Environmental degradation in major ports of India

Abstract

The levels of SPM, SO2 and NOX in all major ports of India were estimated as a part of studies on the impact of dusty cargo handling activity in major ports on their air and water environments. Most of the dusty cargoes, which were being handled by the major ports, are collected and leached with distilled water for qualitative and quantitative estimation of water leachable parameters. The analysis was carried out using A AS, ICP‐MS and a spectrophotometer apart from classical methods. The levels of air pollutants in each port were discussed in the light of activities in and around the port area. The results of this study revealed that apart from activities in and around the port areas, the mode of handling of dusty cargo in any port plays a vital role on its air and water environments. This study emphasises the need to set the standards for the emissions of air pollutants during the handling of dusty cargo in major ports.