Twenty stem amaranth genotypes collected previously from different eco-geographic regions of Bangladesh were assessed to evaluate variations in mineral compositions, yield and yield components, their interrelationships and direct and indirect effects on biological yield. Analysis of variance revealed significant difference among the genotypes for all the characters studied. Considering mean, range and all genetic parameters, selection could be performed on the basis of leaves per plant, leaf area, shoot weight, root weight, stem weight, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe and biological yield for significant improvement of stem amaranth genotypes. Correlation revealed that stem base diameter, shoot weight, root weight, stem weight and leaves plant-1 could significantly improve the biological yield of stem amaranth. Insignificant associations amongst mineral compositions indicated that improvement of mineral compositions was possible without compromising the loss of biological yield of stem amaranth. Path analysis revealed that direct selection based on shoot weight and root weight would be effective for yield improvement of stem amaranth. SA8 had higher yield along with calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, manganese and zinc content and could be utilized as high yield potential mineral enriched variety. The genotypes SA1, SA2, SA3, SA5, SA7, SA8, SA13, SA18 and SA20 could be utilized in 996

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The study aimed to assess the coastal surface water quality for irrigation purposes through the analysis of the water samples of some selected estuaries, rivers, and ponds. The analysis results showed that the mean value of typical water quality parameters like electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium (Na+), and chloride (Cl−) ions exceeded the permissible limit of the Department of Environment (DoE), Bangladesh 2010, and FAO, 1985 for the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The Piper diagram indicated a Na-Cl water type, especially during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The water quality parameters in the areas showed a higher amount than the standard permissible limits indicating the quality is deteriorating. The water quality index values for domestic uses showed very poorly to unsuitable in most of the surface water except ponds water, especially during the pre- and post-monsoon periods. The surface water quality index for irrigation purpose usages was found high and/ or severely restricted (score: 0–55) during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The study observed that due to saline water intrusion, the water quality deterioration started from post-monsoon and reached its highest level during the pre-monsoon season, which gradually depreciates the water quality in coastal watersheds of Bangladesh.

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