Water salinity investigation in the Sundarbans rivers in Bangladesh

Water salinity intrusion has significantly degraded the quality of rivers in the Sundarbans, Bangladesh, since the diversion of Ganges water at Farakka Barrage in 1975. This study reveals that increased salinity and siltation pose severe threats to mangrove ecosystems, which are vital for coastal protection against storm surges and cyclones. Using a four-year time series dataset from 13 rivers, researchers modeled water salinity to approximate its distribution, providing critical data for decision-making. The findings underscore the urgent need for interdisciplinary management strategies to ensure fresh water supply from the Ganges, thereby safeguarding this unique mangrove forest and its ecological functions.

Islam, S. N., & Gnauck, A. (2011). Water salinity investigation in the Sundarbans rivers in Bangladesh. International Journal of Water, 6(1/2), 74. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijw.2011.043318