Why in NEWS?
A recent study warns that industrial iron pollution is disrupting ocean ecosystems by fueling spring phytoplankton blooms that accelerate nutrient loss in oceans.
This raises concerns amid climate change, threatening marine food chains and biodiversity.
Key Concepts Simplified
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Phytoplankton | Microscopic algae at the base of the marine food web; require sunlight and nutrients |
| Iron Fertilization | Process where iron stimulates phytoplankton growth; used naturally or artificially |
| Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) | Overgrowth of algae that can release toxins harmful to marine life and humans |
| Zooplankton | Tiny marine animals that feed on phytoplankton and are consumed by larger marine species |
News Details in Simple Format
- Industrial iron, released into oceans through human activities, is artificially boosting phytoplankton blooms.
- These large-scale blooms consume ocean nutrients rapidly, making them unavailable for marine organisms over time.
- This causes nutrient depletion, which affects zooplankton, fish, whales, and other species—especially those unable to migrate or adapt to rapid changes.
- Moreover, toxic algal blooms triggered by nutrient overload pose direct threats to marine life and even humans, especially coastal communities relying on fisheries.
India’s Iron and Steel Sector: Pollution Footprint
| Pollution Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Air Pollution | Releases SOx, NOx, CO₂, CO, PM2.5, PM10, and PAHs during coal burning and furnace operations |
| Water Pollution | Discharges toxic wastewater that contaminates surface and groundwater |
| Soil Pollution | Solid and hazardous wastes from smelting and slag dumping damage soil quality |
| GHG Emissions | Sector contributes nearly 5% of India’s total greenhouse gas emissions, worsening global warming |
Environmental Risks from Iron Pollution
| Impact Area | Effects |
|---|---|
| Marine Ecosystems | Nutrient loss destabilizes the marine food web, affecting fish stocks and biodiversity |
| Toxic Blooms | Excess iron can trigger harmful algal blooms, producing toxins fatal to marine organisms |
| Climate Feedback | Changes in plankton populations may reduce ocean carbon sequestration potential |
| Livelihood Impact | Disrupted marine life affects fisheries and coastal communities depending on the sea |
What Can Be Done?
| Strategy | Action Plan |
|---|---|
| Cleaner Technologies | Shift to electric arc furnaces and hydrogen-based steel production to reduce coal usage |
| Emission Monitoring | Mandate real-time emissions tracking and stricter enforcement of environmental norms |
| Waste Management | Set up zero-discharge units, recycle slag and treat toxic effluents |
| Ocean Governance | Implement policies limiting industrial discharges into coastal waters |
| Blue Economy Protection | Encourage marine conservation zones and sustainable fishing practices |
In a Nutshell
Mnemonic: “IRON DIES”
Industrial Pollution → Rapid Nutrient Loss → Ocean Ecosystem Collapse → Non-migratory Species at Risk → Disrupted Food Chains → Impact on Fisheries → Emission Control Needed → Sustainable Steel
India must balance industrial growth with marine conservation, or the fallout may wash ashore sooner than expected.
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which of the following pollutants are commonly released by the iron and steel industry?
A. Sulphur oxides (SOx)
B. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
C. Methane
D. Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
a) A, B, and D only
b) A, C, and D only
c) All of the above
d) B and D only - Consider the following statements:
- Iron fertilization can trigger phytoplankton growth in oceans.
- Harmful Algal Blooms occur only in freshwater lakes.
Which of the above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
- What percentage of India’s greenhouse gas emissions comes from the iron and steel sector?
a) 2%
b) 5%
c) 8%
d) 10%
Prelims Answer Key
| Q No. | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | a | Iron and steel industry emits SOx, PAHs, and PM; methane is not a major emission here |
| 2 | a | Statement 1 is correct; HABs can occur in both marine and freshwater, so 2 is incorrect |
| 3 | b | The sector contributes approximately 5% to India’s total GHG emissions |
