Sundarbans Mangrove Ecosystem Under Threat from Air Pollution

1. This pollution poses significant harm to the mangroves due to the presence of pollutants such as black carbon and heavy metals, which degrade air quality.

Pollutants and their Impact:

1. The pollutants in the air, including black carbon and heavy metals, significantly affect the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem.
2. Antiquated boat motors are identified as a major source of toxic metals, contributing to the pollution.
3. Additionally, the acidic components of these pollutants induce oxidative stress, endangering mangrove cells.

What is Oxidative Stress?

1. Oxidative stress is a condition that arises when pollutants, specifically heavy metals and acidic components in the air, lead to excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the mangrove ecosystem.
2. This overproduction of ROS damages the natural antioxidant defences of mangrove cells, resulting in cellular damage and compromising the overall health and resilience of the ecosystem.

About Sundarbans:

1. The Sundarbans is a unique mangrove area situated in the delta formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna Rivers in the Bay of Bengal.
2. It encompasses various protected areas, including the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, Sundarbans Wetland, Sundarbans National Park, and Biosphere Reserve.
3. Notably, the Sundarbans is the only mangrove forest in the world inhabited by tigers, making it an area of immense ecological significance.

Conclusion:

The Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem is facing a critical challenge due to air pollution from Kolkata and the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The pollutants, particularly black carbon and heavy metals, degrade air quality and induce oxidative stress, endangering the mangrove cells. Preserving the Sundarbans ecosystem is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, ecological balance, and the livelihoods of local communities. Therefore, immediate measures are required to reduce air pollution and protect this unique and valuable ecosystem.

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