ANTHROPOGENIC EFFECTS ON THE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SEDIMENTS AT THE PAKHIRALAY FERRY GHAT REGION OF GOSABA ISLAND, SUNDERBANS

The analysis of the physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, soil texture, salinity, organic carbon, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) and phosphate-phosphorus (PO4-P) of the sediment samples obtained from the Pakhiralay Ferry Ghat area, alongside Dutta River, Gosaba Island, Sundarbans was carried out. Results obtained indicate a highly alkaline pH and increased salinity at sites close to the ferry ghat subjected to human interference. It is also found that pH is negatively correlated to organic carbon and calcium carbonate, essential for the growth of the mangroves. These findings can be associated to a decline in the mangrove vegetation in areas around the ferry ghat.

The results of the analysis were treated with ANOVA statistical tool to understand that there is no significant difference at p<0.05 in all the physicochemical parameters under study. The study raises a concern to protect and revive the mangrove vegetation around the ferry ghat area by reducing the anthropogenic activities.