This was highlighted in a study conducted by the Bose Institute, Kolkata, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur.
Key Findings
- Key sources of Air pollution: Pollutants enriched with black carbon from Kolkata and the Indo-Gangetic Plain along with localized sources such as biomass burning.
- Rising Reactive Oxygenated Species (ROS): Acidic components of PM2.5 pollutants with heavy metals is fostering the generation of ROS, posing a severe threat to mangrove cells.
- ROS are oxygen-containing radicals that are capable of independent existence with one or more unpaired electrons.
About Sundarban Mangrove Ecosystem
- World's largest mangrove ecosystem, named after the species Heritiera fomes, known as Sundri in Bengali.
- Located on world’s largest delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers on the Bay of Bengal in India and Bangladesh.
- Designated as a Biosphere Reserves and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Declared as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.
Importance of Sundarban Mangrove Ecosystem
- Extremely rich in biodiversity such as Bengal Tigers, Gangetic Dolphins etc.
- Mitigate climate change by sequestrating carbon.
- Reduces the fury of cyclonic storms and prevent erosion due to tidal action.
- Millions of people depend on it for their livelihood and sustenance through fishing, etc.
Recommendations to Reduce Air Pollution
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