CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The recent appearance of glowing blue waves in the backwaters of Kochi, Kerala, has captured the fascination of tourists and nature enthusiasts. However, while the bioluminescent spectacle is visually stunning, it has sparked serious concerns among ecologists and local fishing communities due to its environmental implications.
Understanding Bioluminescence
Bioluminescence is the emission of light by living organisms, often triggered by movement or disturbance in water. It is commonly caused by microorganisms such as Noctiluca scintillans, a species of dinoflagellate plankton popularly known as "sea sparkle." These tiny plankton emit light through a chemical reaction within specialized cells called scintillons.
Though typically blue, the glow may appear red or brown depending on the density and species of plankton involved. In Kerala, this phenomenon is often witnessed between March and May and is locally referred to as "Kavaru."
Scientific Factors Behind Glow
The surge in bioluminescent activity is closely tied to environmental factors. A key driver is eutrophication, the excessive enrichment of water bodies with nutrients like nitrates and phosphates—mainly due to untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial waste. These conditions, coupled with specific temperature ranges, high salinity (30–35 ppt), and limited rainfall, create a favorable environment for rapid plankton growth.
When these organisms multiply beyond 500,000 per liter, it can lead to red tides, a form of harmful algal bloom (HAB) that disrupts marine ecosystems.
Environmental And Economic Consequences
While plankton are essential to the marine food chain, overpopulation can have devastating effects. Dense blooms release compounds such as dimethyl sulphide, ammonium, and dissolved organic carbon, leading to oxygen-depleted (hypoxic) zones. This lack of oxygen often results in the mass death of marine organisms, severely affecting biodiversity and aquaculture.
Local fishing communities suffer direct economic setbacks as fish either die or migrate away from bloom-affected areas, leading to reduced catches and lost income.
Some species involved in these blooms also produce toxins like domoic acid and compounds from the Alexandrium genus, which can cause serious health issues such as amnesic or paralytic shellfish poisoning in humans who consume contaminated seafood.
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