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Study of Impacts of Oil Spill on the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest of Bangladesh

Abdullah Harun Chowdhury
Environmental Science Discipline, Khulna University, Bangladesh

Md. Ali Akber
Environmental Science Discipline, Khulna University, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Studies were carried out on the recent oil spill in the Sundarbans of Bangladesh to find out the immediate impacts on the ecosystem of the Sundarbans after oil spilling. More than 500 km² areas out of the total study area have been affected seriously by the oil spill contamination on 9 December 2014. Recorded data of the physico-chemical conditions, oil content, productivity, diversity and abundance of phyto-zooplankton and benthos of water, and oil content in soil indicate that the water and soil of the Eastern part of the Sundarbans were polluted by the oil contamination. Results also indicate that seedlings, mangrove algae, eggs and hatchlings of commercially valuable fishes, mudskippers, mud crabs, snails, monitor lizards were affected due to oil spill. Regeneration of the Sundri trees; intertidal zone bird - 'Masked finfoot', common birds, fishing cat, otter, dolphins, crocodile would be affected due to the oil spill. Long term monitoring, in depth research and proper implementation of all rules and regulations are necessary to save the fragile ecosystem of the Sundarbans-the UNESCO declared world heritage site.

Keywords: Oil spill, Sundarbans, Mangrove ecosystems, Impact

Location: Sundarbans, Khulna, Bangladesh

Start Date: 11-12-2014

End Date: 25-12-2014

Program Area: Conservation and Biodiversity

Commodity: Contamination of soil, Contamination

Objectives:

To find out the possible immediate impacts of oil spill on the ecological and biological conditions of the Sudarbans i.e. physico-chemical conditions of water and soil, population of plankton and benthos, status of flora and fauna.

Methodology:

Selection of study area: The study was conducted from 11 December 2014 to 25 December 2014 in 15 different locations of the eastern part of Sundarbans where the spilled oil was spread. Total study area was more than 1200 square kilometer. Samples were also collected from 3 different locations of uncontaminated areas - Gharilal (22° 11' 54.80" N 89° 20' 04.52" E), Jorshing (22° 14' 38.97" N 89° 21' 34.70" E) and Kalagachia (22° 12' 22.78" N 89° 14' 37.58" E) of the western part of Sundarbans. The investigation tools used were site observations, spot and laboratory analyses. Samples were collected on 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 and 25 December 2014 (48 hours interval sampling). The samples of the study were collected by using a country boat. Collection of water sample and analysis: Water samples were collected from 10-25 cm depth by using a scale for physico-chemical analysis. A standard Secchi disc was used to measure the transparency of water while for water temperature a digital thermometer was used (Model No. 950). In situ measurements of total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TOS), conductivity, salinity, pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) were carried out with the help of respective portable field meters. Titrimetric methods were used to determine free CO₂, C0₃ and HC0₃ alkalinities. BOD₅, COD, N0₃N and other chemical parameters were measured following APHA (1989). Calcium and magnesium were estimated. Phosphate and silicate were measured following Gautam (1990). Primary productivity was measured by using dark-light bottle procedure (APHA 1989). Soil sample collection and analysis: Oil contents of water and soil were measured by sulphuric acid, Petroleum ether and separating funnel procedure. Shovels and large ladders were used to collect the soil samples according to Trivedy (1993). Soil quality was determined in the laboratory. Plankton population was collected by using No. 20 silk bolting cloth (mesh size 0.076 mm) and after collecting the plankton materials were transferred into the glass bottle and preserved permanently in Transeau's solution. Plankton abundance was counted by using Sedge-Wick Rafter Counting Chamber (APHA 1989) and expressed in unit/I whether it is an individual or a cell or a filament or part thereof. Plankton were identified by the help of relevant literatures. Benthic macro invertebrate samples were collected and studied by following SWAMP (2007) and APHA (1989). The populations of plants in field were measured by following quadrat method. Standard observations and monitoring methods were followed for different faunal study. Latitude and longitude were measured by using a hand GPS meter. Statistical analysis among the different parameters was done.

Source of Information: J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 41(1): 75-94, June 2015

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

It may be concluded that the different types of species and abundance of the phypoplankton (primary producer) were affected by the oil spill in aquatic ecosystems of the eastern side of Sundarbans. This result has been supported by the findings of Chowdhury and Zaman (2001) as they observed phytoplankton (primary producer) species diversity and abundance always being decreased by the oil pollution in the Sundarbans showed statistically significant negative correlation with oil content (-0.803), TSS (-0.787), COD (-0.695) and total hardness (-0.848) values.

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