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Lake Maurepas Monitoring Project (Chemical analysis); (PI: Fereshteh Emami, Ph.D.)
Role: Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) (7th August, 2023—Date)
Summary: This study presents the first comprehensive assessment of toxic chemicals and heavy metals in Lake Maurepas, Louisiana, integrating an innovative Bayesian Multivariate Receptor Model (BMRM) with Event Response and Causality Analysis (ERCA) to quantitatively trace pollutant sources, assess the influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors, and identify high-risk zones.
Our study breaks new ground by unveiling critical insights into pollutant resilience, thresholds, and the interactions between environmental factors and pollutant sources in freshwater ecosystems. We demonstrate how transportation and accidental releases (TRAR) drive pollution sensitivity, while biological decay (DDBS) exhibits natural tolerances. Additionally, our developed weighted assessment method, which quantifies seismic-drilling activities, helped reveal that seismic drilling alters hydrodynamics, reducing pollutant transport while mobilizing geological contaminants—a key yet often overlooked aspect of water quality management.
By incorporating ERCA with receptor modeling, we provide a deeper understanding of pollution dynamics compared to conventional approaches. Key findings highlight the dominant roles of salinity, atmospheric pressure, and wind speed in shaping pollutant variability, while also identifying local waterways and Pass Manchac as primary pollutant origins. Our results have significant implications for policymakers, environmental managers, and researchers focused on water quality assessment and remediation.
Publications from the research:
[J.1] Gunawardhana, T.; Rahman, M. A.; LaCour, Z.; Erwin, E.; & Emami, F. (2024). Spatial Pattern Assessment and Prediction of Water and Sedimentary Mud Quality Changes in Lake Maurepas. Environments, 11(12), 268. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11120268
[J.2] Rahman, M. A.; Gunawardhana, T.; LaCour, Z.; Erwin, E.; & Emami, F. (2024). Heavy Metals, Chemical Pollution, and Hidden Clues: Decoding Lake Maurepas. (Under Consideration in the ACS ES&T Journal).
Conference Proceedings:
[C.1] Rahman, M. A.; Gunawardhana, T.; LaCour, Z.; & Emami, F. (2025, March). Pollution Sources and Event Response Analyses of the Water Samples in Lake Maurepas. Oral presentation at Louisiana Academy of Science (LAS), Mulder Hall (2nd Floor), Louisiana State University at Alexandria (LSUA), Alexandria, LA.
[C.2] Rahman, M. A.; Gunawardhana, T.; LaCour, Z. & Emami, F. (2024, March). Assessing Water and Sediment Quality in Maurepas Lake: Identification of Chemical and Biochemical Contaminants. Oral presentation at American Chemical Society (ACS- Spring-24), Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA.
[C.3] Rahman, M. A.; Gunawardhana, T.; LaCour, Z. & Emami, F. (2024, January). Assessment of the vertical distribution of chemical and biochemical contaminants in the Maurepas Lake water. Oral presentation at Louisiana Academy of Science (LAS), Science Building Annex, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA.
[C.4] Gunawardhana, T.; Rahman, M. A.; LaCour, Z. & Emami, F. (2024, March). Geospatial Distribution of Heavy Metals in Lake Maurepas Ecosystem: Analyzing Water and Sediment Quality Variations Across Diverse Locations and Depths. Oral presentation at American Chemical Society (ACS- Spring-24), Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA.
[C.5] Gunawardhana, T.; Rahman, M. A.; LaCour, Z. & Emami, F. (2024, January). Examining the Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metals in the Lake Maurepas: An In-depth Analysis of Water and Sediment Quality. Oral presentation at Louisiana Academy of Science (LAS), Science Building Annex, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA.
2. Soil organic matter (SOM), water quality, and Methane (CH₄) gas flux determination from the Sundarban mangrove forest, Bangladesh;
(PI: Md. Hasibur Rahaman, Ph.D.; Co-PI: Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, Ph.D.)
Role: Research Assistant (RA) (01 July, 2019—30 June, 2022)
Summary: One of the most significant milestones in my career has been my role as a research assistant for an extraordinary project that spanned two years and eight months. This multidisciplinary endeavor focused on the intricate dynamics of mangrove ecosystems, aiming to assess both water and sediment quality while characterizing the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as methane (CH₄), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and nitrous oxide (NO₂) from various sources, including mangrove plant stems, twigs, and soil.
A key aspect of our research was to uncover whether the rich mangroves of Bangladesh function as vital sinks or potential sources of greenhouse gases. We meticulously analyzed seasonal variations and the impacts of climatic factors such as temperature, rainfall, and soil saturation on GHG emission fluxes. To facilitate our inquiries, I pioneered innovative static closed gas chamber techniques, enabling us to effectively capture gas emission flux from mangrove sediments, plants, stems, twigs, and leaves. Gas samples were carefully collected in gas bags at regular intervals, swiftly transported to the laboratory, and analyzed using cutting-edge gas chromatography techniques to determine their composition and concentrations.
Despite our enthusiasm and dedication, the Covid-19 pandemic presented unforeseen challenges that hindered our progress, severely restricting access to the mangrove forests for essential sampling. However, this project had a profound impact on my professional development. It provided me with invaluable opportunities to enhance my leadership skills as an independent researcher, refine my conceptual approach to conducting research, and innovate cost-effective gas chamber techniques.
Reflecting on this experience, I realize that each challenge we faced only fueled my determination to contribute to environmental research and foster resilience in the pursuit of scientific understanding.
Publications from this research:
Hakim, M. A., Bari, E., Islam, M. K., Rahaman, M. T., Rofi, M. M., Rahman, M. A., Rahaman, M. H., Islam, M. S., & Rahman, M. M. (2024). Spatial distribution and stoichiometric characteristics of the topsoil macronutrients in the Sundarbans. Available at SSRN: http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4773851
3. Indoor cooking impacts on indoor air quality in the southwestern part of Bangladesh
(PI: Md. Hasibur Rahaman, Ph.D.; Co-PI: Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, Ph.D.)
Summary: The main objective of this study was to assess the impacts of cooking and indoor air quality (IAQ) in the southwestern region of Bangladesh. I reported and compared the IAQ across eight kitchens and living rooms of four selected households (HHs) in Jashore city and its suburban areas. During the study, I continuously assessed air quality parameters such as particulate matter (PM2.5) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) for a duration of 24 hours. Additionally, I evaluated carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels during various phases throughout the study period. The findings revealed that PM2.5, VOC, and CO₂ levels ranged from 18.52 to 207 μg/m³, 7.95 to 35.66 ppm, and 1061 to 2459 mg/m³, respectively, in households engaged in indoor cooking. In contrast, the average concentrations for outdoor cooking households were notably lower, with PM2.5 averaging between 20.63 to 23.72 μg/m³, VOC levels ranging from 11.18 to 12.36 ppm, and CO₂ levels between 1097 to 1747 mg/m³. A significant increase in CO₂ levels due to kitchen activities, such as cooking, frying, and boiling, was observed, with increases ranging from 5% to 77% compared to the background levels. I calculated the toxicity potential (TP) values for PM2.5 in households, which ranged between 0.8 and 8.3. In many instances, the concentrations of PM2.5, VOC, and CO₂ exceeded standard values. The study concluded that improved ventilation systems and the use of clean fuels could significantly reduce indoor air contaminant levels. By offering new insights into the IAQ within the southwestern region of Bangladesh, particularly in suburban and urban settings, my research provided a crucial foundation for further studies and decision-making related to environmental health. It serves as a valuable reference for the formulation and implementation of policies aimed at improving air quality.
Publication from the research:
Akteruzzaman, M*., Rahman, M.A*., Rabbi, F.H., Asharof, A., Rofi, M.H., Hasan, M.K., Islam, M.K., Khan, A.R., Rahman, M.M., Rahman, M.H., 2023. The impacts of cooking and indoor air quality assessment in the southwestern region of Bangladesh. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e12852
Conference Proceedings:
Rahaman, M.H., Rahman, M.A*., Yasmeen, S., Mia, M.S., Akteruzzaman, M., Rahman, M.M., 2022. Determination of indoor air quality and thermal comfort indicators and toxicity potential in the hospital environment of Jashore Sadar area, Jashore (Accepted in ICEPSD 22, Dhaka, ID#0263).
4. Air quality modeling in the hospital environment
(PI: Md. Hasibur Rahaman, Ph.D.; Co-PI: Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, Ph.D.)
Summary: In this study, I selected nine hospital wards from both a public and a private hospital in the southwestern region of Bangladesh to assess and compare the IAQ against outdoor levels. I evaluated five critical IAQ parameters: particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), volatile organic compounds (VOC), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and formaldehyde (HCHO). Additionally, I measured three indoor comfort parameters: temperature, relative humidity, and noise levels at three different times throughout the day—morning, midday, and afternoon.
The results revealed that PM2.5, PM10, and CO₂ concentrations were significantly higher in the private hospital wards, with average values of 48.59 ± 12.34 µg/m³, 65.27 ± 14.18 µg/m³, and 721.13 ± 159.20 ppm, respectively. In contrast, temperature and relative humidity were slightly lower in the private hospital wards (RH: 81.80 ± 1.29%, T: 31.27 ± 1.24 °C) compared to those in the public hospital. Importantly, the noise levels detected in both hospitals were significantly higher indoors than outdoors, indicating a potential discomfort for patients and staff. The indoor-to-outdoor (I/O) ratio analysis pointed to most contamination sources being indoors in the private hospital. Furthermore, the toxicity potential measurements suggested serious health implications for individuals in these indoor environments.
This study underscores the urgent need to address indoor air quality in hospital settings to protect patients, staff, and visitors while highlighting the disparities between public and private healthcare facilities.
Publication from this research:
Rahman, M. A.*; Sayeed, K. M. A.; Ferdos, J.; Razzak, M. A.; Muktadir, M. A. & Rahaman, M. H. (2024). Comparative assessment of indoor air quality and comfort parameters in government and non-government hospitals in southwestern Bangladesh. Next Research, 1 (2), 100063. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nexres.2024.100063
5. Source apportionment of contaminants and groundwater quality evaluation in the western part of Bangladesh
(PI: Md. Alinur Rahman); Source of Funding: NST Fellowship-21; Grant Received by MAR)
Summary: The study, conducted in the western part of Bangladesh, reported very alarming groundwater quality in most of the study areas. We applied different water quality indicating models (e.g., water quality index (WQI) and heavy metal pollution index (HPI)) and found that most of the samples were unsuitable for drinking and irrigation purposes. We represented the distribution by applying the geospatial analysis. Moreover, we apportioned the potential sources of groundwater pollution using multivariate statistical models (e.g., PCA, CA, and CCA). Most of the pollution sources were found to be geogenic or agricultural practices.
Publication from the research:
Rahman, M.A*., Habiba, U., 2023. Groundwater Quality Evaluation and Pollution Source Apportionment Using Multivariate Statistical Analyses in Chuadanga Municipality, Bangladesh. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydres.2023.05.001
6. Nitrogen and Phosphorus removal from wastewater
(PI: Md. Hasibur Rahaman, Ph.D.; Co-PI: Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, Ph.D.)
Summary: The particular intention of the research was to scrutinize cost-effective and nature-based wastewater treatment. In Bangladesh, most of the rivers are polluted by the untreated effluents from industrial and domestic sewage, which consequently damage the aquatic ecosystems by causing eutrophication and massive nutrient deposition. Since N and P are two potential candidates in domestic or industrial wastewater, it is necessary to develop a system that could potentially decrease the level of the nutrients in wastewater. We developed some wastewater treatment devices (e.g., bio-sand filters, horizontal flow constructed wetlands (CW), vertical flow CW, horizontal-vertical mixed (hybrid), and multilayer systems). We applied some naturally abundant adsorbent materials (e.g., sand, gravel, shell, etc.) and different phytoremediation-potential wetland species, such as Canna indica, Echinodorus cordifolius, and Schummiunthus dichotomous.
Key findings: In our first research, which investigated the phytoremediation capacity of Schummiunthus dichotomous plant species in vertical flow CW units, a significant proportion of N, BOD, and COD was reduced in that system. Our current research scrutinizes the significant (60–>90%) N and P removal in the hybrid system (vertical–horizontal).
Publications from the research:
Rahman, M.A., Rahman, M.H., Yasmeen, S., Rahman, M.M., Rabbi, F.H., Shuvo, O.R., Usamah. 2022. Phytoremediation Potential of Schumannianthus Dichotomus in Vertical Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetland. J. Env. Cha. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2022.100631
Conference Proceedings:
Rahman, M.A*., Rabbi, F.H., Rahaman, M.H., Yasmeen, S., Rahman, M.M., Usamah, Rahman, M.S., 2022. Performance evaluation of hybrid constructed wetlands in nitrogen and phosphorus removal from the student’s dormitory sewage of Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST). (Accepted in International Conference on 4IR for Emerging Future 2022, Dhaka, Bangladesh)
Rahman, M.A*., Rahaman, M.H., Yasmeen, S., Rahman, M.M., Rabbi, F.H., Shuvo, O.R., Usamah., 2022. Determination of the phyto-reduction efficiencies of Schumannianthus dichotomus in a vertical subsurface flow constructed wetland system. (Accepted in International Conference on 4IR for Emerging Future 2022, Dhaka, Bangladesh).
7. Heavy metal pollution in street dusts and potential source identification
(PI: Md. Hasibur Rahaman, Ph.D.; Co-PI: Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, Ph.D.)
Summary: This is an ongoing research project scrutinizing the spatial distribution of heavy metals in an administrative municipality in Bangladesh and the potential sources responsible for that pollution.
I have already prepared a manuscript that addresses those issues and is waiting for submission to a journal.
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