Vol 8, No 2 (2023)

Table of Contents

Research Articles

51 Views, 14 PDF Downloads
Somasundaram Ramesh, Radhakrishnan Nagalakshmi
DOI:10.26789/AEB.2023.02.002

Abstract

Microplastic contamination in the Chennai coastal region is a growing concern due to the intake of abandoned garbage from various sources. This study aimed to assess the extent of microplastic contamination by analyzing microplastic trash collected from 25 spots along the Tamil Nadu coast, spanning a distance of 1076 kilometers. The results revealed that microplastic contamination was more prevalent during higher wave conditions compared to lower tides. Shorelines near riverbanks exhibited significantly higher quantities of microplastics than those affected by fisheries and tourist activities. The main types of microplastics found were polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, with plastic shards comprising the majority of the trash (47-50%). Furthermore, analyses of fish species collected from shore regions showed that 10.1% of the fishes had consumed plastic particles. This emphasizes the potential risk of microplastics entering the marine food chain. The study highlights the need for microplastic filtering from estuaries, coastline waters, and other potential sources. In conclusion, microplastic contamination poses a serious hazard to the Chennai coastal region. Urgent measures are required to mitigate and reduce microplastic pollution, particularly near river openings, to protect the marine ecosystem and the food chain. Efforts should focus on preventing the entry of microplastics into the environment and promoting sustainable waste management practices to safeguard the coastal ecosystem.

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252 Views, 50 PDF Downloads
Almira Saparbekova, Alina Altekey, Galina Seitmagzimova, Anar Esimova, Darikha Kudasova, Zhuldyz Ibraimova
DOI:10.26789/AEB.2023.02.001

Abstract

The pulp and paper industry is at its peak due to the annual growth in demand for paper products which includes packaging board, hygienic paper products, printing papers and the list is endless. To date, the main source of raw materials for pulp and paper production is wood. However, its use and the use of standard flow charts in pulp and paper production creates environmental problems. For example, deforestation to obtain raw materials leads to a disruption of biogeocenoses, and technology using alkalis and acids are sources of toxic wastewater that pollute the hydrosphere and lithosphere. In order to avoid the above environmental problems, other options for sustainable sources of raw materials can be considered, such as agricultural waste - straw. By its natural origin, straw is a non-woody plant, which will significantly simplify the flow chart of pulp and paper production, on the one hand, and on the other hand, the use of straw in production will help to reduce the risks of early global warming, since most of the straw is burned in the fields. As far as toxic wastewater emissions are concerned, they can be drastically reduced through the biological degradation of straw lignin to produce pure pulp. Biodegradation of lignin can be produced by widespread wood-destroying fungi due to their ability to synthesize lignin-degrading enzymes. Thus, the use of biological agents in pulp and paper production will make it possible to eliminate the use of caustic acids and alkalis.

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