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No beaching

the Marina beach in Chennai may become out of bounds for pleasure-seekers if the discharge of pollutants by the Adyar and Cooum rivers into the sea goes on unchecked. A study conducted by the Institute of Ocean Management ( iom ) in the Anna University, Tamil Nadu, shows that the pollutants may not only lead to unbearable odour in the beach environments, but also cause several skin problems.

S Ramachandran, director, iom , says that if the same trend follows, the beach may soon lose its character of supporting coastal and marine organisms. The Marina beach is the second largest beach in the world. Industries around the area are releasing effluents into the sea. The study has shown a high prevalence of suspended sediments and heavy metals that may promote algae growth and deplete oxygen in water. Dumping of sludge, sewage, domestic wastes and human interventions, has reduced the quantum of water conveyed in the area.

The iom director has suggested to establish treatment plants near Cooum and Adyar. Plants can be put up at the Island grounds and Foreshore Estate for treating polluted waters before letting them into the sea, he says.

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