Assessment of environmental impacts for textile dyeing industries in Bangladesh

The textile dyeing and washing industry plays an important role in the economical growth as well as the environmental sectors of Bangladesh, contributes significantly to the textile and clothing export trade. But the textile dyeing industries has been condemned as being one of the world's most offenders in terms of pollution. Bangladesh has now become a significant supplier of Readymade Garments to both North America and Europe. More than 50% of Bangladeshi garment exports go to European Union and 44% to the USA. There are many dyeing industries in our country which are mainly located at Gazipur and Narayanganj industrial area. This study was aimed at the dyeing industries in Bangladesh to assess the present situation of environmental impacts arises from such activities and propose several mitigation measures. This was done by analyzing numerous data obtained from different laboratory test concerning a range of water quality parameters of Bangladesh. Important water quality parameters like pH, turbidity, TSS (total suspended solids), BOD, COD and presence of metals like copper, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, etc. were measured by testing samples. The samples were collected from effluent water of a renowned and international buyer (like GAP, PUMA, and LEVI's) recognized industry named UNIQUE Washing and Dyeing industry Limited at Gazipur, Dhaka. The results show that all the water quality parameters are within the permissible limits. Though the water test report shows no vulnerable change in water quality for this particular industry, but the overall EIA report shows the highest negative impact on physico-ecological environment. The human interest related factors make the total EIV positive.