Khulna,Bangladesh – Climate change is significantly impacting the availability of potable water in Bangladesh, particularly in its southern coastal regions. The rapid decline in groundwater levels in these areas is making it increasingly difficult to install deep tube wells, forcing many residents to consume saline water, which poses serious health risks.
A recent study revealed that around 50 million people in Bangladesh's coastal regions are facing a severe shortage of safe drinking water. The crisis is intensified by the increasing salinity of both surface and groundwater, a direct result of climate change.
To address this issue, researchers focused on Khulna's salinity-affected coastal areas, aiming to find sustainable solutions to the water salinity problem. They tested a solar-powered water purification filter developed through a participatory research approach. Remarkably, about 68% of the participants expressed satisfaction with the filter's effectiveness.
The research was spearheaded by Sabrina Rashid Senoti, a water resources engineer from Canada, in Khulna's Dacope and Botiaghata sub-districts. Sabrina, the founder and director of TETRA, a startup dedicated to addressing water salinity issues in coastal areas, developed the innovative solar-powered filter with three of her colleagues from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).
Sabrina works as a water resources engineer and consultant in Canada, specializing in flood, river erosion, and drainage projects in both Bangladesh and Canada. For the past six years, she has been actively involved in various research sectors, focusing on providing safe drinking water to coastal communities to safeguard their health.
Dr. Nahida Sultana, a senior clinical pathologist at Rangpur Medical College Hospital, emphasized that adults should not consume more than 5 grams of salt per day. Excessive salt intake can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and other health issues. However, coastal residents are consuming high levels of salt daily through their drinking water, increasing their risk of health problems such as miscarriages and hypertension.
Additionally, the rising salinity is diminishing the fertility of agricultural land. S.M. Al-Amin, an agricultural extension officer in Bogura's Kahalu sub-district, noted that prolonged flooding and waterlogging have rendered many farmlands infertile. As a result, many farmers have abandoned crop production and switched professions.
Environmental impacts include the encroachment of saline water further inland, causing normal vegetation to fail and disrupting natural ecosystems. Abu Saeed, an assistant professor of geography and environment at Bogura's Government Azizul Haque College, stated that global warming and rising sea levels are exacerbating this problem, particularly threatening coastal agriculture.
However, there is potential to turn this adversity into opportunity. Salt production and shrimp farming could benefit from the saline conditions. Agricultural research institutions are also exploring salt-tolerant rice varieties and other innovative farming methods.
A collaborative study by Bangladesh's Jahangirnagar and BRAC Universities and Japan's Hokkaido University found that coastal residents are generally unaware of the risks associated with high salt consumption. The study indicated that the use of saline water is linked to various health issues, including skin diseases, hair loss, diarrhea, gastric problems, and hypertension.
Sabrina Rashid emphasized the need for increased awareness about the long-term health impacts of drinking unsafe, saline water. Ensuring access to clean, safe water is essential for the well-being of coastal communities.
This innovative approach using solar-powered filters offers a promising solution to the severe water crisis in Bangladesh's coastal regions, providing hope for a healthier future for millions.
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