Uncovering the impact of mega-scale shipbreaking yards on soil and crop quality in Bangladesh: A spatiotemporal dynamics and associated health risks of metal/loid contamination

The uncontrolled release of harmful metal/loids from mega-scale shipbreaking activities in Bangladesh is a significant concern. This study investigated the impact of shipbreaking activities on soil and crop quality and human health in relation to metal/loid contamination. This work covered an area of 1221 km2 surrounding the shipbreaking yards in Chittagong during the wet and dry seasons between 2019 and 2020. Amongst the sixteen elements measured, the concentrations of Pb, Cd, As, V, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Sn in the soil, rice, and vegetables from the four exposure sites were significantly higher compared to the control site in both seasons. Soil pollution indices indicated moderate to higher contamination levels of Pb, Zn, Cd, As, and Se in 30-50% of soil, supporting their accumulation in food crops. Source apportionment analysis identified uncontrolled shipwrecking operations as the primary anthropogenic activity mainly contributing to metal/loid pollution. Health risk analysis showed inorganic arsenic (estimated), Cd, and Pb in food crops could pose potential health threats to the general population. Spinach leaf and gourd were identified as the highest-risk contributing vegetables in the dry and wet seasons. These findings help to inform management strategies to protect agroecosystems and public health.