Introduction: The Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 affected all the megacities of the world and made the mental health and lifestyle of people paralyzed. According to different studies, such difficulties were different i...Introduction: The Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 affected all the megacities of the world and made the mental health and lifestyle of people paralyzed. According to different studies, such difficulties were different in scale in different cities depending on the demographic attributes of the people. This phenomenon has created the essence of the current study to examine the health conditions in terms of their mental health, lifestyle, and demographic attributes during and immediate past of the COVID-19 era. Method: It was a cross-sectional study covering the people of Dhaka City Corporation. For this purpose, a multistage sampling method was applied, under which the respondents were selected randomly and a self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire was developed based on the DASS 21, as it was suitable to measure the components of mental health in the form of depression, anxiety, and stress. Descriptive analysis and cross-tabulation were applied to find out the association between dependent and independent variables, whereas, a chi-square test was performed to examine the hypothesis. Finally, multivariate analysis was done to find out the risk factors. Three logistic regression models were developed for three dependent variables. Result: The findings of the analysis revealed that the lifestyle of people had severely influenced the components of their mental health conditions during and immediate past of COVID-19 in the Dhaka City Corporation, which varies to some extent depending on the demographic attributes of those. Conclusion: The above findings are statistically significant enough to conclude about the essence of taking preventive measures regarding mental health issues in the future. However, the limitations of this study-keeping it within the urban areas and the educated people, have also created the venue for future researchers to move with their research endeavors in the rural areas nationwide and thus generalize the results.展开更多
This investigation is focused on conducting a thorough analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM). MSWM encompasses a range of interdisciplinary measures that govern the various stages involved in managing un...This investigation is focused on conducting a thorough analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM). MSWM encompasses a range of interdisciplinary measures that govern the various stages involved in managing unwanted or non-utilizable solid materials, commonly known as rubbish, trash, junk, refuse, and garbage. These stages include generation, storage, collection, recycling, transportation, handling, disposal, and monitoring. The waste materials mentioned in this context exhibit a wide range of items, such as organic waste from food and vegetables, paper, plastic, polyethylene, iron, tin cans, deceased animals, byproducts from demolition activities, manure, and various other discarded materials. This study aims to provide insights into the possibilities of enhancing solid waste management in the Farmgate area of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC). To accomplish this objective, the research examines the conventional waste management methods employed in this area. It conducts extensive field surveys, collecting valuable data through interviews with local residents and key individuals involved in waste management, such as waste collectors, dealers, intermediate dealers, recyclers, and shopkeepers. The results indicate that significant amounts of distinct waste categories are produced daily. These include food and vegetable waste, which amount to 52.1 tons/day;polythene and plastic, which total 4.5 tons/day;metal and tin-can waste, which amounts to 1.4 tons/day;and paper waste, which totals 5.9 tons/day. This study highlights the significance of promoting environmental consciousness to effectively shape the attitudes of urban residents toward waste disposal and management. It emphasizes the need for collaboration between authorities and researchers to improve the current waste management system.展开更多
Landscape of Dhaka city—one of the fastest growing mega cities in the world, is continuously changing due to un-planned urbanization. For example, the wetlands of the city have been shrinking. This study evaluates we...Landscape of Dhaka city—one of the fastest growing mega cities in the world, is continuously changing due to un-planned urbanization. For example, the wetlands of the city have been shrinking. This study evaluates wetland changes in Dhaka Metropolitan Area (DMA), Bangladesh, between 1978 and 2009. Spatial and temporal dynamics of wetland changes were quantified using four Landsat images, a supervised classi?cation algorithm and the post-classi?cation change detection technique in GIS environment. Accuracy of the Landsat-derived wetland maps ranged from 87% to 92.5%. The analysis revealed that area of wetland and Rivers & Khals in Dhaka city decreased significantly over the last 30 years by 76.67% and 18.72% respectively. This changing trend of wetlands makes the drainage system of Dhaka City vulnerable, creating water logging problems and their consequences. Land filling and encroachment were recognized to be the main reasons for shrinking of the wetlands in the city. Development and alteration of the existing water bodies should consider the natural hydrological conditions.展开更多
Flood is a common feature in rapidly urbanizing Dhaka city and its surrounding areas. In this research, evaluation of flood risk of Greater Dhaka in Bangladesh has been developed by using an integrated approach of GIS...Flood is a common feature in rapidly urbanizing Dhaka city and its surrounding areas. In this research, evaluation of flood risk of Greater Dhaka in Bangladesh has been developed by using an integrated approach of GIS and remote sensing. The objective of the study is to measure the flooding risk based on the satellite data and geomorphological land classification map under the land use/land cover change from 1995 to 2015 related with the urbanization of Dhaka city. Comparing with each landform, land cover unit and historical rainfall data the flooding return period has been calculated. Terrace, natural levee and back swamp has been divided into three sub categories. Especially the built-up zone which is closer to the river channel, former river course and the back swamps are mostly vulnerable to flood inundation. This study revealed that, 70% of Greater Dhaka district within moderate to very high hazard zone, especially surrounding city like Manikganj Sadar Upazila areas. It is expected that, this study could contribute to effective flood forecasting, relief and emergency management for future flood event.展开更多
The spatial land cover pattern of Dhaka city is restlessly altering as it has highest growing rates among megacities. Due to high urbanization rates, land use is changing from natural to man-made along with resource e...The spatial land cover pattern of Dhaka city is restlessly altering as it has highest growing rates among megacities. Due to high urbanization rates, land use is changing from natural to man-made along with resource extractions that accelerate the land cover changes. This study has evidently given the glimpse of the raising concern by assessing the loss of vegetation coverage of Dhaka Metropolitan Area using multi-temporal Landsat imageries. 20 years satellite data have been used to detect the vegetation cover changes in Dhaka city with an interval of 10 years. Study reveals that 66.87 square kilometer vegetation coverage of Dhaka Metropolitan Area is lost during the whole time period. The rate of loss of vegetation coverage is very severe in Dhanmondi, Gulshan, Uttara, Demra, Mirpur, Sabujbagh, Ramna, Mohammadpur, Kafrul, Shyampur and so on. The overall precision of my Landsat-derived vegetation coverage maps is 92.5%.展开更多
Landscape of Dhaka city - one of the fastest growing mega cities in the world, is undergoing continuous changes and modifications due to progressive urbanization. Pre- and post-urban changes of water bodies in the cit...Landscape of Dhaka city - one of the fastest growing mega cities in the world, is undergoing continuous changes and modifications due to progressive urbanization. Pre- and post-urban changes of water bodies in the city were studied using aerial photographs and SPOT images in GIS environment. In 1968, the total area of marshy and peaty inundated low-lying areas was 133 km2, which was depicted to be 67 km2 in the year 2001. The total area of inland lakes as estimated from the aerial photos of 1968 was 5.1 km2 which became 1.8 km2 in the year 2001 as seen in SPOT image. More than 50% of the wetland area reduced over the period 1968 to 2001. Changes of the water body mostly occurred in the regions where majority of the urban expan-sion took place. The urban infrastructures filled and/or compartmentalized the water bodies, causing water loggings problem during wet-season in various part of the city. Development and alteration of the existing water bodies should consider the natural hydrological conditions so that the changes can cope with the artifi-cial intervention.展开更多
Motor vehicular exhaust is threatening to human health in Dhaka city. To find out the extent of respiratory problem among a particular cadre of transport workers, the human hauler helpers (HHH) of Dhaka city, we condu...Motor vehicular exhaust is threatening to human health in Dhaka city. To find out the extent of respiratory problem among a particular cadre of transport workers, the human hauler helpers (HHH) of Dhaka city, we conducted a cross sectional study from March 2006 to June 2006. We enrolled 108 HHH from Mirpur to Mohakhali and Gabtoli to Mohakhali routes and collected data using a pre tested questionnaire including interview and physical examination. The pulmonary functions of the participants were measured with electronic spirometer. Among the participants with current respiratory problems 69% complained of gradual increase in respiratory problems and 38% gave history of feeling better on weekly holidays. Occurrence of hoarseness of voice (90%) and wheeze (71%) was extremely high among the helpers followed by cough (50%) and nasal irritation (50%). Spirometry showed 41.7% had obstructive and 4.6% had combined features of pulmonary impairment. Logistic regression analysis showed that respondents who worked 24 months or more were 6.9 times more likely to develop respiratory problem than the less exposed group (OR 6.9;95% CI 3.42, 8.41). This study provides new information on respiratory health of a specific group of transport workers in Dhaka city which warrants further evaluation with a representing sample covering other areas of Dhaka city among all transport workers.展开更多
This study aimed to assess the microbiological quality of 159 animal-and plant-based ready-to-cook(RTC)frozen food items currently popular in Dhaka.Microbiological analyses were carried out to enumerate total aerobic ...This study aimed to assess the microbiological quality of 159 animal-and plant-based ready-to-cook(RTC)frozen food items currently popular in Dhaka.Microbiological analyses were carried out to enumerate total aerobic counts of mesophilic bacteria,yeast and mold and to detect some common foodborne pathogens according to standard microbiological criteria.Higher microbial loads in all animal-based food types,other than chicken strips were found.In contrast,plant-based items were relatively safe except paratha,dal-puri,rooti chapati,and aloo-puri.Several common pathogenic bacterial species were screened by analyzing their morphological,cultural,and biochemical characteristics.Escherichia coli was prevalent in most samples,while Salmonella species were least reported.A considerable number of samples exhibited enough microbial loads at infection or intoxication levels.展开更多
This research investigated the water qualities and distribution of heavy metals concentration in rain, river, ground and supply waters, providing a baseline in Dhaka Urban, Bangladesh, against which future changes can...This research investigated the water qualities and distribution of heavy metals concentration in rain, river, ground and supply waters, providing a baseline in Dhaka Urban, Bangladesh, against which future changes can be assessed. The water sample was collected in the Dhaka central zone, from a site located in the center of the Bengal Delta plain between 23䓨'N - 23䓶'N latitude and 90䓔'E - 90䓟'E longitude which is affected by environmental pollution for high traffic, industrialization and because of its rapid urbanization. The water samples were analyzed for heavy metals by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass-Spectrometry (ICP-MS), major ions by Ion-Chromatography (IC), water tracer (δ18O and δD) by Mass-Spectrometry (MS), following the standard techniques. Elevated EC and chloride (Cl-) are the markers of wastewater, providing an indication of impacts in the Buriganga River water. The relative concentrations of major ions were presented in the form of Piper and Stiff Diagram. The color maps were constructed to present ions distribution over the areas. The stream reaches directly in Buriganga River from leather industries which may reflect the naturally low dissolved oxygen (DO) 0.3 - 3.5 (mg/L), where aquatic life can’t survive. Uranium contents U238 (0.1 - 2.7 μg/L) are not exceeding the WHO guideline level of 30 μg·L-1. Significant portion of Cs133 (0.05 - 0.32 μg/L), Se (0.03 - 0.12 μg/L), B (50 - 2986 μg/L) and Cr (0.55 - 18.59 μg/L), could be increased in Buriganga River areas by the effect of local sources like leather industry. Zn (10 - 1466 μg/L) in the Dhaka Rain and Pb (4 - 6 μg/L) in Dhaka Water occur mainly in industrial and the high traffic areas, respectively. The isotopic (δ18O/δD) distributions have been evaluated for understanding of contaminant sources in groundwater and wastewater recharge from Buriganga River to adjacent depleted groundwater system. The results indicate that the magnitude of pollution problem depends on the size of the area affected, rapid groundwater depletion, polluted river water recharge and the type of the pollutant involved and finally that makes the complex in Dhaka Geochemical pattern.展开更多
This paper contributes to the view that urban housing in most cities in developing countries is different in nature and more extent than that operative in developed countries.It addresses the emergence of multi-storie...This paper contributes to the view that urban housing in most cities in developing countries is different in nature and more extent than that operative in developed countries.It addresses the emergence of multi-storied apartments through transformation in residential areas in Dhaka,one of the populous cities in the world and largest metropolitan region in Bangladesh,with a particular reference to a study conducted at Rupangar Residential Area.It identifies the key forces and processes underlying Dhaka’s residential transformation and the advent of multi-storied apartments.Fragmentation of functions and the uses of building stocks in relation to the socio-economic aspects with local conditions were sought in the survey.The increasing housing demand is essentially fulfilling by multi-storied apartments and steadily transforming the landscape and lifestyle of huge urban dwellers in Dhaka.It reveals from the study that apartment living gains much popularity and the dominance of informal apartments over formal apartments is more evident.More distinctly,piecemeal apartment development by the informal developers provides affordable shelter to the highest segment of city dwellers and Rupnagar presents a reasoned scenario urban housing transformation in the capital of Bangladesh.展开更多
Unplanned urbanization has caused serious ecological imbalances in Dhaka city. This study investigates the efficiency and utilization of urban green space especially parks of Dhaka city. The case study site covers urb...Unplanned urbanization has caused serious ecological imbalances in Dhaka city. This study investigates the efficiency and utilization of urban green space especially parks of Dhaka city. The case study site covers urban parks of Dhaka metropolitan area of Bangladesh. Two aspects (physical and social) were applied for this study. For physical aspect, methods were used RS (Remote Sensing) and GIS (Geographic Information System) of three periods of images (Dhaka city). And for social aspect, methods were used questionnaire survey, observation, photographs, sketch and previous information about parks. After calculating all data result was showed by maps using GIS. For the changing pattern of green space of periods 1972, 1989 and 2010, result showed that the variation of the green space changes rate was high and gradually green space deceased and build up area increased in Dhaka city. Again according to physical size, parks of Dhaka city were classified into four types: Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large parks. Small parks of Dhaka city were situated beside the residential area and were used as daily purpose. Medium parks were located beside commercial area and its use was for daily and weekly. Large parks were placed at city center and only one extra large park was found outer range of city area. In large parks, people mainly visited monthly or occasionally. Moreover, the spatial-temporal changes of images showed the present status of green space of the city. The consequence of the study reveals that the utilization of park was controlled by various factors in Dhaka city.展开更多
Introduction:In this study,metal pollution and their sources in surface soils were evaluated by pollution indices and multivariate statistical techniques in association with a geographical information system(GIS).Meth...Introduction:In this study,metal pollution and their sources in surface soils were evaluated by pollution indices and multivariate statistical techniques in association with a geographical information system(GIS).Methods:Surface soil samples were collected in dry season from different locations of Dhaka Aricha highway and analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence(EDXRF).Results:Thirteen different metals were found in the tested samples.Pollution indices are determined by enrichment factor in an order of Zr>Sn>P>Mn>Zn>Rb>Fe>Ba>Sr>Ti>K>Ca>Al.The resulting geoaccumulation index(Igeo)value shows the following order:Sn>Zr>P>Mn>Zn>Rb>Fe>Ba>Ti>Sr>K>Ca>Al.Contamination factors(CFs)of the metals range from 1.422 to 3.979(Fe);0.213 to 1.089(Al);0.489 to 3.484(Ca);1.496 to 2.372(K);1.287 to 3.870(Ti);2.200 to 14.588(Mn);5.938 to 56.750(Zr);0.980 to 3.500(Sr);2.321 to 4.857(Rb);2.737 to 6.526(Zn);16.667 to 27.333(Sn);3.157 to 16.286(P);and 0.741 to 3.328(Ba).Pollution load index calculated from the CFs indicates that soils are strongly contaminated by Zr and Sn.Principal component analysis(PCA)of parameters exhibits three major components.R-mode cluster analysis reveals three distinct groups in both site and metal basis clustering that shows a similar pattern with the PCA.Conclusions:These results might be helpful for future monitoring of further increase of heavy metal concentrations in surface soils along highways.展开更多
In this study, concentrations of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were determined in road dusts collected from different locations in Dhaka to assess source, contamination status and health risk. Energy-dispersive X-ray ...In this study, concentrations of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were determined in road dusts collected from different locations in Dhaka to assess source, contamination status and health risk. Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to determine Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb and their mean concentrations were 162.27 ± 29.46, 721.18 ± 180.14, 35.65 ± 12.55, 104.56 ± 128.33, 515.32 ± 321.90,BDL, and 342.82 ± 591.20 mg/kg, respectively. Among the heavy metals, highest concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb were found at urban sites-7(municipal waste dumping) and 8(medical waste incineration). Highest concentration of Cr followed by Cu and Zn was found at site-5(Tejgaon, urban). Principal component analysis revealed that anthropogenic activities are the potential sources for Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb while earth crust for Mn. Pollution index and pollution load index results suggested that all the sites were contaminated and/or degraded by Cr, Cu, Zn and Pb except sites-9(urban), 10(sub-urban), 11(rural) while sites-7 and 8(urban) were extremely degraded. For noncarcinogenic health risk, hazard quotient values for dermal were higher compared to that of inhalation/ingestion. Though hazard index values were less than 1 at all the sites, these were at least one order of magnitude higher for children group than that of adult group, thus the children group may face more noncarcinogenic health risk at sites -7 and 8. Values of incremental lifetime cancer risk were from 10to 10showed no carcinogenic health risk by road dusts contaminated with the heavy metals.展开更多
Louis Kahn is often credited with having in his introduced modern architecture to Bangladesh. In construction as any he employed was already in National Assembly in Dhaka (1962-1983) fact at least as technologically...Louis Kahn is often credited with having in his introduced modern architecture to Bangladesh. In construction as any he employed was already in National Assembly in Dhaka (1962-1983) fact at least as technologically advanced use there. Nor was he the first to use a sophisticated abstract esthetic in what was from 1947 to 1971 East Pakistan. The importance and originality of the National Assembly instead resides in the care with which he built in reinforced concrete and the forms into which he required that it be cast. These were esthetic decisions rooted in a particular theoretical position; they were located outside established modernist practice of the time in both South Asia and the United States. Indeed operating at such a great remove from home may have heightened Kahn's authority to implement these forms even as it substantially complicated their execution.展开更多
Water pollution is one of the current global problems.So many countries are suffering from this problem specifically most South Asian and Southeast Asian countries,and Bangladesh is one of those countries that are suf...Water pollution is one of the current global problems.So many countries are suffering from this problem specifically most South Asian and Southeast Asian countries,and Bangladesh is one of those countries that are suffering from water pollution.Furthermore,the city of Bangladesh,Dhaka is one of the most densely populated cities in the world and overpopulation is showing a negative impact on the water quality now.Most of the rivers are very polluted around Dhaka city because of anthropogenic causes.This study focused on Buriganga river pollution and its impact on public health.This study intended to find out the major cause of Buriganga river pollution and the health status of the community living beside the Buriganga river.Also the study identified all the common diseases which people are suffering from around the Buriganga river area.Then the study compared the results with other southeast Asian countries so that it can make the relationship and can make it easier to understand the current situation of water pollution on public health in East Asia and Southeast Asia regions.During the research work,it was noticed that the Buriganga river is very polluted due to human activities.The transportation system,fishing,and waste canals from industries become the primary reasons behind Buriganga’s current condition.Also irresponsibility of both the environmental department and civil society is the major factor in Buriganga river pollution.The hygienic level was also not in a good condition because so many wastes like plastic materials and other daily use materials were thrown out into the river.That’s why public health conditions around the Buriganga river become vulnerable nowadays.So policies have to be implemented from the right perspective and the institutions have to be strong enough to handle all the issues regarding the Buriganga River.展开更多
Background: No published information is available on the status of childhood obesity in Bangladeshi primary school children of urban middle and upper-middle income group. The aim of the study was to explore the propor...Background: No published information is available on the status of childhood obesity in Bangladeshi primary school children of urban middle and upper-middle income group. The aim of the study was to explore the proportion of childhood obesity in the primary school children of middle and upper-middle income group in capital city and to gather information on their dietary pattern and physical activity. Methods: One hundred and fifty children (age 9 ± 1 years, height (ht) 118 ± 20 cm, weight (wt) 36 ± 8 kg, wt/ht% 126 ± 24, mean ± SD) were selected purposively from the primary schools of Dhaka city. On the basis of predefined scoring, subjects were classified as underweight, normal, overweight and obese if their weight-for-height values were 120% of median values for Bangladeshi children respectively. Dietary intake and energy expenditure of the study subjects were calculated by standard techniques. Results: The proportion of childhood overweight and obesity was 52% and 20%. The proportion of overweight and obesity was higher (78%) among girls compared to boys (54%). Similarly, height, weight and other anthropometrics indices were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in girls compared to boys. The daily intake of carbohydrate and protein was significantly (p < 0.05) higher among obese group. Total energy balance was significantly correlated with weight-for-height% (r = 0.541, p = 0.0001). Conclusions: A higher proportion of overweight and obesity had been found in girls’ children than their counter parts in this study. Positive energy balance with higher energy intake from carbohydrate and fast/processed food culture habit were found among primary school children of middle and upper-middle income group in the capital city of Bangladesh.展开更多
The fish is an important food stuff and source of protein all over the world. In Bangladesh, fisheries sector contributes a lot, in the case of the earning foreign currency and meeting domestic need of the animal prot...The fish is an important food stuff and source of protein all over the world. In Bangladesh, fisheries sector contributes a lot, in the case of the earning foreign currency and meeting domestic need of the animal proteins. To fulfill the domestic need of protein and fish, Bangladesh imports fish and fish products from the neighboring county. In many studies, it was proved that most of the imported fishes are contaminated with formalin, which is the highly hazardous and carcinogenic chemical. Information was collected from the fish retailers and consumers on the marketing of the formalin treated fishes through survey using prescribed questionnaire at 18 different fish markets in 6 different districts of Bangladesh. It was found that most of the commercially imported fishes are highly contaminated with formalin. On the other hand, local big fishes, such as rui (Lobeo Rohita), catla (Catla catla) and mrigal (Cirrhinus cirrhosus) etc., are also formalin contaminated partially, but not all the fishes. All the local small fishes are free from the formalin contamination. In this study, it was found that, among the 939 fish samples collected from the different fish markets of the six districts, 213 fishes (22.68%) were directly contaminated with formalin. The contamination rate is so much higher in the big city like Dhaka (36.78%) and lower in the small town like Jamalpur districts (13.33%). This study also indicated that, all the village markets were totally free from the formalin contamination. As the fish traders used formalin to increase the shelf life of the fishes, it was also observed that, the shelf life of the local fishes or formalin free fishes was much higher and the organoleptic characteristics were much more excellent than the formalin contaminated local or imported fishes. The price of the imported fishes was also lower than the local fishes. It was also clear that, the organoleptic characteristics of the imported fishes and formalin contaminated fishes were greatly different than the local fishes, which were not satisfactory to the consumers. The study also indicated that, the overall hygienic practice and sanitary conditions of the markets and the fish traders/retailers were very poor, not satisfactory. This survey also revealed that, all the traders or retailers who were mixed formalin with the fishes, knew about the bad effects of the formalin.展开更多
文摘Introduction: The Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 affected all the megacities of the world and made the mental health and lifestyle of people paralyzed. According to different studies, such difficulties were different in scale in different cities depending on the demographic attributes of the people. This phenomenon has created the essence of the current study to examine the health conditions in terms of their mental health, lifestyle, and demographic attributes during and immediate past of the COVID-19 era. Method: It was a cross-sectional study covering the people of Dhaka City Corporation. For this purpose, a multistage sampling method was applied, under which the respondents were selected randomly and a self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire was developed based on the DASS 21, as it was suitable to measure the components of mental health in the form of depression, anxiety, and stress. Descriptive analysis and cross-tabulation were applied to find out the association between dependent and independent variables, whereas, a chi-square test was performed to examine the hypothesis. Finally, multivariate analysis was done to find out the risk factors. Three logistic regression models were developed for three dependent variables. Result: The findings of the analysis revealed that the lifestyle of people had severely influenced the components of their mental health conditions during and immediate past of COVID-19 in the Dhaka City Corporation, which varies to some extent depending on the demographic attributes of those. Conclusion: The above findings are statistically significant enough to conclude about the essence of taking preventive measures regarding mental health issues in the future. However, the limitations of this study-keeping it within the urban areas and the educated people, have also created the venue for future researchers to move with their research endeavors in the rural areas nationwide and thus generalize the results.
文摘This investigation is focused on conducting a thorough analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM). MSWM encompasses a range of interdisciplinary measures that govern the various stages involved in managing unwanted or non-utilizable solid materials, commonly known as rubbish, trash, junk, refuse, and garbage. These stages include generation, storage, collection, recycling, transportation, handling, disposal, and monitoring. The waste materials mentioned in this context exhibit a wide range of items, such as organic waste from food and vegetables, paper, plastic, polyethylene, iron, tin cans, deceased animals, byproducts from demolition activities, manure, and various other discarded materials. This study aims to provide insights into the possibilities of enhancing solid waste management in the Farmgate area of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC). To accomplish this objective, the research examines the conventional waste management methods employed in this area. It conducts extensive field surveys, collecting valuable data through interviews with local residents and key individuals involved in waste management, such as waste collectors, dealers, intermediate dealers, recyclers, and shopkeepers. The results indicate that significant amounts of distinct waste categories are produced daily. These include food and vegetable waste, which amount to 52.1 tons/day;polythene and plastic, which total 4.5 tons/day;metal and tin-can waste, which amounts to 1.4 tons/day;and paper waste, which totals 5.9 tons/day. This study highlights the significance of promoting environmental consciousness to effectively shape the attitudes of urban residents toward waste disposal and management. It emphasizes the need for collaboration between authorities and researchers to improve the current waste management system.
文摘Landscape of Dhaka city—one of the fastest growing mega cities in the world, is continuously changing due to un-planned urbanization. For example, the wetlands of the city have been shrinking. This study evaluates wetland changes in Dhaka Metropolitan Area (DMA), Bangladesh, between 1978 and 2009. Spatial and temporal dynamics of wetland changes were quantified using four Landsat images, a supervised classi?cation algorithm and the post-classi?cation change detection technique in GIS environment. Accuracy of the Landsat-derived wetland maps ranged from 87% to 92.5%. The analysis revealed that area of wetland and Rivers & Khals in Dhaka city decreased significantly over the last 30 years by 76.67% and 18.72% respectively. This changing trend of wetlands makes the drainage system of Dhaka City vulnerable, creating water logging problems and their consequences. Land filling and encroachment were recognized to be the main reasons for shrinking of the wetlands in the city. Development and alteration of the existing water bodies should consider the natural hydrological conditions.
文摘Flood is a common feature in rapidly urbanizing Dhaka city and its surrounding areas. In this research, evaluation of flood risk of Greater Dhaka in Bangladesh has been developed by using an integrated approach of GIS and remote sensing. The objective of the study is to measure the flooding risk based on the satellite data and geomorphological land classification map under the land use/land cover change from 1995 to 2015 related with the urbanization of Dhaka city. Comparing with each landform, land cover unit and historical rainfall data the flooding return period has been calculated. Terrace, natural levee and back swamp has been divided into three sub categories. Especially the built-up zone which is closer to the river channel, former river course and the back swamps are mostly vulnerable to flood inundation. This study revealed that, 70% of Greater Dhaka district within moderate to very high hazard zone, especially surrounding city like Manikganj Sadar Upazila areas. It is expected that, this study could contribute to effective flood forecasting, relief and emergency management for future flood event.
文摘The spatial land cover pattern of Dhaka city is restlessly altering as it has highest growing rates among megacities. Due to high urbanization rates, land use is changing from natural to man-made along with resource extractions that accelerate the land cover changes. This study has evidently given the glimpse of the raising concern by assessing the loss of vegetation coverage of Dhaka Metropolitan Area using multi-temporal Landsat imageries. 20 years satellite data have been used to detect the vegetation cover changes in Dhaka city with an interval of 10 years. Study reveals that 66.87 square kilometer vegetation coverage of Dhaka Metropolitan Area is lost during the whole time period. The rate of loss of vegetation coverage is very severe in Dhanmondi, Gulshan, Uttara, Demra, Mirpur, Sabujbagh, Ramna, Mohammadpur, Kafrul, Shyampur and so on. The overall precision of my Landsat-derived vegetation coverage maps is 92.5%.
文摘Landscape of Dhaka city - one of the fastest growing mega cities in the world, is undergoing continuous changes and modifications due to progressive urbanization. Pre- and post-urban changes of water bodies in the city were studied using aerial photographs and SPOT images in GIS environment. In 1968, the total area of marshy and peaty inundated low-lying areas was 133 km2, which was depicted to be 67 km2 in the year 2001. The total area of inland lakes as estimated from the aerial photos of 1968 was 5.1 km2 which became 1.8 km2 in the year 2001 as seen in SPOT image. More than 50% of the wetland area reduced over the period 1968 to 2001. Changes of the water body mostly occurred in the regions where majority of the urban expan-sion took place. The urban infrastructures filled and/or compartmentalized the water bodies, causing water loggings problem during wet-season in various part of the city. Development and alteration of the existing water bodies should consider the natural hydrological conditions so that the changes can cope with the artifi-cial intervention.
文摘Motor vehicular exhaust is threatening to human health in Dhaka city. To find out the extent of respiratory problem among a particular cadre of transport workers, the human hauler helpers (HHH) of Dhaka city, we conducted a cross sectional study from March 2006 to June 2006. We enrolled 108 HHH from Mirpur to Mohakhali and Gabtoli to Mohakhali routes and collected data using a pre tested questionnaire including interview and physical examination. The pulmonary functions of the participants were measured with electronic spirometer. Among the participants with current respiratory problems 69% complained of gradual increase in respiratory problems and 38% gave history of feeling better on weekly holidays. Occurrence of hoarseness of voice (90%) and wheeze (71%) was extremely high among the helpers followed by cough (50%) and nasal irritation (50%). Spirometry showed 41.7% had obstructive and 4.6% had combined features of pulmonary impairment. Logistic regression analysis showed that respondents who worked 24 months or more were 6.9 times more likely to develop respiratory problem than the less exposed group (OR 6.9;95% CI 3.42, 8.41). This study provides new information on respiratory health of a specific group of transport workers in Dhaka city which warrants further evaluation with a representing sample covering other areas of Dhaka city among all transport workers.
文摘This study aimed to assess the microbiological quality of 159 animal-and plant-based ready-to-cook(RTC)frozen food items currently popular in Dhaka.Microbiological analyses were carried out to enumerate total aerobic counts of mesophilic bacteria,yeast and mold and to detect some common foodborne pathogens according to standard microbiological criteria.Higher microbial loads in all animal-based food types,other than chicken strips were found.In contrast,plant-based items were relatively safe except paratha,dal-puri,rooti chapati,and aloo-puri.Several common pathogenic bacterial species were screened by analyzing their morphological,cultural,and biochemical characteristics.Escherichia coli was prevalent in most samples,while Salmonella species were least reported.A considerable number of samples exhibited enough microbial loads at infection or intoxication levels.
文摘This research investigated the water qualities and distribution of heavy metals concentration in rain, river, ground and supply waters, providing a baseline in Dhaka Urban, Bangladesh, against which future changes can be assessed. The water sample was collected in the Dhaka central zone, from a site located in the center of the Bengal Delta plain between 23䓨'N - 23䓶'N latitude and 90䓔'E - 90䓟'E longitude which is affected by environmental pollution for high traffic, industrialization and because of its rapid urbanization. The water samples were analyzed for heavy metals by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass-Spectrometry (ICP-MS), major ions by Ion-Chromatography (IC), water tracer (δ18O and δD) by Mass-Spectrometry (MS), following the standard techniques. Elevated EC and chloride (Cl-) are the markers of wastewater, providing an indication of impacts in the Buriganga River water. The relative concentrations of major ions were presented in the form of Piper and Stiff Diagram. The color maps were constructed to present ions distribution over the areas. The stream reaches directly in Buriganga River from leather industries which may reflect the naturally low dissolved oxygen (DO) 0.3 - 3.5 (mg/L), where aquatic life can’t survive. Uranium contents U238 (0.1 - 2.7 μg/L) are not exceeding the WHO guideline level of 30 μg·L-1. Significant portion of Cs133 (0.05 - 0.32 μg/L), Se (0.03 - 0.12 μg/L), B (50 - 2986 μg/L) and Cr (0.55 - 18.59 μg/L), could be increased in Buriganga River areas by the effect of local sources like leather industry. Zn (10 - 1466 μg/L) in the Dhaka Rain and Pb (4 - 6 μg/L) in Dhaka Water occur mainly in industrial and the high traffic areas, respectively. The isotopic (δ18O/δD) distributions have been evaluated for understanding of contaminant sources in groundwater and wastewater recharge from Buriganga River to adjacent depleted groundwater system. The results indicate that the magnitude of pollution problem depends on the size of the area affected, rapid groundwater depletion, polluted river water recharge and the type of the pollutant involved and finally that makes the complex in Dhaka Geochemical pattern.
文摘This paper contributes to the view that urban housing in most cities in developing countries is different in nature and more extent than that operative in developed countries.It addresses the emergence of multi-storied apartments through transformation in residential areas in Dhaka,one of the populous cities in the world and largest metropolitan region in Bangladesh,with a particular reference to a study conducted at Rupangar Residential Area.It identifies the key forces and processes underlying Dhaka’s residential transformation and the advent of multi-storied apartments.Fragmentation of functions and the uses of building stocks in relation to the socio-economic aspects with local conditions were sought in the survey.The increasing housing demand is essentially fulfilling by multi-storied apartments and steadily transforming the landscape and lifestyle of huge urban dwellers in Dhaka.It reveals from the study that apartment living gains much popularity and the dominance of informal apartments over formal apartments is more evident.More distinctly,piecemeal apartment development by the informal developers provides affordable shelter to the highest segment of city dwellers and Rupnagar presents a reasoned scenario urban housing transformation in the capital of Bangladesh.
文摘Unplanned urbanization has caused serious ecological imbalances in Dhaka city. This study investigates the efficiency and utilization of urban green space especially parks of Dhaka city. The case study site covers urban parks of Dhaka metropolitan area of Bangladesh. Two aspects (physical and social) were applied for this study. For physical aspect, methods were used RS (Remote Sensing) and GIS (Geographic Information System) of three periods of images (Dhaka city). And for social aspect, methods were used questionnaire survey, observation, photographs, sketch and previous information about parks. After calculating all data result was showed by maps using GIS. For the changing pattern of green space of periods 1972, 1989 and 2010, result showed that the variation of the green space changes rate was high and gradually green space deceased and build up area increased in Dhaka city. Again according to physical size, parks of Dhaka city were classified into four types: Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large parks. Small parks of Dhaka city were situated beside the residential area and were used as daily purpose. Medium parks were located beside commercial area and its use was for daily and weekly. Large parks were placed at city center and only one extra large park was found outer range of city area. In large parks, people mainly visited monthly or occasionally. Moreover, the spatial-temporal changes of images showed the present status of green space of the city. The consequence of the study reveals that the utilization of park was controlled by various factors in Dhaka city.
文摘Introduction:In this study,metal pollution and their sources in surface soils were evaluated by pollution indices and multivariate statistical techniques in association with a geographical information system(GIS).Methods:Surface soil samples were collected in dry season from different locations of Dhaka Aricha highway and analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence(EDXRF).Results:Thirteen different metals were found in the tested samples.Pollution indices are determined by enrichment factor in an order of Zr>Sn>P>Mn>Zn>Rb>Fe>Ba>Sr>Ti>K>Ca>Al.The resulting geoaccumulation index(Igeo)value shows the following order:Sn>Zr>P>Mn>Zn>Rb>Fe>Ba>Ti>Sr>K>Ca>Al.Contamination factors(CFs)of the metals range from 1.422 to 3.979(Fe);0.213 to 1.089(Al);0.489 to 3.484(Ca);1.496 to 2.372(K);1.287 to 3.870(Ti);2.200 to 14.588(Mn);5.938 to 56.750(Zr);0.980 to 3.500(Sr);2.321 to 4.857(Rb);2.737 to 6.526(Zn);16.667 to 27.333(Sn);3.157 to 16.286(P);and 0.741 to 3.328(Ba).Pollution load index calculated from the CFs indicates that soils are strongly contaminated by Zr and Sn.Principal component analysis(PCA)of parameters exhibits three major components.R-mode cluster analysis reveals three distinct groups in both site and metal basis clustering that shows a similar pattern with the PCA.Conclusions:These results might be helpful for future monitoring of further increase of heavy metal concentrations in surface soils along highways.
基金the financial support by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (42042050, U2005207)Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province, China (2020J0141)。
文摘In this study, concentrations of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were determined in road dusts collected from different locations in Dhaka to assess source, contamination status and health risk. Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to determine Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb and their mean concentrations were 162.27 ± 29.46, 721.18 ± 180.14, 35.65 ± 12.55, 104.56 ± 128.33, 515.32 ± 321.90,BDL, and 342.82 ± 591.20 mg/kg, respectively. Among the heavy metals, highest concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb were found at urban sites-7(municipal waste dumping) and 8(medical waste incineration). Highest concentration of Cr followed by Cu and Zn was found at site-5(Tejgaon, urban). Principal component analysis revealed that anthropogenic activities are the potential sources for Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb while earth crust for Mn. Pollution index and pollution load index results suggested that all the sites were contaminated and/or degraded by Cr, Cu, Zn and Pb except sites-9(urban), 10(sub-urban), 11(rural) while sites-7 and 8(urban) were extremely degraded. For noncarcinogenic health risk, hazard quotient values for dermal were higher compared to that of inhalation/ingestion. Though hazard index values were less than 1 at all the sites, these were at least one order of magnitude higher for children group than that of adult group, thus the children group may face more noncarcinogenic health risk at sites -7 and 8. Values of incremental lifetime cancer risk were from 10to 10showed no carcinogenic health risk by road dusts contaminated with the heavy metals.
文摘Louis Kahn is often credited with having in his introduced modern architecture to Bangladesh. In construction as any he employed was already in National Assembly in Dhaka (1962-1983) fact at least as technologically advanced use there. Nor was he the first to use a sophisticated abstract esthetic in what was from 1947 to 1971 East Pakistan. The importance and originality of the National Assembly instead resides in the care with which he built in reinforced concrete and the forms into which he required that it be cast. These were esthetic decisions rooted in a particular theoretical position; they were located outside established modernist practice of the time in both South Asia and the United States. Indeed operating at such a great remove from home may have heightened Kahn's authority to implement these forms even as it substantially complicated their execution.
文摘Water pollution is one of the current global problems.So many countries are suffering from this problem specifically most South Asian and Southeast Asian countries,and Bangladesh is one of those countries that are suffering from water pollution.Furthermore,the city of Bangladesh,Dhaka is one of the most densely populated cities in the world and overpopulation is showing a negative impact on the water quality now.Most of the rivers are very polluted around Dhaka city because of anthropogenic causes.This study focused on Buriganga river pollution and its impact on public health.This study intended to find out the major cause of Buriganga river pollution and the health status of the community living beside the Buriganga river.Also the study identified all the common diseases which people are suffering from around the Buriganga river area.Then the study compared the results with other southeast Asian countries so that it can make the relationship and can make it easier to understand the current situation of water pollution on public health in East Asia and Southeast Asia regions.During the research work,it was noticed that the Buriganga river is very polluted due to human activities.The transportation system,fishing,and waste canals from industries become the primary reasons behind Buriganga’s current condition.Also irresponsibility of both the environmental department and civil society is the major factor in Buriganga river pollution.The hygienic level was also not in a good condition because so many wastes like plastic materials and other daily use materials were thrown out into the river.That’s why public health conditions around the Buriganga river become vulnerable nowadays.So policies have to be implemented from the right perspective and the institutions have to be strong enough to handle all the issues regarding the Buriganga River.
文摘Background: No published information is available on the status of childhood obesity in Bangladeshi primary school children of urban middle and upper-middle income group. The aim of the study was to explore the proportion of childhood obesity in the primary school children of middle and upper-middle income group in capital city and to gather information on their dietary pattern and physical activity. Methods: One hundred and fifty children (age 9 ± 1 years, height (ht) 118 ± 20 cm, weight (wt) 36 ± 8 kg, wt/ht% 126 ± 24, mean ± SD) were selected purposively from the primary schools of Dhaka city. On the basis of predefined scoring, subjects were classified as underweight, normal, overweight and obese if their weight-for-height values were 120% of median values for Bangladeshi children respectively. Dietary intake and energy expenditure of the study subjects were calculated by standard techniques. Results: The proportion of childhood overweight and obesity was 52% and 20%. The proportion of overweight and obesity was higher (78%) among girls compared to boys (54%). Similarly, height, weight and other anthropometrics indices were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in girls compared to boys. The daily intake of carbohydrate and protein was significantly (p < 0.05) higher among obese group. Total energy balance was significantly correlated with weight-for-height% (r = 0.541, p = 0.0001). Conclusions: A higher proportion of overweight and obesity had been found in girls’ children than their counter parts in this study. Positive energy balance with higher energy intake from carbohydrate and fast/processed food culture habit were found among primary school children of middle and upper-middle income group in the capital city of Bangladesh.
文摘The fish is an important food stuff and source of protein all over the world. In Bangladesh, fisheries sector contributes a lot, in the case of the earning foreign currency and meeting domestic need of the animal proteins. To fulfill the domestic need of protein and fish, Bangladesh imports fish and fish products from the neighboring county. In many studies, it was proved that most of the imported fishes are contaminated with formalin, which is the highly hazardous and carcinogenic chemical. Information was collected from the fish retailers and consumers on the marketing of the formalin treated fishes through survey using prescribed questionnaire at 18 different fish markets in 6 different districts of Bangladesh. It was found that most of the commercially imported fishes are highly contaminated with formalin. On the other hand, local big fishes, such as rui (Lobeo Rohita), catla (Catla catla) and mrigal (Cirrhinus cirrhosus) etc., are also formalin contaminated partially, but not all the fishes. All the local small fishes are free from the formalin contamination. In this study, it was found that, among the 939 fish samples collected from the different fish markets of the six districts, 213 fishes (22.68%) were directly contaminated with formalin. The contamination rate is so much higher in the big city like Dhaka (36.78%) and lower in the small town like Jamalpur districts (13.33%). This study also indicated that, all the village markets were totally free from the formalin contamination. As the fish traders used formalin to increase the shelf life of the fishes, it was also observed that, the shelf life of the local fishes or formalin free fishes was much higher and the organoleptic characteristics were much more excellent than the formalin contaminated local or imported fishes. The price of the imported fishes was also lower than the local fishes. It was also clear that, the organoleptic characteristics of the imported fishes and formalin contaminated fishes were greatly different than the local fishes, which were not satisfactory to the consumers. The study also indicated that, the overall hygienic practice and sanitary conditions of the markets and the fish traders/retailers were very poor, not satisfactory. This survey also revealed that, all the traders or retailers who were mixed formalin with the fishes, knew about the bad effects of the formalin.