Assessing Environmental Risks in Dredging Operations: A Case Study of Pabna District, Bangladesh

This research investigates the concerns of environmental risks inherent in dredging operations in the Pabna District of Bangladesh. Environmental risk assessment involves collecting water samples from four locations, three being dredging sites and one undisturbed area, followed by laboratory analysis. Findings revealed elevated turbidity and water hardness in dredged regions, alongside a lower pH and dissolved oxygen compared to undisturbed sites. Along with the water sample analysis, noise levels were monitored at all four sites revealing that noise levels were much higher than the standard levels of silent and residential areas, but slightly higher than the level of mixed areas. While dredging is conducted throughout the whole year in a region like Pabna, environmental conservation is paramount, necessitating dredging practices that preserve ecological equilibrium.