Nellore: Land and river pollutants and industrial affluents were the major culprits in marine life being adversely affected, said vice-chancellor of Vikrama Simhapuri University Prof Sudharshan Rao.
He was addressing a national conference on ‘Marine pollution and ecotoxicology—strategies for sustainable eco system’ after inaugura-ting it at the University on Wednesday.
He observed that poll-utants accumulating in oceans and seas could affect the livelihood of fisherman living along the coastline due to low production of fish.
The vice-chancellor urged the participating scientists to develop a mechanism to curtail marine pollution and suggest policy decisions to be taken up by the Government for implementation.
Taking part in the conference as a distinguished guest, former VC of VSU, Prof G. Raja Rami Reddy, began with a comprehensive presentation on toxicology, its consequence and remedies.
He elaborated on his extensive research activities and the neurotoxic effect on children and pregnant women by metals like lead and arsenic. These metals were major pollutants observed in the geographical locations of Bangladesh and Uttar Pradesh of our country, he said. Based on his 20 years of research work, he suggested that nutrient supplements and MiADMSA could be some remedial measures to combat metal toxicity.
Prof M. Srinivasulu Reddy, S.V. University, Tirupathi and Prof E. Babu, Andhra Univers-ity, Vishakhapatnam also took part in the seminar. The organising secretary of the conference said that they had received abstracts from 70 participants from different parts of the country including Presidency University, Kolkata, National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, Osmania University, Hyderabad and other reputed state and Central Universities.
The secretary also acknowledged the financial support by DST-SERB, Avanti Seeds, BMR Group, Hi Tech Pharma and Pollution Board of AP for this national event.
Later the Vice-Chancellor concluded the conference by felicitating the guest. The event was presided by Prof G Vijay Anand Babu, In charge Principal, Dr Ch Vijaya and Dr Hanuma Reddy, Organizing Secretaries, Department of Marine Biology.
