Study of the Synergistic Effects of Meteorological, Oceanographic, Biological, and Radiological Parameters (MOBR) on Marine Ecosystems Around a Nuclear Power Plant

Abstract

MOBR is the study of the synergistic effects of meteorological, oceanographic, biological, and radiological parameters on each other to monitor the state of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere in a particular marine environment. In our work, 24 parameters of MOBR data were collected to assess the marine ecosystems around Madras nuclear power plant. The results demonstrated the significant influence of sea level pressure on surface air temperature, its role in wind formation, control of wind affecting sea current velocity, and subsequent effects on the cover percentage of living and non-living organisms, biodiversity, as well as the seasonal behavior of Uranium 238 (U-238) across various spheres. The observations highlighted a key aspect of the study area, which was predominantly covered by high sand ratios (76 and 88% during the premonsoon and monsoon seasons, respectively). This sand dominance impacted biodiversity significantly. Interestingly, the highest values of U- 238 were recorded in sediment, dust, crabs, and green algae during the monsoon season, with the exception of fish. This pattern was a result of the prevailing sand dominance. This study is considered the first attempt to infer the interactions between meteorological, oceanographic, biological, and radiological parameters (MOBR) to monitor marine ecosystems.