Agricultural Research Management Information System

Home
Research Summary
Search
About Us
- ARMIS
- Brochure
Contact Us
Report
User Request
Data Input
Help
- Operation Manual
  - PDF
  - Video
- Program Area & Commodity
We have reached 37600 number of research entries at this moment.

- Logout

Research Detail

Home
Research
Detail

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 area

Start Date: 11-12-2014

End Date: 25-12-2014

Program Area: Conservation and Biodiversity

Commodity: Animal, Mangrove

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:

The study was conducted from 11 December 2014 to 25 December 2014 in 15 different locations (22° 22' 15.47" N 89° 39' 23.78" E, 22° 21' 51.23" N 89° 39' 59.10" E, 22° 20' 16.71" N 89° 40' 47.55" E, 22° 20' 46.93" N 89° 42' 43.19" E, 22° IT 35.66" N 89° 31' 14.27" E, 22°11'47.49" N 89°36'55.83"E, 22°'18'13.32" N 89°33'17.11"E, 22°19'49.42" N 89°32'24.4I"E, 22° 00' 40.38" N 89° 44' 38.75" E, 22° 01' 29.89" N 89° 44' 48.62" E, 22° 02' 32.22" N 89° 45' 00.73" E, 22° 01' 52.91" N 89° 49' 09.75" E, 22° 01' 50.66" N 89° 41' 17.67" E, 22° 08' 14.09" N 89° 46' 02.49" E and 22° 13' 28.54" N 89° 44' 22.62" E) 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. 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. In situ measurements of total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), 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, CO₃ and HCO₃ alkalinities. BOD₅, COD, NO₃N and other chemical parameters were measured following APHA. Calcium and magnesium were estimated. Phosphate and silicate were measured. Primary productivity was measured by using dark-light bottle procedure. 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. 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 and expressed in unit/l 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. The populations of plants in field were measured by following quadrat method. Standard observations and monitoring methods (Foot/Pug marks per quadrate areal a standard area curve) were followed for different faunal study. Latitude and longitude were measured by using a hand GPS meter. Statistical analysis among the different parameters.

Source of Information: J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 41(1): 75-94, June 2015, ISSN 1016-6947

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Oil spill contention is a matter to be concerned and long term monitoring and in depth and multidimensional research are necessary to find out the detail information on the long term impact of oil pollution and self recovery capacity of ecosystem of the Sundarbans. Similarly the rules and regulations of international conventions like Ramsar, UNESCO Natural Heritage Site, Convention of Biological Diversity etc. must be implemented properly and a national and international commitment is necessary to stop all kinds of activites which may create this type of the problem for the fragile ecosystem of the Sundarbans.

Knowledge Management: Journal