Environmental Quality Assessment, Ennore Creek, Chennai

Assessment of environmental quality of oil spill contaminated sites in and around Ennore Creek aftermath of floods due to Cyclone Michaung

Cyclone Michaung was a severe tropical cyclone that formed in the Bay of Bengal in 2023. Its persistent rainfall caused extensive flooding and inundation across Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. Floodwaters intruded into local industries, picking up surface oil and carrying it into the Ennore Creek. Following the necessary remediation and clean-up activities by CPCL in the creek, the corporation invited TERI to undertake an environmental assessment study of the impacted area. Consequently, TERI conducted environmental assessments and sampling activities from December 2023 to March 2024 across the Buckingham Canal, Ennore Creek, and the Kosasthalaiyar River.

Water, sediment, plant, and fish samples were collected from these areas, including the backwaters of the Kosasthalaiyar River. A total of 25 water samples and 25 sediment samples were gathered, alongside two plant and four fish and prawn samples, to analyze petroleum hydrocarbons and associated pollutants, including heavy metals. Site investigations indicated no significant oil slicks or visible contamination in or around the study area. Furthermore, sample analysis revealed no accumulation of petroleum hydrocarbons in the water, sediment, plants, or fish. The findings suggest that anthropogenic sources, such as sewage wastewater, industrial activities, and solid waste dumps, are the primary contributors to the baseline pollution observed in the water and sediment quality.