Impacts of Climate Change-Induced Salinity Intrusion on Physiological Parameters of Aquatic Hydrophytes from Coastal Rivers of Bangladesh

TL;DR

This study examines how increasing salinity from climate change affects the physiological traits of freshwater aquatic plants in Bangladesh, revealing species-specific tolerance levels and tissue deformities.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the physiological responses and tolerance levels of key aquatic hydrophytes under saline stress caused by climate change.

Findings

Biomass, stomatal density, and water content decline with increased salinity.

Taro shows higher salt tolerance than other studied species.

Salinity causes deformities in root and tuber tissues.

Abstract

Changing temperature, precipitation regimes, and sea level rise, often associated with climate change, cause salinity intrusion into groundwater and surface water, affecting aquatic ecosystems. This study investigates the impacts of salinity on the physiological traits of freshwater hydrophytes, including Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), Buffalo Spinach (Enhydra fluctuans), and Taro (Colocasia esculenta). The plants were exposed to salinity concentrations of 0, 10, 20, and 30 ppt for 48 hours. Parameters such as biomass, stomata density, transpiration rate, chlorophyll content, relative water content, and histo-architectural changes were analyzed. The results showed a decline in biomass, stomatal density, and relative water content with increasing salinity. Taro demonstrated higher salt tolerance compared to other species. Histological observations revealed deformities in root and tuber tissues under saline stress. These findings highlight the critical impacts of climate change-induced salinity on aquatic plant ecosystems.