12. Mapping Water Salinity in Coastal Areas Affected by Rising Sea Level

The chapter 'Mapping Water Salinity in Coastal Areas Affected by Rising Sea Level' delves into the complex interplay between climate change, human activities, and the salinization of coastal waters, with a particular focus on Bangladesh. It begins by outlining the global climate change trends and their impact on sea level rise, which disproportionately affects low-lying coastal regions. The chapter then zeroes in on Bangladesh, a country particularly vulnerable to these changes due to its geography and socio-economic conditions. The salinization of groundwater and surface water in coastal Bangladesh poses significant public health risks, including increased blood pressure and infant mortality rates. The text also explores various adaptation and mitigation strategies, such as mangrove restoration and rainwater harvesting, to combat these issues. Additionally, the chapter presents two innovative technological projects developed by engineering students to address the need for low-cost groundwater salinity monitoring systems and a mobile application that integrates these data with geographical information systems (GIS). These projects aim to empower local communities with the information needed to make informed decisions about their water sources. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of continued research and development in this area to ensure sustainable water management practices in coastal regions.