Bangladesh’s coastal regions, particularly Dacope and Mongla, are increasingly affected by environmental degradation driven by climate variability, salinity intrusion, and environmental stress, threatening both ecosystems and livelihoods. This study investigates the relationship between water quality and the socioeconomic traits of vulnerable communities in these areas. In-situ measurements of temperature, salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and electrical conductivity (EC) were conducted across multiple stations alongside household surveys capturing income patterns, health outcomes, migration intentions, and adaptive capacity. Results show water temperatures between 28.5°C and 28.9°C, with salinity peaking at 18.9 PSU, TDS reached 11,710 mg/l, and EC levels were as high as 14,770 µS/cm, indicating degraded water conditions. These conditions are closely associated with adverse socioeconomic outcomes, including widespread skin diseases affecting approximately 68% of respondents, declining fisheries productivity, and strong livelihood insecurity. Economic stress is evident, with 92% of Mongla residents expressing intentions to migrate and 78% seeking alternative livelihoods due to reduced income opportunities. Educational attainment remains low, with only 2-3% of households accessing higher education, limiting adaptive capacity and climate literacy. These findings emphasize the need for integrated water management, livelihood diversification, and climate education to enhance resilience in Bangladesh’s coastal communities. Evidence-based interventions addressing water quality degradation can play a critical role in reducing health risks, stabilizing livelihoods, and strengthening long-term climate adaptation in highly vulnerable coastal regions.
Sowrav et al. (Wed,) studied this question.