Recharge and Pollution Vulnerability Under Contrasting Geological Settings in North-western Bangladesh: Evidence from Stable Isotopes and Hydrochemistry
Author (s)
Shamim Ahmed, Khondaker Emamul Haque, S. M. Shafiuzzaman, Md. Moniruzzaman, Mst. Shamima Yeasmin, Most. Rajia Sultana, & Md. Shajedul Islam
Abstract
Groundwater in north-western Bangladesh is under growing stress from intensive abstraction, uncertain recharge, and deteriorating water quality. These pressures are particularly evident in two contrasting hydrogeological settings, the Floodplain and the Barind Tract, where aquifer behaviour differs markedly despite exposure to the same regional climate. A total of 23 water samples from river water, floodplain aquifers, and Barind aquifers were analysed for stable isotopes (δ2H and δ18O), major ions, and trace elements to evaluate groundwater recharge mechanisms and vulnerability to pollution across contrasting geological settings in north-western Bangladesh. The isotopic analysis showed that the water is recharging in the floodplain aquifer. In contrast, the Barind aquifer is restricted from recharge due to the thick clay layer over the aquifer. Hydrochemical analyses indicated a predominance of Ca–Mg–HCO₃ water type, with elevated concentrations of K, Fe, Mn, As, Pb, NO3 and NO2 in the Floodplain, suggesting higher pollution vulnerability. Nitrate Pollution Index and Entropy-Weighted Water Quality Index results confirmed these differences in groundwater quality. Overall, Floodplain aquifers are recharge-prone but contamination-sensitive, whereas Barind aquifers are recharge-limited but depletion-prone. These findings provide a comparative framework for setting-specific groundwater management strategies.
Key words: Floodplain, Barind Tract, Hydrochemistry, Stable isotopes, Groundwater recharge, Pollution vulnerability, EWQI.
| Title: | Recharge and Pollution Vulnerability Under Contrasting Geological Settings in North-western Bangladesh: Evidence from Stable Isotopes and Hydrochemistry |
|---|---|
| Author: | Shamim Ahmed, Khondaker Emamul Haque, S. M. Shafiuzzaman, Md. Moniruzzaman, Mst. Shamima Yeasmin, Most. Rajia Sultana, & Md. Shajedul Islam |
| Journal Name: | Journal of Scientific Reports |
| Website: | http://ijsab.com/jsr |
| ISSN: | ISSN: 2708-7085 (Online), ISSN: 3079-9317 (Print) |
| Publisher | IJSAB International |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.58970/JSR.1223 |
| Media: | Online |
| Volume: | 14 |
| Issue: | 1 |
| Acceptance Date: | 22/06/2026 |
| Date of Publication: | 28/06/2026 |
| PDF URL: | http://ijsab.com/wp-content/uploads/1223.pdf |
| Free download: | Available |
| Page: | 416-435 |
| First Page: | 416 |
| Last Page: | 435 |
| Paper Type: | Research paper |
| Current Status: | Published |
Cite This Article:
Ahmed, S., Haque, K. E., Shafiuzzaman, S. M., Moniruzzaman, M., Yeasmin, M. S., Sultana, M. R., & Islam, M. S. (2026). Recharge and Pollution Vulnerability Under Contrasting Geological Settings in North-western Bangladesh: Evidence from Stable Isotopes and Hydrochemistry, Journal of Scientific Reports, 14(1), 416-435. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58970/JSR.1223
About Author (s)
Shamim Ahmed, Institute of Environmental Science, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh; Department of Geology and Mining, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5622-1780
Khondaker Emamul Haque (Corresponding Author), Department of Geology and Mining, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh.
S. M. Shafiuzzaman, Institute of Environmental Science, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh.
Md. Moniruzzaman, Atomic Energy Research Establishment (AERE), Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Mst. Shamima Yeasmin, Bangladesh Water Development Board, Green Road, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.
Most. Rajia Sultana, Geological Survey of Bangladesh, Segunbagicha, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.
Md. Shajedul Islam, Department of Chemistry, Rajshahi College, National University, Bangladesh. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4187-5674
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58970/JSR.1223
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