavy metals in
fishes were collected. Fish community was surveyed through conducting Focus Group
Discussion (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) by using checklist. A significant

14
 Introduction

number of respondents were taken for understanding the fish community of the Buriganga
and the Dhaleshwari River around the tannery industry.
Ecological Resources Assessment: Total 4 parameters were observed to assess the
condition of flora and fauna. Species composition is essential to know the inhabitants of an
area those are habituated within a particular environment. Species composition of flora was
acquired from physical observations at the study area.
Wildlife abundance and their attitude can be changed for habitat degradation due to change
of environmental quality. Disturbance to wildlife due to chemical pollution is another concern
for this study that indicate the habitat suitability of an area.
Heavy metals accumulation, which may have effect on plant physiological activities as well
as may enter in food chain of an animal. Chromium is a common chemical pollutant that is
used in leather processing and contaminate water and soil is transferred to plant and animal
body through bioaccumulation. This study observed the existence of chromium in plant body
to ensure the bioaccumulation.
The parameters of flora and fauna and its collection frequencies are mentioned in Table 1.7.

Table 1.7: Parameters observed and sampling frequency

SL Parameters Bounding
1 Plant Species composition Within and 100m surround of the tannery estate
2 Faunal species composition Within and 100m surround of the tannery estate
3 Wildlife disturbance Within and 500m surround of the tannery estate
4 Existence of Heavy metal Collected plant samples from waste dumping site, river,
(Chromium only) in plant body river levees and surround homestead area

Information on existing floral composition was collected through visual observations.

Common faunal composition was also collected through visual observations and public
discussions and disturbance to faunal communities ensured by discussion with local
knowledgeable people residing nearby the study area.
Sample of plant body was collected for laboratory test to ensure the existence of heavy
metal. In this regard, a total of 4 targeted site (i.e. waste dumping site, river water, river
levees and surrounding homestead area) was sampled. In this regard, a total of 4 sample
from each targeted site (i.e. waste dumping site, river water, river levees and surrounding
homestead area) was collected (Table 1.6). The samples became a composite of 5 common
species of each site and the species composition was same for both of the tannery estates
(i.e. Cyperus rotundus, Cynodon dactylon, Eichhornia crassipes Polygonum sp. and Oryza
sativa). Collected plant samples were sent to testing Laboratory of Dhaka University. Test
results were compared with the standard values to ensure that whether the amount of the
heavy metal is within or beyond the normal level.
Ecosystem Services (ES) Capacity Assessment: To investigate tannery effect on ES, 7
individual ES components modified after Sohel et al. (2015) under three main ES categories
were considered. ES components that were highly relevant to the studied landuse classes
available in and around tannery areas were considered. The three main ES categories used
were: a) supporting services, those necessary for the production of other remaining ES (e.g.
biodiversity, habitat quality); b) provisioning services, the products (e.g. fish production,
agricultural crop production, freshwater supply) obtained from a particular landuse; c)

15
 Introduction

regulating services, derived from a particular landuse (e.g. water purification and air quality
regulation).
ES supply is strongly dependent on landscape structures and ecosystem functions
(Burkhard et al., 2012). Ecosystem functions change with varying degrees of landscape
naturalness or intactness. Therefore, potential ES hotspot areas were given priority during
the assessment. To begin the ES scoring exercise, landuse classes (see Figure 5.3) were
identified from an existing geo-referenced landuse map of the study area. An ES matrix was
then developed linking a set of 7 ES indicators (on the x-axis) to landuse types (on the y-
axis) (Appendix-F). The landscape’s capacities to supply the individual ES were assessed
and ranked on a scale ranging from 0 to 5, where 0 = no relevant capacity; 1 = low relevant
capacity; 2 = relevant capacity; 3 = medium relevant capacity; 4 = high relevant capacity;
and 5 = very high relevant capacity (Burkhard et al., 2009). The scoring of the individual
ecological components and the respective ES was based on participatory scoring exercises.
Comparison of ES change assessment of the study area was conducted by comparing three
different time period (Year- 2000, 2015 and 2018) landuse practices. Landuses of 2000 was
used as baseline condition of ecosystem services. Later tannery industry pollutant effects on
ES of other landuses were assessed. The scoring matrix was than linked with landuse
shapefiles using ArcGIS 10.3.1 to visualize the ES components at landscape scale.

Social Environment
In the evaluation of socio-economic status of the study, total 3 different aspects were
observed viz. human health, employment opportunity, and standard of living. These three
aspects have direct link to the tannery activities such as leather processing, finished leather
production and exporting leather and leather goods. All these three aspects were evaluated
following the Matrix provided in Appendix-B.

Existing waste management facility of STE

Major environmental management facilities of STE was central effluent treatment plant
(CETP), soild waste dumping yard along with drainage systems to manage domestic
wastewaters. Moreover, drainage networks were also established to carry out the effluents
to CETP. In this section, major environmental management facilities were evaluated
following the basic criteria of (i) Waste generation status (ii) Performance testing and (ii)
Effectiveness of the management approach. These criteria were applied for both the liquid
and solid waste management approaches.

Impact prediction for savar tannery estate (FWOP/FWIP)

This study predicted the likelihood of impacts of Savar Tannery Industry on Dhaleshwari
River and its adjacent areas. To do so, experts of different sectors (Water and Air quality
experts, Ecologists, Fisheries experts, Agriculturists and Sociologists) used the knowledge of
Hazaribagh’s present and past situation. Both primary and secondary information were used
in this regard. In this study, scenario analysis of future with project (FWIP) and future without
project (FWOP) was the main concept in evaluating savar tannery impacts on the relevant
resources.

16
 Introduction

State of environment of two sites tannery estate

This chapter deals with the state of environmental and social conditions of two sites tannery
estate. The present management approaches of the Savar tannery estate were evaluated in
this section of the report. This was done through comparing the impacted situation of
Hazaribagh Tannery Area and the predicted situation of Dhaleshwari Tannery Area in the
aspects of water quality, aquatic production, fisheries resources, ecological resources (flora
and fauna), agriculture resources and the socio-economic condition.

Further management suggestions

Observing the predicted situation of STE and identifying the major environmental and social
issues, this study tried to find some suggestions to be adopted positively. In addition, this
section also sorted the solutions/options of improving overall tannery environment and its
adjacent environmental and socio-economic conditions. The solutions are suggested in
seven different thematic areas of:
 Improving the performance of CETP;
 Managing odor problem;
 Managing solid wastes;
 Enhancing ecological resources;
 Improving socio-economic condition;
 Monitoring framework;
 Institutional framework;

1.6 Limitation of the Study

Current study found some limitations, which are listed below.
 The study duration was only 6 months. Therefore, it was difficult to see the
variations of dry and wet seasons of the resources (water, air, soil, fisheries and
ecological resources);
 Insufficient financial budget to conduct the study in a more demanding way;
 Lack of baseline data regarding environmental and social resources before
establishing Savar Tannery Estate;
 Lack of organized secondary information regarding Hazaribagh Tannery Estate;
 It is very difficult to separate the impacts of tannery activities exclusively on rivers
as there were other industries in the same study area;
 The study was a scoping study, where the main task was to identify the further
management sectors of STE instead of identifying the solutions;

17
 Introduction

18
2. Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

2.1 Introduction
Environmental and social situation of Hazaribagh Tannery Area was evaluated in terms of
three different environmental settings viz. physical environment, biological environment and
socio-economic conditions. The data collection of the study was conducted in June 2018.

2.2 Physical Environment

2.2.1 Water quality

To understand the physical characteristics of the water, total 7 parameters were observed in
the study. The parameters were color, odor, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO),
turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS). The status of physical characteristics of
Buriganga River is presented in Table 2.1.
Color of the water becomes visible at the very beginning of any water body. In term of
tannery industry, it is even more important as tannery effluent changes the water color
vigorously with its huge organic parts. The color of river also depends on its tidal influence
as mixing is the main driving force of spreading color in water. This study found that water
color of Buriganga River had spatial variations. Near the Baschila Bridge, color formed as 9
Hazen unit while at the Showari Ghat it reduced to around 4 Hazen (Table 2.1: Color). In
spite of spatial variations, water color of Buriganga River complied with the Bangladesh
Standards for Drinking Water Quality (15 Hazen, ECR’ 1997). On the other hand, odor also
complied with the ECR’ 1997 as Buriganga River gave no odor on the date of June 2018
(Table 2.1: Odor). The improvement of the quality of water color and odor of Buriganga
River was because of a bit increase of freshwater availability during the survey time
(Summer, 2018).
Temperature is another indicator to observe the overall river health status. Any surface water
body contain temperature 30oC at its best in tropical environment, is an indication of good
environment for aquatic organisms. In Buriganga River, temperature was recorded little bit
higher (32oC) at the Showari Ghat than the upstream (30oC) of the river, Baschila Bridge
(Table 2.1: Temperature). It seemed like, at the downstream of the river, lots of commercial
(transportation of goods and services etc.) activities on the both bank of the river, which
make the water temperature comparatively higher than the other portion of the river including
the time duration of the measurements in a day. Ahammed, drew the same picture in 2016
where he found 30oC at Baschila Bridge and around 32oC at the downstream points of
Hazaribagh, Pagla and Fardiabad. Trend analysis showed that, even after shifting tanneries
from the Hazaribagh area, temperature was recorded similar to the temperature recorded in
2009 by Hasan et al (Figure 2.1: Temperature). It indicated that, river Buriganga was not
affecting the tannery activities only, other pressures were also present since long. Above all,
temperature range was found within the ECR, recommended 20-30oC most of the time.
Surface water DO lower than 5.0 mg/L is a critical environment for most of the planktons and
fish communities (ECR’ 1997). Unfortunately, DO of Buriganga River was found lower than
3.0 mg/L at all locations (Baschila Bridge: 2.4 mg/L and Showari Ghat: 2.0 mg/L) (Table 2.1:
DO). This scenario was developed since long as tannery effluents of Hazaribagh Tannery

19
 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

Estate and other solids (domestic and municipal) mix with textiles effluents were dumped for
more than several decades. In 2016, DO concentration of the river was found even lower
(0.85 mg/L, Ahammed, 2016). Seasonal variations were also observed in this study (Figure
2.1: DO). It was evident that DO level of Burigang River varied too much following dry and
wet seasons. In all the observed years, Dry season DO were found lower than the 5.0 mg/L
while it was sometimes higher than that in summer seasons. However, there was no
improvement of DO status in Buriganga River until now. Organic and chemicals loads
together with direct solid wastes dumping from other industries, community and commercial
activities, polluting this river enormously.

Table 2.1: Physical water quality status of the Buriganga River

Site Color Odor Temperature DO pH Turbidity TSS
Standards for Inland 5 or
15 Odorless 20-30 6.5-8.5 15 150
Surface Water Quality more
Hazen 0C mg/L Value NTU mg/L
Unit of measurement
Baschila bridge 9 0 30 2.6 8.4 57 13
Showari ghat 4 0 32 2.0 7.6 47 16
Source: CEGIS Survey, June 2018

Source Hasan et al., 2009 Kibria and Kadir, 2015

CEGIS Survey, 2018 Begum and Tanvir, 2010 Ahammed et al.,2016
Department of Environment, 2010-2017 Ahman et al., 2010 Mottalib et al., 2017
Miti et al., 2009

Figure 2.1: Trend of temperature, pH, DO and TSS in Buriganga River

Buriganga River water was found slightly alkaline in nature. pH value ranged 7.6-8.4 (Table
2.1: pH). Instead of having spatial variation, all the observed points showed alkaline nature.
At the upstream of Buriganga River (near Baschila Bridge, 8.4 pH value), alkalinity was
almost 10 times higher than the downstream of the river (Showari Ghat, 7.6 pH value).
However, pH value complied with all the standards of ECR’ 1997 of 6.5-8.5 value (drinking
standard, inland surface water quality standard, waste discharge standard). A trend analysis

20
 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

was performed from 2009 to 2018 where pH ranged in between 6.5-8.5 over both the Dry
and Wet seasons (Figure 2.1: pH).
High turbidity restricts light penetration in the water body which reduces photosynthesis rate.
Therefore, decline of food availability and DO level in the water body for the aquatic life
forms. Buriganga River water turbidity was found low in concentration. Almost in every case,
turbidity was found lower than 60 NTU (Table 2.1: Turbidity). Ahammed et al., 2016, also
support this finding as they found the turbidity of 41 NTU at the same Baschila Bridge.
However, the transparency of the water body was found less than 0.25 meter. This low
depth profile of transparency was because of color of the water.
Amounts of suspended solids in Buriganga River were quite low in concentration, which
ranged 13-16 mg/L while the EQS is 150 mg/L for inland surface water. This amount of solid
is almost same as the recommended concentration for drinking water in Bangladesh (10
mg/L, ECR’ 1997). Trend analysis showed a declining tendency of TSS in Buriganga River.
In 2009, TSS was found 200 mg/L at Dry seasosn and 118 mg/L at Wet season, which was
reduced to 50 mg/L and 15 mg/L respectively in 2018 (Figure 2.1: TSS). This improvement
might be the reason of shifting of Hazaribagh tanneries and stopping disposal of 20,000 m3
untreated effluents daily into Buriganga.

Chemical characteristics of water quality

Chemical characteristics of the water quality were observed in terms of inorganic and
organic indicators, inorganic minerals, dissolved metals and microbiological characteristics.
Each of the characteristics is explained elaborately in this section.

Inorganic indicators of water quality

Two indicators of TDS and salinity were observed to understand the inorganic chemical state
of Buriganga River.
TDS comprises inorganic salts (principally calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium,
bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates) and some small amounts of organic matter that are
dissolved in water. Following the Table 2.2 it is obvious that dissolved solids concentration
was not high enough in the Buriganga River during the study. TDS concentration, which was
less than 200 mg/L, indicated kind of good quality of water in terms of dissolved nutrients
status.
In the past years, TDS was even higher than the ECR stabdard (1000 mg/L) in Buriganga
River at some points (Figure 2.2). However, at the recent time TDS concentration was found
below the standard limit which indicates tiny improvement in term of dissolved nutrients
availability.
This study also looked over the salinity status of water body. At the upstream point of
Baschila Bridge, river water salinity was 0.1ppt while at the downstream of the river did not
have any salinity issue (Table 2.2).

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

Table 2.2: TDS and salinity status of the water quality of Buriganga River
Site TDS Salinity
Standards for Inland Surface Water Quality 1000 mg/L 0.0 ppt
Baschila bridge 161 0.1
Showari ghat 23 0.0
Source: CEGIS Survey, June 2018

Source: CEGIS Survey, 2018

Department of Environment, 2010-2017

Figure 2.1: Trend of TDS in Buriganga River

Organic indicators of water quality

According to the inland surface water quality (ECR’ 1997), the BOD concentration should not
exceed 10.0 mg/L. Beyond this concentration, fish community suffers for the required DO
concentration as high BOD reduces dissolved oxygen. The average BOD concentration of
Buriganga River was found around 10.0 mg/L at Summer, 2018. In contrary, the same river
showed the BOD concentration of around 70.0 mg/L at Summer, 2015 (Ahammed, 2016).
Trend analysis indicated that biochemical oxygen demand of the river decreased over the
years (Figure 2.3). In the recent years, it was observed that temporal variations in the BOD
of the river exists. BOD of dry season was found unsuitable for the fishes where it becomes
life supporting condition at wet season. Shifting of tanneries and freshwater availability
during rainy season may be the main reasons behind this change.
COD was slightly higher in the Buriganga River than the recommended value. During the
study period, it was found that both organic and inorganic loads were comparatively lower
than the previous studies. For instance, Ahammed et al., found the COD concentration
range of 60-300 mg/L at 2016. Hazaribagh tanneries are not the only factor for high COD in
Buriganga, there were other industrial activities that hinder the improvement of organic
pollution.
The BOD and COD concentrations of the present study are presented in Table 2.3.

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

Table 2.3: Status of organic pollution in the Buriganga River

Site BOD COD
Standards for Inland Surface Water Quality 10 mg/L 25 mg/L
Baschila bridge 9 32
Showari ghat 11 48
Source: CEGIS Survey, June 2018

Source: CEGIS Survey, 2018

Department of Environment, 2010-2017

Figure 2.2: Trend of organic indicators of water quality in Buriganga River

Inorganic minerals of water quality

High NO3- and PO43- concentrations are usually indicative of sewage/agricultural runoff
pollution in a water body. The standard value of PO43- concentration in natural water is 0.5
mg/L while it varies from 2.5-5.0 mg/L for NO3- concentration. In Buriganga River, the PO43-
concentration ranged three times higher (1.3-1.8 mg/L) than standard value while NO3-
ranged within the standard limit (Draft ECR’ 2017) (Table 2.4: PO43- and NO3-). Even the
industries were relocated, the NO3- and PO43- levels in the river would not be improved too
much in the short run. Other sources of pollution such as surface runoff, agricultural run-off
and more importantly tanneries are not the main sources of NO3- and PO43- in the Buriganga
River. The status of NO3-, PO43-, sulphate and ammonium as N are presented in Table 2.4.

Table 2.4: Status of chemicals in Buriganga River

Sampling locations PO43- SO42- NO3- NH4-N

Standard for Inland Surface Water Quality 0.5 mg/L 400 mg/L 5 mg/L 1.5 mg/L
Baschila bridge 1.3 29 4.2 0.60
Showari ghat 1.8 33 2.8 0.80
Source: CEGIS Survey, June 2018

NO3- and PO43- status of 2016 and 2018 were observed in the Buriganga River only due to
the unavailability of data. However, this study found that NO3- concentration of the river was
not a problem for the aquatic lifeforms so far in both dry and wet season. In contrary, PO 43-
showed a different pattern. In 2016, PO43- was too high (8-9 mg/L) in both wet and dry
season. But, in 2018 it was reduced to near about 1.5 mg/L. Still, PO43- of the river is high
enough to affect the plankton community structure at a certain level.

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

Source: CEGIS Survey, 2018 and Ahammed, 2016.

Figure 2.4: Trend of NO3- and PO43- quality in the Buriganga River

Dissolved metals concentration in water

In term of heavy metal pollution, Cr, Al, Pb and Zn were observed. Of them the first two, Cr
and Al were considered as the metals coming from leather industry exclusively. The rest two
were observed for getting the sense of other textiles and dyeing pollution. The metal
pollution status of Buriganga River is presented in Table 2.5.

Table 2.5: Status of metals in Buriganga River

Sampling locations Cr Al Pb Zn
Standards for Inland Surface Water 100 µg/L 200 µg/L 100 µg/L 5000 µg/L
Baschila bridge 3 201 1 80
Showari ghat 2 197 1 80
Source: CEGIS Survey, June 2018

Trend analysis proved that total Cr concentration in Buriganga River is decreasing. Before
2012, total Cr was found around 600 µg/L which reduced to 3 µg/L in 2018. Al was also
found in decreasing trend (Figure 2.5: Cr and Al). Similar to Al, Zn also showed declining
tendency. Only, Pb showed temporal variations. After 2013, Pb as well was reducing in River
Buriganga (Figure 2.5: Pb and Zn).

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

Source: CEGIS Survey, June 2018; Island and Azam, 2015; Moniruzzaman et al., 2012.

Figure 2.3: Trend of Metals (Cr, Al, Pb, Zn) Concentrations in the Buriganga River

The variations of heavy metal concentrations are mainly due to different collection spots and
seasons. Total Cr concentrations were found lower than the standard level (100 µg/L) given
by Draft ECR (2017) in the current study. Chromium concentration in Buriganga River
ranged 2-3 µg/L. This low amount of Cr was because of withdrawal of tannery industries
from Hazaribagh area together with upstream freshwater availability due to rainy season
during the survey. Previously, Cr was found higher in concentration in this river. During the
operational period of tannery industry, Cr raised up to around 4000 µg/L in dry period near
Hazaribagh (Azim et al., 2009). In another study, Cr was found in an average 270 µg/L at
Baschila Bridge and 313 µg/L at Showri ghat (Mottalib et al., 2017). Khan et al. (1998) found
the concentrations of Cr from 0.01 to 0.50 µg/mL in the water of the GBM (Ganges-
Brahmaputra-Meghna) estuary, values that are lower than the present study.
Concentration of Aluminum did not show any indication of its pollution in the water quality of
Buriganga River. The concentration ranged from 197-201 µg/L. In any previous study, Al
was not considered as an indicator of leather industrial pollution. The variation in Al
concentration is presented in Table 2.5.
In the present study, in all the observed locations, Pb concertation was found around 1 µg/L,
which was very much lower than standard limit of inland surface water quality (100 µg/L,
Draft ECR’ 2017). This low amount of Pb concentration in Buriganga River indicated that this
metal did not pollute that river enough. However, in some earlier study, it was found that,
average Pb concentration was about 65 µg/L, which was still lower than the Draft ECR
(2017). Alam et al. (2003) found that Pb concentration varied between 0.1-0.7 µg/L in rainy
season and 5-14 µg/L in dry season, which were a bit higher than the present study. Khan et
al. (1998) found that the concentration of Pb ranged from 0.012 to 0.431 µg/mL, which were
much lower than the EQS Standard. The present study findings are similar to the previous

25
 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

study of 0.003 mg/L (3 µg/L) for the water samples collected from the same river at the same
locations (Mokaddes et al., 2013).
The concentration of Zn did not show any spatial variations in Buriganga River. During the
study, in all the observed locations, around 80 µg/L of Zn was found. However, in an earlier
study (Mokaddes et al., 2013) it was found that Zn was even less in amount (18 µg/L).
Therefore, it was noticeable that leather industry is not related to the Zn concentration in
Buriganga River. Other industrial activities, such as engineering workshops, and
electroplating might be the reasons of behind this temporal variation of Zn. Standard surface
water quality for zinc is 5000 µg/L.

Microbiological characteristics of water quality

According to Lika et al. (2010), fecal micro-organisms are mainly brought to aquatic
environments through the discharge of untreated domestic wastewater. Also, fecal coliform
bacteria can enter rivers through direct discharge of waste from mammals and birds, from
agricultural and storm runoff, and from human sewage. However, their presence may also
be the result of plant material, and pulp or paper mill effluent (Doyle and Erickson, 2006).
The maximum amounts of total coliforms in the samples of Buriganga were 80 N/100ml and
72 N/100ml in Baschila Bridge and Showari ghat respectfully (Figure 2.6). According to Draft
ECR, 2017, the number of total coliforms of ≤5000 individuals/100ml is allowed for fish
culture. Thus, all total coliform counts in this study complied with the Banglades Standard.
In the earlier study, it was found that around 9000 CFU/100ml was the average
concentration in Buriganga River (Pramanik and Sarker, 2013). The fecal contamination of
water from slums located along the course of the river-bed could be the reason for the high
values in the earlier study.

Source: CEGIS Survey, June 2018

Figure 2.4: Status of fecal coliforms in Buriganga River

Water Quality Index (WQI) of Buriganga River

Chakraborty et al., 2013 assessed the WQI for Buriganga River near the point of Hazaribagh
channel. NSFWQI was used to determine the water quality index of Buriganga River.
According to the NSFWQI, Buriganga River water quality index became very poor in quality,
as it scored 23.09, which is in between 0-25 water quality classes (Table 2.6).

26
 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

Table 2.6: Classes of water in respect to Water Quality Index (WQI)

WQI Buriganga River Water Class
0-25 23.09 Very bad
25-50 Bad
50-70 Medium
70-90 Good
90-100 Excellent
Source: Chakraborty et al., 2013

2.2.2 Land resources

The study area mainly falls under Young Brahmaputra and Jamuna Tract (AEZ-8) which
covers almost 81% of total area, followed by a slight portion of Madhupur Tract (AEZ-28).
Medium low land covers the major area of Hazaribagh (58% of total area), followed by
Medium high land (27% of total area) and low land (15% of total area). Clay texture
dominants in the textural class of the study area’s soil, which is followed by loam.
Approximately, 8.6 kilometer river length (from Baschila Bridge to Babu Bazar Bridge) was
considered as study area where the width was 2 kilometer. Urbanization was the major
feature of land use in this tannery estate (76.6% of total area) which is situated on both bank
of the river. Agricultural practices occupied next in the land use (13.1% of total study area)
which was on the right bank of the river. Tannery industry was found in the left bank of the
river. Detailed land use of Hazaribagh Tannery is presented in Table 2.7 and Figure 2.7.

Table 2.7: Land Use of Hazaribagh Tannery Estate

Hazaribagh Tannery Area (ha) Total area
Land Use % of Total Area
Left Bank Right Bank (ha)
Tannery Aarea 78 0 78 2
Agriculture (NCA) 0 484 484 13
Water Bodies 32 271 303 8
Settlement 1,562 1,265 2,827 77
Total Area (ha) 1,672 2,020 3,692 100
Source: CEGIS field information and Satellite image, 2015.

27
 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

Figure 2.5: Land use map of Hazaribagh Tannery Estate

28
 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

2.2.3 Soil quality

Soil quality of Hazaribagh Area deteriorated to alarming condition (Mondal et al., 2017). This
study also tried to see the soil quality of the Hazaribagh Tannery Areas. Total Cr was
present in all the soil samples of Hazaribagh tannery area. The maximum accumulation was
found in the main drainage soil while the minimum was in the river bed sediment of the
Buriganga River. River levee soil and agricultural land soil (almost 2 km away from the
riverbank) was also found contaminated by Cr. In all the observed cases (obtained from
laboratory analysis), Cr concentration exceeded maximum allowable concentration (MAC) in
soil 100 ppm (Kloke, 1980). Only main channel plant sample was found to be contaminated,
which was also out of MAC value (1-2 ppm) in plant (Kloke, 1980). Presence of Cr in soil,
sediment and plant in the Hazaribagh area is presented in Table 2.8.

Table 2.8: Presence of Chromium (Cr) in soil, sediment and plant in Hazaribagh
Tannery Estate
Sampling Cr in Soil Cr in Plant
SL Site Characteristics
point (ppm) (ppm)
1 Main This was the major outlet of tannery wastes. Soil 386.9 112.4
Drainage and plant sample was collected to have chromium
contamination in soil and plant.
2 River bed/ River bed sample was collected from Showari 109.0 N.D.
Sediment subsequent floating plant (water hyacinths) was
also collected.
3 River levee River levee soil and plant sample was collected 241.0 N.D.
form in between main channel and river bed
sample collecting point.
4 Agricultural This site is situated in the opposite bank of the 275.0 N.D.
Field Buriganga River which is single cropped land. Soil
and plant sample was collected to have chromium
contamination in soil and plant.
Note: N.D. - Not Detectable. Soil (MAC)-100 ppm. Plant (MAC) - 1-2 ppm.
** Soil and plant samples were collected from 3rd to 4th June, 2018 following standard sampling procedure (Soil
survey manual, 2017). These samples were sent to SRDI, Dhaka laboratory for analysis. To determine total Cr,
soil and plant analysis was done by digestion method followed by AAS analysis (Weil and Brady, 2016).

Soils near Hazaribagh Area were soaked with untreated tannery wastes and pollutants since
90’s. This consequence created severe Cr load in the soils of this area. Time series data
showed how the concentration of Cr increased in the soils of Hazaribagh Area (Figure 2.8)
(Nuruzzaman et al., 1995; Ullah et al., 1999; Elahi et al., 2010; Karim et al., 2013; Mondol et
al., 2017). All of these soil samples were taken from within half kilometer of the main lagoon
of tannery estate of Hazaribagh during dry season in different years. But even in wet season,
Cr concentration (26,664 ppm) was higher than the MAC (Mondol et al., 2017). Soil sampling
of this report was done in wet season of 2018 at that time the main drainage channel was
alsmost dead. Besides this, local people raise a part of the low land for their house
construction. In consequence of this, new soil might be taken place the previous
contaminated one which might be a reason of low concentration in Cr presence in soil in
CEGIS study.

29
 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

Figure 2.6: Time series data of Cr concentration in Hazaribagh soil

In all cases, result showed that Cr concentration was much higher than MAC in soil (100
ppm) (Kloke, 1980). The concentration was increasing since 1995 to 2010. After 2010, Cr
concentration started to fall due to shutting down of tannery industries in Hazaribagh.
Findings of the study showed that, there was a decreasing tendency of Cr concentration in
soil, though it was still higher than MAC value (Table 2.8). The reason behind this
decreasing trend might be the shutdown of sources (tannery industries) and continuous flash
out of soils during monsoon.
The sediment pollution load also gives an improving situation after the trend analysis
(Mohiuddin et al, 2011; Islam et al., 2014; Mohiuddinn et al., 2015; CEGIS field analysis,
2018). In 2010 Cr concentration was maximum which is decreasing afterwards and gets
minimum at 2018 Figure 2.9. This might be ahother indication of decreasing pollution load of
Cr in the Buriganga river sediemt due to shut down of tannery industries in the vicinity of this
river. But still the mean concentration is higher that the average shale value and continental
upper crust value 90 ppm (Turekian and Wedepohl,1961) and 92 ppm respectively (Rudnick
and Gao, 2003).

Figure 2.9: Time series data of mean Cr concentration in the Buriganga River
sediment

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

Cr was not the only concerned pollutant observed in tannery area soils. A large amount of
salt is used during the processing of raw hides. In most of the cases these salts exposed to
the environment in untreated condition. Therefore, EC concentration increased. Presence of
excessive salt in soil (>4 ds/m) is harmful for plant growth (Ponnamperuma, 1985). More
than 505 ppm of chloride (Cl-) and 7.2 dS/m EC was found in soil solution of Hazaribagh
in1995 (Nuruzzaman et al., 1995), which was found at 6.2 at 2017 (Mondol et al., 2017).
This might be due to management issues related to reduced use of salt for preserving hide.

Remarks:
Both soil and sediment quality analysis showed a clear indication of decreasing Cr presence
in 2018. Cr presence was found to be maximum in 2010 when the tannery industries were in
full swing. The accumulation starts to decreas afterwards with the beginning of shuting down
of the industries.

2.3 Biological Environment

2.3.1 Plankton Status

Zooplanktons are the primary consumers of a food web that starts from the water body.
Normally, Zooplanktons eats Phytoplankton. In Buriganga River, very low concentration of
Zooplanktons was present. The composition followed only Metanauplius, Cyclops and
Filinia. On an average, only 720 Zooplanktons were present in each cubic meter of water. In
a river, average zooplankton per cubic meter should be 2000-3000 at least. The composition
and concentration of Zooplankton in Buriganga River are presented in Table 2.9.

Table 2.9: Composition of Zooplankton in Buriganga River

River Zooplankton Concentration
Metanauplius 1 per ml of water sample
Buriganga Cyclops 1 per ml of water sample
Filinia 1 per ml of water sample
Total Concentration 720 Zooplankton/cubic meter
Source: Field Survey at June 2018.

In the Buriganga River, there was no benthic community during the field visit of June 2018.
The bed materials were full of sand and plastics at the sampling point with some mixture of
sludge.

2.3.2 Fisheries Resources

Suitable riverine habitat condition for fish depends primarily on connectivity of water bodies
(river-river/river-khal-beel/river-khal-floodplain), spatial and temporal water flow and velocity,
substrates, water quality (mainly DO, pH, BOD, COD, and TDS), aquatic vegetation, etc.
The widely known Hazaribagh Tannery Industry was constructed on the left bank of the
Buriganga River. As local fishermen informed, this river shows completely different scenarios
in view of fish habitat status in dry and wet seasons. This is because river water becomes
highly polluted in the dry season and habitation for most of the fishes becomes critical. When
pollution becomes diluted in the wet season some fishes back to the habitat and graze there
(Ahmad, M. K., et al., 2010). The river passes beside the Dhaka City having multiple sources
of pollution. Among the pollutants coming from different sources, industrial pollutants are the
major causal factors for deteriorating water quality as well as habitat quality not only for

31
 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

themselves but also for their heavy metal contents (Ahmad, M. K., et al., 2010). Laboratory
tests have proven that the water in most parts of the Buriganga River contains no Dissolved
Oxygen (DO) and is therefore totally devoid of aquatic life (Khan, 2012, Daily Star Report).
Fishes are highly sensitive to such pollutants and heavy metals, which are supposed to be
mutagenic trace element for various riverine fish species. One of the worst conditions in
respect of fish habitat was found around the Hazaribagh Tannery Area (HzTA) where fishes
are not found in dry season.

Habitat Condition
Habitat suitability for assemblage of fish community was analyzed on the basis of measured
water quality parameters, such as, water temperature, DO, pH, TDS and BOD. Standards for
water temperature, DO, pH and BOD defined in ECR (1997); for TDS in Tabata et al., 2007;
Srivastava and Sinha, 1996 are considered in assessing habitat suitability. The sensitivity
scores will be calculated through normalizing the deviation of observed values from the
standard value by applying UNDP developed normalization method. Finally, habitat
suitability was calculated by using Sudarsan’s index method (Sudarsan, 1995). More or less
satisfactory suitability scores for pH and TDS were found in two sampling locations of the
Buriganga River (see Water Quality Section). However, the suitability scores for water
temperature, DO and BOD were very low. It thus clearly portrays that the habitat suitability of
two sampling locations in the Buriganga River is very low, although an improving trend has
found from 2010 to 2018 (Figure 2.10).

0.60
Y = 0.2984+0.0086*x; 0.95 Conf.Int.

0.55 Y
Suitability Scores for the Buriganga River (0-1)

0.50 95% Confidence Limit

0.45

0.40

0.35

0.30

0.25

0.20
Dry/2010 Dry/2011 Dry/2012 Dry/2013 Dry/2014 Dry/2015 Dry/2016 Dry/2017 Dry/2018
Season/Year

Figure 2.10: Exponential smoothing series with linear trend of habitat suitability
scores for the Buriganga River

Source: CEGIS Field Survey, 2017 (Physical Environment Section)

Habitat Assessment
The estimated total fish habitat area is about 628 ha, which is solely contributed by the
capture fishery in HzTA. No culture fishery habitat was found in the HzTA. Fish habitat
distribution is given in Table 2.10.

32
 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

Table 2.10: Breakdown of fish habitats in the HzTC

Area (ha)
Sl. No Habitat Category Habitat Type
Left Bank Right Bank
1 River and Khal 32 269
2 Capture Perennial Beel 0 2
3 Floodplain 0 325
Total= 32 596
Source: Land Use Satellite Image, 2015

Fish Migration and Movement

Local fishermen informed that fish migrates to the Buriganga River from nearby habitats
mostly during monsoon season when pollution becomes diluted with the augmentation of
water flow. No pre-monsoon fish migration is reported in the river. With increasing river flow,
Major Carps, Large Catfish, etc. big sized fish species migrate through these river systems.
Major migratory fish species are Labeo rohita, L. gonius, L. calbasu, Catla catla, Xenentodon
cancila, Osteobrama cotio, Rita rita, Sperata aor, Mystus cavasius, Mystus tengara, Mystus
vittatus, Wallago attu, Ompok pabda, Ailia punctata, Pangasius pangasius, Bagarius
bagarius, etc. (Baki, et al., 2017). Insignificant number of Small Indigenous Species (SIS) of
fishes use this river for their localized movement.

Fish Diversity
More than 50 (fifty) species have been recorded in the Buriganga River particularly in the
wet season. Baki, et al. (2017) identified a total of 56 fish species belonging to 41 genera, 20
families and 9 orders from the upper Buriganga River. In August, number of species reached
56, which started to decline in September. Shannon-Weiner diversity index of the collected
fishes (seasonal) indicated a diverse distribution and the species richness variation across
the river sites ranged from 1.825 to 3.843 (Baki, et al., 2017). He also recorded the highest
fish diversity during the monsoon, whereas diversity was lowest during the winter. According
to their findings, Cypriniformes were the most dominant orders constituting (18) 32% of the
total fish population followed by the Siluriformes (17) 30%, Perciformes (12) 21%,
Channiformes (3) 5%, Clupeiformes (2) 4%, Synbranchiformes, Beloniformes,
Osteoglossiformes, Cyprinodontiformes were the least numerous orders constituting only 2%
each of the total fish population. Three species, namely Channa punctatus, Heteropneustes
fossilis and Colisa fasciata were found abundantly throughout the year while Osteobrama
cotio, Oreochromis mossambicus, Pseudambassis lala in August only. Two exotic species,
such as Oreochromis mossambicus and Hypophthalmichthys molitrix were observed in the
monsoon season. The available fish species are given in Appendix-C.
Furthermore, about 28 fish species were identified in the Buriganga Rivers during field visit
where Kholisha, Shing and Kajuli fish attained the highest percentage in relative composition
(Figure 2.11).

33
 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

18

16

14
Relative Composition (%)

12

10

0
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29

Fish Species

Figure 2.7: Fish Composition of the Buriganga River at Baschila Bridge Point

Source: Field survey, CEGIS (2018)

1.Tit Punti; 2.Chanda; 3.Ichha Chingri; 4.Chela; 5.Mola; 6.Rui; 7.Catla; 8.Gulsha; 9.Guchi Baim; 10.Tara Baim;
11.Kakila; 12.Dhela; 13.Gozar; 14.Shole; 15.Taki; 16.Ayre; 17.Boal; 18.Baghaire; 19.Shing; 20.Potka; 21.Batasi;
22.Kajuli; 23.Piyali; 24.Sarpunti; 25.Kholisha; 26.Chital; 27.Veda; 28.Foli

Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation to Fish

Historical Trend in Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation to Fish

The historical observations from previously conducted different investigation on heavy metal
bioaccumulation into fish for the Buriganga River shows that the maximum, average and
even minimum concentration of Chromium had been decreased from the year of 2012 and
the concentration of Cd, Pb and Ni had been decreased from 2008 (Figure 2.12).

34
 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

Cr
Max Avg
Bioaccumulation Rate (mg/kg)

20 Min
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
1992 2008 2012 2013
Observation Years
Cd Cu
1.4 Max 700
Bioaccumulation Rate (mg/kg)
Bioaccumulation Rate (mg/kg)

Avg Max Avg Min

1.2 600
Min
1 500
0.8 400
0.6 300
0.4 200
0.2 100
0 0
1982 2008 2012 2013 1994 2008 2012 2013
Observation Years Observation Years

Mn Ni
Max Max
Bioaccumulation Rate (mg/kg)

350 Avg 12
Avg
Bioaccumulation Rate (mg/kg)

300 Min
10 Min
250
8
200
6
150
4
100
50 2

0 0 Observation Years
1982 2012 2014 1992 2008 2012 2013
Observation Years

Pb Zn
16 Max 350
Bioaccumulation Rate (mg/kg)

Max Avg Min

Bioaccumulation Rate (mg/kg)

14 Avg
Min 300
12
250
10
200
8
150
6
4 100

2 50
0 0
2004 2008 2012 2013 1982 2012 2014
Observation Years Observation Years

Figure 2.12: Historical Trend of Heavy Metal Bio-accumulation to Fish based on

Literature Review

Seasonal Variation in Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation to Fish

Insignificant variation was found in heavy metal bioaccumulation in fish in case of the
Buriganga River among pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon season (Table 2.11).

35
 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

Table 2.11: Seasonal Variation in Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation in to Fish

Seasons Fish Species Cr Cd Cu Ni Pb

Channa punctatus (Taki) 5.73 0.86 5.27 9.71 10.31
Cirrhinus reba (Tatkeni) 6.75 0.76 5.09 10.54 8.03
Glossogobius giuris (Baila) 6.13 0.81 4.46 11.21 9.58
Pre-monsoon
Gudusia chapra (Chapila) 6.27 0.83 4.25 9.25 9.12
Mystus vittatus (Tengra) 5.47 1.09 5.2 9.47 12.32
Pseudeutropius atherinoides (Batashi) 7.34 0.95 4.92 8.95 8.95
Channa punctatus (Taki) 5.85 0.97 5.37 10.25 8.85
Cirrhinus reba (Tatkeni) 7.12 1.12 4.54 8.93 9.52
Glossogobius giuris (Baila) 6.07 0.96 6.07 9.35 8.71
Monsoon
Gudusia chapra (Chapila) 5.28 1.05 4.38 9.65 13.52
Mystus vittatus (Tengra) 5.27 1.13 3.54 10.03 12.47
Pseudeutropius atherinoides (Batashi) 6.27 1.25 5.19 8.25 9.05
Channa punctatus (Taki) 5.39 0.82 5.28 9.58 8.16
Cirrhinus reba (Tatkeni) 7.11 0.73 3.36 9.35 9.27
Glossogobius giuris (Baila) 7.05 0.85 4.57 8.65 11.45
Post-monsoon
Gudusia chapra (Chapila) 7.38 1.07 6.34 8.41 10.12
Mystus vittatus (Tengra) 6.28 1.17 4.19 8.73 10.25
Pseudeutropius atherinoides (Batashi) 6.24 0.93 4.45 10.26 9.54
STDEV = 0.71 0.15 0.77 0.78 1.54
Source: Ahmad, M. K., et al., 2010

Fish Production Assessment

The estimated total fish production is about 480 Metric Ton (MT), which is solely contributed
by capture fishery in HzTA. Breakdown of fish production in the study area is given in Table
2.12.

Table 2.12: Breakdown of Fish Production from Different Habitats in the HzTA
Production (Ton)
Sl. No Habitat Category Habitat Type
Left Bank Right Bank
1 River and Khal 4 32
2 Capture Perennial Beel 0 4
3 Floodplain 0 440
Total = 4 476
Source: FRSS, 2016-17

2.3.3 Ecological Resources

The study area occupied different types of ecosystem like rivers, levees, urban settlements,
roads, crop fields etc. Each of those supports different ecological resources as well different
types of flora and fauna.

36
 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

Status of Vegetation
Plant diversity varies within the study area according to its land condition and human
interventions. Vegetation density of most of the area were found low due to extreme
urbanization especially at Hazaribagh Site and the floral composition was dominated with
small grasses and herbs. Among this type, Croton bonplandianum, Amaranthus spinosus,
Heliotropium indicum, Solanum sisymbriifolium, Cynodon dactylon, Imperata cylindrica etc
were most common. Eichhornia crassipes was the only dominated aquatic floral species
observed in Buriganga River and its tributaries.
Aquatic floral diversity of this area was found moderate (compare to a standard vegetation
status) in status, for presence of land type and rainwater, which holds water for a certain
period of a year. Existence of aquatic plant community was concentrated in stagnant water
of ponds and ditches. Water hyacinth (Kochuripana), Water cabbage (Topa pana) and
Duckweed (Khudipana) were common among the free-floating communities. However, the
species richness was low at Buriganga River near Hazaribagh Site rather than the
Dhaleshwari River at Harindhara.
Submerged plants disappeared from the Buriganga River reaches near Hazaribagh. Heavy
amount of industrial waste deposition on riverbed and low penetration of light for polluted
dark water disfavor growth of submerged vegetation in rivers surrounding the Dhaka City.

Figure 2.13: Existing vegetation pattern of Hazaribagh Area

Status of Wildlife
Wildlife composition along the Hazaribagh Tannery area were not referable due to heavy
urbanization and huge human intervenyions in the study area, which thereafter, lead the wild
fauna to relocate them from there. However, some rodents like House Shrew, House Mouse
and little number of mongooses were available within the area. Avifauna commonly
occurring within the Hazaribagh Area were House Crow (Corvus splendens), House Sparrow
(Passer domesticus), Pied Starling (Lamprotornis bicolor) and Black Kite (Milvus migrans).
Their populations decreased due to squeezing of habitats for rapid urbanization.

37
 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

2.3.4 Agricultural resources

Agricultural Production
Agricultural practice was found on the right bank of the Buriganga River. Around 484 ha of
land was under cultivation in the area during the visit, of which 72% was single cropped and
28% was double cropped land (CEGIS field information and Satellite image, 2015).
Vegetables were the main production of the area. Summer vegetables were grown in Kharif
I, while winter vegetables were grown in Rabi season. Cropping intensity of the area was
128%. As the river water quality wasn’t meeting the irrigation water quality, irrigation of these
crops was mostly dependent on subsurface irrigation. Total cropped area was about 618 ha
of which summer vegetable was grown in 159 ha and winter vegetable was grown in 459 ha
land. Approximately, 7,098 metric tons crop was produced in this area, where summer
vegetable production was 1,590 metric tons and winter vegetable production was 5,508
metric tons.
Higher concentration of Cr leads to delayed maturity and stunted growth for wheat while late
flowering and maturity with dark green color for rice (Chamon et al., 2005). Reduction in rice
production in tannery area and use of tannery effluents was also observed (Elahi et al.,
2010). Rice yield production reduced up to 43.6% due to heavy metal toxicity with
Hazaribagh Soil was observed before by Chamon et al., (2005). Heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Cd
etc) destroy enzymes and interfere with or inactivate enzymes of living cells (Rahman, 1992)
and hence their discharge into the environment must be carefully controlled and minimized.
The reduced agricultural production of Hazaribagh Area was the accumulation of these
results.

Irrigation
Water quality of the Buriganga River was not fit for irrigation (details are given in water
quality section). This might be a combined effect of various industries in the levees of this
river. But it was already assumed that leather industries have a high potentiality to degrade
water quality (Zhang and Zhang, 2006).
Nearly 40-45 L fresh water/kg raw hide or skin is used by tanneries for processing finished
leather (Sundar et al., 2000). For this requirement groundwater mining is a common issue in
leather industries. Due to excessive withdrawal of groundwater for leather processing, the
groundwater table of Dhaka City declines more than a meter every year (Zahid, 2017). As a
result, there is a chance of the contamination of deeper aquifer (Bashar and Islam, 1999).
The adjacent river water was polluted by some heavy metals due to mixing of untreated
tannery effluent. Since, shallower groundwater of most of the areas of Bangladesh is
contaminated by arsenic, excluding Pleistocene terrace areas covering Dhaka City, it is very
important to save this aquifer from any sort of contamination (Ahmed et al., 1998). If the
ground water is contaminated, crops will also be contaminated through irrigation water and
capillary rise of water through soil pores. This scenario leads bio accumulation of
carcinogenic metals.

Bioaccumulation
Bioaccumulation simply means the gathering of any substance in an organism, faster than
its catabolism and excreation. Bioaccumulation was only found in the main channel of

38
 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

Hazaribagh. It might be the result of years of Cr deposition in that area. Agricultural land and
river levee area was free from Cr accumulation. But results showed that Cr bioaccumulation
was a common scenario of Hazaribagh Area even in recent past (Mondol et al., 2017). As Cr
is a by-product of tannery industry, bioaccumulation was also reported in early stages of
tannery industries of Hazaribagh (Nuruzzaman et al., 1995). Figure 2.14 shows Cr
bioaccumulation status in Hazaribagh area.

Source: CEGIS Survey, June 2018

Figure 2.14: Chromium (Cr) Bioaccumulation at Hazaribagh Area main Channel

The good news was that, no bioaccumulation trace was found in river (floating plants), river
levee and agricultural land. Only a couple of years back, bioaccumulation was found in these
areas (Mondol et al., 2017). This might be a reason of washout of the area through rain
water. Rainwater increases the upstream flow of the Buriganga River which helps to dilute
Cr concentration of water; as a result, Cr bioaccumulation process is restricted in floating
plants now a days.

2.4 Socio-economic Condition

2.4.1 Socio-economic Resources

Socio-economic characteristics including demography, settlement and housing, public
utilities, economy and employment status in the study area are presented in this section.
These indicators help to conceptualize the socio-economic condition of the study area. As
the current situation of Hazaribagh did not reflect the actual scenario of operation phase of
tanneries, therefore, secondary information of fully operational phase of Hazaribagh Tannery
Industry is assumed and recalled through literature review and secondary information.

Area and Location

There were 8 thanas under Dhaka District; those were cutting through the study area
delineation for the Hazaribagh Tannery Industry. The following Table 2.13 shows detail of
the study area.

39
 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

Table 2.13: Locations of the study area along with coverage of Upazilas
District Thana % of Upazila Coverage
Bangshal 92
Chak Bazar 100
Dhanmondi 39
Dhaka Hazaribagh 79
Kamrangir Char 100
Lalbagh 89
New Market 28
Shahbagh 28
Source: Spatial GIS analysis, CEGIS 2017

2.4.2 Population, Demographic Profile and Ethnic Composition

Population and Household

The study area has a population of 1,085,204 living in 232,800 households. The average
size of household was 4.7. Size of the household varied among the study upazilas from 4.2
to 7.8 members per household. Composition of the household membership in terms of male
and female were in favor of male, thus the overall sex ratio was found 138 that indicated
there were average 138 male against per 100 female members (BBS, 2012). This might
have occurred due to number of working labors in the tannery industries.

Table 2.14: Demographic Scenario of the Study Area

Population HH
Upazila Households Sex Ratio
Both Male Female size
Bangshal 35,706 188,514 121,388 67,126 181 5.3
Chak Bazar 34,161 171,751 111,111 60,640 183 5.0
Dhanmondi 14,055 62,561 33,672 28,889 117 4.5
Hazaribagh 38,154 161,931 87,906 74,025 119 4.2
Kamrangir Char 23,789 102,955 56,067 46,888 120 4.3
Lalbagh 81,839 361,237 194,775 166,462 117 4.4
New Market 2,425 15,347 10,129 5,218 194 6.3
Shahbagh 2,672 20,907 13,825 7,083 195 7.8
Total/Average 232,800 1,085,204 628,873 456,331 138 4.7
Source: Population and Housing Census 2011, BBS, 2012 estimated by CEGIS, 2017

2.4.3 Settlement and Housing

Housing Tenancy
In the study area, 72% of households resided in rental houses and 24% in their own houses
(Figure 2.15). A number of migrant working labors and employees of different government
and non-government organizations resided in rental basis in the study area either with family
or as a bachelor.

40
 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

Source: Population and Housing Census 2011, BBS, 2012

Figure 2.15: Housing Tenancy in the Study Area

Housing Condition
The housing conditions of the study area as represented in the BBS, 2012 showed that
highest (72%) percentages of households resided in pucca houses and 21% of household
resided in semi-pucca houses (Figure 2.16).

Source: Population and Housing Census 2011, BBS, 2012

Figure 2.16: Distribution of Households by Type

Traffic and transport

Due to load and unload of leather and raw materials, a number of trucks stood besides main
road of Hazaribagh which create huge congestion for moving towards Jhigatola to
Rayerbazar, Hazaribagh and Pilkhana connecting roads. Except to the loading and
unloading trucks, the adjacent light vehicles i.e. CNG, rickshaw, motorbikes and private cars
were found available in the connecting roads.

41
 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

2.4.4 Public Utilities

Water Supply for Drinking and Domestic Utilize

About, 87% of households used supply water both for drinking and domestic purposes
whereas only 12% population used tube well water (BBS, 2012). During field survey, people
stated that almost all the households used supply water both for drinking and domestic
purposes in the study area. However, the tannery industries and some households residing
on the bank side of the Buriganga River used tube well water for business and domestic
purposes.

Source: Population and Housing Census 2011, BBS, 2012

Figure 2.17: Households by Drinking Water Facilities

2.4.5 Economy and Employment

Income and Expenditure
Household income and expenditure is an important economic indicator to measure the
economic condition and sustainability of households. According to the information of local
people, it is found that household income of the study area was higher compared to the
national nominal income of households but not adequate in comparison with the expanse of
living. In the study area, income of most of the households (50%) were over BDT
30,000/month. In terms of expenditure, highest percentages (40%) of household expended
BDT 20,001 to BDT 30,000 per month. The scenario of income and expenditure are shown
in Table 2.15.

42
 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

Table 2.15: Household Monthly Income and Expenditure in the Study Area
% of Household in % of Household in
Range of Amount in BDT
income Level expenditure level
<10,000 - 4
10,001 - 20,000 15 20
20,001 - 30,000 35 40
>30,000 50 36
Source: RRA by CEGIS, 2018

Occupation and Employment

About 20% of the total population belong to the workable groups in which about 56% of the
workable population are employed and still 19% of those population do not work yet (Figure
2.18).

Source: Population and Housing Census 2011, BBS, 2012

Figure 2.18: Employment Status among the Male-Female

Among the three major sectors of employment, it was found that 75% of total employed
population was engaged in services followed by 24% industrial workers or employees
(Figure 2.19). During RRA almost similar result was depicted.

43
 Environmental and Social Status of Hazaribagh Tannery Area

Source: Population and Housing Census 2011, BBS, 2012

Figure 2.19: Occupation Status among the Studied Population

Social Standard
Due to bad odour, well off families were not eager to come to Hazaribagh Area either for
rented in or for meeting the relatives. So, building owners did not get expected rent from the
tenants in Hazaribagh area. Their apartments became vacant due to unavailability of sober
tenants. Tin Shed structures and furniture were fragile due to deterioration of air quality.
Also, congestion in drainages due to disposal of solid waste of the tanneries may create
drainage congestion, even in a very small duration of raining. Consequences of these
obstacles, it found less civic facilities (i.e. school, college, hospital etc.) in Hazaribagh area
which indicated poor social standard of that area.
In synopsis of socio-economic aspects, it is observed that overall drainage, bad odour and
community health have been improved over time after shifting the tannery industries from
Hazaribagh. Therefore, the standard of living and associate civic facilities is also getting
updated and people are showing their interest to reside in Hazaribagh area. As a result,
apartment developers are investing to open mega projects in Hazaribagh. Also, standard of
children education is upgraded by establishing new standard schools for junior sections.

44
 3. Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery
Area

3.1 Introduction
Environmental and social situation of Hemayetpur Tannery Area was evaluated following the
same environmental settings used in the evaluation of Hazaribagh situation. In addition, the
data collection time was also the same (June 2018).

3.2 Physical Environment

3.2.1 Water Availability of Dhaleshwari River

The Savar tannery estate project is situated besides the Dhaleshwari River, which is
governed by the upstream Bangshi River. It was presumed that the effluent will be
discharged to the river after treatment. As such, the water availability will play a vital role in
assimilating and further dilution of effluent of the tannery. In this context, water availability is
pre-requisite to understand the situation. In order to work out the availability (75% and 80%
dependable flow) of water, the discharge data of Dhaleshwari River at upstream of the Savar
tannery was collected from North-Central Hydrological Region Model run by by CEGIS.
It is observed from the analysis that the maximum discharge of the Dhaleshwari River at the
point was about 761 m3/s in 1998 during flooding and minimum was 74 m3/s in 1994 shown
in Figure 3.1. It was also observed from the monthly average discharge that the average
maximum discharge varies from the month of July to September and minimum varies from
November to March and increases from April as shown in Figure 3.2. Besides, another
analysis through the Weibull Distribution method that the dependable monthly average flow
of 75% and 80% i.e. availability of water in the river is shown in Figure 3.3 which will aid
further dilution of effluent of the tannery.

Figure 3.1: Historical Maximum Discharge of the Dhaleshwari River (1991-2013)

45
 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Figure 3.2: Monthly Variation of Average Discharge of the Dhaleshwari River (1991-
2013)

Figure 3.3: Dependable Average flow analysis of Dhaleshwari River (1991-2013)

3.2.2 Quality of Savar Tannery Effluents

Tannery industries are one of the highest water polluting industries in Bangladesh. The
Savar Tannery Estate is withdrawing the water for consumption from groundwater sources.
Wastewater effluents are discharged into the Dhaleshwari River after treated by CETP,
which varies greatly based on the processes involved, raw materials, and products.
Generally, water consumption is greatest in the pre-tanning areas, but significant amounts of
water are consumed also in the post-tanning processes. At the present situation, the
industrial pollution is being dumped through three sources viz. CETP, Domestic Water and
Solid Waste Disposal Yard. The quality of the effluents is evaluated in this section.

Physical Characteristics of Water Quality

Color is one of the important physical parameters for examining purity of water and
determine how much organic material or impurities are in the water. The Hazen Color Scale
made it possible to compare a sample of wastewater against a standard solution of diluted
platinum cobalt. The color scale used for measuring water quality can also be referred to as
the Pt-Co (Platinum-Cobalt) / APHA (from American Public Health Association) / HU (Hazen
Units) color scale. It ranges from 0 (clean or distilled water) to 500 (very dark, polluted

46
 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

water). Both domestic and CETP discharge recorded color around 77 Hazen during
discharge (Table 3.1: Color). However, wastewater color of the solid waste disposal yard
were around 200 Hazen. Most importantly, this wastewater was being released into the
Dhaleshwari River in many ways. The dumped leathers in contact with rainwater formed this
color.
With growing population, industrialization and urbanization, the Odor problem has been
assuming objectionable proportion. Toxic Odor causes pollution to environment. Removal of
Odor from leather tanneries is important to preserve safety and occupational health and
public annoyance. Such Odor from domestic and effluent causing gases identified mostly
presence of Ammonia, Hydrogen Sulfide and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the
wastewater which can be measured in Odor units per unit volume (OU/m3).
Odor for domestic wastewater were recorded as 8 OU/m3 where it came to 1 OU/m3 for
treated effluent only. In contrary, the highest Odor (50 OU/m 3) was generating from the solid
waste dumping yard (Figure 3.1: Odor). Solid part of leathers is rotten in contact with water,
which produced chronic Odor. As per ECR, 1997, the standard limit for Odor causing NH3 is
1-5 ppm and H2S is 0.02-0.2 ppm. Presence of hide, skin, un-hairing & liming, de-liming,
pickling causing severe Odor in domestic discharge. The CETP discharge emits relatively
lower Odor than domestic discharge. Other sources were from chemical storage in tannery
(HCHO, CH4 etc. gases come out) and some organic foul gases form hides/skins during
processing.
Temperature was relatively normal for domestic, CETP and disposal yards discharge
according to the tannery effluents standrads for Bangladesh (Table 3.1: Temperature).
DO levels in domestic water and disposal yard were very low (0.2 mg/L) primarily due to
various biological and chemical waste being mixed with the water sources. By contrast, the
treated water had comparatively high DO (Table 3.1: DO) than the previous two sources,
which was even too low to be disposed into inland natural water bodies. The ECR, 1997
standard limit is 4.5 mg/L at least.

Table 3.1: Physical characteristics of the effluent quality of Savar Tannery Estate

Sampling locations Color Odor Temperature DO pH Turbidity TSS

Tannery Effluent
Discharge 15 Odorless 20-33 4.5-8 6-9 15 100
Standard
o
Unit Hazen - C mg/L Value NTU mg/L
Domestic water 77 8 26 0.2 8.1 1858 57
Treated effluent 76 1 31 2.5 8.0 500 127
Solid mixed liquid 200 50 31 0.2 7.8 650 350
Source:CEGIS Survey, June 2018, Department of Environment, 2017-2018

All the waters of domestic, effluents and disposal yard, were found to be slightly alkaline in
nature (pH around 8.0). However, the pH value completely met the ECR’ 1997 Criteria (pH
value 6-9) (Table 3.1).
Based on the scientific studies, a maximum turbidity of 15 NTU, roughly corresponding to
0.5m visual clarity was recommended to avoid significant effects on native fish migration by
Ausseil and Clark (2007b). The turbidity level of the domestic water was found to be very
high compared with the treated water since huge amounts of suspended solids were

47
 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

excluded from the treated water due to the treatment process (Table 3.1: Turbidity).
However, the turbidity of the tannery effluent was too high for life supporting water body e.g.
Dhaleshwari River.
The presence of various organic and non-organic wastes leads to an increase in total
suspended solids. Total suspended solids of dumping place were found to be high (357
mg/L) compared to the treated water (127 mg/L). TSS in effluents was high enough as the
standard of TSS is 100 mg/L (Draft ECR’ 2017) only for the disposal of tannery effluents in
natural water body.
Chemical Characteristics of Water Quality

Inorganic indicators of water quality

Both domestic water and treated effluent show the TDS levels that exceeded national
standard limit (2100 mg/L; ECR, 1997), which is likely due to the presence of various
chemical ions used in tannery industries. Furthermore, it was revealed that TDS
concentration of solid mixed liquid in disposal yard, even 3 times higher (6100 mg/L) of
concentration than the ECR’ 1997 limit. Chemical ions of leathers and untreated water from
CETP increase TDS in liquid from disposal yard.

Table 3.2: TDS Concentrations of the Effluent of Savar Tannery Estate

Sampling locations TDS (mg/L)

Tannery Effluent Discharge Standard 2100
Domestic water 4800
Treated effluent 5190
Solid mixed liquid 6100
Source: CEGIS Survey, June 2018
Department of Environment, 2017-2018

Organic indicators of water quality

BOD levels (92 mg/L) for domestic water was found to be very high than the national
standard limit (30 mg/L; Draft ECR’ 2017). On the other hand, BOD levels for the domestic
water and solid mixed liquid was even higher than the same standard limit.

Table 3.3: Status of Organic Pollutants in the Effluent Quality of Savar Tannery Estate
Sampling locations BOD (mg/L) COD (mg/L)
Tannery Effluent Discharge Standard 30 200
Domestic water 92 320
Treated effluent 127 558
Solid mixed liquid 350 1903
Source: CEGIS Survey, June 2018
Department of Environment, 2017-2018

In case of COD levels, all the three sources exceeded the national standard limit of 200
mg/L. COD levels of the water from disposal yard were found to be significantly higher (1903
mg/L) compared with the treated effluent and domestic water, which were slightly higher
than the standard limit (220 and 558 mg/L).

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Total Chromium Concentration in Effluents of STE

Total chromium levels were found to be absent in the domestic water almost. By contrast, it
was high (3.2 mg/L) in both treated effluent and the water from disposal yard, exceeding
national standard limit of 1.0 mg/L.

Table 3.4: Status of metal pollutants in the effluent of Savar Tannery Estate
Sampling locations Total Cr (mg/L)
Tannery Effluent Discharge Standard 1 mg/L
Domestic water 0.005
Treated effluent 3.2
Solid mixed liquid 10.0
Source: CEGIS Survey, June 2018
Department of Environment, 2017-2018

3.2.3 Water Quality of Dhaleshwari River

Water quality of Dhaleshwari River was studied only to draw the baseline situation of Savar
Tannery Area. Water quality of the river was assessed in terms of physical, chemical and
biological characteristics of the water. The details are described below.

Physical Characteristics of Water Quality

Similar to Buriganga River, exactly same parameters were observed to understand the
physical characteristics of Dhaleshwari River water quality. The status of physical
characteristics of Dhaleshwari River is presented in Table 3.5.

Table 3.5: Physical Characteristics of the Water Quality of the Dhaleshwari River
Site Color Odor Temperature DO pH Turbidity TSS
Standards for Inland 5 or
15 Odorless 20-30 6.5-8.5 15 150
Surface Water Quality more
Unit of measurement Hazen - 0C mg/L Value NTU mg/L
Singair bridge 13 0 32 4.0 8.0 15 15

Milkyhata 15 0 33 6.0 8.1 10 14

Source: CEGIS Survey, June 2018

Tannery effluent changes water quality exclusively. Organic matters of rawhide and skin are
the main reason of changing watercolor. Dhaleshwari River water color is also changing as
the tannery effluent comes into the river though CETP and from domestic water transporting
drainage system. This study found that water color of Dhaleshwari River did not show any
spatial variation. At 200m upstream and downstream of Savar Tannery Area, the water color
became the same and scored around 15 Hazen (Table 3.5: Color). On the other hand, there
was no odour in the water of Dhaleshwari River as the water was found odourless (Table
3.5: Odor). The improvement of the quality of color and odor of Dhaleshwari River was
because of the increase of freshwater availability during the survey time (Summer, 2018).
In Dhaleshwari River, temperature was recorded a little bit higher (32oC and 33oC
respectively) at both the observed locations of Singair Bridge and Milkyhata than the
standard inland surface water temperature (30oC) (Table 3.5: Temperature). It seems like,

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

at the downstream of the river, lots of biological activity and the presence of nutrients, which
make the water temperature comparatively higher than the other portion of the river. In
another study (Islam et al., 2012), it was found the same. Water temperature changes with
the time of the year and also following the season. Water temperature of Dhaleshwari River
was found lower in the post-monsoon than the monsoon and the pre-monsoon season. In
most cases, it was just above 30oC, which was within the standard limit for the uses of all
purposes.
Adequate DO is necessary for survival of aquatic organism and decomposition of waste by
microorganism (Rahman et al., 2012). The DO concentration ranged in between 4.0 mg/L
and 6.0 mg/L. It was noticeable that DO level showed spatial variation in the river. The
downstream (4.0 mg/L) of the river had low DO than the upstream (6.0 mg/L). High organic
load from tannery industry mostly deposited at the downstream of the river as the river has
very weak tidal influence. In 2012, Islam et al., found that the range was around 5.7 mg/L to
7.3 mg/L, which was suitable for the aquatic organisms to survive. However, this finding got
an indication of low DO (4.0 mg/L) at the downstream of the river. A trend analysis was also
done to see the DO concentrations of the Dhaleshwari River. Since 2012, DO level during
dry season was not meeting ECR standard. On the other hand, DO level was more than the
minimum requirement of 5.0 mg/L in the wet season until 2017. After that, DO level was
found lower than the recommended value for Bangladesh inland water bodies (Fgure 3.4:
DO).

Source:CEGIS Survey, June 2018

Department of Environment, 2010-2017

Figure 3.4: Trend of Physical (pH, DO and TSS) Characteristics of Water Quality of the
Dhaleshwari River

Water quality of Dhaleshwari River was found without any acidic and base condition. Ph
value ranged in between 8.0 to 8.1. Trend analysis also showed that since 2010, pH value
alwayed complied with the ECR range of 6.5-8.5 (Figure 3.4: pH).

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Water of Dhaleshwari River was not found turbid enough to harm any aquatic organisms.
The overall concentration was even less equal or less than 15 NTU, which was very good in
condition. This condition could be the effect of increasing of upstream flow during the last
summer (2018). In addition, there were very low activities on the bank of the Dhaleshwari
River, which could also be the reason of this low turbidity.
Amounts of suspended solids in Dhaleshwari River were quite low in concentration, which
ranged 14-15 mg/L. This amount of solid is almost same as the recommended concentration
for drinking water in Bangladesh (10 mg/L, ECR’ 1997). DoE found almost same
concentration (around 20 mg/L) in 2012. Trend analysis indicated that TSS was more than
150 mg/L in the dry season for the last couple of years in Dhaleshwari.

Chemical Characteristics of Water Quality

Inorganic Indicators of Water Quality

Amount of TDS in Dhaleshwari River was found comparatively higher than the Buriganga
River. In addition, there was a spatial variation in TDS concentration in Dhalsehwari River. At
the upstream of the river (200 meter upstream from CETP), TDS was around 160 mg/L while
at the downstream it was around 200 mg/L (Table 3.6: TDS.) However, the concentration
was not high enough considering the standard for waste from industrial units or project
waste (2100 mg/L). Earlier studies also supported the same. DoE showed around 220 mg/L
at 2017 while Sunny et al showed 240 mg/L at 2017. Since 2010, TDS concentration in
Dhaleshwari River always met the ECR criteria (1000 mg/L) (Figure 3.5).
This study did not find any salinity issue in Dhaleshwari River especially in the summer
season.

Table 3.6: TDS and Salinity status of the Water Quality of the Dhaleshwari River
Site TDS Salinity
Standards for Inland Surface Water Quality 1000 mg/L 0.0 ppt
Singair bridge 160 0.0
Milkyhata 200 0.0
Source: CEGIS Survey, June 2018

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Source: CEGIS Survey, June 2018

Department of Environment, 2010-2017

Figure 3.5: Trend of TDS in Dhaleshwari River

Organic Indicators of Water Quality

When BOD level is high, DO Level decreases, because the oxygen available in the water is
being consumed by the bacteria (Sawyer et al., 2003). Low DO availability in the water, fish
and other aquatic organisms may not survive. In the study, BOD values were found around
10.0 mg/L while it was very low (around 2 mg/L) at the same river in 2012 (Islam et al.,
2012). According to the inland surface water quality (ECR’ 1997), the BOD concentration
should not be more than 10.0 mg/L. Since 2016, oxygen demand of Dhaleshwari River was
increasing and still prevails the same condition (Figure 3.6).
The COD concentration of Dhaleshwari River was found around 50.0 mg/L. Observing the
result of BOD, it became visible that there were other nutrients in the Dhaleshwari River. The
BOD and COD statuses are presented in Table 3.7.

Table 3.7: Status of organic pollution of the Dhaleshwari River

Site BOD COD
Standards for Inland Surface Water Quality 10 mg/L 25 mg/L
Singair bridge 12 48
Milkyhata 10 52
Source: CEGIS Survey, June 2018

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Source: CEGIS Survey, June 2018

Department of Environment, 2010-2017

Figure 3.6: Characteristics of BOD in Dhaleshwari River

Inorganic Minerals of Water Quality

Phosphate content in the river water ranged from 0.5 mg/L to 1.0 mg/L during monsoon
period, and at the upstream of the river, it exceeded the standard of 0.5 mg/L (good aquatic
ecosystem). Islam et al., 2012 revealed that the average phosphate concentration of
Dhaleshwari River was lower than 0.5 mg/L in all three seasons. In contrary, nitrate
concentrations (1.0-4.5 mg/L) complied completely with the Draft ECR 2017 (5.0 mg/L). It
could be due to the wide agricultural practices along the riverbank. The excessive nitrogen
can cause over-production of planktons and as they die and decompose, they use oxygen
and therefore the DO content of water goes down and the oxygen dependent organisms
finally struggle to survive (Momtaz et al., 2010). Table 3.8 shows the phosphate and nitrate
status of the Dhaleshwari River with its standard limit. Nitrate was found higher in the dry
season while phosphate was higher than the standard limit over the whole years (Figure
3.7).
Ammonical-nitrogen concentration was found slightly lower as ECR’ 1997 recommended
level of NH3-N for inland surface water is 1.5 mg/L. At Singair Bridge and Milkyhata the
concentration was found 0.3 mg/L and 0.1 mg/L respectively.
Sulphate concentration was comparatively low in Dhaleshwari River. The range was 20-31
mg/L (Table 3.8: Sulphate). In addition, sulphate did not show any spatial variation in this
river. The standard value for sulphate is 400 mg/L (ECR’1997).

Table 3.8: Status of Chemicals in the Dhaleshwari River

Sampling locations PO43- SO42- NO3- NH4-N
Standard for Inland Surface Water Quality 0.5 mg/L 400 mg/L 5 mg/L 1.5 mg/L
Singair bridge 1.0 20 5.0 0.30
Milkyhata 0.5 31 1.3 0.10
Source: CEGIS Survey, June 2018

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Source: CEGIS Survey, June 2018

Department of Environment, 2010-2017

Figure 3.7: Status of Phosphate and Nitrate Concentrations in Dhaleshwari River

Dissolved Metals Status in Dhaleshwari River

All the concentrations of Cr were found lower than the standard level (100 µg/L) given by
Draft ECR (2017). Average chromium concentration in Dhaleshwari River was 2.0 µg/L in
the current study. This very low amount of Cr was because of increase of freshwater
availability in monsoon. Previously, Cr was found higher (440 mg/L) in concentration in this
river (Ahmed et al., 2009).
Concentration of Al did not show any indication of its pollution in the water quality of
Dhaleshwari River. The concentration ranged 210-270 µg/L. In any previous study, Al was
not considered as an indicator of leather industry pollution. The variation in Al concentration
is presented in Table 3.9: Aluminum.

Table 3.9: Status of Metals of the Dhaleshwari River

Sampling locations Cr Al Pb Zn
Standards for Inland Surface Water 100 µg/L 200 µg/L 100 µg/L 5000 µg/L
Singair bridge 2 208 1 80
Milkyhata 2 270 1 80
Source: CEGIS Survey, June 2018

In the present study, in all the observed locations, Pb concentration was found around 1
µg/L, which was very much lower than standard limit of drinking water quality (100 µg/L,
Draft ECR’ 2017). This low concentration of Pb in Dhaleshwari River indicated that this metal
did not pollute that river enough. However, one of the earlier studies found around 50 µg/L of
average Pb concentration in Dhaleshwari River (Ahmed et al., 2009). The concentration
varies following dry and wet season in a year.
The concentration of Zn did not show any spatial variations in Dhaleshwari River. During the
study, in all the observed locations, around 80 µg/L of Zn was found. Status of Pb and Zn
concentrations of Dhaleshwari River are presented in Table 3.9 also.

Microbiological Characteristics of Water Quality

Fecal coliform status of Dhaleshwari River is presented in Figure 3.8.

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Source: CEGIS Survey, June 2018

Figure 3.8: Status of Fecal Coliforms in Dhaleshwari River

Water Quality Index (WQI) of Dhaleshwari River

The NSFWQI was developed for Dhaleshwari River based on primary information collected
in the last Summer (June 2018). The detail process of the index analysis is presented in
Table 3.10.

Table 3.10: Water Quality Index Calculation

Parameters Tested Results Water Quality Factor Weighting Value Total
Dissolved Oxygen Sat (%) 75 81 0.17 14
Fecal coliform (colony/100ml) 45 54 0.16 9
pH 4 9 0.11 1
BOD (mg/L) 12 28 0.11 3
Temperature change (oC) 2 85 0.10 9
Total phosphate (mg/L) 1.06 39 0.10 4
Nitrate (mg/L) 4.5 68 0.10 7
Turbidity (mg/L) 15 67 0.08 5
Total solids (mg/L) 15 83 0.07 6
Overall Water Quality Index 58

The overall water quality index became 58, which indicated Medium (Table 3.11) quality of
water of Dhaleshwari River.

Table 3.11: Classes of Water in Respect to Water Quality Index (WQI)

WQI Dhaleshwari River Water Class
0-25 Very bad
25-50 Bad
50-70 58 Medium
70-90 Good
90-100 Excellent

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

3.2.4 Odor of Savar Tannery Estate

Odour can be defined as the “perception of smell” or in scientific terms as “a sensation
resulting from the reception of stimulus by the olfactory sensory system” (CPCB, 2008).
Whether pleasant or unpleasant, Odor is induced by inhaling air-borne volatile organics or
inorganic.
Unlike conventional air pollutants, Odor has distinctly different characteristics, which, to an
extent, can be comparable with noise pollution. Similar to noise, nuisance is the primary
effect of Odor on people. Some such characteristics are:
 Substances of similar or dissimilar chemical constitution may have similar Odor.
Nature and strength of Odor may change on dilution.
 Odor of same strength blends to produce a combination in which one or both may
be unrecognizable. Odor travels downwind.
 Constant intensity of Odor causes an individual to quickly loose awareness of the
sensation and only noticed when it varies in intensity.
 Fatigue for one Odor may not affect the perception of dissimilar Odor but will
interfere with the perception of similar Odor.
 An unfamiliar Odor is more likely to cause complaint than a familiar one.
 Likes and dislikes often depend on association of the scent with pleasant or
unpleasant experiences.
Odors may result from raw hides and skins, putrefaction, and from substances including
sulfides, ammonia and volatile organic components. Therefore, the production of raw hides
and skins depends on animal population and slaughter rate and is related mainly to meat
consumption. The whole process involves a sequence of complex chemical reactions and
mechanical processes.
The process of making leather has always been associated with Odor and pollution, and as
it seemed to be an inevitable consequence of the activity at the time, in some cultures
people engaged in this industry rarely enjoyed a high social status. In other words, Odor is
one of well-known words used for being descriptive the leather industry. Most Odor
complaints against industry have centered on animal products processing activities.

Sources of Gases
Worldwide tanning industries are known as obnoxious for discharging high pollutants and
degrade the ambient environment. In Bangladesh, tanning industry is one of the fast growing
industries. The experts of World Bank (Nishat A. 2001) have determined the top-ten most
environment polluting industries of this country. These are the tannery industry (21%), the
pulp and paper industry (15%), pharmaceuticals industry (13%), fertilizer industry (12%),
industrial chemicals (9%), textile industry (6%), food industry (6%), metal industry (5%),
cement industry (4%), petroleum (3%), and others (6%).
There are about 220 leather industries in Bangladesh, 85% of them are located in the
Western part of capital city Dhaka. Since the last decades of industrialization, Bangladesh is
facing the environmental degradation of Buriganga River and other linked rivers due to
receiving the discharged green solid and liquid wastes from the tanning industries.

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

The solid and liquid effluent comprise of decaying flesh, soluble proteins, fat, toxic
chemicals, dissolved lime, suspended and dissolved solids, organic matters, dyestuffs and
coloring pigments, heavy metals like chromium etc. from the tannery industries produce
Odorous components. Gaseous air pollutants like hydrogen sulphide (H2S), ammonia (NH3),
volatile organic compounds etc. are produced in different stages of leather processing which
are directly merged to atmosphere (Hashem M. A. 2015).
After shifting of the tannery in Savar, around 200 tanneries are established for production. At
present 180 tanneries are working. As mentioned earlier, the main constituents of Odorous
gases in tannery are VOC’s (evolving during the action of enzymes causes decomposition
and oxidation of the hides and skin), NH3 and H2S (evolving during the unhairing and
deliming process of tanning in the processing of leather). Out of these the NH 3 and H2S both
are toxic gases which are responsible for the odor in the tannery. The NH3 having strong
pungent and H2S having fouling smell both giving odor in and around the tannery
environment. From Zahn et al. (2001), it is found that a typical tannery will have VOC—100
ppm, NH3— 40 ppm and H2S—30 ppm (Panda R.C. 2012). Based on these loads, this work
designs scrubbing systems for abatement of these toxic gases.

Assessment of Odor
In recent times, Odor has been a key issue of community concern near to the tannery site. In
addition, with the changing of tannery site, the complaints from nearby communities of Savar
tannery estates are increasing. Given the established understanding of Odor matters around
the site, a quantitative assessment of odor has not been undertaken within this study.
An Odor emission often consists of a complex mixture of many Odorous compounds.
Usually, Odor sensory methods, are normally used to measure such Odor. A value in OU is
a ratio. The OU strength is the number of times the mixture must be diluted (at standard
temperature and pressure) to reach the detection limit. OUE (European odor unit) – A value
in OUE is a mass measurement. One OUE is the mass of pollutant that, when evaporated
into 1m3 of odorless gas (at standard conditions) results in a mixture with concentration
equal to the detection threshold for that pollutant. European odor units (OUE) are more
commonly used and olfactometry measurements give odor concentrations in OUE /m3. The
Z50 value (threshold concentration) is expressed in odor units (OUE m-3).
There is no sensory method OU standard Odor yet fixed in ECR, 1997 and subsequent
amendments. Neighboring country like India has done a lot of work on these issues in the
guideline of “Guidelines on Odor Pollution & its Control” (CPCB, 2008). In ECR 1997, the
major chemical constituent of Odor are identified and fixed their limit at Schedule-8. Table
3.12 shows the limit of two important chemical components (Ammonia and Hydrogen
Sulfide) release from tannery industries.

Table 3.12: Standard for Odor of ECR, 1997, SCHEDULE – 8

Parameter Chemical Standard Limit (ppm)
Ammonia NH3 1–5
Hydrogen Sulfide H2S 0.02 – 0.2
Note:Following regulatory limit shall be generally applicable to emission/exhaust outlet pipe of above 5 meter
height

Q = 0.108 x He2Cm (Where Q = Gas Emission rate Nm 3/hour)

He = Height of exhaust outlet pipe (m)

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Cm = Above mentioned limit (ppm)

A number of studies following for known compounds, the Odor strength can be reliably
estimated by measuring the concentration of the chemical, while, for mixtures of unknown
substances, sensory method is preferred. In fact, USEPA has fixed the limit for Odor’s
chemical components differently at different states along with Odor Unit (OU) or Dilution
Threshold (D/T). Therefore, this study has been conducted based on three major Odor
generating chemical components e.g. VOCs, NH3 and H2S release form tannery industries.

Measurement of Odor
Of the five senses, the sense of smell is the most complex and unique in structure and
organization. Sense of smell is accomplished with two main nerves. The olfactometry nerve
(first cranial nerve) processes the perception of chemicals. The trigeminal nerve (fifth cranial
nerve) processes the irritation or pungency (sensation) of chemicals. The entire trip, from
nostril to signal in the brain, takes as little as 500 milliseconds.
During the field investigation, the stakeholders informed about notorious smell from the
Savar Tannery Estate. Experience from Hazaribag Tanneries, the nearby communities of
this tannery were making demand about controlling the Odor pollution. They were
demanding to protect the areas from Odor pollution. The Odor measurement methods are
mainly two types.
Instrumental methods have relied mainly on the application of Gas Chromatography (GC),
including Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is capable of the efficient
separation required for analysis of complex mixtures of Odour.
The sensory methods are very much subjective. Each of the Odorant has a unique odor and
Odor detection threshold which means that compounds, even if present at the same
concentration, may have markedly different odor impacts.

Dispersion Modelling
AERMOD is steady-state plume model. The modeling system consists of one main program
(AERMOD) and two pre-processors (AERMET and AERMAP). The major purpose of
AERMET is to calculate boundary layer parameters for use by AERMOD. AERMAP is terrain
pre-processor. In general, AERMOD models a plume as a combination of two limiting cases:
a horizontal plume (terrain impacting) and a terrain following plume. Therefore, for all
situations, the total concentration, at a receptor, is bounded by the concentration predictions
from these states. In flat terrain the two states are equivalent. By incorporating the concept
of the dividing stream height, in elevated terrain, AERMOD’s total concentration is calculated
as a weighted sum of the concentration associated with these two limiting cases or plume
states (US EPA, 2004). However, the Odor dispersion modeling has been conducted with
this AEMOD modeling system.

Modelling Domain
Modelling has been conducted for a receptor grid of 10x10 receptor points at 100 m
resolution, which equates to a receptor grid of 1 x 1 km. The extent of this modelling domain
encompasses the Savar Tannery Site and surrounding areas. Given the varying land uses
surrounding the site, the receptors were spaced equally distance from each other. Since the

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

pollutant contour line will be presented through isophelts, specific discrete receptors were
not identified during the modeling process.

Dispersion Meteorology
A site-specific meteorological dataset was not collected for assessing the direction of wind.
Meteorological data of Dhaka International Airport was processed for preparing the surface
meteorological file preparation. Moreover, ready upper air data for a whole year of 2015 to
2016 was processed though AERMET software.
AERMET processes three types of data: 1) hourly surface observations that are typically, but
not exclusively, collected at airports 2) twice-daily upper air soundings collected by the
National Weather Station; and 3) data collected from an on-site or site-specific measurement
program or prognostic meteorological data processed through a processor such as the
Mesoscale Model Interface (MM5). However, the regional meteorological conditions were
assessed after analysis of meteorological processed AERMAT data of one year through
WORPLOT.

Figure 3.9: Wind Histogram and WindRose diagram at Savar Tannery Estate

Figure 3.9, Shows a wind rose at the Site for the year 2016. Windrose diagram shows
around 12% of the total wind recorded clam. Wind moves toward Northward maximum
period of a year.
Elevation Data as Model Input
AERMAP was used as a pre-processor in order to load the elevation data sets and then
AERMOD analyzed the data. AERMAP required the use of gridded data to calculate terrain
height scale for the receptor locations. The terrain data required by AERMAP was obtained
from SRTM and land cover data was obtained from USGS, AERMOD simulated a horizontal
plume under stable conditions and also an elevation-following plume in order to account for
varying elevation in the area.

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Emission of Odorants
Emissions from the tanneries were represented as volume sources. Volume sources
constitute a generic method of representing fugitive emissions, such as those that are
released into an aerodynamic wake, such as fugitive emissions from houses.
Within the model, volume sources were defined by location (i.e. easting, northing and
height), and the amount of initial horizontal and vertical dispersion, as defined by two
separate parameters, σy and σz.
Emission rates were modelled based on typical
published literature of reputed journals or
report. In order to generate hourly emission
rates, total emission quantities were divided by
2x8760 (the number of hours in a year), and
treated as a constant emission rate within the
model Noting this, the emissions reflect
average emissions and are considered
generally representative of net emissions
across the Site at a given time and long-term
average emissions.
These emissions do not reflect short-term localized emission peaks that may arise from a
specific tannery, CETP or land fill areas. In this sense, long-term average predictions are
considered more robust in the estimation of pollutant levels near the Savar Tannery Estate.

Table 3.13: Rate of emission of the Odorant from tannery industry

Locations Unit Sources VOC NH3 H2S Sources
Tanneries g/s Volume 0.1442 0.01258 0.0189 (Panda R.C. 2012)
CETP g/s Volume - 0.00007 0.0958 (Panda R.C. 2012)
Solid Waste Landfills g/s Volume 0.0001 0.09350 0.0121 (Ying D. 2012)

Dispersion Modelling Results

This section provides the results of the dispersion modelling undertaken for the Project.
Results have been presented both in tabulated form, as well as contour isopleths. The
pollution criteria are incremental, meaning that they apply to the incremental impact from
emissions from the pollutant source alone. However, the maximum concentration of each of
the Odorant pollutants is predicted through AERMOD modeling process (Table 3.14).

Table 3.14: Maximum concentration of the Odorant pollutants disperse from Savar
Tannery Estate
Odourant Chemicals Duration Peak Concentration (µg/m3) Coordinate (Xm) Coordinate (Ym)
VOC 1-HR 134.6 218888.80 2632022.25
NH3 1-HR 186.4 218688.80 2631922.25
H2S 1-HR 82.4 218788.80 2632022.25

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Dispersion of VOCs
Volatile Organic Compounds are emitted in finishing operation including formaldehyde,
benzine acetone, butyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol etc. In tanneries operators frequently
handle organic solvents with bare hand and without nose mask; they are suffering in various
difficulties like abdominal pain, diarrhea, convulsion and respiratory problem. Although most
of the developed countries have reduced the use of formaldehyde (H-CHO) as well set a
permissible level in leather. Tanneries of Bangladesh also use formaldehyde and other
organic solvents. The maximum dispersion area of VOCs concentration has been shown in
Figure 3.10.

Figure 3.10: Maximum Concentration of VOC after Dispersion from Savar Tannery
Estate

The VOCs are the atmospheric air pollutants. They are involved in photochemical oxidation
by ozone as well as UV radiation. VOC emitted from the tanneries, has short-lived and
typical life-time of a few hours in day time. The primary reaction of emitted formaldehyde in
the air is direct photolysis and photo chemically produced hydroxyl radicals. In the urban
atmosphere, VOC is an important precursor in smog formation where it reacts with oxides of
nitrogen (NOx) and other compounds like Peroxy Acetyl Nitrate (PAN) and smog decreases
the visibility.

Dispersion of H2S
In tannery, normally unhairing and liming takes about 18–20 hours. During long time
chemical reaction as well as mechanical agitation produces H2S gas. The H2S gas comes
out from the hollow axle of drum/from open paddle which is directly mixed with air inside the
tanning industry. It is a colorless gas and is slightly heavier than air. It has a strong Odor of
rotten eggs. In tannery, operators are used to work without nose mask and frequently inhale
gaseous H2S and are suffering from difficulties. High concentration of H2S (> 900ppm) for
one-minute causes instant coma and death. The maximum dispersion area of H2S
concentration has been shown in Figure 3.11.

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Figure 3.11: Maximum Concentration of H2S after Dispersion from Savar Tannery
Estate

H2S is not only produced in liming but also produced when spent lime liquor is mixed with
the acidic ranges spent tanning liquor like spent chrome tanning or spent pickle liquor. It is
the conventional practice to discharge spent lime and chrome tanning liquor simultaneously
at the same stream continuously H2S gas is produced.
People in the tannery areas inhale the poisonous H2S gas. The fluxes of H2S led to toxic
levels of H2S at atmosphere by the atmospheric photochemical reaction. Besides, ozone
shield destroys and increase the greenhouse methane gas.

Dispersion of NH3
Ammonia is a highly hydrophilic base and it has irritating properties. It effects on human
being due to its alkaline corrosiveness; it’s gaseous or liquid form can irritate the eyes,
respiratory tract and skin. Ammonia and its hydroxide are corrosive, can rapidly penetrate to
eye and may cause permanent injury.
In tanneries, operators frequently handle the delimed pelt or leather and waste liquor with
bare hands and foot as well as without nose mask. Besides, persons who are engaged in
other works are exposed to inhale gaseous form of ammonia from inside the tannery. As a
result, person who are directly or indirectly involved in the tanneries are getting contact with
ammonia or its hydroxide are suffering from many difficulties. The maximum dispersion area
of NH3 concentration has been shown in Figure 3.12.

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Figure 3.12: Maximum Concentration of NH3 after Dispersion from Savar Tannery
Estate

Ammonia is lighter than air, as a result after emitting from any source, it directly merged into
atmosphere. It has a short atmospheric lifetime of about 24 hrs. Once ammonia is emitted to
atmosphere, it could undergo conversion to NH4+ aerosol due to its highly reactive nature
and quickly deposited near to the sources of emission. The conversion of ammonia (NH3) to
ammonium ion (NH4+) in aerosol is dependent on the concentration of acids in atmosphere.
Formed ammonium salts at atmosphere are the main components of smog aerosols; it
effects on cloudiness of the atmosphere as well as earth radiation budget.

3.2.5 Land Resources

The study area is entirely fallen under Young Brahmaputra and Jamuna Tract (AEZ-8),
where Medium high land dominants (71% of total area) in the land type followed by medium
low land (25% of total area). Loam is the major soil texture of the study area soil which
covers almost (95% of total area), the remaining area’s soil texture is clay loam.
Around 7.2 kilometer river length was considered as study area in Hemayetpur Tannery
Industry where the width was similar like Hazaribagh Tannery Estate. Agricultural practice
was the major land use (60.7% of total area) of that area, which was found on both bank of
the river. Settlement covers next in the land use (26.8% of total area) where urbanization
was entirely found on the left bank of the river. Besides, some brick field and orchard were
also found in the study area. Detailed land use of Hemayetpur Tannery is presented in Table
3.15 and Figure 3.13.

Table 3.15: Land Use of Hemayetpur/Savar Tannery Estate

Hemayetpur Tannery Area (ha)
Land Use Total area (ha) % of Total Area
Left Bank Right Bank
Tannery area 72 0 72 2.8
Agriculture (NCA) 499 1,077 1,576 60.7
Water Bodies 28 181 209 8.1
Settlement 365 332 697 26.8
Brickfield 14 12 26 1.0
Orchard and other plants 0 16 16 0.6
Total Area (ha) 977 1,619 2,595 100.0
Source: CEGIS field information and Satellite image, 2015.

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Figure 3.13: Land Use Map of Hemayetpur/Savar Tannery Estate

64
 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

3.2.6 Soil Quality

Tannery industry started working in the Hemayetpur Area in 2015. As this estate installed a
centralized ETP system and central collection pond, theoretically there was very limited
chance of pollution spreading in the vicinity of the estate. Unfortunately, pollutants leaked out
of the premises.
Study found Cr presence in all the soil samples. The maximum accumulation was found in
main drainage soil while the minimum was in agricultural land at the opposite bank of the
river. River levee soil and sediment was also found contaminated with Cr. The main
drainage and river bed sample exceeded Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC) (100
ppm) in soil (Kloke, 1980). Cr concentration in river levee soil sample was close to the MAC
value, while presence of Cr was also found in the opposite bank agricultural soil. But in all
cases, no Cr accumulation was found in the plant samples. Presence of Cr in soil, sediment
and plant in the Hemayetpur is presented in Table 3.16.

Table 3.16: Presence of Chromium (Cr) in soil, sediment and plant in Hemayetpur
Tannery Estate
Sampling Soil Plant
SL Site Characteristics
point (ppm) (ppm)
This is the main disposal pond of solid and liquid
Main
1 tannery wastes. Soil and plant sample was collected to 17,225 N.D.
Drainage
have chromium contamination in soil and plant.
River bed sample was collected from the downstream
River bed/ of tannery estate to analyze chromium concentration in
2 131.5 N.D.
Sediment sediment subsequent floating plant (water hyacinths)
was also collected to find the presence of chromium. .
River levee soil and plant sample was collected form in
between main channel and river bed sample collecting
3 River levee 71.0 N.D.
point. This area is extensively used for vegetable
cultivation during Rabi season.
This site is situated in the opposite bank of the
Agricultural Dhalweswari River which is double cropped land. Soil
4 46.7 N.D.
Field and plant sample was collected to have chromium
contamination in soil and plant.
Note: N.D. - Not Detectable. Soil (MAC)-100 ppm. Plant (MAC) - 1-2 ppm
** Soil and plant samples were collected from 11th to 13th June, 2018 following standard sampling procedure (Soil
survey manual, 2017). These samples were sent to SRDI, Dhaka laboratory for analysis. To determine total Cr,
soil and plant analysis was done by digestion method followed by AAS analysis (Weil and Brady, 2016).

3.3 Biological Environment

3.3.1 Plankton Status

In Dhaleshwari River, good production of Zooplanktons was observed. The composition
followed only Metanauplius, Cyclops, Diaptomus and Diaphanosoma. In an average, 5,520
Zooplanktons were present in each cubic meter of water. The composition and concentration
of Zooplankton in Dhaleshwari River are presented in Table 3.17.

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Table 3.17: Composition of Zooplankton in Dhaleshwari River

River Zooplankton Concentration
Metanauplius 14 per ml of water sample
Cyclops 6 per ml of water sample
Dhaleshwari
Diaptomus 2 per ml of water sample
Diaphanosoma 1 per ml of water sample
Total Concentration 5,520 zooplankton/cubic meter
Source: Field Survey at June 2018.

In the Dhaleshwari River, there was no benthic community during the field visit of June 2018.
The riverbed materials were a mixture of sludge with low amount of soils.

3.3.2 Fisheries Resources

In case of the Dhaleshwari River, habitat suitability for fish has degraded due to poor
condition of connectivity of water bodies, spatial and temporal water flow and velocity,
substrates, water quality, aquatic vegetation, etc. Fish habitats are suitable from the month
of July to September, and decline in the months of December to March. The river receives a
large amount of industrial waste and agricultural pesticides. Although, the condition becomes
worst from post-monsoon up to next monsoon season. However, the polluted bed material
from Singair Bridge to lower stream in the vicinity of Tannary Industry results in decreasing
the suitability for benthic fish community round the year. On the other hand, low water quality
(having very low level of Dissolved Oxygen, described in water quality section) of the surface
water results in unavailability of free floating and bentho-pelagic fish species during dry
season.

Figure 3.14: Discharge of Industrial Effluent into the Dhaleshwari River

Suitability levels for pH and TDS were found satisfactory in two sampling locations of the
Dhaleshwari River (see Water Quality Section). However, the suitabilities for water
temperature and BOD were negatively scored in both the sampling sites. Although negative
score for DO was found in case of Milkyhata, positive score was in case of Singair Bridge
location. It thus clearly portrays that the habitat suitability of two sampling locations in the
Dhaleshwari River is also very low and has remained more or less similar from 2010 to 2018
(Figure 3.15).

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

0.70

Y = 0.5162+0.0011*x; 0.95 Conf.Int.

Y
Suitability Scores for the Dhaleshwari River (0-1)

0.65
95% Confident Limit Line

0.60

0.55

0.50

0.45

0.40

0.35
Dry/2010 Dry/2011 Dry/2012 Dry/2013 Dry/2014 Dry/2015 Dry/2016 Dry/2017 Dry/2018
Season/Year

Figure 3.15: Exponential Smoothing Series with Linear Trend of Habitat Suitability
Scores for the Dhaleshwari River

Source: CEGIS Field Survey, 2017 (Physical Environment Section)

A significant breach of protective bank was observed about 125m adjacent to the Solid
Waste Disposal Station indicates that high Chromium (Cr) directly falls into the river system
(Figure 3.14). Both air and water temperatures play important role in the physicochemical,
metabolic and physiological behaviors of the aquatic system (Ali, et al., 2008). Different trace
elements become hazard when it causes various lethal effects on physiological and cellular
mechanism (Table 3.18).

Table 3.18: Hazards of Trace Elements or Ions

Name of
Hazardous Effects on Fish
Elements/Ion
Dermatitis, Muscular paralysis, Damage to liver and kidney, Loss of hair,
Arsenic (As)
Gangrene, Cancer
Cadmium (Cd) Kidney damage, Cancer
Chromium (Cr) Skin ulcer, Kidney inflammation, Cancer
Mercury (Hg) Nerve damage, Kidney damage
Diseases of domestic animals (above 75 ppm), Harmful for baby (above 67
Nitrate (NO3-)
ppm)
Source: Environmental Chemistry, A. K. Be (2009)

Habitat Assessment
The estimated total fish habitat area was about 1,308 ha, where capture fishery isabout 99%
and culture fishery contributes the rest in Hemayetpur Tannery City (HmTC). Fish habitat
distribution in the study area is given in Table 3.19.

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Table 3.19: Breakdown of fish habitats in HmTC

Area (ha)
Sl. No Habitat Category Habitat Type
Left Bank Right Bank
1 River and Khal 0 178
2 Capture Perennial Beel 22 0
3 Floodplain 420 679
Sub-total = 442 858
4 Culture Baor 6 3
Sub-total = 6 3
Grand Total Area = 448 861
Source: Land Use Satellite Image, 2015

Fish migration and movement

Local fishermen informed that fish migrates to the Dhaleshwari River from nearby habitats
mostly during augmentation of water flow in the monsoon season. No pre-monsoon fish
migration was informed or reported through the Dhaleshwari River. With the increase of river
flow, larger fish species under following guilds, such as Major Carp, Large Catfish, etc.
migrate through the river. A minimum number of Small Indigenous Species (SIS) of fishes
uses the river for their localized movement.

Fish diversity
More or less similar number of fish species was found in the catches. The local fishers
informed that fish species in the Dhaleshwari River and other habitats around the river
similar to the species found in the Buriganga River. Fish diversity and their composition
varied predominantly with changing habitat condition during wet and dry seasons. Field
findings revealed that fishes were found more in the upstream, at and around the Singair
Bridge location, than found in the downstream of the river, which was close to the Tannery
Industry. It was informed that fish composition also varies with water quality (Figure 3.16).
Fish species, such as Heteropneustes fossilis, Mystus vittatus, Puntius ticto, Cirrhinus reba,
Glossogobius giuris, Channa punctatus, etc. are sensitive to heavy metal rich waters in the
range of moderate to low level. On the other hand, fish species, such as Labeo rohita,
Trichogaster fasciata, Gudusia chapra, Mastacembelus pancalus, Gagata youssoufi, etc. are
highly sensitive to heavy metal rich waters, especially to Chromium. The following major fish
species were identified in the Dhaleshwari River System (Appendix-D).

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

18
16
14
12
Kartik-Joistha

10
8
6
4
2
0
-2
Composition (%)

18
16
14
12
10
8
Ashar-Aswin

6
4
2
0
-2
Gozar

Gozar
Rui

Taki

Foli

Rui
Kajuli

Taki

Foli
Boal

Batasi

Piyali

Chital

Boal

Kajuli
Batasi

Piyali

Chital
Tit Punti

Guchi Baim
Tara Baim

Tit Punti

Guchi Baim
Sarpunti

Tara Baim

Sarpunti
Ichha Chingri

Ichha Chingri
Chela

Kakila
Dhela

Shole

Shing

Chela
Potka

Kakila
Dhela

Shole

Shing
Potka
Mola

Veda

Mola
Chanda

Catla
Gulsha

Ayre

Chanda

Catla
Gulsha

Ayre

Veda
Baghaire

Kholisha

Baghaire

Kholisha
Poor Good
Fish Species

Figure 3.16: Fish species composition of the Dhaleshwari at Singair Bridge Point

Source: Field survey, CEGIS (2018)

Fish Production Assessment

The estimated total fish production was about 1,568 metric ton (MT), which was shared
mostly by the capture fishery (about 99%) and the rest was shared by the culture fishery in
HmTA. The breakdown of fish production of the study area is given in Table 3.20.

Table 3.20: Breakdown of fish production in HmTA

Production (Ton)
Sl. No. Habitat Category Habitat Type
Left Bank Right Bank
1 River and Khal 0 21
2 Capture Perennial Beel 48 0
3 Floodplain 568 919
Sub-total = 616 940
4 Culture Baor 8 4
Sub-total = 8 4
Grand Total = 624 944
Source: FRSS, 2016-17

3.3.3 Ecological resources

Status of vegetation
Floral density and diversity were higher at Harindhara Tannery Estate and its surroundings
than Hazaribagh Site. The Tannery Estate had very low vegetation coverage as their
continuing the civil construction activities which caused barrier to grow vegetation. Only the
corridors and river levees were vegetated with wild herbs like Richardia scabra, Croton sp,
Crozophora sp, Polygonum, Imperata cylindrica, Physalis minima etc. The Tannery Estate
ground did not possess big trees.

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Figure 3.17: Existing vegetation pattern of the Haringdhara Site

Except the tannery site, homestead vegetation was observed at opposite bank of
Dhaleshwari River at Milkyhata Village. Most of the households were vegetated by local
cultivated plants and wild shrubs and herbs occupy a small portion of the coverage.
Presence of wetland trees like Pitali (Trewia nudiflora), Baroon (Crataeva nurvala), Hizol
(Pongamia pinnata) were remarkably found near watersides as well as margins of
settlements. According to the vegetation survey, several tree species were present and their
composition was similar all over the study area. Common cultivated Plants were Raintree
(Samanea saman), Chambol (Albizia richardiana), Mahogony (Swietenia mahogany),
Silkoroi (Albizia procera), Jarul (Lagerstromia speciosa), Aam (Mangifera indica), Chatim
(Alstonsia scholaris) etc and these species occupied top canopy. Shrubs and Herbs
occupied lower canopies and species composition were similar to river levees and Tannery
Estate Corridor.
Cropfield possessed numerous wild herbs which contributed to enrich floral diversity of this
area. The Hazaribagh Site lacks crop field for urbanization but opposite bank of Harindhara
Site had some cropfields. Different crops variety and cropping patterns are discussed in the
agricultural section of this report. Except cultivated varieties, major weed species growing
with the crop in this area were Euphorbia hirta, Rorippa indica, Cynodon dactylon, Marsilea
quadrifolia, Calotropis gigantea, Heliotropium indicum, Amaranthus spinosus, Centipeda
orbicularis, Cyperus sp., Crotons bonplandianum, Chenopodium ambrosoides, Ethulia
conyzoides etc. Though crop field vegetation possesses least diversity of plants but this type
of vegetation provides feeding habitats for wildlife.

Status of wildlife and their distributions

Most of the local faunal communities disappeared from the Harindhara Tannery Estate
during the development of land. There were no wild mammals or reptiles commonly occurred
within the Estate ground. But, some rodents like Shrew Mouse and Mongoose were
occasionally sighted within the sub-urban areas just outside of the Tannery Estate boundary.
According to local people, sometimes polluted water from tannery estate runoff at the
surrounding areas and caused population deterioration of amphibians and reptiles within the
surrounding areas. The impact was also severely followed at surrounding reaches of
Dhaleshwari River. The situation improves during peak monsoon when concentration of
pollutants is low and abundance of wild fauna increases at this time. Occurrence of Ganges

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

dolphin was informed by the local people only during peak monsoonbut not stay for more
than two months (July and August).
Birds occupied the higher number of species than other classes and were the major
terrestrial faunal group. Species richness of terrestrial local avifauna was mainly
concentrated in settlements and the natural vegetation along the Dhaleshwari River.
Some birds were observed at Harindhara Tannery Estate during field visit. A colony of 20-30
numbers of Cattle Egrets was roaming at Solid Waste Dumping Site (Figure 3.18). In
addition to this, a number of Asian Pied Starling and some Black Drungo were observed
within the Tannery Estate. As per local people, the land of the Tannery Estate was the
feeding ground of local birds like Bee Eater, Spotted Dove, Bristled Grass Bird, Greater
coukal, Rufous Treepie etc before land development. Common Lizards within the site was
Common Skink (Mabuya carinata) and the Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor). The
population of Grey Monitor (Varanus bengalensis) was healthy but now disappeared from
the location. The population of snakes was not very rich as the river water was polluted
during last decade due to industrial pollutants, and they had little shelter in this landscape
due to urbanization. Figure 3.19 represents some of the wildlife within the Harindhara
Tannery Estate and different distance of its surrounding areas.

Figure 3.18: Egrets observed at solid waste dumping site at Harindhara Tannery Estate

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Figure 3.19: Wildlife distribution within the Harindhara Tannery Estate

Bioaccumulations of heavy metals in plant and animal body

Heavy metals are accumulated by a plant which can affect plant physiological activities as
well as enter in food chain of an animal. Chromium is a common chemical effluent that is
used in leather processing and contaminates water and soil, and transfer to plant and animal
body through bio-accumulation. The tannery industries discharge polluted water to nearer
river systems and this water is directly absorbed by the aquatic plants like Water Hyacinth
(only dominant free-floating hydrophyte in Dhaleshwari and Buriganga). The polluted water
from tannery fall in Dhaleshwari and Buriganga Rivers which intrudes into soil at nearer
fields and the plants absorb polluted water through its root systems. Animals accumulate
heavy metal through consuming plant body. Although Cr is an essential trace nutrient that is
required in small amounts for carbohydrate metabolism but becomes toxic at higher
concentrations (hexavalent ion Cr+6, Solomon, 2006).

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Table 3.21 shows the Chromium concentration in sample plant bodies which were collected
from different locations of the study area.

Table 3.21: Chromium concentration of plant bodies along the study area
Species Name Sample collection location Cr concentration (mg kg-1 )
Cyperus rotundus Dumping site of Harindhara Not Detected
Cynodon dactylon Dumping site of Harindhara Not Detected
Eichhornia crassipes River water at downstream of Harindhara Not Detected
Tannery Estate
Polygonum sp. River levee close to Harindhara Tannery Not Detected
Estate
Oryza sativa Agricultural field at opposite bank of Not Detected
Harindhara Tannery Estate
Polygonum sp. Dumping Canalbank of Hazaribagh 112.4
Tannery Area
Eichhornia crassipes Buriganga River Water at Showari Ghat Not Detected

Figure 3.20: Bioaccumulation of heavy metals from tannery waste

3.3.4 Agricultural resources

Crop cultivation was found in both bank of the Dhaleshwari River. Approximately, 1,575 ha
land was under cultivation of which 70% land was single cropped and 30% was double
cropped. Summer vegetable and HYV Aman was found in Kharif I and Kharif II season
respectively, while winter vegetable, Boro and Maize were grown in the Rabi season.
Cropping intensity of this area was 130%. Farmers claimed that they used river water for
irrigation purpose previously. But after the installation of the tannery estate, they don’t use
this water for irrigation anymore. Total cropped area was about 2,051 ha of which rice was
grown in 199 ha and non-rice crop was grown in 1,852 ha land. Approximately, 18,749
metric ton crop was produced in this area, where rice production was 664 metric tons and
non-rice production was 18,086 metric tons.

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Farmers of Hemayetpur area mainly dependent on subsurface irrigation instead of surface

irrigation. According to the farmers, river water quality deteriorated severely in last three to
four years.

3.4 Socio-economic Condition

3.4.1 Socio-economic Resources

Socio-economic characteristics including demography, settlement and housing, public
utilities, economy and employment status in the study area are presented in this section.
These indicators help to conceptualize the socio-economic condition of the study area.
Findings of this chapter are prepared and presented based on the secondary and primary
information. The secondary information was collected from the Population and Housing
Census 2011, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), 2012 and the primary information
from the field survey.

Area and location

There were 3 upazilas under 2 districts; those were cutting through the study area. The
following Table 3.22 shows detail of the study area.

Table 3.22: Locations of the study area along with coverage of upazilas
District Upazila % of Upazila Coverage
Keraniganj 5.0
Dhaka
Savar 2.4
Manikganj Singair 4.5
Source: Spatial GIS analysis, CEGIS 2017

3.4.2 Population, demographic profile and ethnic composition

Population and household

The study area has a population of 96,603 living in 22,285 households. The average size of
household was 4.2. Size of the household varied little among the study upazilas from 3.9 to
4.5 members per household. Composition of the household membership in terms of male
and female were in favor of male, thus the overall sex ratio was found 111 that indicated
there are average 111 male against per 100 female members (BBS, 2012).

Table 3.23: Demographic scenario of the study area

Population HH Density
Upazila Households Sex Ratio
Both Male Female size (per sq-km)
Keraniganj 9,658 43,108 22,891 20,218 113 4.5 5,226
Savar 9,472 36,556 19,487 17,070 114 3.9 5,431
Singair 3,155 13,939 6,829 7,110 96 4.4 1,450
Total/Average 22,285 93,603 49,207 44,398 111 4.2 3,807
Source: Population and Housing Census 2011, BBS, 2012 estimated by CEGIS, 2017

Age Structure
The study area seemed to be dominated by middle age (from 25 years old to 49 years old)
population and about 37% of populations belong to this age group. The highest 25% of the
total population were found to be belonging to the age group 30-49 years old and lowest 2%

74
 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

were from the age group 60-64 years old. About 34% of total population was children and
aged population, those are depending on potential workforce in the family (Figure 3.21).

Source: Population and Housing Census 2011, BBS, 2012

Figure 3.21: Percentage of population by age group

The ILO (International Labour Organization) categorized the age distribution of population for
high growth. Population age of 15 to 64 years is considered as potential labor force whereas
populations below 14 years and above 65 years old are considered as dependent. Thus, the
study area consisted of about two-third potential labor forces as against one-third dependent
population.
Ethnic composition
About 41 ethnic households reside in the study area at Keraniganj and Savar Upazila in
Dhaka District. Among the ethnic groups, Monipuri, Monda and Sawtal were considered as a
main group. In total 149 ethnic population resided in those 41 households (BBS, 2012).
Detail of population of ethnic group is presented in Table 3.24.

Table 3.24: Demography of ethnic groups

Population
Upazila Households
Both Male Female
Keraniganj 11 51 26 25
Savar 30 98 52 46
Total/Average 41 149 78 71
Source: Population and Housing Census 2011, BBS, 2012 estimated 2018.

3.4.3 Settlement and Housing

Housing tenancy
In the study area, 56% of households resided in their own houses and 42% in rented houses
(Figure 3.22). The percentage of rented households increased after implementing the
project especially in Savar Upazila. According to BBS 2012, 71% household resided in rental
basis in Savar Upazila.

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Source: Population and Housing Census 2011, BBS, 2012

Figure 3.22: Housing tenancy in the study area (%)

Housing condition
The housing conditions of the study area as represented in the BBS, 2012 showed that
highest (42%) percentages of households resided in kutcha houses. About 19% of
household resided in pucka houses (mostly in Keraniganj and Savar Upazila). After
implementing the project, number of semi-pucca and pucca houses increased in project
surrounding under Savar Upazila, where labors and employee of tanneries reside (Figure
3.23).

Source: Population and Housing Census 2011, BBS, 2012

Figure 3.23: Distribution of households by Type

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Social Standards
There was a residential area namely ‘Jamjam City’ adjacent to the Tannery Industries where
some housing has been developed. Owner of those houses stated that previously they got
some well-off families as tenants, some of those already left and remaining are ready to
leave the houses due to acute bad odour of the tannery industry and inconvenient
environment of living as well. In this regard, their apartments/flats became vacant due to
unavailability of sober tenants. Sometimes the owners rent it out to any kind of tenants to
meet up their economic requirements which become burden to them in terms of
maintenance aspect. At the same time, demand of commercial intervention increased in the
study area whereas residential demand decreased so land price of residential plot was
decreasing in the study area.
As the residence in the surrounding community is not developed to the expected level,
development of civic facilities (i.e. school, college, hospital etc.) halted to some extent which
also deteriorated the social standard in surrounding communities.

Traffic and Transport

Most important, Dhaka–Manikganj Road is located within the study area. There were also
some important internal pucca road those were playing important role for internal
communication. According to the local people, traffic volume was high in most of the roads
while Dhaka–Manikganj Road was found to be stuck with a number of heavy and light
vehicles in most of the times. All types of vehicle i.e Bus, Truck, Lorry, Car, CNG auto
rickshaw, motorbikes were available in Dhaka- Manikganj Road while truck, car, CNG,
rickshaw and auto-bikes were found to be moved to local roads.

3.4.4 Public utilities

Water Supply for Drinking and Domestic Utilize

About, 76% of households used tube well for meeting up the demand of water both for
drinking and domestic purposes whereas only 22% population in urban area used supply
water (BBS, 2012). Most of the tube wells were privately owned and it needed about BDT
10,000 to BDT 15,000 for installing the tube well. Before establishing the tannery industries,
groundwater layer of the study area was about 80 to 100 feet which has now increased to
over 160 feet in the close vicinity of tannery industry.

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Source: Population and Housing Census 2011, BBS, 2012

Figure 3.24: Households by drinking water facilities

3.4.5 Economy and employment

Income and Expenditure

Household income and expenditure is an important economic indicator to measure the
economic condition and sustainability of households. According to the information of local
people, it is assumed that household income of the study area is higher compared to the
national nominal income of households but not adequate in comparison with the expanse of
living. In the study area, income of most of the households generally varied from BDT 20,001
to BDT 30,000/month. In terms of expenditure, highest percentages (40%) of household
expended BDT 10,001 to BDT 20,000 per month. The scenario of income and expenditure
are shown in Table 3.25.

Table 3.25: Household monthly income and expenditure in the study area
% of Household in % of Household in
Range of Amount in BDT
income Level expenditure level
<10,000 2 15
10,001 - 20,000 35 40
20,001 - 30,000 45 30
>30,000 20 15
Source: RRA by CEGIS, 2018

Occupation and employment

About 48% of the total population belongs to the workable groups in which about 48% were
employed (38% male and 12% female) or involved in economic activities. The economic
activities are divided in three major sectors i.e. service, industrial workers and agricultural
occupant (Figure 3.25). Local people stated that female is mainly found to be engaged in
household work, however a significant percentage of them worked in garments, brickfields
and so on.

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 Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

Source: Population and Housing Census 2011, BBS, 2012

Figure 3.25: Employment status among the Male-Female

Among the three major sectors of employment, it was found that 41% of total employed
population was engaged in services followed by 31% working in industries and 28% in
agricultural activities (Figure 3.26). During RRA almost similar result was depicted.

Source: Population and Housing Census 2011, BBS, 2012

Figure 3.26: Occupation status among the studied population

79
Environmental and Social Status of Hemayetpur Tannery Area

80
 4. Existing Wastes Management Facility at STE

4.1 Introduction
This chapter assessed waste generation status and its management aspects in Savar
Tannery Estate. In addition, a short picture of the effectiveness of the environmental
management plans are drawn here to understand the pressures and issues on the existing
natural resorces.

4.2 Waste Generation Status

The overall scenario of waste generation status of Savar Tannery Estate is depicted here
quantitatively.

4.2.1 Liquid waste

Total liquid waste generation of Savar Tannery Estate varies 10,000-33,000 cubic metres
per day. This variation depends on off peak and super peak of tannery industry. The off peak
is the usual duration of the year except Eid-Ul-Fitre and Eid-Ul-Adha. These two festivals are
the peak season of tannery industry and leather managers in Bangladesh. During the visit
(June 2018) only 10,000-12,000 cubic metres of liquid wastes per day was producing as that
period was under the off peak of tannery industry. Three different types of liquid wastes are
generated in Savar Tannery Estate. Those are-
i. Cr contaminated liquid waste;
ii. Contaminated waters by chemicals except Cr; and
iii. Domestic water from offices and kitchens

4.2.2 Solid waste

During leather manufacturing process and subsequent effluent treatment process tannery
industries generate a huge volume of solid wastes. Tanning refers to the process by which
collagen fibers in a hide react with a chemical agent (tannin, alum or other chemicals).
However, the term leather tanning also commonly refers to the entire leather-making
process. The solid waste basically generates from the Beam-house (pre-tanning process)
which includes soaking, liming/unhairing, fleshing, splitting, de-liming, bating, decreasing and
pickling process. Tanning Process includes basically chrome tanning, Re-tanning Process
includes Shaving, Neutralizing, Re-tanning, Fat liquoring, Dyeing, setting out, Drying and
finishing process includes Conditioning, Staking, Milling, Spreading on toggle frame, Buffing,
Impregnation, Coating, Ironing and Polishing. A general flow diagram of chrome tanning
process to finish leather is presented in Figure 4.1.

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 Existing Wastes Management Facility at STE

Source: https://www3.epa.gov/ttnchie1/ap42/ch09/final/c9s15.pdf

Figure 4.1: General flow diagram for leather tanning and finishing process

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 Existing Wastes Management Facility at STE

Table 4.1: The proportion of the types of tannery solid wastes generated from
processing of 1 ton of raw hides
SL Nature of solid waste Quantity (Kg/Ton)
1 Salt from handshaking 80
2 Salt from solar pans 220
3 Hair (pasting ovine) 100
4 Raw trimmings 40
5 Lime sludge (mostly bovine) 60
6 Fleshing 120
7 Wet Blue trimmings (grain splits) 30
8 Chrome Splitting (bovine) 65
9 Chrome Shaving (mostly bovine) 95
10 Buffing Dust (including shaving bovine after crust) 65
11 Dyed trimmings 35
12 Dry sludge from CETP 125
Total 1035
Source: Alamgir et al., 2017

However, per ton solid waste generation varies from 850 kg to 1035 kg. The volume of solid
waste generation from raw hides and skins per day at Savar Tannery Estate is presented in
Table 4.2.

Table 4.2: Solid waste generation scenario

SL Seasons Waste generation (Ton/day) Cr contaminated waste (kg)/Ton
1 Off peak 25
2-6
2 Super peak 100
Source: BSCIC, June 2018; Savar
Note: Off peak: availability of raw hide and skin during normal time of the year. Super peak: During Eid Ul Fitre
and Eid Ul Adha, especially the muslim festives when cow and other livestocks are slaughtered most.

Therefore, it is estimated that, during off peak, the Cr contaminated soild waste generation
varies from 50-150 kg/day while it reaches upto 200-600kg/day during super peak season.
But, at Savar tannery estate there was no seperate system to handle Cr contaminated soild
waste and other solid wastes.

4.3 Management Plans/Facility

The main wastes of leather industries are the chemical and soild wastes. More than 40
different chemicals are used to get finished leather products. Of them, only 20% of the
chemicals are soaked by leathers and rest of the chemicals are washed as liquid wastes. In
addition, 25-100 tons of solid wastes are generated each day during the operation period of
tanneries. Therefore, considering the magnitude of tannery pollution, several management
plans were adopted and are still being updated.

4.3.1 Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP)

A Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), costing about US$ 1.3 million, has set up to
reduce the amount of pollutants from the effluents to be disposed. Facilities such as water,
gas, electric supply, and a solid waste management system had to be provided by the
government free of cost under the project.

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 Existing Wastes Management Facility at STE

The maximum capacity of the plant is 25,000 cubic metres/day. However, the capacity of
CETP for treating Cr is only 1000 cubic metres/day. The rest of the effluents are treated for
other nutrient removals such as BOD, COD and nutrients.

Figure 4.2: Design View of Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) and Dumping
(Disposal) Yard

Effectiveness: The CETP has been installed at the Savar Tannery Estate with lots of
difficulties and challanges. The most feared one was the faulty design, which means
incapable of treating salinity from the effluents. The second one is overflow of the CETP.
The total number of tanneries are 155. Less than half of the factories are operational in the
tannery estate right now but are already producing more than half of the projected waste
amount. For instance, 70 tanneries produced around 15,000 cubic metres of liquid effluents
per day which will be more than 33,000 cubic metres when all the 155 tanneries will be
started their factories in fullswing. But the capacity of the CETP is exactly 25,000 cubic
metres per day. Unnecessary water consumption for leather processing by labors were also
the reason for CETP overflow.

4.3.2 Solid Waste Disposal Yard

A solid waste disposal yard of around 5.5 acres are established just beside the CETP. The
disposal yard proposed by Chineese company is displayed at the Figure 4.2: Dumping site.
Effectiveness: The solid waste dumping yard was supposed to be the covered one.
However, in real picture, there was no intervention in favour of complete development and
get ready for the dumping of tannery solid wastes. Moreover, the overflow from CETP
flashes the soild wastes into the river Dhaleshwari sometimes. The bank of the disposal yard
is not fully protective, therefore, effluents with high Cr concentrations falls in Dhaleshwari.
The situation is even wosre in the rainy season. In a nutshell, this solid waste dumping yard
is not effective enough to save the surrounding environment properly.

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 Existing Wastes Management Facility at STE

Figure 4.3: Solid waste disposal yard

4.3.3 5.0 MW Sludge Power Generation System (SPGS)

Occupying approximately over 50 thousand sq. ft of land, there was a provision of SPGS
capable of generating power of 5MW/hour and will be constructed with CETP. It has the
capacity of treating 80MT dry sludge. Preliminary assessment suggests that the capacity of
the solid waste-dumping yard would be exhausted within 2 years after receiving solid
waste/sludge from both the CETP and tannery industries. Accordingly, in July 2013 the 2nd
Revised Development of Sludge Project Proposal (RDPP) approved the integration of SPGS
with CETP. The main objective behind installation of SPGS is minimization, optimization and
ease of handling of sludge and management of solid waste generated from adjacent tannery
area. Power generation will be a useful by-product for this process. Activated with a mixer
fuel capacity of 250 ton/day, coal design amount of 50.00 ton/day can generate 5.46
MW/hour electricity from 200 ton/day sludge (using design mixing ratio as 20.00% and
80.00%, supplied amount of steam 28.20 ton/hour).

Figure 4.4: Layout Plan of SPGS (replacing Dumping Yard) building integrally with
CETP

Effectiveness: This study found that there was no SPGS at the Savar Tannery Estate.
Therefore, all the generated soild wastes from tanneries and CETP are being dumped at the
open disposal yard, which is situated next to the CETP. There were no systematic plans in

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 Existing Wastes Management Facility at STE

dumping soild wastes and its management in that yard. Open motorized vehicles are used
for transporting solid wastes from tanneries and are dumped directly. Rainwater mixes with
the wastes and produces chronic odor, which disperse in the surrounding areas.

4.3.4 Systematic drainage system

A concreted drainage system has been developed to transport both tannery and domestic
effluents. Among these, the liquid wastes from leather processing network are completely
covered and connected to CETP. In the covered system, Chromium contaminated liquids
and other liquid waste come to CETP separately for the treatment. On the other hand,
domestic effluents (kitchen, bathing, washing non-hazardous materials) come to the
Dhaleshwari River directly without having any treatment and the drainage system is open
drainage network.
Effectiveness: The above stated drainage system has been developed completely and are
in functional mode. However, there was some issues about overflowing of the drainage and
Cr contaminated liquid wastes spread outs. Mostly, Cr contaminated water comes into roads
and open space and are contacted with labours and the roadside vegetation. Therefore,
there is a huge chance of bio-accumulation of Cr into surrounding vegetation and leachets
into groundwater aquifers. Therefore, this issue may pose serious public and environmental
health risks. In addition, the manholes are open, which let the contaminated effluents come
into the surface ground during any overflow period.

4.3.5 Internal road network development

Savar Tannery Estate is a well designed and planned BSCIC for Leather industries. Total
195 industrial units are distributed within the 144 acres of land where the rest (56 acres) of
the lands are distributed among CETP, Disposal yard, Administrative building, Drainage
system, and Electricity sub-station etc. Therefore, well connected road network has been
also established in this Tannery Estate. Well connected road network not only supports the
waste management plan but also provides better services in transporting raw and processed
leathers simultaneously.

Figure 4.5: Internal road network system

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 Existing Wastes Management Facility at STE

Effectiveness: Inside the tannery estate, most of the roads are found in very bad conditions.
Instead of paved road, there was only mud roads. In addition, the roads are damaged due to
heavy truck and vehicles movement. In the rainy season, the situation even wose.

Figure 4.6: Real picture of internal roads of Savar Tannery Estate

4.4 Status of waste management facilities of STE

The waste management facilities and its present condition in terms of its performance and
management gaps are assessed here and presented in Table 4.3.

Table 4.3: Status of the existing waste management facilities in Savar Tannery Estate
Environmental Current Status of
Performance Status
Management Aspects Management Facilities
Effluents treatment Common Effluent  Poor performance of the CETP as Color,
Treatment Plant (CETP) TDS, DO, BOD and Cr concentrations do
not meet the Standard for Effluent
Discharge from Tannery Industries
(SCHEDULE 10- Tannery: ECR 1997/Draft
ECR 2017).
 Performance of the CETP are not
consistent as well.
Domestic water No facility existed  Disposed into Dhaleshwari River directly
treatment without any treatment.
Solid waste Dumping Yard  There is no infrastructural development to
management manage solid wastes as per the design.
 Open solid waste disposal.
 Solid mixed liquid with high Cr
concentrations (10mg/L) are directly
discharged into the Dhaleshwari River from
the dumping yard.
Odor reduction No facility existed  At present, there is no odor management
practices in the tanneries of Savar Estate.
Drainage system Piped drainage system  Piped drainage systems are constructed.
 Insufficient capacities of the drainage
system to carry all the liquid wastes are
generated in the STE.
 Overflow occurs during the peak season of
the tannery activities.

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 Existing Wastes Management Facility at STE

Environmental Current Status of

Performance Status
Management Aspects Management Facilities
 Pollutes the land surface by Cr and other
chemicals.
Internal roads network Kutcha roads system  Internal roads network is not paved yet.
 Water logged situation prevails during rainy
season.
5.0 MW Sludge Power No facility existed  No such facility is existed in the tannery
Generation System estate.
(SPGS)
Occupational health No facility currently  No such facility is existed in the tannery
and safety monitoring estate to monitor the health status of labors,
and training facility workers and the surrounding communities.
Institutional Framework No facility currently  At present, there is lack of cooperation
for CETP Management among CETP Operator, BSCIC Savar,
and Reporting Savar Tannery Owners and DoE to Monitor,
Manage and Reporting about the
functionality of CETP properly.

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 5. Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

5.1 Impact on Water Quality

Tannery activities mostly affected aquatic ecosystem with its huge amounts of liquid and
solid waste generation and its disposal into natural environment. The common practice of
liquid waste management in Bangladesh is to dilute the pollutants into the inland water
sources due to lack of technology and cost effective. Before release of liquid wastes,
meeting the ECR’ 1997 standard for Waste from Industrial Units or Projects Waste is
mandatory. The current CETP of Savar tannery estate is dysfunctional with some challenges
in performance and management aspects. The impact, therefore, were analyzed considering
increase of pollution load from both CETP discharge and solid mixed liquid waste discharged
into the Dhaleshwari.

5.1.1 Changes in physical quality of the water

Colored water of more than 200 Hazen was being discharged into Dhaleshwari River. The
total effluent load is around 25,000 m3/day (BSCIC, June 2018). This huge colored water is
changing the watercolor of Dhaelshwari River gradually. In addition, nuisance smell (detais
is in impact of Odor section) of water is another issue that is aggravated by the discharge of
CETP as well. Continuous releasing of color water into the river will eventually turn the water
colored (blackish/bluish) with chronic bad smell. Colored water hinders the light penetration
into water column. The lower the light penetration, the lower the photosynthesis. In the water
body, hence, DO concentration availability become low. Furthermore, low light also results in
destruction of Phytoplankton. This phytoplankton is the primary producers of the aquatic
ecosystem. Both the nutrients and the energy are being transferred into the food web
through this phytoplankton. Phytoplankton is being consumed by the primary consumers
Zooplankton and Zooplankton are the main food for small fishes and insects thriving in water
body.
High TDS of the discharge, at least 3 times higher than the ECR’ 1997. This high TDS is the
result of high organic materials especially rawhides and skin, parts of leathers, fats etc. This
huge amount of organic materials into water demands high DO supply. Therefore,
decomposition process of TDS uses DO in water and reduce the concentration of DO to a
critical limit. It was found that biochemical oxygen demand of the Dhaleshwari River was
more than the recommended value (6 or less mg/L) for inland fish community. Therefore,
TDS for longer period will reduce the river dilution capacity and hence will increase the BOD
value of the river further. This change will finally reduce the DO value less than the critical
limit for fish survival (4.0 mg/L). Low DO of less than 4.0 mg/L, therefore, will diminish all the
fish community, aquatic organisms especially Phytoplankton and Zooplankton. This change
will affect the fish community from another direction of food scarcity in the river water.

5.1.2 Changes in chemical status of the water

Nitrate and Phosphate are the limiting nutrients of Phytoplankton growth in aquatic
environment by reducing and increasing their production in a water body. In freshwater,
phosphate usually act as the limiting nutrient while in marine environment the Nitrate is doing
the same. However, this theme largely depends on the aquatic environment and its
biological community. In some cases, both nutrients can play same role. Therefore,

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 Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

concentration of these two nutrients is vital in keeping the ecological integrity of aquatic
ecosystem intact. At the moment, Dhaleshwari River has the nitrate concentration of around
5.0 mg/L and phosphate concentration around 1.5 mg/L. These values are already at its
highest limit for the inland surface water bodies (Draft ECR’2017). Loading of more nitrate
and phosphate from another human causing source will cause blooming of Cyanobacteria.
Blooming of Cyanobacteria in any aquatic environment is the destruction of the aquatic
organisms and its functionality. Therefore, river ecosystem will lose its normal dynamisms
and ultimately ecosystem services.

5.1.3 Changes in metal status of the water

Among the heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Al and Zn), Cr is the main element that is being used in
leather industries of Bangladesh because of its quick tanning capacity. Chrome tanning uses
a solution of chemicals acids and salts (including chromium sulphate) (see list of chemicals
in Appendix E) to tan the hide. Savar Tannery Industry also follows this chrome tanning
process as it is both time and cost effective in process. This Cr is highly toxic to the human
body. Excessive toxic Cr discharge into Dhaleshwari River will eventually harm the
populations those are residing near the Savar Tannery Estate by itching and other skin
diseases. At this moment, concentration of Cr is very low in Dhaleshwari River. In addition,
the Cr mixed effluents are being discharged into the river through CETP. However, in this
study it is found that around 3.2 mg/L of Cr is being released even after the treatment while
the recommended value is only 2.0 mg/L. This almost double concentration is polluting the
Dhaleshwari River and its surroundings slowly. Furthermore, this river has very low tidal
influence during the winter period because of its low freshwater availability and
encroachment at the upstream. Continuous dumping of high Cr into Dhaleshwari River will
increase the concentration at an alarming rate within a decade (lessons learnt from
Hazaribagh Tannery Area). Discharge of high Cr into river, will lead to the increase of Cr
concentration in riverbed or bank sediments. It ultimately enters into food chain through
Phytoplankton and Zooplankton.
The effluent from solid waste disposal yard has enormous effect on bioaccumulation of Cr
into the plants and fishes of Dhaleshwari River. This disposal yard was supposed to be a
closed system. Instead of that, somehow the disposal yard and Dhaleshwari River are now
connected through plastic pipes and damaged embankment. Therefore, effluent with 10.0
mg/L of Cr is now being released into Dhaleshwari River directly. The above situation will be
intensified more in the near end. This story will exacerbate the situation of heavy metal
pollution in Dhaleshwari River.

5.1.4 Changes in WQI

The water quality index of Buriganga River was found in very poor condition. In contrary, the
present Dhaleshwari River was found in moderate condition. However, after analyzing the
long time impacts of tannery activities on Dhaleshwari River under the present management
scenario, it is presumed that the WQI would be in the range of 25-50 at least (as TDS, DO,
BOD, COD, Nitrate, Phosphate and Chromium are releasing in high concentration) which
indicated the bad quality of water. The Figure 5.1 present the evaluation of tannery impacts
on water quality of Dhaleshwari River.

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 Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

Source: CEGIS Survey, June 2018. Preddicted time is One decade at least.

Figure 5.1: Comparison of WQI among Buriganga, Dhaleshwari and predicted

Dhaleshwari River condition

5.2 Impact on Planktons

At the current moment, the status of Zooplanktons in Dhaleshwari River was found in
moderate condition. However, continuous dumping of high organic mixed effluents and
intense colored effluents will make the water condition worse. The situation will even worsen
during the winter period due to upstream freshwater unavailability. Therefore, fish community
especially the small fishes will face food scarcity. Finally, total food chain of the aquatic
ecosystem will be destroyed and hence the animal community of the water.

5.3 Impact of Odor

As odors are subjective and perceived differently by different people, no clear odor detection
limit can be defined for any gas. However, according to literature the odor threshold value for
H2S is 0.5 ppm, or 0.7 μg/m3. Odor affects human beings in a number of ways. Strong,
unpleasant or offensive smells can interfere with a person’s enjoyment of life especially if
they are frequent and / or persistent. Major factors relevant to perceived Odor nuisance are:
 Offensiveness
 Duration of exposure to Odor
 Frequency of exposure to Odor
 Tolerance and expectation of the receptor
Though foul Odor may not cause direct damage to health, toxic stimulants of Odor may
cause ill health or respiratory symptoms. Secondary effects, in some, may be nausea,
insomnia and discomfort. Very strong Odor can result in nasal irritation; trigger symptoms in
individuals with breathing problems or asthma. An important study state that “air pollutants
from tanneries and their concentrations causes mild, moderate and severe forms of
bronchial asthma and the prevalence rate among the children, adolescent, adults and old
age population during the period of 2006 to 2009. The children were affected 10–15%,

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 Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

adolescent about 15%, adults about 20-25% and old age about 8-12% were found. Almost
all the persons affected by mild type were reversible to normalcy after inhalation of
bronchodilators; severe form of bronchial asthma response to moderate state.50% of severe
form of bronchial asthma (status asthmaticus) died during the period of study. Simple test
like peak flow meter identified the affected persons and the spirometry study proves the
severity” (Gnanasekaran S. J. Chem. Pharm. Res., 2010). On the economic front, loss of
property value near Odor causing operations/ industries and Odorous environment is partly a
consequence of offensive Odor.

5.4 Impact on Soil Quality

Cr concentration at Hemayetpur, at this moment, is similar to the initial condition of
Hazaribagh at early 90’s (Figure 5.2). Presence of Cr is also found in the river levee and
agricultural land soil. Though, it is still under the MAC value of soil but possibility of
spreading out of Cr pollution can’t be avoided, if the pollution trapping mechanism will not
perform properly soon.

STE in 2018 HTE in 1995

Figure 5.2: Comparative scenario of Cr concentration in Hemayetpur and early stage

of Hazaribagh

EC in soil is 4.3 dS/m at Savar Tannery estate, which is slightly over the marginal range.
There is no salt separation facility in the CETP, Savar Tannery Estate. So, salt can be
spread out to the surrounding environment and would increase soil and water salinity
gradually. This slightly marginal range can be found extremely high unless the rainwater
washout the soils during the study period. Long term research is necessary to find out the
real scenario of EC in STE and nearby area.

5.5 Impact on Fisheries Resources

5.5.1 State and pressure for Chromium (Cr)

Yarsan and Saleh (2013) evaluated the metal pollution in the Red Sea coast of Hodeida,
Yemen Republic through measuring the concentrations of Fe, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Cd in water,
sediment, and some vital organs of sea catfish, Arius thalassinus. They informed that due to
feeding and living in the aquatic environment fishes are particularly vulnerable and heavily
exposed to pollution because they cannot escape from the detrimental effects of pollutants
(Yarsan and Saleh, 2013). Authman, Adams, Khallaf and Zaki (2015) reviewed the account
of the toxic effects of heavy metals on fish and suggested that Fish, in comparison with

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 Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

invertebrates, are more sensitive to many toxicants and are a convenient test subject for
indication of ecosystem health (Authman, Adams, Khallaf and Zaki, 2015). Heavy metals are
produced from a variety of natural and anthropogenic sources (Bauvais et al., 2015).
Ahmed et al. (2015) found that the concentrations of Cr in fish, crustacean, and shellfish
samples collected from the Buriganga were in the range of 1.59±0.93 to 16.05± 1.48 mg/kg.
The lowest concentration, 1.59±0.93 mg/kg, was measured in crustaceans while the highest
concentration, 16.05±1.48 mg/kg, was measured in shellfish (gastropod Mollusca). Among
the fish species, the highest concentration was measured in M. pancalus (7.18±1.38 mg/kg).
This study suggested that there is high Cr pollution. This might have resulted from the
effluent coming from the tannery industries near the Buriganga River (Mohanta et al. 2010;
Ahmad et al. 2010). More or less similar level of Cr was found by Islam et al., 2015 in case
of G. giuris, C. faciata, H. fossilis and C. punctatus. More Cr concentration was found in case
of L. rohita by Ahmed et al in 2016. Chromium concentration was found above the
permissible limit of approximately 0.2 mg/kg dry wt as recommended by FAO (1976).
Concentration of Cr in fish and shrimp was reported to exceed the safe limit of FAO in an
Indian river by Giri and Singh (2014).

5.5.2 Impact Assessment

The increasing trend in releasing the untreated solid, liquid and chemical wastes of
domestic, industries, clinics and pathologies indicate that the habitat quality of Dhaleshwari
River would be declining as happened in case of the Buriganga River. It is also expected
from the experience of the Buriganga River that bottom dwelling omnivorous, like Boicha
(Trichogaster fasciata), would be rich in chromium (Cr) content through ingestion from the
aqueous environment. Cr would also act as the cumulative body poisons for Shingh
(Heteropneustes fossilis). Cr can cause loss of respiratory epithelium showing erosion of
epithelial cells with necrosis and DNA damage in catfish. Effect of chromium as a whole can
be fatal to humans (Coad, 1979; Berra, 2001). High Cr pollution can increase risk of lung
cancer for Guchi Baim (Mastacembelus pancalus). In case of Glossogobius giuris like fish
species, the overall toxic impact on organs like gill, kidney and liver may seriously affect the
metabolic, physiologic activities and could impair the growth and behavior of fish. Heavy Cr
concentration would restrict oxygen metabolism in gills, liver, and kidney in small fishes, like
Puntius ticto.

5.5.3 Sensitivity of fish to heavy metal

Chromium (Cr) is one of the major discharged heavy metals of the tannery industry. The
sensitivity of fish species to Cr varies from species to species. It depends on the
accumulation process and adaptive capacity of different fish species. Heteropneustes
fossilis, Mystus vittatus, Puntius ticto, Cirrhinus reba, Glossogobius giuris, etc. are not highly
sensitive to heavy metal. On the other hand, Labeo rohita, Trichogaster fasciata, Gudusia
chapra, Mastacembelus pancalus, Gagata youssoufi, Channa punctatus, etc. are the major
fish species which are highly sensitive to heavy metals, especially to Chromium (Cr).
However, first group would be harmful to human health due to bio-magnification. The
following table shows the adaptive process for mostly studied fish species against heavy
metals (Table 5.1).

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 Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

Table 5.1: Order of heavy metal accumulation and sensitivity of different fish species
Name of Fish Heavy Metal Accumulation
Reference Sensitivity to Cr
Species Hierarchy
 Ahmed et al,2010b,2016
 N. V. Bhatkar,2010
Labeo rohita Zn>Mn>Cr>Cu>Ni>Cd High
 Begum et al,2013,
 Khan et al,2014
 Islam et al,2014,2015
Trichogaster fasciata Cu>Cr>Ni>Pb>As>Cd  Ahmed et al,2015 High
 Mohiuddin et al,2011
Gudusia chapra Pb>Ni>Cr>Cu>Cd  Ahmed et al,2010 High
 Mohanta et al,2010,
Mastacembelus
Zn>Mn>Cu>Cr>Ni  Ahmed et al,2015 High
pancalus
 Javed et al,2013
 Rahman et al,2012
Heteropneustes  Islam et al,2015,
Cu>Cr>Ni>Pb>As>Cd High
fossilis  Begum et al,2013
 Mormede et al 2001
 Ahmed et al,2015
Ailia coila Zn>Mn>Cu>Cr>Ba>As  Authman et al,2015 High
 Muriel 1996
 Ahmed et al,2015
Gagata youssoufi Zn>Mn>Ba>Cu>Cr>Pb  Authman et al,2015 High
 Nemcsók et al,1981
 Islam et al,2014,2015
 Ahmed et al,2015
Channa punctatus Cu>Pb>Ni>Cd>Cr>As Low
 Authman et al,2015
 Varanka et al,2001
 Ahmed et al,2010
Mystus vittatus Pb>Ni>Cr>Cu>Cd  Authman et al,2015 Moderate
 Weber et al,1997
 Ahmed et al,2016
Puntius ticto Zn>Mn>Ba>Cu>Cr>Pb  Authman et al,2015 Moderate
 Kakkar et al,2010
 Ahmed et al,2016
Puntius chola Zn>Mn>Ba>Cu>Cr>Pb  Authman et al,2015 Low
 Niyogi et al,2008
 Ahmed et al,2015
Puntius sophore Zn>Mn>Ba>Cu>Cr>Pb  Dhanakumer et al,2015 Low
 Hasan et al,2011
 Ahmed et al,2010
Cirrhinus reba Ni>Pb>Cr>Cu>Cd Low
 Authman et al,2015
 Ahmed et al, 2016, 2010
Glossogobius giuris Zn>Mn>Ba>Cu>Cr>Se Low
 Authman et al, 2015

5.6 Impact on Ecological Resources

5.6.1 Impact on Flora

Buriganga and Dhaleshwari River were rich in biodiversity in terms of both floral and faunal
composition. Now, the industrial wastes (solids and liquids) are disrupting its ecological
integrity in huge rate. At this moment, high concentration of pollutants is bioaccumulating in
the aquatic and terrestrial plants at Buriganga River. Cr initiates severe cell membrane
damage and degradation of photosynthetic pigments which results in declining plant growth

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 Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

(Panda and Choudhury, 2005). High concentration of different pollutants is disfavor for
proper growing of aquatic flora. Huge pollutants deposition on riverbed causes severe
impact on submerged plant due to hampering germination. Moreover, very few species of
free-floating plants are observed in both Buriganga and Dhaleshwari River water.
Domination of Water Hyacinth indicates the impacts from chemical pollutants of river system.
Because the Water Hyacinth have high resistance to chemical pollution and this hydrophyte
is able to accumulate a significant amount of Chromium from water. For instance, species
diversity of aquatic plants has been reduced at Buriganga River. The situation will also arise
at Dhaleshwari River if there is no control of pollutants discharge in the river. Although the
point source of chemical pollutants in river systems surround the Dhaka City, (from different
industries, urban household and navigational vessels in addition to tannery industries) so it is
unable to confirm the impacts from Chromium on terrestrial plant’s physiological activities at
the study area without any scientific experiment within this short time. However, many
researches ensured the effects of Cr to the plants. Accumulation of Cr by plants can reduce
growth, induce chlorosis in young leaves, reduce pigment contents, alter enzymic functions
and damage root cells and caused ultrastructural modification of chloroplast and cell
membrane (Mcgrath, 1985; Panda and Patra, 1997, 1998, 2000; Panda and Das, 1999;
Panda, 2003; Panda et al, 2002, 2003; Choudhury and Panda, 2004; Hu. Et al, 2004). On
the other hand, over propagation of water hyacinth resulted due to high nitrate and
phosphate concentration in the river. After lifetime, water hyacinth dies and deposits into
bottom of the river, which would ultimately reduce DO level of the Dhaleshwari River. In the
end, the resuspension of bed materials will increase the nitrate and phosphate concentration
of the river again. The low DO at the bottom of the river will also influences the release of
phosphate into water body.

5.6.2 Impact on Fauna

There were some direct impacts of tannery industry on faunal diversity. In the Amphibian
group, the species Common Toad (Bufo melanostictus) and Indian bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus
tigerinus) were not seen any more within the tannery estate boundary at Harindhara. This
will imbalance the ecosystem a bit. Nevertheless, disappearance of common snakes like
Checkered Keelback (Xenochrophis piscator) has also enhanced the ecosystem imbalance
of that area. In the case of Hazaribagh Tannery Area, ecological balance has disrupted both
chemical pollution as well as climax urbanization.
Chromium contamination in river water does not build up in fish when consumed, but will
accumulate on the gills, thus, causing negative health effects for aquatic animals; chromium
uptake results in increased mortality rates in fish (Sneddon C., 2018). Cr induced respiratory
problems, a lower ability to fight disease, birth defects, infertility and tumor formation. As a
result, the fish population is reduced. Ganges River Dolphin is sensitive to water quality
occurrence of which depends on both water quality and fish abundance. This impact is
limited to the occurrence of this aquatic mammal at the Buriganga and Dhaleswari River.
However, as per peoples’ perceptions, the situation was severe in the case of the Buriganga
River near Hazaribagh before one to two years and now the dolphin occurrence time has
elongated (3-4 months in peak monsoon) due to minimization of the spillage of effluents in
river water after banning the tannery industry there.

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 Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

5.6.3 Landscape capacities to supply Ecosystem Services in and around the

Hemayetpur tannery area
The major landuses in the tannery area during the year 2000 were multiple crop land (1733
ha), rural settlement (715 ha) and rivers/khals (110 ha) (Table 5.2 and Figure 5.3). During
2015, some of the rural settlement and multiple crops area were converted to built-up area.
However, the landuses in 2018 did not change much except establishment of tannery area in
built-up areas (Table 5.2 and Figure 5.3).
As expected, the capacity of different landuses to provide relevant ES varied considerably
across those land-uses. Appendix-F shows the assessment matrix that was constructed
during the participatory scoring exercise. Figure 5.4 further visualize those ES components
at landscape scale. Relatively higher capacity supporting services were obtained by
landuses like rivers/khals, multiple crop area and settlement area during 2000. All the
mentioned landuses maintained maximum level of biodiversity and habitat quality in the
area. It is important to note that there was no tannery industry at that time. Areas occupied
for brickfield had no biodiversity and habitat quality value. Like supporting ES, provisioning
services was also highest from rivers/khals followed by multiple crop area. However,
different ES components under the provisioning ES varied considerably between contrasting
landuses in the area. The supply of fish and irrigation water was highest from rivers/khals,
whereas multiple crop land and rural settlement had the capacity to provide agricultural
crops in the area. The ES service capacity of the landscape during 2015 were little less in
terms of provision services as some of the rural settlement and multiple crops area were
converted to built-up area. Interestingly areas of cultivated trees increased during this period
which had good contribution in regulation air quality, biodiversity and habitat quality (Figure
5.4 and Appendix-F).
During 2018, Hemayetpur Tannery was installed by converting some of the built-up areas.
The tannery effluent has significant detrimental effect on surrounding landscape. Thereby
impacting ecosystem services of the surrounding area. Polluted water discharge to the
nearby water bodies’ significantly deteriorating water quality (e.g. rivers/khals) even after
installation of effluent treatment plant (ETP). This is further reducing fish production. Water
purification capacity is also declining. For irrigation purpose, people were using good quality
surface water from rivers/khals. However, after installation of tannery industry, people are
now using groundwater as the surface water quality is not good. Therefore, provisioning,
regulating and supporting services near the tannery area landscape (e.g. rivers/khals, rural
settlement) were declining (Figure 5.4 and Appendix-F).

Table 5.2: Area of landuses in three different time period

Landuses Area (ha)
Years 2000 2015 2018
Baor 6 9 9
Brickfield 27 26 26
Built-Up Non-Linear - 298 227
Cultivated Trees 4 16 16
Multiple Crop 1733 1575 1575
Perennial Beels/Haors - 22 22
Rivers and Khals 110 178 178
Rural Settlements 715 470 470
Hemayetpur Tannery - - 72

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 Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

Figure. 5.3: Landuse maps of the study area in three different time periods

97
 Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

Figure 5.4: Ecosystem service capacity of different landuses of the study area

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 Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

5.7 Impact on Agricultural Resources

5.7.1 Bio-accumulation
Chromium has a tendency to bioaccumulate in plants through food chain. Though, it
depends on some criteria (e.g. bioavailability, redox, pH, cation exchange capacity,
dissolved oxygen, temperature etc) but Cr toxicity is responsible for chlorosis and necrosis in
plants (Cervantes et al., 2001). Cr competes with Mg and Fe in the porphyrin ring (Mengel
and Kirkby, 2001). Cr exposure results into complete loss of growth in lateral roots while
lesser concentration starts damaging root cap, stomata and cotyledonary hair seem to be
collapsed and plasma membrane appears to be detached from the cell wall under cytological
studies (Mariappan et al., 2001).
There is still no trace of Cr bioaccumulation in Hemayetpur Tannery Estate, even not in main
disposal pond. As the samples were collected in monsoon season, there might be chance of
washing out the top soil Cr. Therefore, Cr presence in plant was not observed. It is also to be
noted that, tannery industries activities were started in this area only for coupleof years. So
deeper layer accumulation might not be happened within this stipulated time. But
possibilities can’t be avoided. If, Cr throw out continues in uncontrolled manner, slowly and
surely it would accumulate in soil and ultimately bioaccumulate in plants through food chain.
A well documented conclusion might be drawn after a full-scale year-round research.

5.7.2 Irrigation
Agriculture is common land use on both bank of the Dhaleshwari River, where farmers were
used river water for irrigation purpose previously. But local farmers claim that the river water
quality is completely unfit for irrigation in recent days. As a result, they have to go for
subsurface irrigation which ultimately increase the overall production cost. Besides, if ground
water extraction is not monitored, there is a chance of polluting deeper aquifers. These
pollutants will ultimately be taken by crops through irrigation.

5.7.3 Crop loss

Approximately, 18,749 metric tons of crops are being grown in the study area of Hemayetpur
Tannery. If, the pollutants spread into the environment in uncontrolled manner, soils of the
surrounding area will be affected. According to Chamon et al., 2005, rice yield production is
reduced upto 43.6% in heavy metal contaminated Savar tannery estate soil. If precautionary
measures will not be taken, similar scenario might be created in Hemayetpur tennary area.

Concluding Remarks
 High Cr concentration in soils of agricultural field could be found in the long run.
 Reduction of per year crop yield as Cr destroys enzymes in plant cells and
reduced overall production.
 Increase of frequency of carcinogenic Cr exposure to human during irrigation of
crops.
 Chance of Cr bioaccumulation in human body through food of the area.
 Increase of surface water unavailability leads to surface water scarcity situation.
 Overall soil fertility loss of the area.

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 Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

5.8 Impact on Socio-economic Condition

5.8.1 Human health

Health of working labors and surrounding community may be deteriorated due to the harmful
effect of chromium and others chemicals those are discharged from the tannery and mixed
to the surrounding water bodies.
If those chemicals include in the food cycle, may cause genetic disorder, birth defects and
cancer diseases. The chemicals absorbed into the skin may create scope for allergic and
different skin diseases. Chromium absorbed through the lungs into the blood system and
malfunction the kidneys and the liver of human body (Source: Political economic study on
tannery industry development and subsequent effect on river pollution in Bangladesh,
September 2013). These diseases may increase the health cost of the people living in the
study area, subsequently cost of living may need to be increased for the survivors.
The improper drainage system and unhygienic environment in the tanneries may cause
different types of skin diseases and respiratory diseases of the working labors.

5.8.2 Labor and working condition

Labors were not conscious to use Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) in Hazaribagh
which caused different types of short term and long-term diseases.
Statuses of labors suffering from diseases as per different research findings are as follows:
As per the studied documentation of a paper published in 2007, high rates of suffering
cancers among tannery workers including lung cancer, testicular cancer, soft tissue
sarcoma, pancreatic and bladder cancer. International Agency for Research on Cancer
under World Health Organization considered leather dust as carcinogenic to humans, which
is generated by mechanical tanning operations such as buffing leather impregnated with
chemicals.
Society Environment and Human Development (SEHD), a Dhaka based Non - Government
Organization (NGO) had also reported that about 90% of tannery workers in Hazaribagh die
before they reach the age of 50 due to toxic working environment. More than 90% of tannery
workers suffer from some kind of diseases, from asthma to cancer, due to chemical
exposure, according to a survey by SEHD in 2008.
Considering above mentioned issues it can be assumed that the workers of Savar Tanneries
may face both short term and long-term negative impact if there is lack of consciousness
and monitoring system to use PPEs.

5.8.3 Standard of living

In terms of standard of living, surface water and ground water are important resources that
can be contaminated by the chemical expulsion into the surrounding water bodies. These
chemicals are too harmful to collapse human body as well as issue of high cost and
supreme technology to filter it from drinking water. If the existing CETP cannot function well
in the tannery industries, then it may deteriorate the water resource system of the project
surroundings.
In addition, ground water level can be deteriorated gradually by the extraction of huge
volume of ground water in the tennaries. This deterioration is already observed during field

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 Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

survey, boring over 160 feet for installing a tube well that was 80 to 120 feet before 3 or 4
years.
The tanneries may also deteriorate the air quality, which may affect the poor housing
structures and human body as well. Longibity of furniture and housing materials those are
made by tin, iron and metal can be lessen due to the chemical (may be H 2S, NH3) explosion
in the surrounding air of the project area.
Exposure of acute bad smell from the tanneries may deteriorate the living environment in the
project surrounding areas. The well-off families may not be eager to reside in the project
surroundings, even they may rarely come to visit their relative’s residence those are located
beside the tanneries. In that regard, land price of the housing plots surroundings of the
tannery industries can be fallen down, even it may be tough to get buyer of those land.

5.8.4 Force changes of livelihood

Discharge of chemical to the Dhaleshwari River from the tannery industries may forceto shift
fish habitat from the tannery influential water bodies. Therefore, fishermen community of the
surrounding area may be forced to shift their location of fish capturing or may change their
livelihood due to unavailability of fish with in their territory of the Dhaleshwari River. For the
affected fishermen, adoption of alternative livelihoods could be difficult and challenging.

5.8.5 Waste management due to increase population

Proposed tannery project may increase in migration of population in the project
surroundings. That may create pressure on sewage and municipal waste management
because there may not have sufficient arrangement for this huge population. Also, dumping
of households’ waste and other solid wastes to the hither and thither may create drainage
congestion which may degrade environment and hygiene condition in the project
surroundings.

5.9 Impact Evaluation of Savar Tannery Estate

Impacts evaluation was performed using the method of Future without Project (FWOP) and
Future with Project (FWIP) framework. The following Table 5.3 presents impacts especially
on water quality, planktons, fishes, flora and fauna, agriculture and socio-economic condition
of Savar tannery area.

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 Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

Table 5.3: Impact evaluation of Savar Tannery Estate

Magnitude of
IEC Present condition Future without project (FWOP) Future with project (FWIP)
the impact
Physical Environment
 Color of the water reaches to its  Water color will be remaining  Releasing of color and odor enriched
highest acceptable limit of 15 same in the Dhaleshwari effluents into the river for a longer
Hazen. River. period will eventually turn the water
 Dissolved oxygen reduces to  Dissolved oxygen may remain colored (blackish/bluish) with chronic
the threshold limit of 4.0-5.0 in the same range as it now in bad smell.
mg/L of a water body. Dhaleshwari River.  Colored water hinders the light
Physical quality of  Water becomes turbid to its  Turbid condition will be penetration into water column. The
-4
the water highest acceptable limit of 15 reduced in the long run under lower the light penetration, the lower
NTU standards for inland this FWOP scenario. the photosynthesis into water
surface water quality. column.
 Insufficent DO in the water column.
 Low light diminishes phytoplankton
then the nutrients and energy
shortage into food web of fish firstly.
 Oxygen demand to decompose  Demand of DO by the water  Loadings of 25000m 3 of effluents per
biochemical and chemical body will be reduced due to day with high BOD and COD into the
matters in the water of the reduction of organic loads. river, will increase the river
Dhaleshwari River is already  Phosphate and nitrate decomposition rate and then
high than the recommended concentration will be remained ultimately the reduction of DO
level by DoE in ECR. same as there are lots of drastically. In the long run, the
 Both phosphate and nitrate agricultural practices with situation could be even worse for the
concentrations in Dhaleshwari other human interventions on survival of any aquatic organisms.
Chemical status of River has already been reached the both side of the river.  Loading of more nitrate and
-2
the water to its highest allowable limit by phosphate from another human
ECR Standard, DoE. causing source will ultimately,
increase the concentration that even
may cause blooming of
Cyanobacteria.
 Blooming of Cyanobacteria in any
aquatic environment is the
destruction of the aquatic organisms
and its functionality.

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 Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

Magnitude of
IEC Present condition Future without project (FWOP) Future with project (FWIP)
the impact
 All the observed metals (Cr, Pb,  Metal concentrations may  Discharge of partially treated
Al, Zn) are met the national vary slightly but should be in effluents into the river will eventually
standards of Bangladesh given allowable limit. increase the Cr concentrations than
by DoE except Aluminum. the recommended value.
 Chance of Cr bioaacumulation will be
increased and may enter into the
food chain through Phytoplankton
Metal status of the
and Zooplankton. -3
water
 Effluent with 10.0 mg/L of Cr is now
being released into Dhaleshwari
River directly. The above situation
will be intensified more in the near
future. This story will exacerbate the
situation of heavy metal pollution in
Dhaleshwari River.
 Water quality of Dhaleshwari  Under this scenario, water  Continuous loadings of organic
River is in moderate condition. quality of Dhaleshwari River pollutants, chemicals and metals into
During dry season some aquatic will be same as it is now Dhaleshwari River along with minimal
animals struggle to survive, and (moderate). In some aspects, management, the overall river water
Water Quality
the same animals will be able to water quality will be improved quality will be degraded enough like -3
Index
thrive during wet season as as well. Buriganga river status during the
freshwater availability improve operation of Hazaribagh tanneries.
the water quality and finally river
health.
 Cr concentration in soil at  Soil quality will not be  Nearby river levee and surrounding
Hemayetpur main discharge deteriorated in terms of Cr area agricultural soil might be
point, at this moment, is similar pollution. contaminated if pollutant trapping
to the initial condition of mechanism will not perform properly
Hazaribagh at early 90’s for a long time.
(Chapter 5: Figure 5.2).
Soil Quality -3
Presence of Cr is also found in
the river levee and agricultural
land soil. It is still under the
MAC value of soil.
 EC in soil is 4.3 dS/m at Savar
Tannery estate, which is slightly

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 Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

Magnitude of
IEC Present condition Future without project (FWOP) Future with project (FWIP)
the impact
over the marginal range.
 At present Cr presence in the  The river sediment will not be  If this practice (disposal of untreated
Dhaleshwari River sediment contaminated with Cr. pollutant) will not be stopped, the
(131.5 ppm) is higher than that sediment contamination will be
of in the Buriganga river increased and will not be enable to
Sediment Quality -4
sediment (109 ppm). This is a support benthos and plankton as well
clear indication of disposing of as the other dependent living beings.
untreated Cr mixed water into
the river.
Biological Environment
Habitat Condition  Water temperature has been  Habitat condition and quality  DO level will be lowered soon if
and Quality for increased to become will remain same as the base current practice is going on at a level
Fish Resources unfavorable for fish occurrence. condition in the downstream unsuitable for fish habitation along
 DO, Turbidity and TDS quality of the river, particularly in the with other aquatic organisms.
show the degrading trend. vicinity of the tannery state.  Turbidity and TDS will be increased
 High heavy metal loaded water due to increasing decomposition of
was found in the vicinity of the organic refractory detritus matters of
tannery area. raw hide and skin of animals.
 Water temperature will consequently
be increased to become unfavorable -4
for fish occurrence.
 Food and nutrients will become
unavailable for foraging invertebrates
and fishes.
 Habitat will become heavy metal
loaded environment and
subsequently biologically dead in
respect of fish and other aquatic
organisms.
Fish Health  High risk to bio-accumulation of  Low risk to bio-accumulation  Bottom dwelling omnivorous fishes
chromium (Cr) to gills, liver, and of other heavy metals to would highly be impacted by high Cr
kidney of bottom dwelling mentioned fishes. from the water environment through
omnivorous fishes, detritus ingestion. -3
feeders and even neritic fishes.  Cr would act as the cumulative body
poisons for detritus feeder fishes.
 Risk of lung cancer would be

104
 Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

Magnitude of
IEC Present condition Future without project (FWOP) Future with project (FWIP)
the impact
increased for Mastacembelus
pancalus along with other fishes.
 Respiration will be affected through
erosion of epithelial cells with
necrosis and DNA damage in catfish.
 Metabolic and physiologic activities
will be affected with toxic effect on
gill, kidney and liver of fish species
like Glossogobius giuris.
 The growth of fish will be retarded
and behavior will be altered.
 Oxygen metabolism could be
restricted in gills, liver, and kidney in
small fishes, like Puntius ticto.
Natural Mortality of  No available data.  Natural mortality due to  Natural mortality of small fishes,
Fish exposure effect of other heavy bottom dwelling fishes, catfishes, etc. -3
metals from other sources. would be increased.
Fish composition  Fish composition has been  Distribution of fish species  Chanda, Ichha Chingri, Chela, Mola,
and distribution varied with water quality. Fish would be as same as in case Rui, Catla, Kakila, Dhela, Baghair,
species, such as of present condition without Potka, Batasi, Kajuli, Piyali, Sarpunti,
Heteropneustes fossilis, Mystus project through the Kholisha, Veda, Foli, etc. will shift
vittatus, Puntius ticto, Cirrhinus Dhaleshwari River. their grazing habitat in the
reba, Glossogobius giuris, Dhaleshwari River close to the
Channa punctatus, etc. has Hamayetpur Tannery area.
become available during dry
season being moderately to
poor sensitive heavy metal rich -4
waters. On the other hand,
Labeo rohita, Trichogaster
fasciata, Gudusia chapra,
Mastacembelus pancalus,
Gagata youssoufi, etc. have
become available during wet
season because of being highly
sensitive to heavy metal rich
waters.

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 Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

Magnitude of
IEC Present condition Future without project (FWOP) Future with project (FWIP)
the impact
River Productivity  The productivity of the  The productivity of the  The productivity of the Dhaleshwari
Dhaleshwari River has been Dhaleshwari River would be River would be decreased if present
-5
decreased. decreased if present practice practice continues.
continues.
Plant Species  Plant community is dominated  Terrestrial species  Changing trend of terrestrial
composition with naturally undergrowth composition of the area would vegetation is as same in FWOP. In
herbs and planted trees and be changed due to the case of aquatic vegetation, high
crops. urbanization. and very few Cr resistant species (i.e: water
-3
natural vegetation would be hyacinth) would be dominated in river
followed at urban area which water.
will be dominated with exotic
ornamental species.
Faunal species  The river water still supports  Faunal species are already in  With the trend of FWOP, water
composition some water dependent birds declining trend which would dependent birds, reptiles and
and aquatic animals including be continue in future for loss amphibians are suspected to reduce
Dolphin and fishes. of required habitat due to due to increasing Cr concentration in
urbanization. river water. Cr induced respiratory
problems, a lower ability to fight -3
disease, birth defects, infertility and
tumor formation of fish and decrease
fish population which impacts on
water dependent birds like herons,
egrets and cormorants.
Wildlife  Birds and other terrestrial  Habitat loss bound to wildlife  The trend is as usual like FWOP. But
disturbance wildlife are as usual at human collision and reduced the situation would be worst for living
surrounded area except the wildlife population with the aquatic fauna like dolphins, frogs etc.
tannery estate. No reptiles and change of land cover. if not taken any step to stop
amphibians are occurred inside untreated discharge from tannery
-3
the tannery estate. Some local industries.
birds like mynas, sparrows,
starlings, egrets, herons are
occasionally found within the
tannery ground.
Cr  There is no detection of  No Cr bioaccumulation is  It is suspected to occur the
bioaccumulation in Chromium in sampled plant suspected in plant body as the bioaccumulation in plant body -2
plant body bodies because the water and point source as well as through the polluted soil and water if

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 Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

Magnitude of
IEC Present condition Future without project (FWOP) Future with project (FWIP)
the impact
soil are not such polluted yet as tannery effluents will be continue the spillage of untreated
the Tannery estate is running absent. water from the tannery estate during
recently. full swing operation.
 Right now, no evidence of Cr  There will be no chance of Cr  There is still no trace of Cr
bio accumulation is visible in the bio accumulation in the bioaccumulation in Hemayetpur
locality. surrounding area. Tannery Estate, even not in main
disposal pond. As the samples were
collected in monsoon season, there
might be chance of washing out the
top soil Cr. Therefore, Cr presence in
plant was not observed. It is also to
be noted that, tannery industries
activities were started in this area
Bio-accumulation only for couple of years. So deeper
-3
in Crops layer accumulation might not be
happened within this stipulated time.
But possibilities can’t be avoided. If,
Cr throw out continues in
uncontrolled manner, slowly and
surely it would accumulate in soil and
ultimately bio accumulate in plants
through food chain. A well-
documented conclusion might be
drawn after a full-scale year-round
research.
 Agriculture is common land use  River water could be used for  River water will be unfit for irrigation
on both bank of the Dhaleshwari irrigation purpose. in the long run.
River,
 Local farmers claim that the
Irrigation -2
river water quality is completely
unfit for irrigation in recent days.
 Subsurface irrigation is
practiced at present.
 Approximately 18749 metric  No crop loss will be occurred  If, the pollutants spread into the
Crop loss tons crop is grown in the due to heavy metal pollution environment in uncontrolled manner, -3
surrounding area of Hemayetpur soils of the surrounding area will be

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 Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

Magnitude of
IEC Present condition Future without project (FWOP) Future with project (FWIP)
the impact
tannery area. affected. According to Chamon et al.,
2005, rice yield production is reduced
up to 43.6% in heavy metal
contaminated Hazaribagh tannery
estate soil. If precautionary measures
will not be taken, similar scenario
might be created in Hemayetpur
tennary area.
Socio-economic Condition
 Acute odor deteriorates the air  Usual bonding alike other  Bonding among outsider relatives will
Chronic Odor condition and create area (except to the tannery) be weaker and in coming future
uncomfortable situation for the will be observed while relatives may rarely come to visit, -4
people residing in the outsider relatives may regular due to bad odor.
surroundings. visits in this area.
 Drainage condition of the study  Drainage congestion situation  Drainage congestion will be poorer
Drainage area is not yet upgraded may deteriorate alike other while all the tanneries will be
Congestion considering the population non-tannery industrial area, if functioned.
volume of the tanneries while the relevant authority does not -3
the volume of household and take any required
industrial discharge is interventions.
increased.
 Impact of tanneries is not much  Diseases profile and its  Compared the findings between
Community visible to the present diseases concentration was almost Hemayatpur and nearby area (with
Health profile. However, due to bad air similar to the Hemayatpur and similar socio-economic condition but
quality, it becomes nearby area (with similar located far from the tanneries), more
uncomfortable to inhale after socio-economic condition and cases of skin diseases, Jaundice and -2
establishing tannery industry. environment condition) kidney related diseases can be
without the tannery industry. highlighted in Hemayatpur area.
Problem for breathing in will
not be observed extremely.
 The crop land was developed  In future without tannery  In future, the intensity and area of
Change in for establishing tanneries. industries, deterioration of the deterioration of the waterbody will be
livelihood Therefore, profession of waterbody will also be increased among the study area and
-2
agriculture farmers depending of increased due to existing further more. Therefore, existing
that land is somehow shifting to surrounding industries, but not fishermen community of the study
the alternative’s livelihood. Also, much as for the tanneries. area will be under threat of shifting to

108
 Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

Magnitude of
IEC Present condition Future without project (FWOP) Future with project (FWIP)
the impact
the tanneries have some Therefore, shifting of the outside or may convert to the
negative impact to the fish fishermen/farmers alternative livelihood. Similar types of
habitat of the surrounding communities to the others impact may observe to the farmers
waterbody which insist to seek may not be observed in who will use surface water for
alternative livelihood for those considerable numbers. Also, irrigation.
affected fishermen. some of those communities
may adapt to the alternative
livelihood for their betterment
rather to the forced.
*No impact (0); Negative Impact (-); Positive Impact (+); Low Impact (1); Medium low Impact (2); Medium Impact (3); High Impact 4; Very High Impact 5.

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 Impact Prediction for Hemayetpur Tannery Estate

110
 6. State of Environment of Two Sites Tannery Estate

This chapter represents a comparative analysis of the state of the environment of Hazaribagh tannery area and the Hemayetpur tannery area.
The comparison was performed based on the present (June 2018) condition of the environment and socio-economic condition of the mentioned
areas. The results of situation analysis are presented in Table 6.1.
Table 6.1: Comparison status of environment of two sites tannery estates
Comparison of State of Environment of Two Tannery Estates
Indicator
Hazaribagh Tannery Area Hemayetpur Tannery Area
Water Quality
 Very poor DO (less than 2.5 mg/L) concentration in Buriganga  DO availability in Dhaleshwari River was found 4-6 mg/L which is
River to sustain fish community and other aquatic life forms. the minimum requirement for the survival of aquatic fishes; Any
Earlier the summer season DO statues was even lower than the further degradation of DO will be a problem for the fish
present condition; community; Dry season DO is found much lower than the
 High turbid water in terms of the standard provided by ECR’ recommended value since 2017;
1997;  In the Dhaleshwari River, pH, turbidity and suspended matters
 Total suspended solids reduced to comply with the ECR’ 1997; still support aquatic ecosystem to keep its dynamism functional.
During dry season, suspended matters increase only;
 pH range is quite good for fisheries resources;
Water Quality  Both in dry and wet season, TDS complies with the ECR’ 1997;
 Both in dry and wet season, TDS complies with the ECR’ 1997;
 Dry period BOD is still higher than the safe limit of 10 mg/L;
 Dry period BOD is still higher than the safe limit of 10 mg/L while
COD is high in all the seasons;  Phosphate level is high in all the seasons since 2017 while
nitrate is higher than the standard 5.0 mg/L in dry season only;
 Phosphate is two/three times higher than the recommended 0.5
mg/L in all the seasons while nitrate c fully complied with the  All the Chromium, Lead, Aluminum and Zinc are found within the
standard value of 5.0 mg/L; safe range for Inland Surface Water Quality Standard except
Aluminum;
 All the Chromium, Lead, Aluminum and Zinc are found within the
safe range for Inland Surface Water Quality Standard;
Soil Resource
 Soil quality of Hazaribagh is already deteriorating to alarming  Cr concentration in main lagoon of Hazaribagh in 1995 is close to
condition. High Cr presence in river levee, river bed and Hemayetpur’s present Cr concentration in main disposal pond.
Soil quality agricultural soils of tannery industry; Cr concentration in river levee is close to MAC value of soil Cr
 After 2010, Cr concentration started to decrease when the concentration and opposite bank, agricultural land soil’s Cr

111
 State of Environment of Two Sites Tannery Estate

Comparison of State of Environment of Two Tannery Estates

Indicator
Hazaribagh Tannery Area Hemayetpur Tannery Area
tannery industries started to stop their activities in that area; concentration is almost half of MAC value. Riverbed sediment Cr
concentration is already exceeding MAC value;

Fisheries Resources
 Restricted foraging area for fish;  The foraging area has become restricted in the downstream of
 Habitat suitability for fish is under serious stress due to low level the river particularly in the vicinity of the Tannery State;
of DO (almost zero) in the Buriganga River caused by the  DO level shows the decreasing trend day by day;
decomposition of huge organic refractory detritus matters on the  Turbidity and TDS have been increased due to increasing
riverbed; decomposition of organic refractory detritus matters of rawhide
 Suitability respecting Turbidity has been improving from 2015, and skin of animals;
but declining in respect of TDS. The dark color water of the  Water temperature has been consequently be increased to
Buriganga River and high turbidity for increased organic detritus become unfavorable for fish occurrence;
Habitat Condition in water column capture more heat than captured by clean water,
and Quality which resulted in increasing water temperature during dry season  Although an increasing suitability trend has been found in respect
having adverse impact on fish; of pH, the suitability varies highly from year to year;
 Habitat suitability respecting water temperature has been  An increasing suitability trend was found in case of BOD, though
increasing from 2015 to 2017; the suitability level was higher than found in the Buriganga River;
 A fine steady increasing trend of habitat suitability has been  Habitat has become heavy metal loaded environment and
found in respect of pH. The suitability has been increasing more subsequently biologically dead in respect of fish and other
from 2013 to 2018; aquatic organisms;
 An increasing suitability trend was found in case of BOD;

112
 State of Environment of Two Sites Tannery Estate

Comparison of State of Environment of Two Tannery Estates

Indicator
Hazaribagh Tannery Area Hemayetpur Tannery Area
Buriganga River Dhaleshwari River
1.0 1.0 1.2 1.2
BOD = 0.5796+0.022*x BOD = 0.9295-0.0116*x
0.8 PH = 0.5048+0.0168*x 0.8 PH = 0.4765+0.0261*x 1.0
1.0
DO = -0.4666+0.0055*x DO = 0.1199-0.0368*x
0.6 0.6
0.8 0.8

Suitability Scores (0-1)

0.4 0.4

Suitability Scores
0.6 0.6
0.2 0.2
0.4 0.4
0.0 0.0
0.2 0.2
-0.2 -0.2

0.0 0.0
-0.4 -0.4

-0.6 -0.6 -0.2 -0.2

-0.8 -0.8 -0.4 -0.4

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Years Years
BOD PH DO BOD PH DO

 According to the historical trend of heavy metal bioaccumulation  Although there was no literatures on investigating the heavy
into fish for the Buriganga River, the maximum, average and metal bioaccumulation in fish body, it is suggested from the
even minimum concentration of Chromium had been decreased experiences of the Buriganga River and the observed
from the year of 2012 and the concentration of Cd, Pb and Ni concentration of heavy metal in water of the Dhaleshwari River
had been decreased from 2008; that bottom dwelling omnivorous fishes are highly being sensitive
 In 2015, the concentrations of Cr in fish, crustacean, and to high Chromium (Cr) from the water environment through
Fish Health
shellfish samples were in the range of 1.59±0.93 to 16.05± 1.48 ingestion.
mg/kg;
 Among the fish species, the highest concentration of Cr
(7.18±1.38 mg/kg) was measured in M. pancalus, G. giuris, C.
faciata, H. fossilis and C. punctatus.
Natural Mortality  Natural mortality has increased due to retarded growth and  Natural mortality of small fishes, bottom dwelling fishes,
of Fish malfunctioning of internal organs, like gills, kidney and liver. catfishes, etc. has been increased.
 Three species, namely Taki, Shingh and Boicha are abundant  Chanda, Ichha Chingri, Chela, Mola, Rui, Catla, Kakila, Dhela,
Fish Composition throughout the year while Chela, Tilapia, Lal Chanda in August Baghair, Potka, Batasi, Kajuli, Piyali, Sarpunti, Kholisha, Veda,
and Distribution only. Foli, etc. have shifted their grazing habitat in the Dhaleshwari
River close to the Hamayetpur Tannery City area.
 River productivity has been reduced with the deterioration of  The productivity of the Dhaleshwari River has being decreasing
physico-chemical properties of the Buriganga River water, because of unavailability of fish particularly during dry season.
River Productivity decreasing fish composition, fish distribution, poor fish health,
retarded growth and increased natural mortality.

113
 State of Environment of Two Sites Tannery Estate

Comparison of State of Environment of Two Tannery Estates

Indicator
Hazaribagh Tannery Area Hemayetpur Tannery Area
Ecological Resources
 Planted trees are sporadically exist within the tiny urban  Plant community is dominated with naturally undergrowth herbs
passages with very low density; naturally grown vegetation and planted trees and crops surround the STE which health is
Plant Composition composite only with small grasses and mere number of still well;
seasonally grown herbs at road slopes and marsh ridges; plant  No referable vegetation exist within the STE except two or three
health is not well; species of grasses;
 Faunal diversity and population have already in declined due to  Terrestrial faunal occurrence is still usual within the village site at
lack of healthy and dense vegetation within the urban passage; the right bank of Dhaleshwari (Opposite site of STE). Their
occurrences of terrestrial fauna are limited with sparrows, crows, occurrence is limited surround settlements of the STE and only
Faunal myna, mice and rats which are in declining trend from a long some species of local birds are roaming within the STE;
Composition time; aquatic fauna like dolphins and fishes are highly vulnerable  Amphibians and reptiles are scared within the STE; The river
due to water pollution from different sources; water still supports some water dependent birds and aquatic
animals including Dolphin and fishes;
 Birds and other terrestrial wildlife are as usual at surrounded  Rapid urbanization have already grab the habitat suitability of
area except the tannery estate. Reptiles and amphibians are not wildlife from a long ago both aquatic and terrestrial. But the
dwelling inside the tannery estate due to chemical pollution; aquatic habitat condition is in little bit improving trend due to
 Some local birds like mynas, sparrows, starlings, egrets, herons banning of tannery industry at this area and thus occurrences of
are occasionally found within the tannery ground but not nesting dolphins and fishes at Buriganga are increasing in some extents
Wildlife
at there; near the HzTE area although the condition is not still satisfactory;
Disturbance
 Occurrence of dolphins are common within the peak monsoon at
the river reach beside STE and they are also facing vulnerability
due to water pollutions by other industries situated along the river
banks; tannery waste is not major concern in this regards;
 Cr have detected in plant bodies which revealed the soil is still  There is no detection of Chromium in sampled plant bodies
Cr polluted from the earlier pollutants from tannery industries; but Cr because the water and soil is not such polluted yet as the
Bioaccumulation bioaccumulation is expected to be minimized in future as the Tannery estate is running recently;
in Plant Body point source as well as tannery effluents will be absent;
Agriculture Resources
 According to the primary data of this report (laboratory test),  There is no proof of Cr bioaccumulation is found in this
Cr evidence of Cr bioaccumulation is found in main channel of surrounding area;
Bioaccumulation Hazaribagh tannery industry. Cr bioaccumulation was
in crops documented in different scientific papers (Mondol et al., 2017). It
reflects that, Cr presence is still causing harmful effects even

114
 State of Environment of Two Sites Tannery Estate

Comparison of State of Environment of Two Tannery Estates

Indicator
Hazaribagh Tannery Area Hemayetpur Tannery Area
after shutting down the tannery industry;
 Irrigation water quality of the Buriganga River is under standard  Farmers use river water couple of years ago, when the
level due to presence of different heavy metals; tannery estate was not in full swing. Cr concentration and EC
 Tannery industries are the source of undecomposed organic in river water is not exceeding MAC value. It is claimed by the
matter (rawhide, skin, flesh etc.). These organic matters increase farmers that, river water turned into darkish color with bad
BOD load of the irrigation water; odor during post monsoon season when the water is very
Irrigation
much needed for irrigation;
 EC, TDS, COD, Turbidity is higher than allowable range for
irrigation;
 The color turned to darkish due to high BOD, untreated chemical
and dyeing color deposition;
 Crops near Hazaribagh tannery industry show narcotic  Crops in surrounding area are not showing narcotic symptoms
Crop Loss symptoms due to heavy metal consumption. Farmers already due to heavy metal accumulation (during crop sampling, 2018).
face yield loss due to heavy metal contaminated soil;
Socio-economic Status
Chronic Odor  Bonding among outsider relatives are going to be normal, which  Acute odor of Hemayetpur tanneries are spread out to the
was weaker due to acute odor of tanneries; surrounding communities. Therefore, their outsider relatives are
unwilling to visit their sites, which intends to weaken the bonding
with relatives;
Drainage  After shifting the tanneries, disposal of solid waste volume is  Inadequate drainage system for sudden pressure of tannery
Congestion drastically decreased which causes improving situation regarding workers deteriorates the existing drainage condition. Also,
drainage congestion; disposal of solid waste and liquid discharge of the tanneries
exaggerate the worse condition;
Community  Health condition is improving regarding skin diseases and  Compared the findings between Hemayetpur and nearby area
Health jaundice after shifting the tanneries. It is assumed that trend of (with similar socio-economic condition but located far from the
suffering respiratory problem will also be gradually decreased. tanneries), more cases of Skin diseases, Jaundice and Kidney
related diseases are highlighted to the surrounding villages of
Hemayetpur tannery industry;
Standard of Living  No change in drinking water is observed as all the households  People uses tube well water for drinking and the water table is
used supply water for drinking; declining after establishing tanneries as tanneries use
 Fragility in tin shed houses and iron/rode/metal based furniture is groundwater;
decreasing, even not observed after shifting the tanneries. Also,  Tin shed houses and iron/rode/metal based furniture are
renowned apartment developers are interested to take project in

115
 State of Environment of Two Sites Tannery Estate

Comparison of State of Environment of Two Tannery Estates

Indicator
Hazaribagh Tannery Area Hemayetpur Tannery Area
Hazaribagh area; becoming fragile after establishing tannery industry;
 Some proposed public and private civic facilities have intended  Land value and apartment value is gradually decreased to the
to develop which make hope to the owners for getting sober close vicinity of Hemayetpur tannery industry. It becomes rare to
tenants of their housing structures; get sober tenants in the close vicinity of the tannery industry;
Change in  The commercial features of Hazaribagh is somehow converted to  Fishermen community were still common in the area, but they
Livelihood residential features. That is why some supporting livelihood alleged decreasing of fishes due to tanneries. Some of these
based on the tanneries have been converted to others as community members already shifted their captured area and
required; others are intended to shift other areas or to engage in
alternative livelihood that intention is also observed among crop
farmers;

116
 7. Future Management Suggestions

This chapter brings some of the aspects/sectors to be managed appropriately in favor of

green tannery industrialization at Savar, Bangladesh. The solutions have emerged basically
from the expert’s judgements having the sense of different impacts the Dhaleshwari River is
going to face in future. The goal of identifying future management solutions is to prevent
pollution and improve the current environmental and social situation of the Savar Tannery
Area.

7.1 Performance Improvement of the CETP

CETP and related issues

 Identification and installation of salt treatment facility as current CETP doesn’t
deal with the salinity issues.
 Assess the capacity of the existing CETP rearding volume and its treatment
quality based on discharged effluent characteristics.
 Storing of extra effluents in separate reservoirs and treat later as per capacity of
existing CETP provided it is capable of treating current effluent and meets
National Standards as applicable. If not possible, a new CETP shall be installed
to treat the total volume of effluent and simultaneously meet compliance
requirements.

Environmental Compliance
 Water quality testing performance monitoring of the CETP (Detailes in
Appendix: G).
 Effluents should be treated to meet the standard recomended in SCHEDULE 10:
ECR 1997/Draft ECR 2017.
 Domestic water treatment and discharges into Dhaleshwari meeting the
SCHEDULE 8: ECR 1997/Draft ECR 2017.

7.2 Managing Odor Problem

 Prohibiting the use of internationally banned solvents.
 Adding manganese sulfate to treat effluent, as needed, to facilitate the oxidation
of sulfides.

7.3 Managing Soild Wastes

 Cr contaminated (hazardous wastes) solid wastes shall be crushed and liquids
will be treated through the CETP. In addition, to manage these hazardous waste
a Chain of Custody (CoC) shall be developed and implemented.
 Soild wastes that are not contaminated by Cr shall be dumped into Government
approved dumping site also following CoC.

117
 Future Management Suggestions

 Domestic liquid wastes shall be treated properly to meet the SCHEDULE 8: ECR
1997/Draft ECR 2017 before discharging into natural water bodies.
 Domestic solid wastes shall be dumped finally into Government approved
dumping site through Savar Municipality and a CoC to be maintained.
 Drying of washed leathers on the open roads must be prohibited.
 Solid wastes collection and transportation vehicles must be air tight to reduce the
Odor of the area.

7.4 Enhancing Ecological Resources

 A proper plantation plan shall be prepared and implemented immediately along
the roadsides, factory grounds and other possible places of the tannery estate
area. Local plant species shall be given priority for plantation to favor wildlife as
CSR activities.

7.5 Improving Socio-economic condition

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

 Measures shall be taken to remove drainage congestion in the industry area and
improve hygiene system during handling of raw materials and different chemical
usage.
 Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) shall be used by working labors. These
PPEs shall implement OHS measures as required for safe work environment.

Community living standard

 Instead of using groundwater as the main source of water for washing tannery
products, surface water sources shall consider and be used sustainably.

Force change of livelihood

 There may the possibility to change the livelihood of fishermen community in the
project surroundings, so the tannery industries/government should take
necessary measures to manage this problem effectively.

Research on social issues

 A research study should be taken to identify the real reasons behind the shortage
of drinking water in the shallow tube-wells during dry season of the surrounding
area of Savar Tannery Estate.
 Another research project to identify the reasons behind the quick
damages/corrosion of Tin and Iron sheet made infrastructures in the
neighbouring area.

7.6 Resources Monitoring

In addition with implementing the suggested measues, this study also suggests to monitor
the environmental and social resources to keep track of any degradation of environmental
resources, non-functionality of ecosystem dynamisms and the impacts on human well beings

118
 Future Management Suggestions

due to the savar tannery activities. Therefore, a Monitoring Framework is also suggested
and presented in Appendix G: Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan following the
responsible agenices and individual resource monitoring schedule.

7.7 Institutional Framework

An effective institutional framework shall be developed among BSCIC Savar, CETP
Operator, Tannery Owners and DoE as surveillance authority to manage the environmental
and social quality of savar tannery activities in a sustainable manner. The Proposed
Institutional Framework is presented in Figure 7.1.

Context Action Arena

Biophysical CETP
Environment Contractor DoE
Interaction
Socio- Routine Evaluation of Information,
DoE and
BSCIC economic CSR Officer Monitoring of Reports and Learning
BSCIC
Conditions DoE conditions

Monitoring Tannery
Plan Owners

Evaluation Outcome

Figure 7.1: Proposed Institutional Framework

119
 Future Management Suggestions

120
 8. Conclusions

8.1 Conclusions
In Bangladesh, tannery industry has been reforming to meet compliance with the national
standards. Now, DoE has initiated a study to outline the status of tannery activities. This
study focuses to find the improvement of the environmental and the social status
surrounding the Hazaribagh Tannery Estate (HTE) and simultaneously examining the
environmental and social compliance performance and safegurds of Savar Tannery Estate
(STE).
In HTE, significant improvement of environmental and social quality was identified in the
study. Study results revealed that there was no odor in the air, no drainage congestion and
water logged condition. On the contrary, improvement of river habitat for fishes during the
wet season was good. At this moment, no organic and chemical pollution of tannery
industries into the River Buriganga. However, oxygen availability for aquatic life forms in the
Buriganga River is not suitable yet. In addition to that, Cr concentrations into soils of
riverbed, river levee and the surrounding environment of the discharged main canal still
prevails in toxic conditions. The Cr concentrations may be due to heavy deposit during long
operation period of tanneries of the site.
At the very first, the STE is not ready yet to support the tannery industries for their smooth
production. Internal road systems are found still in muddy conditions where water logged
situation prevails most of the time. Scientific evidences have been found regarding the poor
performance of CETP in both its managing capacity and maintaining quality of treatments.
Another major issue is the solid waste management of the tannery industries. Solid waste
(hazardous and non-hazardous) is dumped into nearby dumping sites. Chromium has
already contaminated the water and land of dumping sites, which later disposes directly
without treatment into the Dhaleshwari River.
Beside these environmental concerns, numerous socio-economic disputes are also informed
from the tannery labors and the surrounding communities. Chronic odor situation, skin
diseases and vomiting are the common illness over there. Lack of proper drainage facility
also hampers social life.
Above all, Savar tannery activities are polluting environmental and social quality of life in an
alarming magnitude right now. In future, these impacts could be irreversible and enormous
to manage efficiently. Therefore, suggested measures (In Chapter 7) shall be implemented
with great care timely. This will also assist this nation to meet the SDGs Goals (8, 9, 11 and
14).

121
 Conclusions

122
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128
 Appendix A: Reconnaissance Field Visit

General Overview
An appropriate methodology is the utmost priority of a quality research and reconnaissance
field visit is the backbone of developing a good methodology of the study. Having this sense,
this study conducted a reconnaissance field visit in both the study areas of Hazaribagh and
Savar Tannery Estate on 18th April 2018. A total of five professionals from CEGIS having
different academic background visited the places. During the visit, study members mainly
focused on geographical settings of the area especially physical environments, tannery
industrial units, CETP, solid waste disposal yard and the management approaches. A
number of issues were observed that will be considered in this study. The issues identified
so far are given bellow-
 Kutcha2 road network inside the new Tannery Estate;
 Low capacity of pipeline drainage system in carrying chromium mixed water;
 Open drainage system for domestic water (water except hide and skin wash)
 Waterlogged roads;
 Solid waste mixed water in mud roads;
 Tannery solid waste transportation by local van (open condition);
 Roadside storage of tannery solid waste;
 Open solid waste dumping;
 Partial functional CETP status;
 Untreated effluent release into solid waste dumping site;
 Solid waste mixed untreated effluent draining into Dhaleshwari River;
 Domestic water discharge into Dhaleshwari using pipe;
 Unhygienic working environment in most of the tannery especially in washing and
processing unit;
 Chronic Odor in the air;
 Black color of Dhaleshwari River water;
Observing these issues at new Tannery Estate, study team selected indicators to evaluate
the physical, biological and social environment that might be affected by tanneries wastes
directly and/or indirectly. Under these three different aspects, numerous variables will be
analyzed by selecting quantitative and qualitative indicators. The details of each indicator to
be evaluated are discussed in the section of 2.2 Environmental and Social Baseline
(Chapter: Approach & Methodology).

2A kutcha road is a dirt track made by mud. Sometimes it is mixer of mud and sand.

129
 Appendix-A

The study team has portrayed the baseline settings of different components in a more
generic view in the following sections.

Pollutions Sources, Treatment Facilities and Disposal Points

During the reconnaissance field visit, the study team observed the physical features as well
as the tannery and CETP operating systems of tannery estate especially Savar Tannery
Estate. As we all know that Hazaribagh Tannery Estate has been shut down in respect of
production of finished leather and leather goods, therefore there is no direct polluting
sources from tannery at present. On the other hand, the main goal of shifting tannery estate
from Hazaribagh to Savar has not been fulfilled so far due to a number of reasons.
At the very first, within the timeframe, most of the tanneries failed to complete physical
infrastructure. However, somehow, these industries have started productions and therefore,
management of leather products are not in good shape. For instance, drying of leather is
done here and thereof the Tannery Estate. The second thing is that pipeline connection
from tanneries to CETP is not sufficient to carry all the effluents to CETP. Therefore,
effluents overflow and is mixed with domestic open network which finally pollutes tannery
environment especially roads. The third issue has been found is the transportation of
tannery solid waste outside the tannery for selling and for dumping into disposal yard. In
both the cases, tannery owners use open local van due to which few portions falls on the
roads and get mixed with water. Later, it increases the bad Odor. In the disposal yard, the
dumping site is completely open and mixed with effluents.
Fourthly, the CETP is not functional fully due to saline water coming from the washing of
raw hide and skin in tannery. Saline water treatment facility was not in the design of CETP.
Therefore, effluents from CETP are being released at night directly to solid waste disposal
yard due to low efficiency of CETP. This creates very bad smell in the air by rotten leather.
Lastly, these solid mixed effluents are being released into Dhaleshwari River directly
through cutting the earthen barricade of disposal yard. Moreover, there is high chance of
leaching heavy metals (Cr) and other pollutants into Dhaleshwari and into groundwater.
Domestic water is also released into Dhaleshwari River without any treatments.
Having all these issues, Savar Tannery Estate, is running in full swing, which ultimately are
increasing pressures on natural resources of the adjacent environment. Some photographs
of the observed situation are presented in Figure A.1.

(a) Leather drying in field (b) Open drainage (c) Open manhole

130
 Appendix-A

(d) Waste disposal yard (e) Effluent in disposal yard (f) Liquid mixed solid waste

(g) Domestic water (h) Discharge point (i) Domestic water

Figure A.1: Photographs of Savar Tannery Estate and its Various Issues

Biological Resources
The tannery site is vegetated with very few undergrowth herbs like Cynodon, Amaranthus,
Crotonetc those exist in scattered form. Ongoing construction activities, frequent vehicle
movements and haphazard dumping of tannery waste are the main cause behind lower
abundance of plant. River levees nearby the Tannery Estate are densely dominated with
undergrowth plants and tall grasses like Polygonum, Xanthium, Crozophora, Cyperus,
Croton, Enhydra, Veiver etc. Sludge dumping pond does not contain any flora while river
water was observed to have scatter distribution of Water hyacinth. No big tree was observed
within the BSCIC Tannery Estate.
Among the faunal communities, birds are the prime and Little Egret, Common Myna,
Drungo, Sparrow which was observed within the riverside, waste dumping area and road
sides of the Tannery Estate. No other terrestrial wild animal was found during the visit. No
aquatic mammals were observed in river water surrounding the Tannery Estate due to highly
deterioration of water quality.
The surrounding areas hold rare vegetation hence the urbanization is taking place. Usual
homestead, crop field and riverine vegetation were found on the opposite bank of the
Dhaleshwari River.

131
 Appendix-A

Figure A.2: Flora Composition and Avifaunal Community those are Commonly
Observed during the Visit

The tannery industrial area is located beside the Dhaleshwari River, which serves as the
major capture fish habitat for the surrounding area. The local people reported that there are
more than 50 riverine fish species in the river system.It was found, however, that the habitat
quality of river have become highly susceptible to heavy metal rich pollutants, which are,
supposed to be mutagenic trace element for various riverine fish species (Figure A.2).
About 125m breach of protective bank was observed at a place adjacent to the Solid Waste
Disposal Station indicating that high Cr rich pollutant directly falls in to the river system.

132
 Appendix-A

Figure A.3: Proximity of Dhaleshwari River System to Heavy Metal Discharge

Socio-economic Set-up
Some positive and negative findings of the Hazaribagh and Savar Tannery Industries were
observed during reconnaissance field visit. CETP has been set up to manage the liquid
wastes centrally and to discharge the treated water to Dhaleshwari River considering
systematic approach. In addition, according to the tannery industry owners’ underground
drainage network has been developed to manage liquid waste of the industries so that it
cannot deteriorate the environment.

(b) Mechanized way to filter solidwaste from

(a) Effluent Pumping Station
effluents

Figure A.4: Equipment Facilities in CETP

However, road network and extorting drainage network has not yet properly developed. In
addition, CETP is not properly functioning due to fault in design and poor construction
material as well. Solid waste is not properly managed that create unpleasant smell in the
surrounding areas of the industries whereas a housing city (Jamjum Housing City) has been
developed just beside the tannery industries. In addition, workers are not using Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) properly.

133
 Appendix-A

134
 Appendix B: Matrix-Evaluation of Socio-Economic Status

Parameters Issues Problem Way to assess impact Data collection way

 Chemicals, metals and other substances  Identify excessive concentration of
(mentioned in physical environment: water chemical over environmental
 Result of tests on primary
quality section: Hemayetpur) that causes standard and assessing its impact
Human data and literature review
Effect of chemical long term negative impact health degradation on human health through secondary
Health & or interview with relevant
disposal of workers and community; information;
Safety experts;
 Workers suffer different types of skin  Identify workers way of taking
 RRA with workers
diseases frequently but they do not have medical facilities in skin diseases
proper medical facilities and general ailments
Labor &  Unsafe handling the chemicals causes skin
Using PPE and  Observation and discussion about  Field observation and
Working diseases as well as long term negative health
awareness working condition RRA with workers
Condition impacts
backflow/overflow  Severe Odor of chemicals and leather
Drainage chemical spreads out inside and surroundings of the  Identification of the causes of back
 Field observation and
Congestion containing water industries flow/over flow of chemical
RRA with workers
& Odor due to drainage  Skin diseases occurs due to moving/walking containing water
congestion on that chemical containing water
 Identification of workers availability
Employment Employment  Discrepancy arises in terms of enrollment,
and discrepancies by the discussion
& status, salary, work load distribution and so on;  RRA with workers/and
of workers;
Acceptance Neighbors attitude  Neighbors have negative attitudes on tannery neighbors
 Assessment of neighbors attitude
of Neighbor towards workers workers
towards tannery workers
 Open disposal of solid waste causes
obnoxious Odor;  Identification of the way of solid
Solid Waste Disposal of solid  RRA with workers and
 During monsoon, discharge of solid mixed waste disposal and its negative
Management wastes BSCIC Savar
liquid contaminates water quality of impact in the surroundings
Dhaleshwari River
Lowering of
Drinking  During dry period, water scaricity occurs for  Discussion with surrounding local  RRA with local
drinking water
Water the shallow tube wells only communities community
table

135
 Appendix-B

136
 Appendix C: Available fish species in the Buriganga River

Sl. No. Order Family Scientific Name English Name Local Name IUCN Status, 2015
1 Synbranchiformes Synbranchidae Monopterus cuchia Cuchia Kuchia VU
2 Beloniformes Belonidae Xenentodon cancila Cancila Kakila LC
3 Osteoglossiformes Notopteridae Notopterus notopterus Grey Featherback Foli VU
4 Cyprinodontiformes Cyprinodontidae Aplocheilus panchax Blue Panchax Techoukka LC
5 Channa punctatus Spotted Snakehead Taki/Lathi LC
6 Channidae Channa striatus Stripped Snakehead Shole LC
7 Channa orientalis Asiatic Snakehead Gozar LC
8 Labeo rohita Rohu Rui LC
9 Labeo gonius Gonius Gonia NT
10 Labeo calbasu Calbasu Kalibaus LC
11 Catla catla Catla Catla LC
12 Cirrhinus cirrhosus Mrigel Mrigel NT
13 Cirrhinus reba Reba Tatkini NT
14 Hypophthalmichthys molitrix Silver Carp Silver Carp DD
Channiformes Cyprinidae
15 Amblypharyngodon mola Mola Carplet Mola LC
16 Osteobrama cotio Cotio Chela NT
17 Puntius chola Swamp Barb Chalapunti LC
18 Puntius sophore Spotfin Swamp Barb Punti LC
19 Pethia conchonius Rosy Barb Taka Punti LC
20 Pethia ticto Ticto Barb Tit Punti VU
21 Rasbora daniconius Slender Rasbora Darkina EN
22 Botia dario Queen Loach Rani EN
23 Cobitidae Botia lohachata Y-Loach Rani EN
24 Lepidocephalichthys guntea Guntea Loach Gutum LC
25 Clarias batrachus Walking Catfish Magur LC
Claridae
26 Rita rita Rita Rita EN
27 Sperata aor Long Whiskered Catfish Ayre VU
28 Mystus cavasius Gangetic Mystus Golsha Tengra NT
Siluriformes Bagridae
29 Mystus tengara Tengara Mystus Bujuri LC
30 Mystus vittatus Striped Dwarf Catfish Tengra LC
31 Wallago attu Wallago Boal VU
Siluridae
32 Ompok pabda Pabda Catfish Madhu Pabda EN

137
 Appendix-C

Sl. No. Order Family Scientific Name English Name Local Name IUCN Status, 2015
33 Heteropneustidae Heteropneustes fossilis Stringing Catfish Shing LC
34 Ailia coila Gangetica ailia Kajuli LC
35 Clupisoma Garua Garu Bacha Gharua EN
36 Schilbeidae Eutropiichthys vacha Vacha Bacha LC
37 Silonia silonia Silond Catfish Shilong LC
38 Pangasius pangasius Yellowtail Catfish Pangas EN
39 Conta conta Conta Catfish Hara Macfish NT
40 Hara hara Moth Catfish Kutakanti LC
Sisoridae
41 Bagarius bagarius Gangetica goonch Baghair CR
42 Gagata youssoufi Gang Tengra Pathorchata NT
43 Gudusia chapra Indian River Shad Chapila VU
Clupeiformes Clupeidae
44 Tenualosa ilisha Hilsha Shad Ilish LC
45 Macrognathus aculeatus Lesser Spiny Eel Tara Baim NT
46 Mastacembelidae Mastacembelus armatus Zig-zag Eel Sal Baim EN
47 Macrognathus pancalus Barred Spiny Eel Guchi Baim LC
48 Cichlidae Oreochromis mossambicus Tilapia Tilapia DD
49 Anabantidae Anabas testudineas Climbing Bass Koi LC
50 Ctenops nobilis Indian Gourami Napit Khalisha LC
Perciformes
51 Osphronemidae Colisa fasciata Banded Gourami Khalisha DD
52 Colisa lalia Red Gourami Lal Khalisha DD
53 Gobidae Glossogobius giuris Tank Goby Bele LC
54 Pseudambassis lala High Fin Glassy Perchlet Lal Chanda LC
55 Ambassidae Pseudambassis ranga Indian Glassy Fish Chanda LC
56 Pseudambassis baculis Indian Glassy Fish Chanda NT
CR: Critically Endangered; EN: Endangered; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Not Threatened; LC: Least Concern and DD: Data Deficient
Source: M. A. Baki, et al., 2017

138
 Appendix D: Major fish species in the Dhaleshawari river
system

IUCN
Local
Species Englishname Local Name Habitat Status,
Abundance
2015
Xenentodon cancila Freshwater garfish Kakila River H NO
Gudusia chapra Indianrivershad Chapila River M NO
Amblypharyngodonmola Molacarplet Mola, Moa River M NO
Catla catla Catla Catal, Catla River, Pond L NO
Cirrhinusmrigala Mrigal carp Mrigel, Mirka River, Pond L NO
Esomousdanricus Flying barb Darkina,Darka River, Pond H DD
Labeo calbasu Orange-finlabeo Calbaus River M EN
Labeo rohita Roholabeo Rui H NO
Puntius ticto Ticto barb Tit Puti L VU
Salmostomabacaila Largerazorbellyminnow Chela H NO
Finescale razorbelly
Salmostomaphulo Chela H NO
minnow
Lepidocephalusguntia Guntea loach Gutum L NO
Chanda lala Highfinglassy perchlet Choto chanda M NE
Chanda ranga Indianglass-perchlet Lal chanda River, Beel, M VU
Anabustestudineus Climbingperch Koi Floodplain L NO
Channamarulius Greatsnakehead Gozar M EN
Channaorientalis Walking snakehead Cheng M VU
Channapunctata Spotted snakehead Taki L NO
Channa striata Snakehead murrel Shole L NO
Glossogobiusgiuris Tank goby Bele,Baila M NO
Rhinomugilcorsula Corsulamullet Ural, Korsula L NO
Colisafasciata Banded gourami Borokholisha H NO
Mystus aor Longwhiskered catfish Ayre River M VU
Mystus cavasius Gangetic mystus Gulsa tengra River, Beel M VU
Mystus seenghala Giantriver catfish Guizza ayre River H EN
Mystus tengana Tengaracatfish Choto tengra River, Beel, M NO
Mystus vitatus Strippeddwarfcatfish Tengra Floodplain M NO
Clariasbatrachus Walking catfish Magur River, Beel, H NO
Hateropneustesfossilis Stinging catfish Shing,Kanos Floodplain L NO
Ailia coila Gangetic alia Baspata River H NO
Clupisomagarua Garuabacha Ganggaira River M CR
Eutropiichthysvacha Batchwa vacha Bacha River L CR
Pseudeutropiusatherinoides Potasi Batashi River L NO
Wallago attu Freshwater shark Boal River, Beel M NO
Gagata cenia Indian gagata Jungla magur L NO
Macrognathusaculeatus Lesser spinyeel Tara baim L VU
River,
Sal baim ,
Mastacembelusarmatus Zig-zag eel Baor, Beel, M EN
baim
Floodplain
Mastacembeluspancalus Barred spinyeel Guchi H NO
Monopteruscuchia Mudeel Kuchia M VU
Notopteruschitala Clownknifefish Chital M EN
Notopterusnotopterus Bronzefeatherback Foli River, Beel H VU
Tetraodon cutcutia Ocellatedpufferfish Potka M NO
CR: Critically Endangered; EN: Endangered; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Not Threatened; LC: Least Concern and DD:
Data Deficient

139
 Appendix-D

140
 Appendix E: Chemicals Used in Leather Processing

1. Beam house and Tan yard

Biocides
Biocides prevent the growth of bacteria which can damage the hides or skins during the soaking process

Surfactants
Surfactants are used to help with the wetting back of the hides or skins

Degreasers
Degreasers help with the removal of natural fats and greases from the hides or skins

Swell regulating agents

Swell regulating agents help prevent uneven swelling of the hides or skins during liming

Lime
Lime is used to swell the hides or skins

Sodium sulphide
Sodium sulphide chemically destroys the hair on hides or skins

Sodium hydrosulphide
Sodium hydrosulphide chemically destroys the hair on hides or skins. It does not create as much swelling as
sodium sulphide

Low sulphide unhairing agents

Low sulphide unhairing agents help to reduce the amount of sulphides used in a tannery thus reducing the
environmental impact of tanneries

Caustic soda
Caustic soda is used during the liming process to help swell the hides or skins

Soda ash
Soda ash is used during the soaking or liming processes to help raise the pH of the hides or skins

Ammonium sulphate
Ammonium sulphate is used during the deliming process and helps remove lime from the hides or skins

Ammonium chloride
Ammonium chloride is used during the deliming process and helps remove lime from the hides or skins

Sodium metabisulphite
Sodium metabisulphite is used during the deliming process and helps prevent the formation of toxic hydrogen
sulphide gas during deliming. It also acts as a bleaching agent

Formic acid
Formic acid is used during the pickling process to lower the pH of the hides or skins

Sulphuric acid
Sulphuric acid is used during the pickling process to lower the pH of the hides or skins

141
 Appendix-E

Salt
Salt is used during the pickling process to prevent acid swelling of the hides or skins

Sodium formate
Sodium formate is used during the tanning process to assist with the penetration of chromium tanning salts into
the hides or skins

Chromium sulphate
Chromium sulphate is the tanning agent used to make wet blue

Aldehyde tanning agents

Aldehydes are tanning agents used to make wet white

Magnesium oxide
Magnesium oxide is used during basification and raises the pH of the hide or skin to allow the chromium or
aldehyde to chemically bind to the skin protein

Fungicide
Fungicides are chemicals that are used to prevent the growth of moulds or fungi on tanned hides or skins

2. Dyehouse
Surfactants / Wetting agents
Surfactants help in the wetting back of the wet blue in the dyehouse

Degreasers
Degreasers help remove grease or fats that may be present on the wet blue as a result of the wet blue coming
into contact with machinery

Sodium formate
Sodium formate helps raise the pH during the neutralization process

Sodium bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate helps raise the pH during the neutralization process

Formic acid
Formic acid reduces the pH for the rechroming process or helps with chemically fixing dyehouse chemicals to the
leather at the end of the dyehouse processes

Chrome syntans
Chrome syntans are used during rechroming to improve the softness of the final leathet

Chromium sulphate
Chromium sulphate is used during rechroming to improve the softness of the final leather

Syntans
Syntans are used to give properties such as softness, fullness, roundness to the leather

Resins
Resins are used to give fullness and a tight grain to the leather

Polymers
Polymers are used to give fullness and a tight grain to the leather

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 Appendix-E

Dyes
Dyes are used to give the leather a colour desired by the customer

Dyeing auxiliaries
Dyeing auxiliaries help disperse the dyes evenly

Fatliquors
Fatliquors are oils that are added to leather to give softness to the final leather

3. Finishing
Acrylic resins
Acrylic resins give specific properties to the leather finish such as adhesion, water resistance

Butadiene resins
Butadiene resins give specific properties to the leather finish such as good coverage

Polyurethane resins
Polyurethane resins give specific properties to the leather finish such as good toughness and good lightfastness

Fillers
Fillers help fill small blemishes on the leather surface

Dullers
Dullers help reduce the gloss of the finish

Crosslinkers
Crosslinkers are used to toughen the leather finish and improve the water resistance properties of polyurethanes

Handle modifiers
Handle modifiers are used to give the leather surface a waxy or slippery feel

Nitrocellulose lacquers
Nitrocellulose lacquers are used in the top coat of a leather finish

Acrylic lacquers
Acrylic lacquers are used in the top coat of a leather finish

Polyurethane lacquers
Polyurethane lacquers are used in the top coat of a leather finish

Viscosity modifiers
Viscosity modifiers are used to increase the viscosity of a finish mixture

Pigments
Pigments are colouring agents that help hide defects on the leather surface

Dyes
Dyes are colouring agents that are used to slightly change the colour of the leather finish or to give the leather
finish a more natural look

Defoamers
Defoamers are used to prevent bubbles from forming in the finish mixture

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 Appendix-E

144
 Appendix F: ES scoring matrix of Hemayetpur Tannery area

Habitat quality

Surface water
Provisioning
Biodiversity

Agricultural

purification
Supporting

production

Regulating

Air Quality
regulation
services

services

services
supply

Water
crops
Fish
Year Land-use/cover

Baor 3.50 3 4 3.67 4 3 4 2.00 4 0

Brickfield 0.00 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0.00 0 0
2000 Cultivated Trees 3.00 3 3 0.00 0 0 0 1.50 0 3
Multiple Crop 3.50 3 4 1.33 0 4 0 1.00 0 2
Rivers and Khals 4.00 4 4 3.67 4 2 5 1.50 3 0
Rural Settlement 3.00 3 3 0.33 0 1 0 0.00 0 0

Baor 3.50 3 4 3.67 4 3 4 2.00 4 0

Brickfield 0.00 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0.00 0 0
Built-Up Non-Linear 1.50 2 1 0.00 0 0 0 0.00 0 0
2015 Cultivated Trees 4.00 4 4 0.00 0 0 0 2.00 0 4
Multiple Crop 2.50 2 3 1.00 0 3 0 0.50 0 1
Perennial Beels/Haors 4.50 4 5 3.33 5 0 5 2.50 5 0
Rivers and Khals 4.00 4 4 3.67 4 2 5 1.00 2 0
Rural Settlements 2.00 2 2 0.33 0 1 0 0.00 0 0
Baor 3.50 3 4 2.67 3 2 3 2.00 4 0
Brickfield 0.00 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0.00 0 0

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 Appendix-F

Habitat quality

Surface water
Provisioning
Biodiversity

Agricultural

purification
Supporting

production

Regulating

Air Quality
regulation
services

services

services
supply

Water
crops
Fish
Year Land-use/cover

Built-Up Non-Linear 1.00 1 1 0.00 0 0 0 0.00 0 0

2018 Cultivated Trees 4.00 4 4 0.00 0 0 0 2.00 0 4
Multiple Crop 2.50 2 3 0.67 0 2 0 0.50 0 1
Perennial Beels/Haors 3.50 3 4 2.00 3 0 3 1.50 3 0
Rivers and Khals 2.50 2 3 2.33 2 2 3 0.50 1 0
Rural Settlements 2.00 2 2 0.33 0 1 0 0.00 0 0
Hemayetpur Tannery 0.00 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0.00 0 0

146
 Appendix G: Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan

Focus/Objects Indicators/Parameters Methods Frequency Responsible Organizations/Institutes

Water Quality o Physical parameters: In-situ test methods for physical quality Quarterly DoE/BSCIC Savar/Third party
of Dhaleshwari Watercolor, pH, DO, TDS, TSS assessment by handheld devices. (CEGIS/Dhaka University/BUET etc.)
River and and Salinity. Chemicals and metal samples will be
CETP treated o Non-ionic constitutes COD and collected from the pre-defined sampling
effluents BOD5 at 20oC. points following standard sample
o Chemical parameters: Nitrate, collection and preservation methods
Phosphate, NH3 and Sulphate. (APHA Guidelines). Accredited
o Metals: Chromium, Aluminum, laboratory of Bangladesh
and Lead. (DPHE/BCSIR/DoE/BUET) will be used
to test the collected samples timely.
Water Quality o Physical parameters: Sample collection and testing at the Monthly DoE/BSCIC Savar/Third party
performance Watercolor, pH, DO, TDS, TSS laboratory (DPHE/CEGIS/Dhaka University/BUET
monitoring of and Salinity. (DPHE/BCSIR/DoE/BUET/Dhaka etc.)
CETP o Non-ionic constitutes COD and University).
BOD5 at 20oC.
o Chemical parameters: Nitrate,
Phosphate, NH3 and Sulphate.
o Metals: Chromium, Aluminum,
and Lead.
Soil Quality o Physical parameters: Salinity In-situ test methods will be followed with Half yearly DoE/SRDI/Third party
and EC; appropriate handheld soil quality (CEGIS/BUET/Dhaka University etc.)
o Heavy metals: Chromium, monitoring devices. Collection of soil
Lead and Zinc; samples from the predefined sampling
points by Augur followed by laboratory
test in Soil Resource Development
Institute (SRDI).
Air Quality and o VOCs, H2S and NH3 In the tannery estate and surrounding Quarterly DoE/BSCIC/Third party (CEGIS/BUET)
Noise quality communities for at least 24 hours.
Floral and Occurrence of Dolphin in river Physical observation and quadrate Half yearly DoE/Academic Institutes/ Third party
Faunal system. sampling method for monitoring of floral (CEGIS/BSCIC Savar etc.)
(terrestrial and status.
aquatic) status

147
 Appendix-G

Focus/Objects Indicators/Parameters Methods Frequency Responsible Organizations/Institutes

Faunal status will be monitored through
indirect sampling of walk transects and
desktop transects.
Cr bioaccumulation in plant body
Fishery o Habitat Condition and Quality: Length-based Catch Assessment Quarterly DoE/Third party (CEGIS etc.)
resources Mentioned in water quality Method for understanding habitat use
section; and fish diversity;
o Habitat Use by Fish: Breeding,
Spawning, Nursing and
Feeding;
o Fish Diversity;
Bioaccumulation of Chromium in Fish muscles, gut and kidney will be Annually DoE/CEGIS/Dhaka University
Fish Muscle, Gut and Kidney. collected, preserved and then measured
heavy metals by Centre for Advanced
Research in Science (CARS).
Agriculture Cr bioaccumulation in crop field Laboratory analysis following standard Half yearly DoE/BARI/ Third party (CEGIS /Dhaka
resources vegetation and fruit trees. methods of measuring Cr. University/Sher-E-Bangla Agriculture
University etc.).
Yield status of surrounding areas Yearly production rate in a given unit Seasonally DoE/BARI/ Third party (CEGIS /Dhaka
crops. area of staple crops. University/Sher-E-Bangla Agriculture
University etc.).
Social aspects Occupational health and safety Discussion with the workers and the Half yearly ICDDR,B/ UNICEF/ BSCIC Savar/Local
surrounding community. Physical Government Institutes (LGI)/ DoE/Third
observation regarding status of skin Party (CEGIS, BDHS).
diseases, headache and vomiting
among labors, staffs and surrounding
communities.
Standard of living especially Discussion with the workers and the Half yearly ICDDR,B/ UNICEF/ BSCIC Savar/Local
focusing on Drainage congestion, surrounding community. Physical Government Institutes (LGI)/ DoE/Third
Drinking water quality and observation of the infrastructure. Party (CEGIS, BDHS).
Housing materials (tin/iron sheet
etc.).
Livelihoods Change in occupation Consultation and discussion with local Half yearly BSCIC Savar/Local Government Institutes
community. (LGI)/ DoE/Third Party (CEGIS, BDHS).

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