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Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2020; 11 (2): 21-34 

21 

 

Detrimental Consequences of Unethical Anthropogenic Interventions upon 

the Ecosystem of Teknaf Peninsula, Chattogram, Bangladesh 

 

Saima Ahmad 

Associate Professor, Geography & Environment 

Bangladesh Open University, Gazipur 

Email: saima.ahmad68@gmail.com   

 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/bioethics.v11i2.49261    

 

Abstract: The eastern coastal zone of Bangladesh is endowed with dynamic Terrestrial ecosystem. 

The wide river estuaries, the uninterrupted Teknaf coast, and the rich biodiversity of the study area 

provide ample opportunities for socio-economic development. Nevertheless, the terrestrial ecosystem 

of the east coast has been deteriorating in an accelerated rate owing to unethical anthropogenic 

interventions. Few studies regarding ethical attitudes of local communities to conserve the coast were 

conducted earlier. The main theme of the study was to identify the detrimental consequences of 

unethical anthropogenic intervention upon the terrestrial ecosystem of Teknaf Peninsula, Chattogram. 

The objectives were (i) to measure the heavy metal concentration and (ii) the physio-chemical quality 

of soil, and (iii) to analyze the depletion of vegetation coverage at the study area. Five heavy metals 

like- Cadmium, Copper, Iron, Lead, and Zinc; and three physio-chemical parameters such as, the pH, 

Electrical Conductivity, and Temperature of sample soil were measured. The average concentration of 

Pb in soil (0.25 mg/g) is 10 times higher than world average (0.03 mg/g), while the concentration of 

Fe at Himchari area (S 03) soil is 1.54 mg/g more than world average (3.4 mg/g). The physio-

chemical parameters are within standard range. Unethical discharge of toxic effluents from shrimp 

hatcheries, and municipal garbage dumping are main sources of pollution, which ensue into 

degradation of the terrestrial and coastal and marine ecosystems. Further, the vegetation coverage has 

depleted manifolds. Hence, the Department of Environment (DoE), Bangladesh 1 declared the area as 

an ‘Ecologically Critical Area’ (ECA). The concerned stakeholders, like- CPP volunteers and 

officials, Forest Division, Fisheries Research Institute, Bangladesh Water Development Board, Union 

Chairman and Journalists of Cox’s Bazar recommended insertion of moral ethics among local 

stakeholders through trainings, motivational lectures, demonstrations and dramas, as well as, 

incorporation of lessons about consequences of unethical and unscrupulous activities upon geo-

environment into text books. Though least practice has been found regarding the practice of moral 

values and ethics during the survey, the present research advocates in developing ‘Knowledge pool’ 

about coastal environment, creating awareness, and developing moral ethics among the local, regional 

and national stakeholders. 

 

Keywords: Bio-diversity, Ecologically Critical Area, Ethics, Knowledge Pool, Moral Values, 

Terrestrial ecosystem.  

 

Introduction: The Teknaf coast, one of 

the significant ‘Ecologically Critical 

Areas’ (ECA) of the country was selected 

as the study area. The coast lies within the 

‘Bio-Ecological Zone 8a’, which consists 

of the i) Coastal Plain, and iii) Sandy 

Beach/Sand Dunes 2 (Map 1). The study 

focuses upon the detrimental consequences 

of unethical anthropogenic intervention 

upon the Terrestrial ecosystem of the study 



Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2020; 11 (2): 21-34 

22 

 

area. Three indicators, such as (i) the 

concentration of heavy metals and (iii) 

physio-chemical quality of soil and (iii) 

vegetation coverage of the study areas 

were selected to measure the detrimental 

impacts of unethical anthropogenic 

activities upon the study area. Collected 

soil samples were measured to find out the 

concentration of five heavy metals and 

quality of four physio-chemical 

parameters.  

 

The literatures regarding the heavy metal 

concentration in soil revealed the seasonal 

distribution of heavy metal (Cd, Pb, Zn, 

Cu, Mn and Fe) concentration in the 

littoral sediments of the Bay of Bengal 

coast3. The study mentioned the river, 

industrial region, and uncontrolled 

domestic wastewater discharge areas as the 

hotspots of pollution. The researchers 

stated that, the concentration of Cd, Pb, Zn 

and Fe were high at Matamuhuri, 

Moheshkhali and Bakkhali Rivers and had 

affected the aquatic ecosystem.  

 

According to the DoE (2014) declared 

that, the Cox’s Bazar municipality 

received around twelve tones of household 

wastes into the water bodies daily of which 

more than half of them end up in the 

Bakkhali River. The level of dissolved 

oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS) 

and biological oxygen demand (BOD) in 

the Cox’s Bazar Municipality area varied 

greatly in comparison to the standard 

values. Further, the DoE declared that, in 

2013 the level of TDS was 9,110 ppm 

(standard value below 2,100 ppm) in the 

river’s middle wharf area, which 

accentuates the gradual contamination of 

the river water 4.  

Rashid and his colleagues focused on the 

adverse effects of toxicity due to the 

escalation heavy metal concentration in 

saline sea water, sea sediment, sea shells, 

and on oyster along the east coast of the 

Bay of Bengal5. 

 

Raknuzzaman and coauthors aimed to 

provide baseline information on the toxic 

trace metal concentration in different 

coastal environment of Bangladesh6. 

Seven trace metal concentration, such as, 

Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb was 

determined in water and sediment samples 

collected from four coastal sites of 

Bangladesh, namely Bakkhali river 

estuary, Cox’s Bazar, Karnaphuli river, 

Chattogram, Meghna Estuary and 

Sunderbans. The study confirmed that, a 

wide range of metal concentration was 

observed among the sampling sites.  

 

The soil of the No.6 Fishery Ghat at 

Bakkhali River was detected as the main 

source point of pollution.  

 

The heavy metal contamination in 

sediment in recent years along Karnaphuli 

River estuary by measuring the depth-

distribution of core sediment composition, 

grain-size parameters, TOC content and Pb 

radioactivity of the Karnaphuli River 

estuary sediment7. The variations of all 

core sediment properties showed an 

abnormal sediment layer (8–20 cm) below 

the surface and the surface sediment of 

Karnaphuli River estuary was 

contaminated with Cr and Pb. Further, the 

researchers stated that, the catastrophic 

events, such as, landslides, cyclones, and 

heavy rainfall, between 2007 and 2008, led 

to the changes in source materials and 

depositional environment of estuary, and 



Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2020; 11 (2): 21-34 

23 

 

thus altered metal accumulation in 

sediments. The heavy metal increase at 

Karnaphuli River estuary sediment was 

associated with accelerated urban and 

industrial growth in recent 30 years, 

including catastrophic events in the area.  

 

The surface sediments along the Bay of 

Bengal coast has high concentrations of 

major (Si, Al, Ca, Fe, and K) and minor 

(Cd, Mn, Ni, Pb, U, Zn, Co, Cr, As, Cu, 

Rb, Sr, and Zr) heavy metals8.  

 

The Mangrove for the Future (MFF) is a 

regional initiative which promotes 

investment in coastal ecosystem 

conservation for sustainable development. 

Bangladesh is one of the countries where 

MFF focuses on healthy and well managed 

ecosystems to ensure ecosystem based 

resilience coastal communities9. The 

‘Coastal vegetation improvement for 

community resilience in Sabrang union of 

Teknaf peninsula’ (2016-2017) is one of 

the MFF projects, which aimed to improve 

lives and livelihoods of community people 

by reducing poverty and to ensure 

sustainable management in the Sabrang 

union of Teknaf. The project distributed 

33,000 saplings and 150 Bondhu chulas 

with a aim to reduce use of fire wood by 

the community. The project achieved 

success in reduced rate of tree cutting for 

domestic and other uses, increased 

plantation at homesteads and refrain from 

cutting down the road side trees 10.  

 

The mangroves as highly productive 

wetlands and vital coastal resource for the 

socio-economic development11. The 

researchers mentioned productivity and 

physical structure of the mangroves as two 

key variables, which provides suitable 

habitat for nursery, growth, and migration 

of floral and faunal species by recycling 

wastes and nutrients at the coastal areas. 

The study also mentioned that, 13 

mangrove user communities are highly 

dependent upon the mangroves. For 

instance, the small-scale fishing, like the 

catch of fin fishes, shrimps and prawns, 

crabs, mollusks are done from the 

mangrove areas along the coastal areas. 

Realizing the importance of the 

mangroves, about 1,469 ha of euryhaline 

mangroves were reported to be planted by 

different management regimes11. 

 

Though the literatures investigated into the 

concentration of heavy metals at the 

coastal area sediments, there were lesser 

studies regarding the heavy metal 

concentration at the source points of 

pollution in the soil of the Teknaf 

peninsula. Hence, the study selected the 

major point sources of pollution along the 

study area as the sample areas and 

collected soil samples from the most 

polluted soil of the sample areas. 

Moreover, little has been studied regarding 

the pattern of vegetation coverage of the 

study area, though the vegetation coverage 

of the area has been declining in a rapid 

pace. 

 

Main Theme and Objectives: The main 

theme of the study was to identify the 

detrimental consequences of unethical 

anthropogenic intervention upon the 

terrestrial ecosystem of Teknaf Peninsula, 

Chattogram. To achieve the theme, three 

objectives were selected, such as (i) 

detection of heavy metal concentration 

level in soil, (ii) identify the physio-

chemical quality of soil, and (iii) analyze 



Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2020; 11 (2): 21-34 

24 

 

the vegetation coverage status of the 

Teknaf coast. 

 

Justification: Lack of awareness, 

knowledge and ethical values of the local 

stakeholders are the vital driving forces 

causing detrimental changes and 

destruction of the Terrestrial ecosystem of 

the coastal zone in Bangladesh. The most 

vital component of terrestrial ecosystem is 

the soil, while vegetation functions as the 

‘Producer’ of the ecosystem food chain. 

Hence, the study focused upon 

anthropogenic invention induced soil 

quality deterioration, which ensue 

depletion of floral bio-diversity of the 

Teknaf coast. The present research found 

that, creating awareness about the impacts 

of unscrupulous activities of local and 

national stakeholders at the east coast 

ecosystems must be ensured through 

proper in-depth knowledge about diverse 

sectors of the coastal zone. 

 

Methodology: Selection of Study Area 

and Sample Areas: The study area was 

selected after a reconnaissance survey, as 

well as thorough literature survey and 

analysis of the satellite imageries of the 

last twenty-five (1990-2015) years. The 

sample areas were selected on the basis of 

presence of three distinct environmental 

features, such as the (i) source points of 

heavy metal concentration, (ii) areas of 

significant vegetation coverage depletion, 

and  (iii) areas of substantial ecological 

criticality. Selection of Environmental 

Indicators: The Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, 

and Zn are the eight most common 

pollutant heavy metals 12 a,b. Among these, 

the present study measured the 

concentration of four heavy metals such as 

the Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn; and the 

concentration of heavy metal Fe was 

measured for its significance as a nutrient 

for the terrestrial organisms13. 

Further, three physio-chemical parameters, 

such as the pH, Temperature, and Electric 

Conductivity (EC) were selected as the 

physio-chemical parameters to measure 

the soil quality and thus, identify the state 

of terrestrial ecosystem of the Teknaf 

coast. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Map 1: Bio-Ecological Zone of the Study area 2 

 

Research Approach: The research was 

conducted in both Quantitative and 

Qualitative Research approach. 

 

Primary sources of data: (i) The soil 

samples were collected from the point 

sources of pollution to measure the heavy 

metal concentration and physio-chemical 

quality of soil and (ii) The vegetation 

coverage was derived from the analysis of 

the six Temporal Landsat Images (1990-

2015). 

 

Secondary sources of data: (i) National 

and international reports, and (ii) 

Published and unpublished academic 

journals and books.  

 



Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2020; 11 (2): 21-34 

25 

 

Sample Collection: The soil samples were 

collected by ‘Point Sampling’ method 

from three source points of pollution at the 

study area. Toxic water drained directly 

from the shrimp hatcheries and fish 

processing industries into the beach soil at 

the Sonarpara and Himchari shrimp 

hatchery area; and the polluted beach soil 

due to garbage disposal by the tourist 

markets, hotels and visitors at the Inani 

beach ‘Tourist Spot’ area were collected. 

 

Methods of Sample Analysis: The level of 

concentration of five major heavy metals 

in the soil samples were analyzed in the 

Environment laboratories of the 

department of Geography and 

Environment, department of Soil, Water 

and Environment, and CARS, D.U. The 

soil samples were collected during the dry 

weather (pre-monsoon), from 16th -20th 

March, 2016.  

 

(i) Analysis of Heavy Metal Concentration 

in Soil samples: The heavy metals were 

analyzed to measure the concentration 

level in soil samples by ‘Atomic 

Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS-7000)’ 

method.  The soil samples were collected 

from a depth of six to eight inches at the 

point sources of pollution by ‘Point 

Sampling’ method. The samples were 

grinded and digested by ‘Nitric-

hydrochloric Acid Digestion’ method and 

then filtered into clear bottles. The 

digested samples were submitted at the 

Centre for Advanced Research in Science 

(CARS), University of Dhaka to measure 

the concentration level of the analytes like-

Iron, Zinc, Copper, Lead, and Cadmium in 

soil samples. The sample had to be diluted 

many folds to keep the results in the 

analytical range.  

(ii) Analysis of Non-Metal or Nutrient 

Concentration in Soil samples: The content 

of the two major non-metals or nutrients, 

such as Phosphorous and Sulphur was 

measured by HNO3 digestion method 

(combination of Nitric-Perchloric acids). 

 

(iii) Analysis of Physio-Chemical 

Parameters in Soil samples. Three physio-

chemical parameters, such as the pH, 

Electric Conductivity (EC), and 

Temperature of soil was measured with the 

pH Meter, calibrated by pH 7.0 buffer 

solution (distilled water) to analyze the 

environmental quality of the study area. 

The samples were measured and analyzed 

in the Environmental Laboratories of the 

Department of Geography and 

Environment and the Department of Soil, 

Water and Environment, University of 

Dhaka. 

 

(iv) Analysis of Landsat Images for 

Vegetation Coverage:Six ‘Radiometrically 

Corrected Temporal Landsat Images’ were 

analyzed and maps were created with 

Arc/GIS and ERDAS Imagine software to 

measure the ‘Vegetation coverage’. The 

‘Normalized Difference Vegetation Index 

(NDVI)’ method was used to reveal the 

vegetation coverage pattern in the study 

area (Map 2). The scale of NDVI ranges 

from -1.0 to + 1.014. The NDVI index 

separates green vegetation from other 

surfaces as the chlorophyll of green 

vegetation absorbs red light for 

photosynthesis and reflects the near-

infrared (NIR) wavelengths. Hence, the 

areas with strong infra-red wave length 

reflectance show healthy green dense 

vegetation, which is represented with 

index value from 0.6 to +1 15. Further, the 

index value from 0.2 to 0.4 indicates 



Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2020; 11 (2): 21-34 

26 

 

sparse vegetation, and values from 0.4 to 

0.6 indicate moderate vegetation. On the 

other hand, the index value below 0.2 

represents water bodies and areas without 

vegetation, while bare soil, rocks, water 

bodies, snow, and clouds have around zero 

reflectance15. Table 1.1 illustrates the 

pattern of physiographic features within 

the NDVI range.   

Table 1.1: NDVI Classification Ranges Ref No 

 

Data Presentation: The attributed data 

were presented with Tables, Graphs, and 

Maps.  

 

Results of the Study:  

Heavy Metal Concentration in Soil: The 

concentration of five heavy metals in soil 

samples, such as Cadmium (Cd), Copper 

(Cu), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), and Zinc (Zn) 

of three sample areas of the Teknaf coast 

has been shown in Table 1.2. 

 

Cd Concentration in the Soil: The Cd 

concentration of the soil samples at three 

source points of the study area is below 

detection level (BDL) (Table 1.1). 

 

Cu Concentration in Soil: The 

concentration of Cu ranges from 0.08 mg/g 

to 0.15 mg/g, while the average (n=3) was 

0.12 mg/g (Table 1.1, Fig. 1.1) in the study 

area. The soil sample, collected from a 

drain pouring toxic waste water directly to 

the soil and water from several hatcheries 

had the highest content of Cu (S 02). The 

Cu content of the sample areas were quite 

lower than the world average (0.9 mg/g). 

 

Fe Concentration in Soil: The Fe 

concentration ranges from 2.09 mg/g to 

4.94 mg/g, with an average (n=3) of 4.20 

mg/g (Table 1.1, Fig.1.2). The highest 

content of Fe is at Himchari Shrimp 

hatchery area (S 03), which is 1.54 mg/g 

more than the world average (3.4 mg/g). 

 

Pb Concentration in Soil: The Pb 

concentration of S 01 and S 02 is 0.24 

mg/g and 0.26 mg/g, while the average 

(n=2) is 0.25 mg/g (Table 1.1, Fig. 1.3). 

The Pb concentration of S 03 is below 

detection level (BDL). However, the 

average concentration of Pb in the soil of 

sample areas is 10 times higher than the 

world standard average concentration 

(0.03 mg/g).  

 

Zn Concentration in Soil: The Zn 

concentration ranges from 0.71 mg/g to 

0.86 mg/g, while the average (n=3) was 

0.78 mg/g (Table 1.1, Fig. 1.4). The 

highest content of Zn is at Himchari 

Shrimp hatchery area (S 03).The 

concentration of Zn in the soil of the 

sample areas is quite lower than the world 

average concentration (5.0 mg/g).  

 

Physio-Chemical Quality of Soil: Three 

(pH), (ii) Electric Conductivity (EC), and 

(iii) Temperature was taken to measure the 

physio-chemical quality of soil (Table 

1.3). 

 

(i) Potential of Hydrogen (pH) of Soil: The 

pH level of the three source points of the 

Teknaf coast varies from 5.8 to 7.6. This 

shows that, the soil of both S 02 and S 03  

NDVI Range Feature 

-1 - 0  Bare Soil, Rock, Water, 

Snow, Cloud 

0 - 0.2  Barren land / built up 

/rock 

0.2 - 0.4  Sparse Vegetation 

0.4 - 0.6  Moderate Vegetation 



Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2020; 11 (2): 21-34 

18 

 

Table 1.2: Heavy Metal Concentration in Soil of Teknaf Coast 

Fig. 1.1: Concentration of Cu in Soil 

Fig. 1.2: Concentration of Fe in Soil 

 Fig. 1.3: Concentration of Pb in Soil 

 

Fig. 1.4: Concentration of Zn in Soil. 

 

 

 

 

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Soil Sample mg/g mg/g mg/g mg/g mg/g mg/g mg/g mg/g mg/g mg/g 

Sample 01 

Inani Beach, Marine 

Drive 

BDL 0.11 0.13 0.9 2.58 3.4 0.24 0.03 0.77 5.0 

Sample 02 

Sonarpara, Marine Drive 

BDL 0.11 0.15 0.9 2.09 3.4 0.26 0.03 0.71 5.0 

Sample 03 

Himchari, Marine Drive 

BDL 0.11 0.08 0.9 4.94 3.4 BDL 0.03 0.86 5.0 

Average --- 
 

0.12 
 

3.20 
 

0.25 
 

0.78 
 

27 



Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2020; 11 (2): 21-34 

19 

 

were ‘Slightly Alkaline’ type. The soil 

quality at Inani beach tourist spot area (S 

01), as well as, the average soil condition  

of the sample areas is ‘Moderately Acidic’ 

in nature (Table 1.3, Fig.1.5).  

 

(ii)Electrical Conductivity of Soil: The EC 

of the soil ranges from 1.22 mS/Cm to 

6.37 mS/Cm in the sample areas, with an 

average EC of 4.21 mS/Cm (Table 1.3, 

Fig.1.6). 
 

(iii)The Temperature of Soil: The 

temperature of the sample area varies from 

26.4 to 26.5 °C, and the average 

temperature was 26.5°C (Table 1.3, 

Fig.1.7). 

 

Findings and Discussion: The east coast 

of Bangladesh is a dynamic coast with 

diverse opportunities and vulnerabilities. 

The longest uninterrupted coast of the 

world –the Cox’s Bazar coast, the wide 

river estuaries serving as the breeding 

ground and nursery of diverse flora and 

fauna, the rich terrestrial ecosystem 

endowed with the mangrove and many 

other indigenous trees, the largest tourist 

spots of the country like the Cox’s Bazar 

and Inani beach, the hills bordered by the 

narrow coastal plains, the wide and 

shallow continental shelf offers diverse 

physiographic and socio-economic 

opportunities of sustainable development. 

Nevertheless, all these opportunities have 

been facing deterioration owing to 

unethical and unscrupulous anthropogenic 

interventions like illegal land grabbing  

leading to coastline accretion and/ or 

erosion, destruction of the floral and faunal 

diversity, soil and water pollution due to 

huge discharge of untreated toxic heavy 

metals from the industries and water 

vehicles, excessive logging of indigenous 

trees for accommodating land for housing, 

shrimp cultivation, salt farming, 

agriculture, mixed and misuse of land 

properties. Realizing the situation, the 

present study attempted to analyze the 

state of major two components of 

terrestrial ecosystem-the soil and the 

vegetation coverage of the east coast. 

Hence, the heavy metal concentration and 

physio-chemical quality of the soil and the 

vegetation coverage depletion of the study 

area were identified in the study. The main 

sources of heavy metal pollution in soil 

were the urban traffics, and agrochemical 

products used in the agricultural land16. 

From the data acquired, the concentration 

of the heavy metal Fe in soil was detected 

as the highest (3.2 mg/g), followed by the 

ZN (0.78 mg/g), Pb (0.35 mg/g), and Cu 

(0.12 mg/g) concentration (Table 1.1). 

However, the average concentration of Pb 

in soil (0.25 mg/g) was 10 times higher 

than world average (0.03 mg/g). The Lead 

(Pb) as an extremely stable heavy metal 

which is a dangerous neurotoxin to human 

and other animals17. Though natural 

presence of 15 to 40 ppm of lead per kg 

(mg/kg) of soil is considered as natural, 

pollution might increase the level to 

several thousand ppm. The densely 

populated and industrial areas where 

weathering, chipping, scraping, sanding, 

and sand –blasting of structures bearing 

lead-based paints generally are the major 

sources of high Pb concentration. The 

concentration of Fe at Himchari area (S 

03) soil was 0.54 mg/g more than world 

average (3.4 mg/g). The Fe is an essential 

plant micronutrient occurring naturally. 

Deficiency of Fe in plants lessens the 

chlorophyll of the leaves18.  

 

However, Fe itself is not toxic, but this 

heavy metal interacts with other toxic 

28



Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2020; 11 (2): 21-34 

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Soil  Sample pH EC (mS/Centimeter) Temperature (°C) 

Sample area 01  (Inani Beach, Marine 

Drive) 

5.8 6.37 26.5 

Sample area  02  (Sonarpara, Marine Drive) 7.6 2.04 26.5 

Sample area 03 (Himchari, Marine Drive) 7.6 1.22 26.4 

Average 7.0 3.21 26.5 

Table 1.3: Physio-Chemical Quality of Soil. Source: Present Study, Field Survey, March, 2016 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 
Fig. 1.5: Potential of Hydrogen (pH) of Soil  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fig. 1.5: Potential of Hydrogen (pH) of Soil  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fig. 1.6: Electrical Conductivity of Soil  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Fig. 1.7: Temperatures of Soil 

 

29



Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2020; 11 (2): 21-34 

19 

 

metals. The anthropogenic sources, such as 

airborne dust during copper metallurgy are 

a major source of Cu, Pb and Cd18. Copper 

(Cu) is an essential heavy metal for plant 

growth available in soil19. Wide and 

continuous use of fertilizers in agricultural 

sector causes Cu contamination.  A wide 

variety of copper products produced in 

Bangladesh, such as copper foil, bars and 

rods, sheets and plates, tubes and pipes, 

wire, unwrought, and many other 

products20.  

 

The concentration of Pb in the Chattogram 

city area was around 7.33 mg/kg, while the 

concentration of Cd was around 2.43 

mg/kg during the summer season. The 

municipal wastes from rapidly growing 

urbanized areas, industrial effluents, 

chemical fertilizers or agricultural land, 

and as the major causes of metal and 

metalloid pollution in Bangladesh which 

has been posing substantial threat to the 

local people21. The agricultural land and 

vegetables in sewage-irrigated areas are 

highly contaminated with Cd, Pb, and 

Chromium (Cr). Cd might cause serious 

deleterious effects both in plants and 

mammalian consumers22. The main source 

of Cd in soil is the emissions from 

industries. According the researchers, Cd 

has high phytoaccumulation mobility from 

soil to plant and hence, might enter the 

food chain. 

 

The Zn concentration at S 01 (0.13 mg/g) 

and S 02 (0.15 mg/g) exceeded the world 

average (0.9mg/g). The shrimp hatchery 

areas at Cox’s Bazar contain the highest 

levels of Zn, Cu and Pb due to huge 

discharge of different salts and chemicals 

from hatcheries to the beach soil23. 

The soil remediation consists of actions 

such as removal, control, containment, or 

reduction of contaminants in soil to a safe 

level for biological entities24. The paper 

mentioned that, the remediation of copper 

contaminated soil can be done by the 

phytoremediation process as this method is 

economical and eco-friendly. The soils 

naturally contain 2 to 100 ppm (average 30 

ppm) of Cu which is essential for plant 

growth. On the other hand, excessive Cu 

concentration might cause toxicity leading 

to decrease in plant growth and seed 

germination.  

 

The physio-chemical parameters, such as 

the pH, EC and Temperature of the soil 

samples were measured (Table 1.1 and 

1.2). The pH in the soil of S 02 and S 03 

(pH 7.6) contained higher pH than the 

Neutral pH level (pH 7.0). Excess 

presence of pH in soil change the Slightly 

Alkaline soil into Moderately Alkaline; 

and decrease of per unit of pH increases 

the Zn fivefold in soil25. 

 

The soil EC is an indicator of salinity of 

soil, which indicates the nutrient 

availability and loss, soil texture, and 

available water capacity26a. Hence the crop 

yields and activity of soil micro-

organisms, such as emission of greenhouse 

gases are regulated by the EC 26b. The soil 

EC in the sample areas ranged from 1.22 

to 6.37 mS/Cm in the study area. The 

average was 3.21 mS/Cm, while the 

highest EC was at S 01 (6.37mS/Cm). The 

soil temperature plays a vital role in the 

physical, hydrological, and biological 

processes27. The soil temperature regulates 

the transformation and uptakes of nutrients 

by plant roots and agricultural crops28.  

 

30



Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2020; 11 (2): 21-34 

20 

 

The soil might show high spatio-temporal 

variability29.  

 

Vegetation Coverage: The vegetation 

coverage at the Teknaf coast has depleted 

at a great extent, showing a decline in 

index value from + 0.21 (1990) to + 0.02 

(2015) (Fig.1.8, Map 2 a & b). According 

to the Vegetation ranges, the study area 

has ‘Sparse Vegetation’14 & 15. In 1990, the 

value of the vegetation index at the study 

area ranged from -0.18 to 0.95, which 

might be categorized as ‘Sparsely 

vegetated area’ (Map 2 a). However, in 

2015 the value in the vegetation index 

ranged from 0.007 to 0.56, which indicates 

acute decline in vegetation coverage in the 

study area (Map 2 b). 

 

The study observed that, besides the 

physiographic cause, such as shoreline 

erosion, excessive cutting down of trees 

for domestic fire woods, logging and other 

purposes were the major causes of 

vegetation depletion. The Cd has high 

phytoaccumulation mobility from soil to 

plant and hence, might enter the food 

chain29. Hence, higher concentration of Cd 

in plants might cause toxicity leading to 

decreasing nutrient uptake, inhibiting 

photosynthesis, and plant growth. 

 

The declined vegetation coverage of the 

study area ensued enhanced soil erosion 

and causing massive shoreline 

erosion30.Moreover, the climate change 

induced hazards like cyclone and storm 

surge, tidal inundation, and wave cut 

erosion has increased in the study area due 

to decreasing vegetation coverage.  

 

Conclusion and Recommendations: The 

deterioration of the terrestrial ecosystem of 

the east coast is the consequence of 

municipal garbage dumping, industrial 

waste discharge, plantation of exotic and 

 

 

Map a 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Map b 

 

Map 2 (a & b): Vegetation Coverage of Teknaf 

Peninsula, Cox’s Bazar: 1990 & 2015 

 

 non-native plant species, lack of public 

awareness and knowledge about the 

ecosystem conservation, conflict of 

multiple, as well as unplanned land use, 

illegal and unscrupulous land 

31 



Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2020; 11 (2): 21-34 

21 

 

encroachment by local stakeholders, 

shrimp cultivation, and over exploitation 

of floral and faunal species for consuming 

and trading. The present research 

advocates to minimize the discharge of 

toxic industrial and municipal effluents 

from the point sources by implementing 

advanced ‘Waste Treatment Plant’ and 

ensuring close regular monitoring. 

Nevertheless, besides the application of 

modern waste treatment mechanisms, 

strong emphasis has to be given upon 

creating awareness at local and national 

level through developing knowledge pool 

regarding the conservation, as well as 

protection of the coastal zone terrestrial 

ecosystem. Regular trainings, 

demonstrations, rallies, and dramas should 

be held among the national and local 

stakeholders about the detrimental impacts 

of anthropogenic interventions in the 

terrestrial ecosystem of the east coast of 

Bangladesh. National level initiatives have 

to be taken for incorporating knowledge 

about the sustainable management of the 

coastal terrestrial ecosystem into the text 

books of all levels. Proper and adequate 

knowledge about the terrestrial ecosystem, 

awareness enriched with trainings, moral 

values and ethics regarding the 

conservation of the terrestrial ecosystem 

management has to be ensured for 

achieving the sustainable development 

goal. 

 

Limitations:  

1) The management of the shrimp 

hatcheries and fish processing factories 

were not available for KIIs, 

2) The local stakeholders were unaware 

and ignorant about the detrimental impacts 

of deterioration of ecosystems,  

3) The government stakeholders 

mentioned about lack of proper and fully-

functional infrastructural and law 

enforcing procedures to protect the 

terrestrial and coastal and marine 

ecosystems of the east coast, and  

4) Majority of the tourists were unaware 

and uninformed about their unscrupulous 

activities like throwing garbage at the 

coastal beach. 

 

Acknowledgements: The author wishes to express 

her appreciation to the Ministry of Science and 

Technology, GoB (National Science and 

Technology Fellowship: 2015-2018 (for Ph. D 

Degree) for their financial support. The author 

would also like to extend her acknowledgements to 

the department of Geography & Environment, 

department of Soil, Water and Environment, and 

Centre for Advanced Research in Sciences 

(CARS), University of Dhaka for providing 

laboratory facilities and other logistic supports 

while conducting this research. 

 

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Author Contributions: Author conceived the idea, 

did the literature review and wrote the manuscript.  

 

Conflict of Interest: The author declares that there 

is no Conflict of Interest. 

 

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