Neelotpol, SharmindNabila, Anushka AlamKamal, Lovely2025-08-172025-08-1720252025-07ID 21146021ID 21146059http://hdl.handle.net/10361/26549Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (pages 48-56).This thesis is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Pharmacy, 2025.Industrial effluents from pharmaceutical facilities are introducing toxic metals into rivers and lakes, creating persistent pollution that bioaccumulates in aquatic life and threatens human health. Employing ICP‑MS, ten heavy metals were quantified in river water collected adjacent to pharmaceutical manufacturing areas, enabling precise detection of trace-level contaminants. Contamination severity was evaluated using multiple indices: Nemerow Pollution Index, Heavy Metal Evaluation Index, and Heavy Metal Pollution Index, etc. Analysis showed that lead (Pb), iron (Fe), and mercury (Hg) often exceeded WHO permissible limits, with the Up-stream (Turag River) showing higher levels of contamination than the Down-stream (Shitalakshya River). HPI and HEI values indicated severe pollution, while NPI and Cd also reflected serious water quality deterioration. The evaluation revealed notable health hazards, with both non‑cancer and cancer- associated risks markedly higher for children compared to adults. This integrative approach, combining advanced ICP‑MS analysis with multimetric pollution indices and health risk evaluation, highlights an urgent call for more rigorous effluent regulation, continuous water quality surveillance, and mitigation strategies to preserve ecological integrity and public well‑being.56 pagesenBRAC University theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission.Heavy metalsWater pollutionSurface water pollutionNon-carcinogenic risksCarcinogenic risksHealth risk assessment.Water--Pollution.Heavy metals--Environmental aspects.Heavy metals--Toxicology.Factory and trade waste.Thesis