Rivers in Bangladesh: Erosion, Pollution, and the Meghna River

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Questions and Answers

Match the following rivers in Bangladesh with their characteristics:

Meghna River = Unique characteristics Padma River = Erosion-prone due to combined water flow Jamuna River = Downstream channel of Brahmaputra River Sitalakhya River = Affected by agricultural and industrial pollution

Match the following consequences of river erosion in Bangladesh:

Displacement of people = 0.2 million people each year Economic disruption = Significant economic loss Food insecurity = Negative impact on food security Social disruption = Social structure affected

Match the following rivers in Bangladesh with their pollution sources:

Padma River = Agricultural activities Sitalakhya River = Industrial activities Meghna River = Coastal embankment construction Jamuna River = Flooding and waterlogging

Match the following factors contributing to river erosion in Bangladesh:

Human activities = Construction of coastal embankments Natural factors = Flooding and water flow Combined water flow = Erosion intensified in Padma basin Downstream channels = Reduced flooding but increased waterlogging Signup and view all the answers

Match the following effects of river pollution in Bangladesh:

Environmental damage = Pollution in rivers and water bodies Health risks = Contamination of water sources Economic loss = Impact on agriculture and industry Social issues = Impact on population and settlements Signup and view all the answers

Match the following rivers in Bangladesh with their characteristics:

Ganges River = Upstream channel of Padma River Brahmaputra River = Upstream channel of Jamuna River Meghna River = Unique characteristics and erosion-prone Sitalakhya River = Affected by pollution from agricultural activities Signup and view all the answers

Match the following rivers with their characteristics:

Meghna River = The largest river basin in the world Padma River = Combines with Jamuna River to form Meghna River Jamuna River = Combines with Padma River to form Meghna River Signup and view all the answers

Match the following consequences with the cause:

Fluvial floods and riverbank erosion = Flooding during the monsoon season Yearly loss of approximately 8700 ha of homestead = River erosion Displacement of nearly 0.2 million people = River erosion Pollution in rivers = Industrial activities Signup and view all the answers

Match the following effects with the affected:

Elevated levels of heavy metals = Fish samples Higher metal concentrations = Groundwater in some areas Alarming for human consumption = Fish samples Serious consequences for the environment and human health = Pollution in rivers Signup and view all the answers

Match the following rivers with their pollution issues:

Meghna River = Concentration of heavy metals exceeding the recommended maximum limit Padma River = Pollution from surrounding rivers Jamuna River = Pollution from surrounding rivers Signup and view all the answers

Match the following issues with the proposed solutions:

Erosion events = Development of predictive models Industrial pollution = Regulation of industrial activities Fishery practices = Implementation of sustainable practices Agriculture practices = Implementation of sustainable practices Signup and view all the answers

Match the following rivers with their discharge:

Meghna River = The largest river basin in the world by discharge Padma River = Major portion of its discharge flows through India Jamuna River = Minor portion of its discharge flows through Nepal Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rivers in Bangladesh: Erosion, Pollution, and the Meghna River

Rivers in Bangladesh play a crucial role in the country's ecology, economy, and social structure. However, they also face significant challenges due to erosion, pollution, and the unique characteristics of the Meghna River.

River Erosion in Bangladesh

Riverbank erosion is a major issue in Bangladesh, affecting millions of people and causing significant economic and social disruption. The country's coastal residents are particularly vulnerable, with some areas experiencing erosion rates of 100 meters per year. This erosion is not only due to natural factors but is also exacerbated by human activities, such as the construction of coastal embankments, which have reduced flooding but also led to waterlogging and reduced drainage capacity.

The erosion of riverbanks has a negative impact on food security, displacing nearly 0.2 million people each year. The erosion is intensified by the combined flow of the Padma and Jamuna rivers, which are the global rivers Ganges and Brahmaputra's respective downstream channels. The Padma basin, in particular, is severely impacted by erosion due to this combined water flow.

River Pollution in Bangladesh

River pollution is another significant issue in Bangladesh, with several rivers, including the Padma and Sitalakhya, being affected by agricultural and industrial activities. The concentration of heavy metals, such as iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and cadmium (Cd), in the water exceeds the recommended maximum limit for drinking water and the FAO irrigation standard values. The sediment of the Meghna River also shows elevated levels of heavy metals, including zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni), which are higher than the US EPA threshold value [116].

The pollution in the rivers has serious consequences for the environment and human health. Elevated levels of heavy metals have been found in fish samples, which is alarming for human consumption [118]. In addition, groundwater in some areas is affected due to heavy pollution in surrounding rivers, with water samples from certain areas showing higher metal concentrations.

The Meghna River

The Meghna River is the widest river flowing completely within Bangladesh, with a width of 13 km at its widest point. It receives the combined waters of the Padma and Jamuna rivers and is the third largest river basin in the world, although over 90% of its discharge flows through Bangladesh.

The Meghna River is not only affected by erosion and pollution but also faces challenges due to its unique characteristics. The river is subject to flooding during the monsoon season, which is the main cause of fluvial floods and riverbank erosion in the river basins of Bangladesh. The river's erosion causes a yearly loss of approximately 8700 ha of homestead, displacing nearly 0.2 million people.

Conclusion

Rivers in Bangladesh face significant challenges due to erosion, pollution, and the unique characteristics of the Meghna River. These issues have significant consequences for the country's ecology, economy, and social structure. Efforts are needed to mitigate these challenges, including the development of predictive models to help communities better prepare for major erosion events, the implementation of sustainable agriculture and fishery practices, and the regulation of industrial activities to reduce pollution in the rivers.

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Description

Explore the challenges faced by rivers in Bangladesh, including riverbank erosion, pollution, and the unique characteristics of the Meghna River. Learn about the impacts of these issues on the environment, economy, and social structure of the country.