Mangalavanamfaces threat from microplastics

Kochi: A study by researchers at Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) here, has found microplastics in the Mangalavanam mangroves, the only green lung in Kochi city limits.
Microplastics are fine particles formed by disintegration of plastic materials and are normally less than 5mm in diameter.
The study was presented at the recently concluded two-day national conference of marine debris (COMAD-2018).
“Our study was aimed at investigating the abundance and distribution of microplastics of the size 50-1,000 microns in Mangalavanam’s mangrove sediments. In every 100g of sediments, we found around 0-5 numbers of microplastics,” said Aiswarya M A M, a research student who did the study.
The team found a high concentration of microplastics in the breathing roots of the mangroves referred to as pneumatophores.
Avicenia mangrove forests which are seen in this area may accumulate more microplastics, she said.
The presence of such high volumes of microplastics in mangroves points to the need of further studies on their impact on physiology of organisms and the dynamics of ecosystem, the study said.
Studies have shown that mangroves in North Kerala, namely Kadalundi and Kolavipalam, have been impacted by plastic littering, said V Kripa, head of fisheries environment management division, CMFRI. Mangroves are breeding grounds for fishes and the presence of microplastics in the ecosystem is a cause for concern.
The state government has already submitted a draft notification to the Central government seeking to declare the Mangalavanam bird sanctuary as an eco-sensitive zone.
This will create a 100-m buffer zone around Mangalavanam, which is at present 2.74 hectares.