KARACHI:
Following monsoon rains and tidal surges, a strong and disagreeable stench has been observed in Karachi’s coastal districts. This stench is said to be caused by decomposing marine plants, specifically phytoplankton.

The offensive odour has drawn complaints from locals in Hawksbay, Sandspit, Turtle Beach, Ibrahim Hyderi, and Keamari.

Technical Adviser at WWF-Pakistan Muhammad Moazzam Khan states that “the unpleasant odour is caused by the decomposition of phytoplankton, which proliferates underwater during the monsoon.”

According to Khan, this phenomena happens every year when a significant number of these aquatic plants die off during the monsoon, releasing the characteristic scent.

“The winds shift after the monsoon, which carries the odour to various parts of the city, gradually diminishing over time,” he noted.

Since phytoplankton produces two thirds of the oxygen on Earth, experts point out that it is essential to preserving the oxygen supply on the globe.

These microscopic plants are critical to marine ecosystems and play a crucial role in the global food chain.