Research capacity and network building regarding heavy metal contamination and risk assessment modelling for SDGs evaluation in Bangladesh

Rapid industrialization and its consequence resulting from heavy metal pollution have been considered one of the major problems for developing countries. The environmental segments and their biodiversity become more vulnerable, especially in peri-urban areas of Bangladesh.

Due to the lack of using risk modelling tools for heavy metal pollution, the practical assessment of risk (health and ecological), for a contaminated site, is not well evaluated.

To address these gaps, the project will establish a research network of Swedish and collaborators from Bangladesh to exchange experiences and develop new research ideas related to heavy metal risk assessment management and evaluate sustainable development goals (SDGs) performance.

Notably, the project starts with a national-level conference and workshop in Bangladesh and assists in developing environmental risk assessment-related course curricula at the university level.

The research network would also develop a joint research application on heavy metal pollution and the application of risk assessment tools for the upscaling livelihood and ecosystem in the peri-urban sites.

This project will initiate collaboration and knowledge sharing between Swedish and Bangladeshi researchers focusing on several sustainable development goals related to the environment and biodiversity.