Pollution status and ecological risk assessment of metal(loid)s in the sediments of the world's largest mangrove forest: A data synthesis in the Sundarbans

Abstract

The Sundarbans is the largest single-mass mangrove forest in the world, experiencing environmental and anthropogenic stress from metal(loid) inputs. We undertook a comprehensive assessment of sediment contamination and ecological risks posed by metal(loid)s in the Sundarbans using previously published data. There was a distinct difference in metal(loid) content, pollution level and ecological risk in Bangladeshi and Indian parts of the Sundarbans, with the Indian counterpart experiencing relatively higher metal(loid) pollution. The higher pollution level in India might be attributed to its vicinity to municipal and industrial areas that act the primary source of metal(loid)s in the Sundarbans. The cumulative ecological risks of metal(loid)s pointed out that the south-eastern part of Bangladeshi Sundarbans and north-eastern Indian part are at moderate ecological risk. This research will provide valuable data to inform the responsible authorities and will underpin future policies and management to reduce future metal(loid) inputs in the Sundarbans.

Keywords: Bangladesh; Ecological risk; India; Mangrove; Pollution level; Sundarbans.