Joining the American Chemical Society is more than just a membership—it's a commitment to lifelong learning, innovation, and ethical scientific practice. As members, we contribute to a community dedicated to advancing chemistry for the benefit of society. Embrace this opportunity to collaborate, inspire, and lead with integrity, knowing that your dedication can spark positive change and foster breakthroughs that shape the future." His member id number is 34597674.
Molecular diagnostics is undergoing a strategic transition from the established PCR "gold standard" toward CRISPR-based diagnostics (CRISPR-Dx). This shift toward precision pathology addresses critical barriers in clinical accessibility, moving high-fidelity testing to the front lines. While both modalities identify nucleic acids, their divergent operational requirements create a fundamental divide in deployment feasibility.
Cox’s Bazar, renowned for its long sandy beach and vibrant tourism industry, faces increasing environmental challenges due to plastic pollution. Microplastics—tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm—have emerged as a significant pollutant affecting coastal sediments and groundwater. Recently Ahmed et al. 2026 reported on the prevalence and potential hazards of MPs in surface sediment and shallow groundwater samples collected from 12 sites in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, from August to October 2023. Using stereomicroscopy and FTIR, MPs were quantified, with concentrations ranging from 60 to 813.33 MPs/kg in surficial sediment and 3.34 to 36.66 MPs/L in shallow groundwater, with mean values of 294.38 ± 26.61 MPs/kg and 18.91 ± 4.75 MPs/L. This report explores the occurrence, characteristics, and potential risks associated with microplastics in this region, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable waste management practices.
Dr. Hossain (muzammel3@gmail.com) is seeking a fellowship, grant for microplastics research.
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Occurrence of Microplastics
In Coastal Sediments
High Plastic Waste Input: The region experiences substantial plastic waste from tourism, fishing activities, and local communities.
Sediment Contamination: Microplastics are prevalent in the seabed sediments, accumulating over time due to ocean currents and sedimentation processes.
Sources: Fragmentation of larger plastic debris, fishing gear, and mismanaged waste contribute to sediment contamination.
In Shallow Groundwater
Infiltration Pathways: Microplastics enter shallow groundwater through surface runoff, leachates, and wastewater discharge.
Detection: Recent studies indicate the presence of microplastics in groundwater sources used for drinking and domestic purposes, raising health concerns.
Characteristics of Microplastics
Size & Shape: Predominantly fibers and fragments, varying in size from visible particles to microscopic scales.
Polymer Types: Mainly polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS), reflecting local plastic consumption patterns.
Color & Composition: Microplastics exhibit diverse colors, often matching common plastic products like bottles, caps, and fishing gear.
Surface Traits: Many microplastics show biofouling—colonization by microorganisms—affecting their transport and environmental interactions.
Risk Implications
Environmental Risks
Disruption of benthic ecosystems due to ingestion by sediment-dwelling organisms.
Alteration of sediment chemistry and physical properties, impacting habitat quality.
Human Health Risks
Potential ingestion of microplastics through contaminated groundwater sources.
Microplastics may carry toxic chemicals and pathogens, posing health hazards when ingested.
Ecological Risks
Microplastics act as vectors for persistent organic pollutants (POPs), bioaccumulating in marine and terrestrial food webs.
Impact on fisheries and local livelihoods dependent on seafood.
Evidence from Cox’s Bazar
Recent environmental assessments reveal significant microplastic concentrations in coastal sediments.
Detection of microplastics in shallow groundwater sources suggests infiltration from land-based sources.
The findings underscore the need for comprehensive policies targeting waste reduction, plastic recycling, and water quality monitoring.
Conclusion
The presence of microplastics in Cox’s Bazar’s coastal sediments and groundwater poses serious environmental and health concerns. Addressing this issue requires integrated efforts involving community awareness, stricter waste management regulations, and scientific research to monitor and mitigate microplastic pollution.
Reference
Theme: Run For The River
Date: May 23, 2026
Organised: CBEES &
BCFRC
Event Coordinator: Dr. Md Muzammel Hossain
Run through a "water" obstacle, such as a series of foam blocks or a shallow water pit, to simulate the river's role as a habitat for aquatic life.
Run along a "riverbank" or a designated path lined with trees or other
vegetation to represent the river's ecosystem.
Run through a simulated "cityscape" or a busy area to highlight
the importance of rivers for human needs, such as water supply and
transportation.
Run through a "polluted" area, marked by obstacles or challenges
such as "oil slicks" or "chemical spills," to raise
awareness about the environmental impact of human activities on rivers.
Run uphill or on uneven terrain to replicate the river's course through
mountains, canyons, and valleys.
Run up a small hill or incline to simulate the melting of glaciers, which is
a primary source of many rivers.
Jog or walk along a winding path, symbolizing the meandering journey of a
river from its source.
Inquire or contact : Dr. Md Muzammel Hossain (muzammel3@gmail.com ).
For details visit on WFMD
Renowned scientist and mentor Dr. Hossain Md Muzammel has participated in the “Enhancing Community Health through Agroeconomic Innovations” session at the 3rd International Trainee Symposium on Agri-Food,Nutrition, and Health, scheduled for October 15-17, 2025. He has delivered a virtual presentation on the important topic: “Potential Toxic Elements in Cosmos Plants and the Public Health Risks in Prettification Cities.” Breanne Semenko will serve as the session chair. The event take place at the Samuel N. Cohen Auditorium, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada.
The symposium featured 150 trainee presentations and included two plenary lectures. The first delivered occur by Dr. Alfredo
Franco-Obregon, Professor at the Institute for Health Innovation &
Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore. The second presented by Dr. Charles Brennan, Chief Scientific Director of the Food &
Nutrition Innovation Hub at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology,
Australia.
Corbicula fluminea is an invasive bivalve that thrives in various aquatic environments, often used as a bioindicator for monitoring pollution. The study underscores the environmental contamination of urban rivers in Bangladesh with PTEs and highlights the potential health risks associated with consuming invasive Asian clams from these areas. Shellfish research expertise Dr. Md Muzammel Hossain addressing pollution sources and monitoring bioaccumulation are essential for safeguarding ecosystem and human health. Typically, higher concentrations of PTEs are observed in C. fluminea from highly polluted sites. Results often indicate potential health risks, especially for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.
Research entitled "Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the invasive Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea) from polluted urban river areas of Bangladesh and evaluation of human health risk". Researcher Dr. Md Muzammel Hossain from BCFRC, Bangladesh and Jiangsu University, China conducted field visits to multiple urban rivers in Bangladesh to collect Asian clam samples, and the results have been published in the scientific journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment.
Read more: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104492
“The concern of potential toxic
elements (PTEs) contamination in the river ecosystem is growing due to
anthropological activity. Sediment pollution poses significant health risks by
introducing harmful contaminants into water bodies, which can affect both
aquatic ecosystems and human populations. Exposure to polluted sediments may
lead to health issues such as skin irritations, gastrointestinal illnesses, and
the transmission of waterborne diseases. Additionally, sediments can harbor
toxic substances like Potential toxic elements (PTEs), which can accumulate in
the food chain, increasing long-term health risks for communities relying on
affected water sources. Addressing sediment pollution is crucial to
safeguarding environmental and public health.”
#BCFRCResearch #Sedimentology #PTEs #Research
Abstract
The content of heavy metals in the food chain has grown due to human activities and rapid industrial growth. The accumulation of heavy metals in P. betel leaves and the related threat to human health were analyzed by using the AAS that was collected from eleven locations inside the city of Dhaka. High MDA contents indicated contamination in P. betel samples and can regulate biochemical activity by different potential toxic elements (PTEs). The P. betel samples revealed the highest mean concentrations of As (2.09 mg/kg), Pb (0.06 mg/kg), Mn (218 mg/kg), Ni (1.55 mg/kg), Cu (10 mg/kg), Zn (2.6 mg/kg), Cr (5.1 mg/kg), and Cd (0.003 mg/kg) and certain metal exceed the guideline value. Mn, Cr, and As mean values at the research sites are higher than the permitted concentration range. Among all metals, Mn was the most accumulated metal in leaves and enhanced hazard index (HI) and non-carcinogenic risk for children. Individual metal THQ values were all less than 1 (except Mn), indicating that consuming only one metal from betel samples would not pose a serious risk to one's health. However, HI value (> 1) indicates a possible non-carcinogenic health risk to urban city people, especially in children. The assessment revealed that the allowable range of Cr and As content in betel leaves may enhance the carcinogenic risk (CR). Among heavy metals, the CR value of Cr indicated an enhanced cancer risk in children at L3, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10, and L11 sites. This study shows from a health perspective that people who eat contaminated betel leaves are continuously exposed to metal pollution, which can have both carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic effects.
Source: Journal of Food Composition and Analysis.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2024.106540
Abstract
The invasive Asian clam species, Corbicula fluminea, has significant ecological and societal implications at both local and international levels due to its nutritional aspects. C. fluminea from four urban rivers in Bangladesh exhibited negative allometric growth and degree of contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs), which posed a concern to human health based on the AAS and USEPA risk models. The highest mean concentration of PTEs followed a decreasing order: Zn (155.08 ± 4.98 mg/kg) > Cu (53.96 ± 7.61 mg/kg) > Mn (14.29 ± 3.25 mg/kg) > Cd (2.23 ± 0.10 mg/kg) > Pb (1.64 ± 0.14 mg/kg) > As (1.51 ± 0.45 mg/kg) > Ni (1.25 ± 0.27 mg/kg) > Cr (0.65 ± 0.02 mg/kg) in C. fluminea and raising safety concerns. With the exception of Cr and Mn, all element levels were exceeded safety guideline value (SGV) (mg/kg. ww) and exhibited a strong positive correlation (p < 0.05) among the sites. The target hazard quotient of Mn is THQ > 1, and As showed a non-carcinogenic risk in children at OBR, BR, and MR site. The hazard index (HI > 1) value at the BR and MR sites indicated a public health risk associated with the clam. The target cancer risk (TCR) values for As, Cd, and Ni showed that consuming clams posed a carcinogenic risk to human health. These findings suggest that eating these clams may put consumers at significant risk for health issues related to As, Cd, Ni, and Mn exposure. The study emphasizes the need for strict monitoring and preventative measures to reduce the health risks posed by PTEs contamination in clams.
Journal : Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10661-024-13322-6
Abstract:
The concern of potential toxic elements (PTEs) contamination in the river ecosystem is growing due to anthropological activity. The contents of seven PTEs in sediments from the Balu River channel were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and an environmental risk model. Several PTEs were found in the sediment at high levels, including zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and mercury (Hg), that might pose a risk to human and ecological health. The highest mean concentration of PTEs in sediment followed in decreasing order Zn (1365.21 mg/kg) > Cu (149.34 mg/kg) > Pb (46.34 mg/kg) > Ni (34.78 mg/kg) > As (6.31 mg/kg) > Cd (2.34 mg/kg) > Hg (1.03 mg/kg). In addition, most of these PTEs were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) among the sites and exceeded the safety guideline value. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), and pollution load index (PLI) showed high levels of PTEs contamination and moderately polluted to highly polluted levels of these elements. At the BL3, BL4, and BL6 sites within the study site, the ecological risk (PERI) score was extremely high, and the PERI values range found was from 75.39 to 355.72. Every PTE had a slightly greater concentration during the dry season than the wet season. Interestingly, PTE accumulation from sediment indicated non-carcinogenic risk (HQdermal) in human health, whereas most of the sites showed carcinogenic risk (CRdermal) to human health (adult and child) due to Cd and Ni accumulation. Multivariate statistical analysis (MVSA) indicated the most likely anthropological sources were the untreated wastes discharged in the river sampling area. People who come into contact with polluted sediments are constantly exposed to Ni and Cd pollution, which increases the risk of cancer and non-cancerous diseases. So, continuous PTE monitoring is advised by this study to assess ecological and human health risks.
Sources: Journal of Contaminant Hydrology
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104492
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become prominent environmental pollutants because of their widespread adoption in various industries. Despite their known persistence, bioaccumulation, detoxifying mechanisms, enzymes and non-enzymes activity, and toxicity behaviour remained poorly understood. The accumulation of “forever chemicals” has been found in water, plants, finfish, and shellfish. They pose adverse effects that might lead to risk and damage. A considerable amount of various PFAS have been identified in biota, raising concern about environmental standards. The current study has investigated the impacts of PFAS on plants, finfish, and animals based on environments and levels. PFAS can interfere with important biological functions. Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), toxicity, and possible cell damage might result from exposure. Exposure to PFAS has been implicated in metabolic pathways and oxidative stress. Their effects on the environment alter metabolic pathways, lead to detoxification processes for ROS, C and N, and change the activities of enzymes (SOD, CAT, POD) and non-enzymes (MDA, AsA, and GSH). Metabolic processes in breathing creatures depend on the TCA cycle. This article highlights distinct ways the impact of PFAS contamination in water, plants, finfish, and shellfish, which is shown in different model diagrams. Contributes to a deeper understanding of PFAS removal techniques for environmental sustainability.
Dr. Md Muzammel Hossain is a Founder and Program Coordinator to the Director of Research for the BCFRC (Biodiversity Conservation & Fisheries Research Center). He has successfully completed a Postdoc in Environmental Science and Engineering from the College of the Environmental safety and Engineering, Jiangsu University, China and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, China. He was born in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. His research interests are in Ecology, biology and ecotoxicology. As broad interests include Environmental pollution, Remediation, soil pollution, stress, resources, Aquatic animals (fish, shellfish, and mammals) and plants (rice), Silicon (Si), organosilicon or silicone polymers, Ecology, Chemical Ecology, Heavy metal, PFAS, Pollution, Risk Assessment, Toxicology, Biochemical Assay, Antioxidant, Physiology, Water quality, Human Health, Dolphin Conservation, DNA barcoding, Genome, Biodiversity, qRT-PCR and Molecular biology etc.
Abdullah Al Nahian, as the Director of the BCFRC (Biodiversity Conservation and Fisheries Research Center), is likely involved in initiatives related to nature research, conservation, and sustainable practices. Leaders in such roles typically focus on advancing scientific knowledge, conducting research on biodiversity, and promoting conservation efforts in ecosystems. He is graduated from the University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh.
His research interest in Biotechnology, Molecular biology, Pollutants, Biota, Genetics etc.
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World Wildlife Day is celebrated on March 3rd each year to raise awareness about the world's wild animals and plants and to highlight the importance of wildlife conservation. The day also commemorates the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973.
Each year, World Wildlife Day has a specific theme that focuses on issues affecting wildlife and their habitats. Events and activities, such as educational programs, wildlife protection campaigns, and community involvement initiatives, are organized globally to promote the message of biodiversity conservation and the protection of vulnerable species.
Participating in World Wildlife Day can include activities like wildlife photography exhibitions, nature walks, lectures, volunteer opportunities for habitat restoration, and fundraising events for wildlife conservation organizations. The day emphasizes the importance of preserving natural ecosystems and acknowledging the vital role that wildlife plays in ecological balance and human wellbeing.
World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2nd every year. It was first celebrated in 1997 to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and the need to conserve them. The day marks the date of the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971, an international treaty that aims to conserve and manage wetlands around the world. This year’s theme is “Protecting wetlands for our common future.”
Abstract:
The concern of potential toxic elements (PTEs) contamination in the river ecosystem is growing due to anthropological activity. The contents of seven PTEs in sediments from the Balu River channel were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and an environmental risk model. Several PTEs were found in the sediment at high levels, including zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and mercury (Hg), that might pose a risk to human and ecological health. The highest mean concentration of PTEs in sediment followed in decreasing order Zn (1365.21 mg/kg) > Cu (149.34 mg/kg) > Pb (46.34 mg/kg) > Ni (34.78 mg/kg) > As (6.31 mg/kg) > Cd (2.34 mg/kg) > Hg (1.03 mg/kg). In addition, most of these PTEs were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) among the sites and exceeded the safety guideline value. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), and pollution load index (PLI) showed high levels of PTEs contamination and moderately polluted to highly polluted levels of these elements. At the BL3, BL4, and BL6 sites within the study site, the ecological risk (PERI) score was extremely high, and the PERI values range found was from 75.39 to 355.72. Every PTE had a slightly greater concentration during the dry season than the wet season. Interestingly, PTE accumulation from sediment indicated non-carcinogenic risk (HQdermal) in human health, whereas most of the sites showed carcinogenic risk (CRdermal) to human health (adult and child) due to Cd and Ni accumulation. Multivariate statistical analysis (MVSA) indicated the most likely anthropological sources were the untreated wastes discharged in the river sampling area. People who come into contact with polluted sediments are constantly exposed to Ni and Cd pollution, which increases the risk of cancer and non-cancerous diseases. So, continuous PTE monitoring is advised by this study to assess ecological and human health risks.
Sources: Journal of Contaminant Hydrology
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104492
