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July 2010, Volume 1, No.

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International Journal of Chemical and Environmental Engineering

Physicochemical Assessment of Surface and


Groundwater Resources of Greater Comilla Region
of Bangladesh
M. J. Ahmed*, M.R. Haque and T. M. A. Haque
Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh,
* corresponding author email: pmjahmed55@gmail.com

Abstr act
An extensive study was carried out to elucidate the distribution and occurrence of different parameters of water quality of the greater
Comilla region- Comilla, Brahmanbaria and Chandpur districts’, freshwater resources of Bangladesh. To study the different
physicochemical parameters, surface water samples from the Meghna, Gumti, Titas, Hoara and Dakatia Rivers and groundwater
samples from almost every Upazilas were collected and analyzed. Water samples from the freshwater resources were collected from
different points and at different seasons for continuous monitoring during the hydrological years 2008-2009. Collected samples were
analyzed for the following parameters: pH, EC, TDS, TSS, TS, DO, transparency, acidity, dissolved carbon dioxide, total alkalinity,
total hardness, chloride, ammonia-N, sulphate-S, o-phosphate-P, BOD, COD, nitrate-N, nitrite-N, total nitrite and nitrate-N, arsenic,
iron, manganese, copper, nickel, chromium, cadmium, lead, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium using the procedure outlined
in the standard methods. Arsenic was analysed for groundwater and Coli form only for surface water samples. Results of water
quality assessment identified the problem areas in respect of arsenic. The results also provided data to understand and quantify the
threat of the impact of climate change on freshwater resources of this region. The results also provided data for water quality of
surface and groundwater resources of Comilla region to match national and international standards for drinking, agricultural,
industrial and livestock requirements.

1. Introduction
Environment is the aggregate of conditions affecting Greater Comilla region lies in the eastern part of
the existence or development of life and nature. The Bangladesh and consists of three districts- Comilla,
environmental problems of Bangladesh are becoming Brahmanbaria and Chandpur. This region is almost plain
acute because of population explosion, urbanization, lowland with some hillock at Lalmai and Mainamati.
unplanned industrialization and lack of adequate forest Comilla district comprises with an area of 3085.17 sq km
areas. Anthropogenic activities like mining, disposal of and has fourteen Upazilas. These are Comilla sadar, Sadar
treated and untreated effluents from different industries Daskin, Barura, Chandina, Daudkandi, Titas, Laksham,
and also the indiscriminate use of heavy metal containing Brahmanpara, Burichang, Chauddagram, Debidwar,
fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture resulted in Homna, Mur
deterioration of water quality rendering serious adnagar and Nangalkot. Main rivers of this district
environmental problems [1]. Pollution by organic matter are the Meghna, Gumti and Dakatia. Brahmanbaria
and nutrients originates from anthropogenic sources, district comprises with an area of 1927.11 sq km and has
mainly as municipal wastewater [2]. There are allegations seven Upazilas. These are Banchharampur, Kasba,
that untreated wastes are discharged from the factories Nabinagar, Nasirnagar, Brahmanbaria Sadar, Sarail and
into the water bodies (Fig. I). Surface waters in Akhaura. Main rivers of this district are the Meghna, Titas
Bangladesh serve purposes including drinking, bathing, and Haora. Chandpur district comprises with an area of
fishing, irrigation, household and livestock watering. 1704.06 sq km and has seven Upazilas. These are
Water pollution concerns within the rural and municipal Chandpur Sadar, Hajiganj, Kachua, Faridganj, Matlab,
areas are therefore not limited to potable water criteria but Haimchar, and Shahrasti. Main rivers of this district are
include the effects on general health of humans, livestock, the Meghna and Dakatia.
agriculture and aquatic life. A global water supply and sanitation assessment stated
Physicochemical Assessment of Surface and Groundwater Resources of Greater Comilla Region of Bangladesh

that 75% of the populations of rural areas in Asia do not volume were collected from vertical section. The water
have access to improved water [3]. A recent World Bank samples were collected within 3-9 inches from the surface
study also reported that environmental pollution is of the water. Groundwater samples were collected from
responsible for 22% of all death from diseases in tube wells after discarding water for the first 2 minutes.
Bangladesh and reducing environmental risks could The samples were mixed well and a sample of 1.0-1.5 L
increase the national income by 3.5%. Therefore, was transferred for analysis in the laboratory.
physicochemical assessment and monitoring of surface Temperature, transparency, pH, Electrical conductivity
and groundwater resources of the greater Comilla region (EC), Total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen
using simple and rapid methods is of paramount (DO) were measured at the sampling site. Other
importance. parameters were analysed immediately after sample
The results provided data for water quality of surface collection at the laboratory. For the analysis of metals by
and groundwater resources of this region to match UV-Visible spectrophotometry and atomic absorption
national and international standards for drinking, spectrophotometry (AAS) samples were digested
agricultural, industrial and livestock requirements. The according to wet-digestion method [4]. For chemical
assessment data can be used to help determine the analysis, standard preservation techniques and methods of
efficacy of existing water quality policies and to help analysis [5-8] were used. Data were analysed by Excel
analysts determine the need for, and likely consequences 2000 software and SPSS 11.5 software was used for
of new policies. The assessment data can be supplied to statistical analysis.Different parameters of water quality
the proper Govt. authority for making new national and were analyzed by the following methods:
regional policies and appropriate preventive measures can A glass thermometer was used for the measurement
be taken prior further deterioration of water quality. The of temperature. Transparency was measured by Sacchi
assessment will increase the awareness of the people of disc. pH, EC and TDS were measured at the sampling site
the risk and affected areas so that they could be ready to by Hanna Combo meter, Model – HI 98129.
face the disaster due to climate change. Measurement of DO was done by Jenway 970 DO meter
2. Materials and Method at the sampling site. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
Surface and groundwater samples from different was measured from the differences of initial and 5 days
rivers and Upazilas (smaller administrative unit of DO by DO meter. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) was
Bangladesh) of Comilla, Brahmanbaria and Chandpur determined by titrimetric method after 2 hours open
districts were collected for this study. Sample collection reflux. Acidity and dissolved carbon dioxide were
points are shown in figure II. Samples were collected in measured by titrimetric method using standard 0.02M
amber color polyethylene bottle cleaned by rinsing NaOH. Total and phenolphthalein alkalinity were
thoroughly with 8M HNO3, followed by repeated measured by titrimetric method using methyl orange and
washing with distilled phenolphthalein, respectively as indicators. Hardness was
water measured by complexometric titration method. o-
phosphate-P was measured by colorimetric
vanadomolybdophosphoric acid method. Sulphate-S was
measured by colorimetric barium chloride turbidimetric
method. Nitrite-N was determined by colorimetric method
by formation of a reddish purple azo dye produced at pH
2.0-2.5 by coupling diazotized sulfanilamide with
N-(1-naphthyl)-ethylenediamine dihydrochloride.
Chloride was determined by argentometric method in a
neutral or slightly alkaline solution using potassium
chromate as indicator by standard silver nitrate as titer.
Iron was determined by colorimetric method using
1,10-phenanthroline as chelating agent. Manganese was
determined by colorimetric per-sulfate oxidation method.
In colorimetric methods a Shimadzu, Model-1800 UV-
Vis spectrophotometer was used. Zinc, copper, lead,
cadmium, cobalt, nickel and chromium were determined
Fig. 1 Photo shows dumping of solid wastes into the water body by Varian Model-AA240FS fast sequential atomic
absorption spectrophotometer. Coli form was measured
washing with distilled water. Multiple samples were by MPN(Maximum probable number) method [9].
collected from the same spot in different seasons to study
the seasonal variation of the results. The surface water
samples were collected in the boat if possible in the
middle of the flow. Two to four sub samples of equal

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Physicochemical Assessment of Surface and Groundwater Resources of Greater Comilla Region of Bangladesh

Gumti, Titas, Haora, Dakota and Meghna was found


within the acceptable. Chloride content of the Gumti,
Titas, Haora, Dakatia and Meghna was found within the
acceptable limit of criterion continuous concentration
(CCC) (230 mgL-1) and criterion maximum
concentration (CMC) (860 mgL-1) limit for freshwater.
BOD values found for the Gumti, Titas, Haora, Dakatia
and Meghna was found within the acceptable limit (6
mgL-1). Except for the Haora and Dakatia other rivers
of this region may be considered clean [14]. Biney
(1982) has classified the pollution level into three
categories according to the BOD levels as follows:
unpolluted (BOD<4 mg L-1), moderately polluted
(BOD=4-12mg L-1), grossly polluted (BOD>12 mg L-
Error! Not a valid link. 1)[15]. COD found for the Gumti (11.80 mgL-1), Titas
(49.28 mgL-1), Haora (16.38 mgL-1), Dakatia (3.85
mgL-1) and Meghna (6.38 mgL-1).
Nitrate-N value found for the Gumti (1.98 mgL-1)
and Meghna (4.76 mgL-1) but for the Titas, Haora and
Dakatia nitrate-N was not detected. Nitrite-N values
found for the Gumti (0.11 mgL-1), Titas (0.04 mgL-1),
Haora (0.03 mgL-1), Dakatia (0.03 mgL-1) and
Meghna (0.65 mgL-1). A higher value of o-phosphate-
P was found for all the rivers. Total phosphate-P
concentrations in excess of 1.00 mgL-1 P may interfere
with coagulation in water treatment plants according to
EPA (1986). Excessive o-phosphate-P values were
found due to the agricultural runoff and use of
detergents in laundry purposes. Sulphate-S was found
positively correlated with o-phosphate-P and iron.
Nickel found in the Gumti and Titas was within the
CMC and CCC limit (0.47 and 0.052 mgL-1,
Fig. 2. Maps showing sample collection points of Comilla,
Chandpur and Brahmanbaria districts respectively) [16]. Average values found for zinc for
all the rivers was within the CMC and CCC limit (0.12
3. Results and Discussion mgL-1) and total chromium found for all the rivers was
The results of surface water resources are shown in also within the CMC and CCC limit for Cr(III) (0.570
Table 1 and groundwater resources shown in Table 2. mgL-1 and 0.074 mgL-1) and for Cr(VI) (0.016 mgL-1
The results of Pearson Correlations among the different and 0.009 mgL-1), respectively. Average values of
parameters of surface, and groundwater are shown in lead found for the Gumti, Titas, Haora was within the
Table 3 and 4, respectively. acceptable CMC limit (0.065 mgL-1) for freshwater.
Average values of iron of the Gumti , Titas, Haora and
3.1 Surface water Dakatia exceeded the limit but for the Meghna within
For surface waters average value of pH (Table I) of the limit for freshwater aquatic life and iron was found
the Gumti, Titas and Meghna, was found in the alkaline positively correlated with sulphate-S. Fianko et al.,
region but Haora and Dakatia river water pH was found (2007) examined the impact of contaminated water
slightly acidic. pH was found positively correlated with from the Sorowie River and points out that the
DO (Table III) and negatively correlated with chloride. pollution of the Iture Estuary was found to be
The concentration of DO acts as a strong limiting connected to human activities in its catchments [17].
factor for aquatic organisms [11]. For many fish and Manganese content of the Gumti, Titas, Haora and
shellfish, extended periods of DO below 5 mg L-1 can Dakatia exceeded the domestic water supplies limit (0.1
cause adverse effects to larval life stages [12]. Except mgL-1) but the Meghna river water was found within
for the Gumti and Meghna, DO content of other rivers, the limit. Manganese was found negatively correlated
Titas, Haora and Dakatia was found below 5.0 mgL-1. with BOD. Quagraine et al. (2009) reported that only
Acidity value of these rivers was found negatively about 8% surface water, about 6% tap water and about
correlated with sulphate-S. Higher value of carbon 13% groundwater samples met the 0.2 mgL-1 Mn
dioxide was found for the Gumti, Haora, Dakatia and CEQG guideline for irrigational purposes [18].
Meghna than the Titas River. Total alkalinity of the

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Physicochemical Assessment of Surface and Groundwater Resources of Greater Comilla Region of Bangladesh

Table .1 Surface water quality of greater comilla Region

Parameters Gumti Titas Haora Dakatia Meghna


Ambient temp (0C) 35.80 30.97 31.50 33.20 35.00
Water temp (0C) 34.70 30.03 30.75 34.40 31.00
pH 7.34 7.11 6.99 6.78 7.04
EC (µScm-1) 92.45 87.80 92.50 179.15 415.95
TDS (mgL-1) 46.15 43.43 46.30 89.85 207.40
TSS (mgL-1) 130.00 240.00 100.00 80.00 70.00
TS(mgL-1) 176.15 277.00 146.30 169.85 277.40
DO(mgL-1) 6.10 4.77 4.80 4.15 6.85
Transparency (cm) 32.50 20.00 16.00 26.00 30.00
Acidity (mgL-1) 11.86 6.36 8.84 9.72 15.47
CO2 (mgL-1) 10.86 3.17 7.78 8.55 13.61
P.alkalinity (mgL-1) BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
T.alkalinity (mgL-1) 53.28 40.53 136.50 56.02 50.75
T. hardness (mgL-1) 43.00 45.00 72.00 107.00 92.00
Chloride (mgL-1) 37.17 25.84 39.93 65.69 85.31
BOD (mgL-1) 0.13 2.45 3.40 3.05 1.68
COD (mgL-1) 11.80 49.28 16.38 3.85 6.38
NO2—N (mgL-1) 0.11 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.65
NO3- -N (mgL-1) 1.98 BDL BDL BDL 4.76
PO43- -P (mgL-1) 3.59 1.73 4.18 2.52 1.87
SO42- -N (mgL-1) 8.72 9.64 14.27 11.96 7.25
Ni (mgL-1) 0.003 0.003 BDL BDL BDL
Zn (mgL-1) 0.044 0.040 0.045 0.048 0.039
Cu (mgL-1) BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
Co (mgL-1) 0.032 0.033 0.042 0.014 0.024
Cr (mgL-1) 0.012 0.021 0.019 0.014 0.013
Cd (mgL-1) BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
Pb (mgL-1) 0.018 0.050 0.020 BDL BDL
Fe (mgL-1) 1.49 2.42 1.69 1.02 0.39
Mn (mgL-1) 0.36 0.16 0.32 0.18 0.08
%NaCl 0.50 0.15 0.45 0.55 0.85
Coli form (100mL) ≥ 1600 900 500 500 ≥ 1600

BDL= Below Detection Level, ND= Not Done

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Physicochemical Assessment of Surface and Groundwater Resources of Greater Comilla Region of Bangladesh

Table.2 Groundwater quality of the greater Comilla region

Parameters Comilla Chandpur Brahmanbaria BSTI Standard


Ambient Temp.(0C) 28.00-37.00 27.50-36.00 30.00-36.10 --
Water Temp.(0C) 16.00-32.00 22.00-30.00 26.00-32.00 --
pH 5.80-7.58 7.13-7.34 6.62-7.16 6.4-7.4
EC (µScm-1) 73.20-1797.00 364.00-704.00 127.40-1688.00 --
TDS (mgL-1) 36.50-749.00 182.00-351.00 63.60-809.00 Max 500
% NaCl 0.10-2.90 0.70-1.40 0.20-3.20 --
DO (mgL-1) 1.25-3.42 1.33-2.54 1.08-3.76 Max 6
Acidity (mgL-1) 3.52-278.46 2.06-10.30 8.84-152.49 --
T. alkalinity (mgL-1) 21.33-1046.69 148.00-277.50 102.96-2832.00 --
T. hardness (mgL-1) 26.00-684.00 124.00-252.00 12.00-524.00 Max 500
Chloride (mgL-1) 10.06-364.48 15.31-59.34 4.78-272.26 Max 600
NO2—N (mgL-1) BDL-0.04 BDL-0.06 BDL-0.02 Nil
NO3—N (mgL-1) BDL - 3.59 BDL- 0.22 BDL - 3.56 Max 10
PO43—P (mgL-1) 0.00-8.91 4.18 - 5.15 0.00-7.08 Max 6
SO42- -S (mgL-1) 0.00 - 59.10 0.15-1.54 0.31-68.52 Max 400
Ni (mgL-1) BDL- 0.001 BDL-0.004 BDL-0.009 --
Zn (mgL-1) BDL-0.018 BDL-0.03 BDL-0.03 Max 5
Cu (mgL-1) BDL-0.010 BDL-0.007 BDL-0.04 Max 1
Co (mgL-1) BDL -0.037 BDL-0.008 BDL-0.04 ---
Cr (mgL-1) BDL -0.008 BDL-0.006 BDL -0.01 Max 0.5
Cd (mgL-1) BDL BDL BDL 0.005
Pb (mgL-1) 0.01-0.08 0.05-0.07 0.04-0.07 Max 0.05
As (mgL-1) 0.01 -0.50 0.1-0.60 BDL - 0.10 Max 0.05
Fe (mgL-1) 0.05-7.83 BDL -8.86 0.10-6.96 0.3-1.0
Mn (mgL-1) BDL -3.94 BDL -0.38 BDL -1.63 Max 0.1

BSTI= Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute

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Physicochemical Assessment of Surface and Groundwater Resources of Greater Comilla Region of Bangladesh

Highest number of Coli form, ≥1600 was found in standard (Max 400 mgL-1). Sulphate-S was found
the Gumti and Meghna river water samples but for the positively correlated with EC, hardness, alkalinity and
Titas, Haora and Dakatia Coli form found for per 100mL iron.
are 900, 500 and 500, respectively. Among the toxic and trace metals nickel, zinc,
copper, cobalt, chromium and cadmium in groundwater
3.2 Groundwater
samples of all the three districts were found within the
Groundwater depletion due to pollution mostly from
acceptable limit of BSTI standard. Lead content of
anthropogenic sources, which is estimated for about 20%
groundwater samples of Comilla, Chandpur and
of global withdrawals, is a serious problem. Besides
Brahman aria is slightly higher than the permissible limit
reducing availability of good quality of water for
for drinking water (Max 0.05 mgL-1). Arsenic is a toxic
consumption, it poses a risk to associated aquatic and
element and classified as a human carcinogen [22]. The
terrestrial ecosystems [19]. Groundwater recharge to
total as content in polluted environmental samples (soil,
shallow unconfined aquifers is complex and is dependent
sediment) is poor indicator of its bioavailability, mobility
upon the occurrence, intensity, and duration of
or toxicity [23]. About 35% groundwater samples of
precipitation, temperature, humidity, wind velocity, as
Comilla, 33 % of Chandpur and 27% of Brahmanbaria
well as the character and thickness of soil and rock above
district contained arsenic in concentration ≥ 0.1 mgL -1
the water table, and the surface topography, vegetation,
and about 20% samples of Comilla and 50% of Chandpur
and land use [20]. pH of groundwater samples (Table II)
contained arsenic in concentration ≥ 0.5 mgL -1.
of Comilla and Brahmanbaria districts was found in the
Groundwater contamination by arsenic is a big threat to
slightly acidic to alkaline range but Chandpur
the lives of thousands of people in Bangladesh [24].
groundwater has pH in the alkaline range. pH was found
Halim et al. (2008) reported that dissolved arsenic in
positively correlated (Table IV) with o-phosphate-P only.
groundwater ranged from 0.006 to 0.461 mgL-1, with
Lower values of pH of Comilla district is not within the
69% groundwater samples exceeded the Bangladesh limit
acceptable limit set by BSTI (6.4-7.4) for drinking water.
for safe drinking water (0.05 mg L-1) [25]. It is evident
pH of groundwater can be lowered by organic acids from
that groundwater of Comilla and Chandpur districts are
decaying vegetation, or the dissolution of sulfide
more prone to arsenic contamination. Arsenic, which is
minerals. Higher values of TDS of Comilla and
naturally present in soil, can be mobilized and
Brahmanbaria exceeded the limit of BSTI standard (Max
transported, leading to increased concentrations of As in
600 mgL-1). TDS values indicate the general nature of
aquifers, that are sources of drinking water [27]. Natural
water quality and are usually related to conductivity.
processes (atmospheric emission, desorption and
Water containing more than 500 mg/L of TDS is not
dissolution of naturally occurring arsenic rich
considered desirable for drinking water supplies, though
minerals)/anthropogenic activities (mining/fossil fuel
more highly mineralised water may be used where better
combustion/metallurgical processes/wood preservative
quality water is not available [21]. EC was found
etc.) are the two principal pathways for arsenic release
positively correlated with hardness, chloride, manganese
into the environment [28]. Kouras et al. (2007) reported
and sulphate-S.
that almost 65% of the examined wells exceeded the limit
Acidity was found positively correlated with
of 0.010 mg L-1 proposed for water intended for human
hardness and iron and total hardness was found positively
consumption.
correlated with EC, acidity, chloride and manganese.
Higher value of iron of Comilla and Brahmanbaria is
Higher values of total hardness of Comilla and
higher than the permissible limit for drinking water (0.3-
Brahmanbaria exceeded the limit of BSTI standard (Max
1.0 mgL-1). Higher value of manganese content of all the
500 mgL-1). Higher values of total alkalinity of
three districts exceeded the permissible limit for drinking
groundwater samples of Comilla and Brahmanbaria
water (Max. 0.1 mgL-1). No correlation was found among
exceeded the limit of BSTI standard (Max 600 mgL-1).
iron, arsenic and manganese.
Chloride content of groundwater of Comilla, Chandpur
and Brahmanbaria was found within the acceptable limit
4. Conclusion
of BSTI standard (Max 600 mgL-1).
From the present physicochemical study of the water
Nitrate-N of groundwater samples of Comilla,
quality of Comilla region, it can be concluded that surface
Chandpur and Brahmanbaria was within the limit (Max.
water of this region is slightly acidic to alkaline. Higher
10 mgL-1 ) of BSTI drinking water standard. Nitrite-N
values of EC and TDS found for the Meghna river may be
should not be present in drinking water, but in some
due to the effluents from the industries of Ashuganj,
samples of all the districts nitrite-N was found. O-
Brahmanbaria. From the COD value it can be concluded
phosphate-P of all the districts was found positively
that Titas at Brahmanbaria point is the most polluted
correlated with pH and iron. Higher values of Comilla
among these rivers. This is due to the municipal wastes
and Brahmanbaria exceeded the limit of BSTI standard
and effluents discharged into the river. Alkalinity of all
(Max 6 mgL-1). Sulphate-S content of groundwater of all
these rivers is mainly for carbonates and bicarbonates.
the districts was within the acceptable limit of BSTI
Higher values of o-phosphate-P may be due to the

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Physicochemical Assessment of Surface and Groundwater Resources of Greater Comilla Region of Bangladesh

washing out of fertilizer from agricultural fields and problems of the Titas River.
detergents used in household purposes. 3. Proper law should be passed and implemented, so
In comparison with the Karnafuli River, DO of these that authority can take necessary action against the
rivers is in better condition. Dakatia and Meghna river industries and bodies responsible for polluting the Rivers.
water is moderately hard but the Gumti, Titas and Haora The community people should be mobilized in such
river water is soft. Among the metals nickel, cobalt, zinc, efforts, because people’s participation is very much
cobalt, chromium and lead were found within the fruitful in improving the environmental situation.
acceptable limit of EPA and higher amount of iron and 4. Government should take necessary steps to supply
manganese content of these rivers may be due to the arsenic free and non-acidic safe drinking from deep tube
pollution from industrial and municipal sources and well.
geological conditions of soil through which these rivers 5. Steps must be taken for using rain water, after
are flowing. Higher number of Coli form found in the preserving in tanks and ponds in the rainy season, as
river water samples may be for human feces and alternate source of groundwater.
municipal wastes.
pH of some groundwater samples of Comilla (5.80- Acknowledgment
7.58) district was found far below the permissible limit The authors are grateful to the Ministry of Science and
of BSTI (6.4-7.4) for drinking water. Continuous Information & Communication Technology for financial
consumption of acidic water may cause health hazard. assistance to complete this project. The authors would
Higher values of TDS of Comilla (36.50-749.00 mgL-1) also like to express sincere thanks to the Ministry of
and Brahmanbaria (63.60-809.00 mgL-1) exceeded the Education and Bangladesh University Grants Commission
limit of BSTI (Max 600 mgL-1). Higher values of total for sanctioning deputation and granting scholarship,
hardness of Comilla (26.00-684.00 mgL-1) and respectively to one of us (M. Reazul Haque).
Brahmanbaria (12.00-524.00 mgL-1) also exceeded the
limit of BSTI (Max 500 mgL-1). Higher values of total References
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