Distribution, source identification and potential ecological risk of heavy metals in surface sediments of the Mongla port area, Bangladesh

This study comprehensively investigated the distribution, source identification, and potential ecological risk of heavy metals (As, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn) in surface sediments Mongla port area Bangladesh. The sediment samples were collected from ten sampling points during wet dry season analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. average concentration metal was higher (11.36 to 118.55 mg/kg) as compared with (8.70 88.58 mg/kg). Certain indices, including enrichment factor, geoaccumulation index, contamination factor demonstrated that Cd highly responsible for pollution. range pollution load index values 1.12 1.55 1.59 2.27 season, indicating progressive deterioration studied metals. Multivariate principal component analysis showed As, Cu and, Zn mainly due anthropogenic activities. Considering risk, moderate considerable risk. Potential acute toxicity results most greater than 4, shows severe sediment. Further studies assess widespread are recommended protect aquatic ecosystem contamination.