Category: Research Achievements / Environmental Geochemistry
Journal:Water, Air, & Soil Pollution (Springer) | Volume: 237, Article 1217
Journal Metrics:Q2 Ranked | Impact Factor (IF): 3.5 | 5-Year IF: 3.3
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-026-09910-6
The GeoChemical Research Lab (GCRL) is pleased to announce the publication of our latest peer-reviewed research article in Water, Air, & Soil Pollution (Springer). The study investigates elemental abundances, geochemical processes, and source apportionment of potentially toxic elements in benthic sediments across the gigantic transboundary Padma River basin in Bangladesh.
📊 Research Summary & Key Findings
- Analytical Rigor: Composite benthic sediment samples from 20 strategic river locations were analyzed using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) to trace 15 environmentally significant major and trace elements (Na, K, Al, Ti, Cr, Co, Mn, Zn, Rb, Sb, As, Ba, Cs, Th, and U).
- Enrichment Dynamics: Elemental analysis revealed elevated average concentrations of Rb (108.4 μg/g), Sb (0.79 μg/g), Cs (7.42 μg/g), Th (19.99 μg/g), and U (4.29 μg/g) relative to upper continental crustal averages, with Enrichment Factors (EF) pointing to minor-to-significant enrichment for Th, Sb, and U.
- Source Apportionment (PMF Modeling): Utilizing Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) and multivariate statistics, the study established that sediment chemistry in the Padma River is predominantly governed by geogenic mechanisms—including upstream rock weathering, mineralogical fractionation, and elemental mobilization.
- Anthropogenic Footprints: Specific elements—including Cr, Co, Mn, Sb, As, and Ba—exhibited distinct localized inputs originating from industrial construction, building materials, and municipal wastes.
- Ecotoxicological Risk: Based on Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs), Cr and Mn pose potential ecological impacts on aquatic biota. However, the overall Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI) remains within the low-risk threshold (mean: 59.2).
👥 Author Contributions & Collaborations
This high-resolution geochemical study highlights a multi-institutional collaboration led by researchers from GCRL, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC), King Khalid University, Khulna University, and King Saud University:
- GeoChemical Research Lab (GCRL) Team: Rahat Khan (BAEC), Mehedi Hasan Ovi, Ayon Saha, Md Mahmudul Hasan Rakib, Devlina Saha Aishe, and Dhiman Kumer Roy.
- Co-Authors & Collaborators: Javed Mallick (KKU), Hoang Thi Hang (KKU), Md. Harunor Rashid Khan (KU), and Saad Aldawood (KSU).
- Corresponding Authors: Dr. Rahat Khan & Dr. Dhiman Kumer Roy.
💬 Significance of the Study
“Disentangling naturally occurring geogenic signals from human-induced contamination is essential for sustainable river management in massive transboundary river systems like the Padma. This baseline geochemical data provides a critical foundation for regional water quality protection, sediment management, and ecological risk mitigation across the Bengal Delta.”
🏆 Read the full published paper:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-026-09910-6
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