Sustainable Practices in Bangladesh’s Textile Industry: Evaluating Effluent Treatment Impact on Water Quality and Environmental Health

Wastewater Textile Industry Treatment

Abstract

Significant environmental challenges posed by wastewater discharge from Bangladesh’s vital textile sector were evaluated. The performance of effluent treatment plants (ETPs) in Dhaka’s export processing zone was critically evaluated using Z-score analysis of key water quality parameters such  as TDS, BOD, COD, pH and heavy metals measured at both inlet and outlet points. ETPs demonstrated efficacy in pH stabilization, DO enhancement and organic pollutant reduction, however, persistent TDS exceedances, despite general compliance with Bangladesh’s environmental conservation rules (ECR) 1997, signaled a critical threat to soil and aquatic ecosystems. General compliance with ECR 1997 was largely achieved but persistent TDS exceedances were observed in later samples. High TDS concentrations raised concerns regarding soil degradation, aquatic toxicity and potential threats to human health. Enhanced filtration technologies and stricter monitoring were identified as necessary to address these high TDS concentrations and prevent further ecological disruption. The critical role of optimized ETP operations in ensuring sustainable industrial practices, maintaining regulatory compliance and protecting environmental and public health within Bangladesh’s textile industry was highlighted. To address these findings, a shift towards a data-driven, proactive management framework centered on dynamic key performance indicators (KPIs) was proposed. These KPIs, incorporating real-time monitoring, statistical process control and pollutant-specific targets aligned with local ecological risks, were designed to enable predictive compliance and drive sustainable innovation. The integration of economic, ecological and social impact assessments, alongside rigorous long-term monitoring and adaptive policy mechanisms, was recommended to ensure the textile industry’s growth is both environmentally sound and economically viable, fostering a resilient and sustainable future for   Bangladesh.