A Study on Hydro-Morphological Changes and Water Quality Degradation in Buriganga River

Abstract

Buriganga is an influencial river around the capital of Bangladesh and so chosen to be the study area. The aim of this thesis work is to analyze hydro-morphological characteristics of Buriganga river, to analyze the changes in water quality parameters. Hydro-morphology is a term used in river basin management to describe the hydrological processes and attributes of rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters. To monitor hydrological condition, water level and discharge need to be monitored regularly. Bank shift and cross section gives an idea of morphological change. Water quality refers to the chemical, physical, biological and radiological characteristics of water. DO, pH, Salinity, TDS etc were taken as water quality parameters. There was not much variation in water level but during dry season it was very low which may hamper navigability. In recent years there is a decreasing pattern of discharge. But major problem was water pollution as no measure has been taken to stop additional pollution. Because of Dhaka’s heavy reliance on river transport for goods including foods. The Buriganga receives especially high amounts of food waste since unusable or rotting portions of fruits, vegetables and fishes are thrown into the river. Many industries have sprung up around the Buriganga river. These industrial and municipal waste is also being dumped into the river. Thus, the river is being polluted. So, water quality is showing a degrading pattern even after several projects to revive the river. Hopefully this study will be help for taking necessary steps in order to protect the river.