Updated Mar 09, 2021 | 16:07 IST
Chennai News: Microplastics found in 80 per cent of samples of seven popular fish species sold near Marina, as per the National Centre for Coastal Research report. Representational Image | Photo Credit: IANS
Chennai: The presence of microplastics in the guts of fishes in coastal areas of Chennai has once again become a cause of concern. The city-based research centre, the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) found microplastics in seven popular fish varieties.
According to the researchers, 80 per cent of samples of seven popular fish sold near Marina may contain tiny specks of plastic. Fish sold at Pattinapakkam were detected with microplastics in the gills. The gut of Indian Mackerel, Greater Lizardfish, Humphead Snapper, Barracuda and Golden Snapper were between 1.93 mm and 2.03 mm in the form of fibres.
Image Credit: frank peters/Shutterstock.com
In February 2021, green-energy organization, Clean Planet Energy, revealed its revolutionary technology that will convert non-recyclable plastics into ultra-clean jet fuel. The innovation provides a solution to two significant environmental issues: rapidly rising plastic waste and increasing CO
2 emissions in the aviation sector.
CO
2 Emissions and Plastic Pollution: Two Significant Environmental Threats
Global plastic pollution has become a crisis and is one of the world’s most pressing environmental issues. Although many countries in the developed world have ramped up their recycling efforts in recent years, plastic s annual production continues to increase, and many developing countries struggle to implement recycling strategies. Nearly half of all plastics ever made were produced in the last 15 years, representing an increased production rate, which is predicted to continue.
Polymer fragments smaller than a grain of rice, called microplastics, have been found in water samples from 53 waterways in Pennsylvania including anglers beloved Tulpehocken Creek and Blue Marsh Lake, environmental advocates at PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center said in a new report.
Collected from January through June 2020 from waters that in some places seemed clean and clear, the sampling suggests microplastics are ubiquitous in the state.Â
The samples were tested for four types of plastics: fibers, fragments, films or microbeads. Microplastic is plastic less than 5mm in length. Volunteers used protocols developed in a NOAA partnership. Research was aimed at determining the presence of microplastics in waterways. The results were analyzed at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.
Wildfire Ravages Similipal, Asiaâs Second Largest Biosphere Reserve
The flames have reportedly devoured eight of the reserve s 21 ranges, and further spread to Anadapur, Kandachira and Balimal hills in the Podadhia forest range.
Image posted by Odisha chief forest officer on March 4, 2021, of fire service personnel inspecting a charred forest area in Similipal National Park. Photo: Twitter
Environment06/Mar/2021
A wildfire raging for over 10 days has destroyed nearly a third of the Similipal biosphere reserve in Odishaâs Mayurbhanj district. The state government has said that firefighters have brought the fire under control but conservationists have also demanded an immediate impact assessment.
'While options such as eco-bags and bamboo straws are readily accessible in many areas, alternative products and systems for sachets, plastic bottles, and others remain in need of support for innovation and production'