Bhitarkanika National Park and Microplastics

News: A new study found microplastics with heavy metals in sediments at all 20 sampled sites within and around Bhitarkanika sanctuary.

About Bhitarkanika National Park

• Location: Bhitarkanika National Park is located in the Kendrapara district of Odisha.
• Surrounded by: The park is surrounded by the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, while Gahirmatha Beach and Marine Sanctuary lie to the east near the Bay of Bengal.
• Mangrove Ecosystem: Bhitarkanika is India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sunderbans and spreads across 672 sq. km.
• River Network: The park is formed on the delta of the Brahmani, Baitarani, and Dhamra rivers and contains creeks, canals, estuaries, backwaters, and mudflats.
• Intertidal Ecosystem: The vegetation and species of the park are mainly found in tropical and subtropical intertidal regions, while proximity to the Bay of Bengal makes the soil saline.
• Fauna:
  • Saltwater Crocodiles: The park supports the largest congregation of endangered saltwater crocodiles in India.
  • Olive Ridley Turtles: Gahirmatha Beach near the park supports the largest colony of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.
  • Unique Bird Habitat: The Bagagahana heronry near Surajpore creek attracts thousands of birds for nesting and is an important ecological feature of the park.
• Flora: Bhitarkanika features more than 60 mangrove species, including Avicennia and Sundari, along with casuarinas and grasses such as the indigo bush.
• Conservation Status: Bhitarkanika is recognised as a Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park, and Ramsar Site because of its rich mangrove ecosystem and biodiversity.

About Microplastics

• Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimetres that persist in nature and accumulate in ecosystems.
• Types of Microplastics:
  • Primary Microplastics: These are intentionally manufactured small particles used in cosmetics, synthetic textiles, fishing nets, and commercial products.
  • Secondary Microplastics: These are formed from the breakdown of larger plastic items like bottles due to sunlight, ocean waves, and mechanical forces.
• Applications:
  • Medical and Pharmaceutical: Microplastics are used in drug delivery systems because they can absorb and release chemicals effectively.
  • Industrial: They are used in air-blasting technology and synthetic textile production.
  • Personal Care Products: They are present in facial scrubs, toothpaste, and cosmetics.
• Impacts of Microplastics:
  • Environmental Impact: Microplastics reduce soil quality, disturb nutrient cycles, accumulate in rivers and oceans, and carry toxic pollutants.
  • Bioaccumulation: Microplastics are ingested by marine organisms and gradually accumulate through the food chain, affecting higher predators.
  • Impact on Animals: They cause reduced fertility, stunted growth, and cell damage in aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
  • Human Health Impact: Microplastics are linked with inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and accumulation in organs like the brain, lungs, and heart.
• India’s Regulations:
  • Plastic Waste Management Rules: India introduced Plastic Waste Management Rules in 2016, 2018, 2024 and 2026 to manage plastic waste.
  • Ban on Single-Use Plastics: India banned items such as plastic straws and cutlery to reduce plastic pollution.
  • India Plastics Pact: It encourages industries to reduce plastic use and improve recycling practices.
• Global Actions:
  • UNEA (UN Environment Assembly) Resolution: It mandated the creation of the Global Plastics Treaty to address plastic pollution, including microplastics.
  • International Cooperation: Plastic pollution is also addressed through UN Ocean Conferences, WTO discussions, and the Basel Conventions.