Effect of ship scrapping activities on the soil and sea environment in the coastal area of Chittagong, Bangladesh

Abstract Ship scrapping activities pollute the soil and sea water environment in the coastal area of Foujderhat to Kumira of Chittagong District, Bangladesh mainly through the discharge of various refuse materials and metal fragments from the scrapping of ships. As a result, toxic concentration of ammonia for marine organisms was found in both beach soil and sea water with an increase in pH. Extensive human and mechanical activities accelerate the rate and amount of sea shore erosion and results in higher turbidity of sea water. Critical concentration of DO and higher BOD were found with an abundance of floatable materials (grease balls and oil films) in the sea water.