Browsing by Author "Malafaia, Guilherme"

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A Critical Review and Prospect of NO2 and SO2 Pollution Over Asia
(Elsevier, 2023-06-10) Jion, Most. Mastura Munia Farjana; Jannat, Jannatun Nahar; Mia, Md. Yousuf; Ali, Md. Arfan; Islam, Md. Saiful; Ibrahim, Sobhy M.; Pal, Subodh Chandra; Islam, Aznarul; Sarker, Aniruddha; Malafaia, Guilherme; Bilal, Muhammad; Islam, Abu Reza Md Towfiqul
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are two major atmospheric pollutants that significantly threaten human health, the environment, and ecosystems worldwide. Despite this, only some studies have investigated the spatiotemporal hotspots of NO2 and SO2, their trends, production, and sources in Asia. Our study presents a literature review covering the production, trends, and sources of NO2 and SO2 across Asian countries (e.g., Bangladesh, China, India, Iran, Japan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Kuwait, and Nepal). Based on the findings of the review, NO2 and SO2 pollution are increasing due to industrial activity, fossil fuel burning, biomass burning, heavy traffic movement, electricity generation, and power plants. There is significant concern about health risks associated with NO2 and SO2 emissions in Bangladesh, China, India, Malaysia, and Iran, as they pay less attention to managing and controlling pollution. Even though the lack of quality datasets and adequate research in most Asian countries further complicates the management and control of NO2 and SO2 pollution. This study has NO2 and SO2 pollution scenarios, including hotspots, trends, sources, and their influences on Asian countries. This study highlights the existing research gaps and recommends new research on identifying integrated sources, their variations, spatiotemporal trends, emission characteristics, and pollution level. Finally, the present study suggests a framework for controlling and monitoring these two pollutants' emissions.
A New Approach from Public Behavioral Attitudes and Perceptions Towards Microplastics: Influencing Factors, and Policy Proposals
(Elsevier, 2024-07-01) Al Masud, Abdulla; Islam, Abu Reza Md Towfiqul; Al Mamun, Abdullah; Alam, G.M. Monirul; Arabameri, Alireza; Bari, A.B.M. Mainul; Pal, Subodh Chandra; Rakib, Md Refat Jahan; Senapathi, Venkatramanan; Bodrud-Doza, Md.; Idris, Abubakr M.; Malafaia, Guilherme
This research paper addresses the urgent environmental concern of microplastic (MP) emissions, focusing on the behavioral attitudes and perceptions of the general populace in Shyamnagar Upazila, Bangladesh. Against the backdrop of escalating MP pollution globally, this study investigates the level of awareness and the factors influencing public engagement in mitigating MP prevalence. Leveraging survey data from 350 respondents, the ordered logistic regression (OLR) and boosted regression tree (BRT) models are employed for comprehensive data analysis. The findings expose a concerning lack of awareness about MPs, as only 12% of respondents possessed prior knowledge, and a notable 63% remained uninformed about MP pollution. The OLR model reveals a positive correlation between heightened awareness of MPs and an increased willingness to take action. Gender differences become evident, with women exhibiting greater willingness than men to mitigate MP emissions, and environmental practitioners displaying heightened motivation. The BRT model underscores construction materials and industrial pollution as the primary influential factors amplifying MP pollution. These insights not only illuminate the existing scenario but also provide a basis for fostering favorable behavioral attitudes and perceptions to mitigate the prevalence of MPs within the coastal milieu.
Bioaccumulation and sources of metal(loid)s in fish species from a subtropical river in Bangladesh: a public health concern
(Scopus, 2024-12-07) Ali, Mir Mohammad; Kubra, Khadijatul; Alam, Edris; Mondol, Anwar Hossain; Islam, Md. Saiful; Karim, Ehsanul; Ahmed, A. S. Shafiuddin; Siddique, Md. Abu Bakar; Malafaia, Guilherme; Ahmed, A. S. Shafiuddin; Siddique, Md. Abu Bakar
Toxic metals and freshwater fish’s metalloid contamination are significant environmental concerns for overall public health. However, the bioaccumulation and sources of metal(loids) in freshwater fishes from Bangladesh still remain unknown. Thus, the As, Pb, Cd, and Cr concentrations in various freshwater fish species from the Rupsha River basin were measured, including Tenualosa ilisha, Gudusia chapra, Otolithoides pama, Setipinna phasa, Mystus vittatus, Glossogobius giuris, and Pseudeutropius atherinoides. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine metal concentrations. The mean concentrations of metal(loids) in the fish muscle (mg/kg) were found to be As (1.53) > Pb (1.25) > Cr (0.51) > Cd (0.39) in summer and As (1.72) > Pb (1.51) > Cr (0.65) > Cd (0.49) in winter. The analyzed fish species had considerably different metal(loid) concentrations with seasonal variation, and the distribution of the metals (loids) was consistent with the normal distribution. The demersal species, M. vittatus, displayed the highest bio-accumulative value over the summer. However, in both seasons, none of the species were bio-accumulative. According to multivariate statistical findings, the research area’s potential sources of metal(loid) were anthropogenic activities linked to geogenic processes. Estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR) were used to assess the influence of the risk on human health. The consumers’ THQs values were < 1, indicating that there were no non-carcinogenic concerns for local consumers. Both categories of customers had CRs that fell below the permissible range of 1E − 6 to 1E − 4, meaning they were not at any increased risk of developing cancer. The children’s group was more vulnerable to both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazards. Therefore, the entry of metal(loids) must be regulated, and appropriate laws must be used by policymakers
Managing the Invisible Threat of Microplastics in Marine Ecosystems: Lessons From Coast of the Bay of Bengal
(IEEE, 2023-09-01) Mubin, Al-Nure; Arefin, Shahoriar; Mia, Md. Sonir; Islam, Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul; Bari, A.B.M. Mainul; Islam, Md. Saiful; Ali, Mir Mohammad; Siddique, Md. Abu Bakar; Rahman, M. Safiur; Senapathi, Venkatramanan; Idris, Abubakr M.; Malafaia, Guilherme
Invisible microplastics (MP) have become a significant problem worldwide in recent years. Although many studies have highlighted the sources, effects, and fate of MPs pollution on various ecosystems in developed countries, there is limited information on MPs in the marine ecosystem along the northeastern coast of the Bay of Bengal (BoB). Coastal ecosystems along the BoB coasts are critical to a biodiverse ecology that supports human survival and resource extraction. However, the multi-environmental hotspots, ecotoxicity effects, transport mechanisms, fates, and intervention measures to control MP pollution initiatives along the BoB coasts have received little attention. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the multi-environmental hotspots, ecotoxicity effects, sources, fates, and intervention measures of MP in the northeastern BoB to understand how MP spreads in the nearshore marine ecosystem. This study critically evaluates the hotspots and ecotoxic effects of pollution from MP on the coastal multi-environment, e.g., soil, sediment, salt, water, and fish, as well as current intervention measures and additional mitigation recommendations. This study identified the northeastern part of the BoB as a hotspot for MP. In addition, the transport mechanisms and fate of MP in different environmental compartments are highlighted, as are research gaps and potential future research areas. Research on the ecotoxic effects of MP on BoB marine ecosystems must be a top priority, given the increasing use of plastics and the presence of significant marine products worldwide. The knowledge gained from this study would inform decision-makers and stakeholders in a way that could reduce the impact of the legacy of micro- and nanoplastics in the area. This study also proposes structural and non-structural measures to mitigate the effects of MPs and promote sustainable management.
Microplastic as an Invisible Threat to the Coral Reefs: Sources, Toxicity Mechanisms, Policy Intervention, and the Way Forward
(IEEE, 2023-07-15) Rahman, Md. Naimur; Shozib, Sajjad Hossain; Akter, Mst. Yeasmin; Islam, Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul; Islam, Md. Saiful; Sohel, Md. Salman; Kamaraj, Chinnaperumal; Rakib, Md. Refat Jahan; Idris, Abubakr M.; Sarker, Aniruddha; Malafaia, Guilherme
Microplastic (MP) pollution waste is a global macro problem, and research on MP contamination has been done in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. Preventing MP pollution from hurting them is essential to maintaining coral reefs' ecological and economic benefits. However, the public and scientific communities must pay more attention to MP research on the coral reef regions' distribution, effects, mechanisms, and policy evaluations. Therefore, this review summarizes the global MP distribution and source within the coral reefs. Current knowledge extends the impacts of MP on coral reefs, existing policy, and further recommendations to mitigate MPs contamination on corals are critically analyzed. Furthermore, mechanisms of MP on coral and human health are also highlighted to pinpoint research gaps and potential future studies. Given the escalating plastic usage and the prevalence of coral bleaching globally, there is a pressing need to prioritize research efforts on marine MPs that concentrate on critical coral reef areas. Such investigations should encompass an extensive and crucial understanding of the distribution, destiny, and effects of the MPs on human and coral health and the potential hazards of those MPs from an ecological viewpoint.
Microplastics contamination through a mighty estuarine island: Distribution, influencing factors, and risk assessment
(2024-12-20) Arefin, Shahoriar; Md. Towfiqul Islam, Abu Reza; Hasan, Mehedi; Mubin, Al-Nure; Alinur Rahman, Md.; Ali, Mir Mohammad; Siddique, Md Abu Bakar; Abdo, Hazem Ghassan; Idris, Abubakr M.; Pal, Subodh chandra; Malafaia, Guilherme; Senapathi, Venkatramanan
The global concern over microplastic (MP) contamination in diverse ecosystems is well-established, yet Nijhum Dwip Island (NDI), known for its ecological diversity, has not undergone a comprehensive study addressing the extent of MP pollution. This research aims to evaluate the spatial distribution, influencing factors, and ecological risks of MPs in both sediment and surface water surrounding NDI, situated in the Northern Bay of Bengal. A meticulous collection of 40 sediment and 40 tidal water samples from various sites facilitated a detailed analysis. The mean abundance of MPs in sediment was 138.39 ± 34.15 pieces/kg, while in water, it was 72.83 ± 30.76 pieces/m³. Various shapes observed on NDI included films, fragments, fibers, and foams, with fragments dominating in sediment (64.05 %) and water (61.51 %). Analysis of FTIR spectra identified two primary polymer types, namely polyethylene (PE) at 57 % and polypropylene (PP) at 40 %. The results indicated elevated pollution levels on NDI, with sediment and water pollution load index measuring 1.32 and 2.01, respectively, signifying significant MP contamination in both compartments. Given the island's rare biodiversity, the vicinity of wastewater sewages, anthropogenic activities, and atmospheric deposition, could be behind MP contamination in water and sediments. No strong correlation between MP and physiochemical properties in water and PCA biplots showed their similar distribution, whereas MP abundances in sediment were significantly correlated with pH and organic matter (p<0.05), signifying a pivotal role in transporting MPs in the aquatic environment. Two canonical variables were identified as important by canonical correlation analysis, demonstrating the interdependence of MP contamination at the sample sites. This research contributes to better insights into the occurrence of MP in the rare islands, which are ecosystems that have been hardly examined for this type of pollution, and it can report sustainable interventions to lessen MP inputs to the Bay of Bengal.
Microplastics contamination through a mighty estuarine island: Distribution, influencing factors, and risk assessment
(Regional Studies in Marine Science, Elsevier, 2024-12-20) Arefin, Shahoriar; Islam, Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul; Hasan, Mehedi; Mubin, Al-Nure; Rahman, Md. Alinur; Ali, Mir Mohammad; Siddique, Md Abu Bakar; Abdo, Hazem Ghassan; Idris, Abubakr M.; Pal, Subodh chandra; Malafaia, Guilherme; Senapathi, Venkatramanan
The global concern over microplastic (MP) contamination in diverse ecosystems is well-established, yet Nijhum Dwip Island (NDI), known for its ecological diversity, has not undergone a comprehensive study addressing the extent of MP pollution. This research aims to evaluate the spatial distribution, influencing factors, and ecological risks of MPs in both sediment and surface water surrounding NDI, situated in the Northern Bay of Bengal. A meticulous collection of 40 sediment and 40 tidal water samples from various sites facilitated a detailed analysis. The mean abundance of MPs in sediment was 138.39 ± 34.15 pieces/kg, while in water, it was 72.83 ± 30.76 pieces/m³. Various shapes observed on NDI included films, fragments, fibers, and foams, with fragments dominating in sediment (64.05 %) and water (61.51 %). Analysis of FTIR spectra identified two primary polymer types, namely polyethylene (PE) at 57 % and polypropylene (PP) at 40 %. The results indicated elevated pollution levels on NDI, with sediment and water pollution load index measuring 1.32 and 2.01, respectively, signifying significant MP contamination in both compartments. Given the island's rare biodiversity, the vicinity of wastewater sewages, anthropogenic activities, and atmospheric deposition, could be behind MP contamination in water and sediments. No strong correlation between MP and physiochemical properties in water and PCA biplots showed their similar distribution, whereas MP abundances in sediment were significantly correlated with pH and organic matter (p<0.05), signifying a pivotal role in transporting MPs in the aquatic environment. Two canonical variables were identified as important by canonical correlation analysis, demonstrating the interdependence of MP contamination at the sample sites. This research contributes to better insights into the occurrence of MP in the rare islands, which are ecosystems that have been hardly examined for this type of pollution, and it can report sustainable interventions to lessen MP inputs to the Bay of Bengal.
Microplastics in multi-environmental compartments: Research advances, media, and global management scenarios
(2024-07-10) Choudhury, Tasrina Rabia; Riad, Syed; Uddin, Foyez Jalal; Maksud, M.A.; Alam, M. Abbas; Chowdhury, A.M. Sarwaruddin; Mubin, Al-Nure; Md. Towfiqul Islam, Abu Reza; Malafaia, Guilherme
During the past decades, microplastics (MPs) have become an emerging concern due to their persistence and potential environmental threat. MP pollution has become so drastic that it has been found in the human food chain, breast milk, polar regions, and even the Himalayan basin, lake, etc. Inflammation, pulmonary hypertension, vascular occlusions, increased coagulability and blood cell cytotoxicity, disruption of immune function, neurotoxicity, and neurodegenerative diseases can all be brought on by severe microplastic exposure. Although many MPs studies have been performed on single environmental compartments, MPs in multi-environmental compartments have yet to be explored fully. This review aims to summarize the muti-environmental media, detection tools, and global management scenarios of MPs. The study revealed that MPs could significantly alter C flow through the soil-plant system, the structure and metabolic status of the microbial community, soil pH value, biomass of plant shoots and roots, chlorophyll, leaf C and N contents, and root N contents. This review reveals that MPs may negatively affect many C-dependent soil functions. Different methods have been developed to detect the MPs from these various environmental sources, including microscopic observation, density separation, Raman, and FT-IR analysis. Several articles have focused on MPs in individual environmental sources with a developed evaluation technique. This review revealed the extensive impacts of MPs on soil-plant systems, microbial communities, and soil functions, especially on water, suggesting possible disturbances to vital ecological processes. Furthermore, the broad range of detection methods explored emphasizes the significance of reliable analytical techniques in precisely evaluating levels of MP contamination in various environmental media. This paper critically discusses MPs' sources, occurrences, and global management scenarios in all possible environmental media and ecological health impacts. Future research opportunities and required sustainable strategies have also been suggested from Bangladesh and international perspectives based on challenges faced due to MP's pollution.
Microplastics in Multi-environmental Compartments: Research Advances, Media, and Global Management Scenarios
(Elsevier, 2024-07-15) Choudhury, Tasrina Rabia; Riad, Syed; Uddin, Foyez Jalal; Maksud, M.A.; Alam, M. Abbas; Chowdhury, A.M. Sarwaruddin; Mubin, Al-Nure; Islam, Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul; Malafaia, Guilherme
During the past decades, microplastics (MPs) have become an emerging concern due to their persistence and potential environmental threat. MP pollution has become so drastic that it has been found in the human food chain, breast milk, polar regions, and even the Himalayan basin, lake, etc. Inflammation, pulmonary hypertension, vascular occlusions, increased coagulability and blood cell cytotoxicity, disruption of immune function, neurotoxicity, and neurodegenerative diseases can all be brought on by severe microplastic exposure. Although many MPs studies have been performed on single environmental compartments, MPs in multi-environmental compartments have yet to be explored fully. This review aims to summarize the muti-environmental media, detection tools, and global management scenarios of MPs. The study revealed that MPs could significantly alter C flow through the soil-plant system, the structure and metabolic status of the microbial community, soil pH value, biomass of plant shoots and roots, chlorophyll, leaf C and N contents, and root N contents. This review reveals that MPs may negatively affect many C-dependent soil functions. Different methods have been developed to detect the MPs from these various environmental sources, including microscopic observation, density separation, Raman, and FT-IR analysis. Several articles have focused on MPs in individual environmental sources with a developed evaluation technique. This review revealed the extensive impacts of MPs on soil-plant systems, microbial communities, and soil functions, especially on water, suggesting possible disturbances to vital ecological processes. Furthermore, the broad range of detection methods explored emphasizes the significance of reliable analytical techniques in precisely evaluating levels of MP contamination in various environmental media. This paper critically discusses MPs' sources, occurrences, and global management scenarios in all possible environmental media and ecological health impacts. Future research opportunities and required sustainable strategies have also been suggested from Bangladesh and international perspectives based on challenges faced due to MP's pollution.
Microplastics in the coral ecosystems: A threat which needs more global attention
(2024-03-01) Biswas, Tanmoy; Pal, Subodh Chandra; Saha, Asish; Ruidas, Dipankar; Shit, Manisa; Md. Towfiqul Islam, Abu Reza; Malafaia, Guilherme
Microplastics (MPs) are one of the leading pollutants on the earth's surface and are found almost everywhere, including in aquatic environments. Microplastic pollution (MPP) on the oceanic surface is causing widespread concern among scientists and researchers worldwide due to its life-threatening impact on underwater living organisms. Excessive production of MP components and unscientific disposal caused severe issues for the marine ecosystem. Invertebrate corals and coral reefs in tropical and sub-tropical countries have suffered immensely from MP pollution and have shown a gradually decreasing trend of coral reef concentration on the oceanic surface. The bioaccumulation and ingestion of MP debris by the coral polyps have hindered the growth of the corals and forced coral bleaching. Most of the previous studies on MP have focused on the sources and distribution of MP. However, little is known about coral bleaching and its adverse impacts on the coral ecosystem. Therefore, the present review focuses on identifying sources, their global distribution, and the adverse effects of MP on the marine ecosystem, with particular reference to corals and coral reef ecosystems. The current study's findings highlighted that only a few countries and a few researchers worldwide have worked with MP pollution and its life-threatening impact on coral ecosystems. Earlier researchers showed fish communities' vulnerability to MPP in the aquatic environment. Hence, the present work recommends researching MPP and the worldwide threats to coral ecosystems. Apart from this, the production of MP should be minimized after the identification of MP sources, regular monitoring of aquatic ecosystems, recycling of MP elements, and strict government policies to slow down the dreadful impact of MP on coral reef ecosystems and marine environments.
Perception and Legacy of Soil Chromium and Lead Contamination in an Operational Small-Scale Coal Mining Community
(Springer Nature, 2023-05-06) Islam, Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul; Jion, Most. Mastura Munia Farjana; Jannat, Jannatun Nahar; Varol, Memet; Islam, Md. Aminul; Khan, Rahat; Idris, Abubakr M.; Malafaia, Guilherme; Habib, Md. Ahosan
Operational small-scale coal mining (OSCM) is one of the most significant sources of chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) pollution in Bangladesh. Attempts to minimize or lessen the use of Cr and Pb in OSCM have shown unsatisfactory results, mainly because they need to address the sociotechnical complexity of pollution concerns in OSCM. This research adopts a multidisciplinary, sociotechnical approach to addressing Cr and Pb problems, coupling soil sampling for Cr and Pb with questionnaires of miners' and inhabitants' perceptions of pollution and its distribution. The study was undertaken in the Barapukuria coal basin in northwest Bangladesh. Except for mining areas (average of 49.80 ± 27.25 mg/kg), Cr levels in soils exceeded the world average in the periphery (73.34 ± 24.39 mg/kg, ~ 1.2 times) and residential areas (88.85 ± 35.87 mg/kg, 1.5 times the world standard of 59.5 mg/kg). Pb levels in soils exceeded national and global averages in mining (53.56 ± 37.62 mg/kg, ~ 1.9 times), periphery (35.05 ± 21.77 mg/kg, ~ 1.3 times), and residential areas (32.14 ± 26.59 mg/kg, ~ 1.2 times) when compared to Bangladesh and global standards of 20 and 27 mg/kg. Pb levels were highest in mining areas, while Cr concentrations were highest in residential areas. The questionnaire findings indicated that miners and inhabitants did not correctly assume that the highest levels of Cr and Pb pollution would be found in these areas. Among all respondents, 54% are unaware of the health impacts of prolonged Cr and Pb exposure. They face respiratory problems (38.6%), skin diseases (32.7%), and other health issues. A large number of people (66.6%) agreed with the fact that Cr and Pb contamination has an impact on drinking water. Cr and Pb pollution has caused 40% crop loss and a 36% decrease in productivity in the agricultural sector. However, respondents underestimated the level of Cr pollution in mining areas, and most assumed that only individuals working directly with mines were impacted by the Cr and Pb content. Participants also rated the reduction of Cr and Pb contamination as of low importance. There is less awareness of Cr and Pb pollution among miners and inhabitants. Sincere efforts to reduce Cr and Pb pollution will likely be met with extra attention and hostility.
Personal Protective Equipment-Derived Pollution During COVID-19 Era: A Critical Review of Ecotoxicology Impacts, Intervention Strategies, and Future Challenges
(Elsevier, 2023-05-13) Hasan, Mehedi; Islam, Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul; Jion, Most. Mastura Munia Farjana; Rahman, Md. Naimur; Peu, Susmita Datta; Das, Arnob; Bari, A.B.M. Mainul; Islam, Md. Saiful; Pal, Subodh Chandra; Islam, Aznarul; Choudhury, Tasrina Rabia; Rakib, Md. Refat Jahan; Idris, Abubakr M.; Malafaia, Guilherme
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people used personal protective equipment (PPE) to lessen the spread of the virus. The release of microplastics (MPs) from discarded PPE is a new threat to the long-term health of the environment and poses challenges that are not yet clear. PPE-derived MPs have been found in multi-environmental compartments, e.g., water, sediments, air, and soil across the Bay of Bengal (BoB). As COVID-19 spreads, healthcare facilities use more plastic PPE, polluting aquatic ecosystems. Excessive PPE use releases MPs into the ecosystem, which aquatic organisms ingest, distressing the food chain and possibly causing ongoing health problems in humans. Thus, post-COVID-19 sustainability depends on proper intervention strategies for PPE waste, which have received scholarly interest. Although many studies have investigated PPE-induced MPs pollution in the BoB countries (e.g., India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar), the ecotoxicity impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges of PPE-derived waste have largely gone unnoticed. Our study presents a critical literature review covering the ecotoxicity impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges across the BoB countries (e.g., India (162,034.45 tons), Bangladesh (67,996 tons), Sri Lanka (35,707.95 tons), and Myanmar (22,593.5 tons). The ecotoxicity impacts of PPE-derived MPs on human health and other environmental compartments are critically addressed. The review's findings infer a gap in the 5R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Redesign, and Restructure) Strategy's implementation in the BoB coastal regions, hindering the achievement of UN SDG-12. Despite widespread research advancements in the BoB, many questions about PPE-derived MPs pollution from the perspective of the COVID-19 era still need to be answered. In response to the post-COVID-19 environmental remediation concerns, this study highlights the present research gaps and suggests new research directions considering the current MPs' research advancements on COVID-related PPE waste. Finally, the review suggests a framework for proper intervention strategies for reducing and monitoring PPE-derived MPs pollution in the BoB countries.
Seasonality of Meteorological Factors Influencing the COVID-19 Era in Coastal and Inland Regions of Bangladesh
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2023-04-25) Sakib, Syed Nazmus; Islam, Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul; Azad, Md. Abul Kalam; Mallick, Javed; Ahmed, Mohd.; Pal, Subodh Chandra; Islam, Md. Saiful; Hu, Zhenghua; Alam, Edris; Malafaia, Guilherme
We aim to explore the seasonal influences of meteorological factors on COVID-19 era over two distinct locations in Bangladesh using a generalized linear model (GLM) and wavelet analysis. GLM model findings show that summer humidity drives COVID-19 transmission to coastal and inland locations. During the summer in the coastal area, a 1 °C earth’s skin temperature increase causes a 41.9% increase in COVID (95% CL 86.32%-2.54%) transmission compared to inland. Relative humidity was recorded as the highest at 73.97% (95% CL, 99.3%, and 48.63%) for the coastal region, while wind speed and precipitation reduced confirmed cases by −38.62% and −22.15%, respectively. Wavelet analysis showed that coastal meteorological parameters were more coherent with COVID-19 than inland ones. The outcomes of this study are consistent with subtropical climate regions. Seasonality and climatic similarity should address to estimate COVID-19 trends. High societal concern and strong public health measures may decrease meteorological effect on COVID-19.
Spatial-Temporal Variability and Probabilistic Health Risk Assessment of Fluoride From Lentic Ecosystem, Türkiye
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2023-04-17) Tokatlıa, Cem; Onur, Şirin Güner; Dindar, Mediha Büyükgöze; Malafaia, Guilherme; Islam, Abu Reza Md Towfiqul; Muhammad, Said
Thrace Region is a part of the Marmara Region of Türkiye. There are many natural and artificial stagnant water habitats in the region that are used for irrigation and drinking water supply. This study is intended to determine the spatial-temporal variability and probabilistic health risk of fluoride exposure in the water of stagnant water bodies in the Thrace region. A total of 33 stagnant water bodies were selected, and water samples were collected during the dry and wet seasons of 2021–2022. The fluoride levels were measured using a spectrophotometric method (wavelength is 588 nm). The fluoride accumulations varied from 0.16–0.64 mg/L for the natural lakes, 0.04–0.74 mg/L for the reservoirs, and 0.01–0.53 mg/L for the artificial ponds. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggested a level of fluoride in drinking water of 0.5 to 1.5 mg/L. The study area had a fluoride deficiency of less than 0.5 mg/L in natural water bodies during the wet season (87.87%) and the dry season (93.93%), which might be a potential threat to dental health. Estimation Daily Intake (EDI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ) widely used health risk assessment methods were applied to the data in the current research to describe the non-carcinogenic risk of fluoride. All the calculated hazard quotient (HQ) values, both in the dry and wet seasons and in all age groups, were recorded as below 1. Both teenagers and children living in the central part of the study area are at higher risk than infants and adults. To evaluate model uncertainty, Monte Carlo simulations were employed. The outcome of the sensitivity analysis revealed that the major risks to the health of the inhabitants are the high content of fluoride and their daily intake of water.
The path of microplastics through the rare biodiversity estuary region of the northern Bay of Bengal
(Scopus, 2024-01) Mubin, Al-Nure; Islam, Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul; Hasan, Mehedi; Islam, Md. Saiful; Ali, Mir Mohammad; Siddique, Md. Abu Bakar; Alam, Md. Sha; Rakib, Md. Refat Jahan; Islam, Muhammad Saiful; Momtaz, Nasima; Senapathi, Venkatramanan; Idris, Abubakr M.; Malafaia, Guilherme
Due to its harmful effects on ecosystems and human health, microplastic (MP) pollution has become a significant environmental problem on a global scale. Although MPs' pollution path and toxic effects on marine habitats have been examined worldwide, the studies are limited to the rare biodiversity estuary region of Hatiya Island from the northern Bay of Bengal. This study aimed to investigate the MP pollution path and its influencing factors in estuarine sediments and water in rare biodiversity Hatiya Island in the northern Bay of Bengal. Sixty water and sediment samples were collected from 10 sampling sites on the Island and analyzed for MPs. The abundance of MPs in sediment ranged from 67 to 143 pieces/kg, while the abundance in water ranged from 24.34 to 59 pieces/m3. The average concentrations of MPs in sediment and water were 110.90 ± 20.62 pieces/kg and 38.77 ± 10.09 pieces/m3, respectively. Most identified MPs from sediment samples were transparent (51%), while about 54.1% of the identified MPs from water samples were colored. The fragment was the most common form of MP in both compartments, with a value of 64.6% in sediment samples and 60.6% in water samples. In sediment and water samples, almost 74% and 80% of MP were <0.5 mm, respectively. Polypropylene (PP) was the most abundant polymer type, accounting for 51% of all identified polymers. The contamination factor, pollution load index, polymer risk score, and pollution risk score values indicated that the study area was moderately polluted with MPs. The spatial distribution patterns and hotspots of MPs echoed profound human pathways. Based on the results, sustainable management strategies and intervention measures were proposed to reduce the pollution level in the ecologically diverse area. This study provides important insights into evaluating estuary ecosystem susceptibility and mitigation policies against persistent MP issues.
The Path of Microplastics Through the Rare Biodiversity Estuary Region of the Northern Bay of Bengal
(Elsevier, 2024-01-20) Mubin, Al-Nure; Islam, Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul; Hasan, Mehedi; Islam, Md. Saiful; Ali, Mir Mohammad; Siddique, Md. Abu Bakar; Alam, Md. Sha; Rakib, Md. Refat Jahan; Islam, Muhammad Saiful; Momtaz, Nasima; Senapathi, Venkatramanan; Idris, Abubakr M.; Malafaia, Guilherme
Due to its harmful effects on ecosystems and human health, microplastic (MP) pollution has become a significant environmental problem on a global scale. Although MPs' pollution path and toxic effects on marine habitats have been examined worldwide, the studies are limited to the rare biodiversity estuary region of Hatiya Island from the northern Bay of Bengal. This study aimed to investigate the MP pollution path and its influencing factors in estuarine sediments and water in rare biodiversity Hatiya Island in the northern Bay of Bengal. Sixty water and sediment samples were collected from 10 sampling sites on the Island and analyzed for MPs. The abundance of MPs in sediment ranged from 67 to 143 pieces/kg, while the abundance in water ranged from 24.34 to 59 pieces/m3. The average concentrations of MPs in sediment and water were 110.90 ± 20.62 pieces/kg and 38.77 ± 10.09 pieces/m3, respectively. Most identified MPs from sediment samples were transparent (51%), while about 54.1% of the identified MPs from water samples were colored. The fragment was the most common form of MP in both compartments, with a value of 64.6% in sediment samples and 60.6% in water samples. In sediment and water samples, almost 74% and 80% of MP were <0.5 mm, respectively. Polypropylene (PP) was the most abundant polymer type, accounting for 51% of all identified polymers. The contamination factor, pollution load index, polymer risk score, and pollution risk score values indicated that the study area was moderately polluted with MPs. The spatial distribution patterns and hotspots of MPs echoed profound human pathways. Based on the results, sustainable management strategies and intervention measures were proposed to reduce the pollution level in the ecologically diverse area. This study provides important insights into evaluating estuary ecosystem susceptibility and mitigation policies against persistent MP issues.
Trace Gases over Land and Ocean Surfaces of China: Hotspots, Trends, and Source Contributions
(Daffodil International University, 2023-11) Ali, Md. Arfan; Wang, Yu; Bilal, Muhammad; Assiri, Mazen E.; Islam, Abu Reza Md Towfiqul; Malafaia, Guilherme; Huang, Zhongwei; Mhawish, Alaa; Islam, M. Nazrul; Qiu, Zhongfeng; Ahmed, Rayees; Almazroui, Mansour
Trace gases in the atmosphere (NO2: nitrogen dioxide; SO2: sulfur dioxide) have a major impact on both local and global air quality, human health, climate and ecological conditions. Therefore, the present study investigated 16 years (2005– 2020) of Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) based NO2 and SO2 in Dobson unit (DU) spatiotemporal distributions and variability, SO2/NO2 ratio, trends, and potential source contribution function (PSCF) across ocean and land areas of Jiangsu Province, China. Results demonstrated higher NO2 and SO2 concentrations (DU) over land (NO2: 0.58 and SO2: 0.56) than in the ocean (NO2: 0.30 and SO2: 0.38) due to more concentrated anthropogenic activities on land surfaces. There were significant seasonal variations in NO2 and SO2, with winter being the highest and summer being the lowest. The SO2/NO2 ratio shows land and ocean pollution is caused by NO2 and SO2 emissions from ships and industrial processes. Furthermore, OMI-based trace gases and anthropogenic emissions showed a good correlation (NO2 vs NOx = 0.626 and SO2 vs SO2 emission = 0.871) across land surfaces than the ocean (NO2 vs NOx = 0.366). NO2 and SO2 levels over land surfaces decreased significantly (at a 95% confidence level) compared to the ocean on annual and seasonal scales, which is attributed to a decrease in NOx and SO2 emissions. Furthermore, PSCF analysis shows that local sources have a greater impact on air quality than long-distance sources over land and ocean. It is concluded from this study that Chinese air pollution control policies achieved a satisfactory improvement in Jiangsu's air quality by reducing NO2 and SO2. It is therefore recommended to continue or extend these policies in the future to improve China’s air quality, which will benefits its citizens.
Unveiling Microplastics Pollution in a Subtropical Rural Recreational Lake: A Novel Insight
(Elsevier, 2024-07-01) Islam, Abu Reza Md Towfiqul; Hasan, Mehedi; Sadia, Moriom Rahman; Mubin, Al-Nure; Ali, Mir Mohammad; Senapathi, Venkatramanan; Idris, Abubakr M.; Malafaia, Guilherme
While global attention has been primarily focused on the occurrence and persistence of microplastics (MP) in urban lakes, relatively little attention has been paid to the problem of MP pollution in rural recreational lakes. This pioneering study aims to shed light on MP size, composition, abundance, spatial distribution, and contributing factors in a rural recreational lake, ‘Nikli Lake’ in Kishoreganj, Bangladesh. Using density separation, MPs were extracted from 30 water and 30 sediment samples taken from ten different locations in the lake. Subsequent characterization was carried out using a combination of techniques, including a stereomicroscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The results showed a significant prevalence of MPs in all samples, with an average amount of 109.667 ± 10.892 pieces/kg3 (dw) in the sediment and 98.167 ± 12.849 pieces/m3 in the water. Small MPs (<0.5 mm), fragments and transparent colored particles formed the majority, accounting for 80.2%, 64.5% and 55.3% in water and 78.9%, 66.4% and 64.3% in sediment, respectively. In line with global trends, polypropylene (PP) (53%) and polyethylene (PE) (43%) emerged as the predominant polymers within the MPs. MP contents in water and sediment showed positive correlations with outflow, while they correlated negatively with inflow and lake depth (p > 0.05). Local activities such as the discharge of domestic sewage, fishing waste and agricultural runoff significantly influence the distribution of polypropylene. Assessment of pollution factor, pollution risk index and pollution load index values at the sampling sites confirmed the presence of MPs, with values above 1. This study is a baseline database that provides a comprehensive understanding of MP pollution in the freshwater ecosystem of Bangladesh, particularly in a rural recreational lake. A crucial next step is to explore ecotoxicological mechanisms, legislative measures and future research challenges triggered by MP pollution.
Unveiling microplastics pollution in a subtropical rural recreational lake: A novel insight
(Scopus, 2024-05-01) Islam, Abu Reza Md Towfiqul; Hasan, Mehedi; Sadia, Moriom Rahman; Mubin, Al-Nure; Ali, Mir Mohammad; Senapathi, Venkatramanan; Idris, Abubakr M.; Malafaia, Guilherme
While global attention has been primarily focused on the occurrence and persistence of microplastics (MP) in urban lakes, relatively little attention has been paid to the problem of MP pollution in rural recreational lakes. This pioneering study aims to shed light on MP size, composition, abundance, spatial distribution, and contributing factors in a rural recreational lake, ‘Nikli Lake’ in Kishoreganj, Bangladesh. Using density separation, MPs were extracted from 30 water and 30 sediment samples taken from ten different locations in the lake. Subsequent characterization was carried out using a combination of techniques, including a stereomicroscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The results showed a significant prevalence of MPs in all samples, with an average amount of 109.667 ± 10.892 pieces/kg3 (dw) in the sediment and 98.167 ± 12.849 pieces/m3 in the water. Small MPs (<0.5 mm), fragments and transparent colored particles formed the majority, accounting for 80.2%, 64.5% and 55.3% in water and 78.9%, 66.4% and 64.3% in sediment, respectively. In line with global trends, polypropylene (PP) (53%) and polyethylene (PE) (43%) emerged as the predominant polymers within the MPs. MP contents in water and sediment showed positive correlations with outflow, while they correlated negatively with inflow and lake depth (p > 0.05). Local activities such as the discharge of domestic sewage, fishing waste and agricultural runoff significantly influence the distribution of polypropylene. Assessment of pollution factor, pollution risk index and pollution load index values at the sampling sites confirmed the presence of MPs, with values above 1. This study is a baseline database that provides a comprehensive understanding of MP pollution in the freshwater ecosystem of Bangladesh, particularly in a rural recreational lake. A crucial next step is to explore ecotoxicological mechanisms, legislative measures and future research challenges triggered by MP pollution.