Enhancement of Reef Diversity using Plastic Waste: A Novel way to Reduce Plastic Pollution

Author: CH. Ramesh*, S. Koushik, T. Shunmugaraj and M.V. Ramana Murthy

Download PDF

Abstract

An increasing plastic debris accumulation around the globe and across the coastline has become a life threatening concern to humans and considerably to marine life. Several studies have reported the pervasive occurrence and distribution of plastic waste in several marine animals. Therefore, mitigation and reduction of plastic waste originated from land and marine sources have become challenging issues in the current research. In this study, we propose an innovative way to mitigate plastic by using plastic debris as an enhancer of the marine life. Underwater investigations revealed that various plastic forms supported the development of diverse marine algae, particularly the reef building crustose coralline algae and other invertebrates. This proposed method can be implemented for reducing the plastic debris rapidly from different environments.

Keywords

Plastic debris, plastic modules, crustose coralline algae, invertebrates, waste management.

Conclusion

Indeed many educators and also the increasing population are not aware about the actual impact of plastics on marine environment. The use and disposal of plastics has increased enormously in different countries. Therefore, awareness via media (movies), legislations (such as ocean dumping act 1972) and ban on plastics are needs to be implemented strictly to completely stop the plastic pollution in land and water. Also, combing shorelines and coastal waters with plastic size specific grabbing combs or with various cleaning activities are recommended for plastic free Blue Ocean

References

-

How to cite this article

Ramesh, CH., Koushik, S., Shunmugaraj, T. and Ramana Murthy, M.V. (2019). Enhancement of Reef Diversity using Plastic Waste: A Novel way to Reduce Plastic Pollution. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 11(1): 194-198.