Experts were of the view that information on radioisotope-based analytical techniques be supplied to end user for mitigation of marine pollution. They expressed their concerns at the inaugural session of 3-day training course on "Harmful Algal Bloom Concerns in Marine Coastal Environment of Pakistan" jointly organised by Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Regional Co-operation Agreement (RCA), here on Thursday.
Dr Masud Ahmad, Member (Physical Sciences) PAEC, said the applications of nuclear techniques were necessary for the identification and quantification of toxic elements in sea.
He said the seawater being the source of free and abundant food supplies, deserves our dedicated efforts to keep it contamination-free.
Dr Masud said that unplanned disposal of industrial, domestic and agricultural waste into sea have led to the contamination of the coastal areas of many developing countries in South Asia, resulting in considerable increase in the concentration of toxic elements and the same has posed a significant threat to the marine life.
He lauded IAEA for its pivotal role in establishment and promotion of peaceful uses of nuclear technology in the RCA member states for the management and conservation of environment.
Pakistan like other RCA member states has got an excellent opportunity to initiate the process of training and transfer radioactive isotope-based technology to the end users to augment their resources for the conservation of marine coastal environment, Dr Masud added.
Dr Riffat Mahmood Qureshi, workshop co-ordinator, explained the aims and objectives of the course and said that Radioisotope Application Division of Pinstech has carried out extensive research on the subject along the coastline of Pakistan and is eager to exchange information with other stakeholders.