Health risks of increasing water salinity and potential adaptation strategies in climate change vulnerable coastal Bangladesh  — YRD
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  3. Health risks of increasing water salinity and potential adaptation strategies in climate change vulnerable coastal Bangladesh 

Health risks of increasing water salinity and potential adaptation strategies in climate change vulnerable coastal Bangladesh  (3243)

Mohammad Rahman 1
  1. Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia

Background and Aim: Saltwater intrusion into freshwater resources in low-lying countries including in coastal Bangladesh is an emerging environmental problem. More than 35 million people in coastal Bangladesh are currently affected, a figure which is projected to grow further with the projected climate change and sea level rise. However the evidence on health risks of increasing salinity in water is scarce and this research aimed to generate relevant evidence.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during May-June 2014 in a rural coastal sub-district of Bangladesh. Data on salt consumption, blood pressure (BP) and salinity of potable water sources from 253 participants aged 19-25 years included in this analysis. A linear regression method was used to examine the association between water sources and salt consumption, and water salinity exposure categories and systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) level.
Results: Mean salinity level in water sources (817mg/L) was high above the Bangladesh standard for salinity level (<600mg/L) and tube well water showed significantly higher salinity level than pond water (p=0.02). The estimated value for overall 24-hour urinary sodium was 2.8 g/day (SD± 0.7), which was well above the WHO recommended level of <2g/day. Multivariable linear regression analyses identified that compared to the low water salinity exposure category(< 600mg/L), those in the high water salinity category(> 600mg/L), had statistically significantly higher SBP (B 3.35, 95% Cl 0.66, 6.05; p=0.015) and DBP (B 2.85, 95% Cl 0.40, 5.30; p=0.023). Conclusions: Our research shows that elevated salinity in drinking water is associated with an increase in salt consumption and BP in young coastal populations. Given the likely exacerbation of salinization of freshwater and vulnerability of many low-lying countries including Bangladesh due to climate change and sea level rise, promotion of preventative and adaptation strategies through dietary interventions along with low saline drinking water must be a priority in similar settings.