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

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.