Aquatic Pollution and Coastal Management

Unit 11 : Monitoring and control of pollution

11.3.5.Kerala Coast
The coastal plain of Kerala is endowed with an extensive backwater system interconnected with natural and manmade canals, and has also 41 river outfalls. The major industries in the coastal zone are in the category of chemicals, petrochemicals and fish processing, mainly located in three regions like Kozhikode, Kochi and Udhyogamandal-Ambalamughal area. Besides the industrial and municipal wastes generated, heavy traffic of marine vessels for fishing, port activities and defense related activities at Kochi also form the variable sources of pollution in the coastal waters. The greater stretch of backwater system was found to be recently polluted due to intensive retting activity. This has resulted in the accumulation of coconut jute fibres at the bottom, which has led to higher BOD, higher organic carbon and increased levels of lignin. As a result, over the years, the diversity of benthic organisms has reduced and undesirable changes in the property of overlying waters have been documented.