Abstract
In the present investigation quantification study on three major Non-Biodegradable Solid Waste (NBDSW) materials viz. plastics, synthetic rubber and glass was performed in the mangroves of Mahim creek of Mumbai. The study was performed before and after spring tide for the period of five months i.e. from October 2010 to February 2011. It was observed that plastics were the major dominating NBDSW materials contributing to 71 % and 55 %, while contribution of synthetic rubber was found to be 26 % and 41 % during first and second sampling respectively. Also it was observed that contribution of synthetic rubber and glass materials was more after the spring tide as compared to that of before. These solid waste pol- lutants from various sources are affecting the mangrove ecosystem. Although most of these NBDSW materials can be con- trolled by recycling and incineration, the issue pertaining solid waste pollutants along the Mahim Creek seems to be com- pletely neglected. The results of present study point out the need to make serious changes in our approach to waste man- agement and disposal.
Highlights
The cities of almost all South Asian countries are challenged by urbanization and industrialization trends, population increase and consequent rise in solid waste
The present study shows accumulation of enormous quantity of Non-Biodegradable Solid Waste (NBDSW) materials along the Mahim creek of Mumbai
Marine Science 2012; 2(1): 1-5 sewage channels often bring a lot of solid waste in the form After plastics, synthetic rubber was the second largest of plastic bottles; carry bags, thermocol, footwear and rub- NBDSW material contributing to 26% and 41% during first ber tubes, etc into the creek
Summary
The cities of almost all South Asian countries are challenged by urbanization and industrialization trends, population increase and consequent rise in solid waste. Most of the sewage is carried through drainage and reaches the sea at various points or dumped indiscriminately into the sea One such classical example is the Mahim creek of Mumbai which is the biggest sink for most of the waste generated by residential and industrial complexes. The mangrove forests are important for various reasons Their role in harboring a variety of biotic communities, protecting the coastal areas from cyclonic storms and functioning as lungs in the case of Mumbai, is of considerable importance from the conservation point of view. This mangrove grown along the Mahim creek represents a fragile ecosystem which requires considerations from pollution point of view, so that it is not destroyed. Understanding the existing status, an attempt has been made in the present study to quantify the accumulation of three important types of NBDSW material in the mangroves of Mahim creek at Mumbai
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