Distribution and assessment of heavy metals in suspended particles in the Sundarban mangrove river, Bangladesh

The suspended particulate matter (SPM) is an important carrier of heavy metals transportation from land to sea, so it is significant to study the heavy metal pollution in SPM. The distribution and assessment of five heavy metals (Mn, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Pb) in SPM collected from Passur River and its estuary in Sundarban were studied in combination with water temperature, salinity, and turbidity. The results show that the heavy metal content and distribution in SPM are mainly controlled by runoff input, hydrodynamic process and the interaction process of salt and fresh water in estuaries. The quality evaluation results of heavy metals in SPM show that pollution degree is light. Studies on the heavy metals in SPM are of great significance to comprehensively evaluate regional pollution status and carry out early warning.

Automated summary

This study investigated the distribution and assessment of five heavy metals in SPM from Passur River and its estuary in Sundarban. The results showed that the heavy metal content and distribution in SPM are mainly influenced by runoff input, hydrodynamic process, and the interaction process of salt and fresh water in estuaries. The evaluation results indicated a low level of pollution. Studies on heavy metals in SPM are of great significance for comprehensively evaluating regional pollution status and carrying out early warning.