Study of Some Major Non-Biodegradable Solid Wastes Along Thane Creek of Mumbai

Pravin U Singare

doi:10.5923/j.env.20120203.01

Abstract

Thane creek is one of the most important ecosystems around Mumbai, and the mangroves surrounding the ecosystem form the vital green lung for the residents. It is also an important feeding and breeding ground for fishes. In re- cent past man has misused this ecosystem by way of releasing sewage, dumping solid waste, etc. and has succeeded in chocking the ecosystem. The results of present investigation indicates that plastics carry bags, milk/oil bags, plastic bottles and foot wares are some of the major NBDSW materials responsible for solid waste pollution. On the basis of the findings, it is suggested that accumulation of plastics and synthetic rubber can be controlled by recycling and incineration, while accumulation of glass can be controlled only by recycling. The objective of the present work is to throw light on deteri- orating condition of Thane creek, suggesting the need to prepare a well-planned waste management system. The wetland of Thane Creek, located at Thane, Mumbai, India, has attracted much attention of environmental biolo- gists over the last few decades, as this creek has been sub- jected to a lot of pollution from the Asia's biggest Thane- Belapur Industrial Complex located at the south of Mumbai harbor along the west coast of India. The creek area is one of the most important ecosystems around Mumbai and Thane, and the mangroves surrounding the ecosystem form the vital green lung for the residents. It is also an important feeding and breeding ground for fishes. Locals have been living in harmony amidst this ecosystem for ages, but in recent past man has misused this ecosystem by way of re- leasing sewage, dumping solid waste, etc. and has suc- ceeded in chocking the ecosystem. The creek is tidally in- fluenced with the dominance of neretic waters and negligi- ble fresh water flow except during the monsoon. The sub- stratum of the creek in the midstream is made up of con- solidated and unconsolidated boulders intermingled with lose rocks and rarely with sand and gravel. Extensive mud- flats are formed along both the banks of the creek which are characterized by the growth of mangroves. This area is also highly bio productive and yields about 2 to 3 thousand met- ric tones of fish annually. However, recent rapid urbaniza- tion and industrialization with improper environmental

Highlights

The wetland of Thane Creek, located at Thane, Mumbai, India, has attracted much attention of environmental biologists over the last few decades, as this creek has been subjected to a lot of pollution from the Asia’s biggest Thane– Belapur Industrial Complex located at the south of Mumbai harbor along the west coast of India
Locals have been living in harmony amidst this ecosystem for ages, but in recent past man has misused this ecosystem by way of releasing sewage, dumping solid waste, etc. and has succeeded in chocking the ecosystem
The present study shows enormous quantity of solid waste accumulation along the Thane Creek of Mumbai (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

The wetland of Thane Creek, located at Thane, Mumbai, India, has attracted much attention of environmental biologists over the last few decades, as this creek has been subjected to a lot of pollution from the Asia’s biggest Thane– Belapur Industrial Complex located at the south of Mumbai harbor along the west coast of India. The creek area is one of the most important ecosystems around Mumbai and Thane, and the mangroves surrounding the ecosystem form the vital green lung for the residents. It is an important feeding and breeding ground for fishes. Extensive mudflats are formed along both the banks of the creek which are characterized by the growth of mangroves. This area is highly bio productive and yields about 2 to 3 thousand metric tones of fish annually. Recent rapid urbanization and industrialization with improper environmental

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion