Habitat Assessment on Floral and Faunal Community of Veeranam Wetland Ecosystem
Towards Conservation
A.S. Maheswari and K.Thiyagesan
Department of Zoology, Seethalakshmi Ramaswami College
Tiruchirappalli - 62002, Tamilnadu, India
Department of Zoology, A.V.C. College, Mannampandal
Mayiladuthurai - 609305, Tamilnadu, India
E-mail: asmaheswari@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
This paper investigates the species-wise distribution of floral and faunal community in
Veeranam wetland ecosystem, Tamilnadu during the period 2002, 2003 and 2004.Study reveals
that this important wetland ecosystem supports a maximum of about nineteen species of
aquatic plants, fifty two water birds, sixteen aquantic insects, eighteen fishes and ten mollusen
forms belonging to various categories. Extreme levels (lowest &b highest) of rainfall were
recorded during August and February of 2002, ust and November of 2003 and July and October
of 2004.Water temperature during the study period ranged between 24 and 36°C during 2002,
25-30°C during 2004 and these fluctuations in the levels of rainfall and water temperature
influenced the abundance of floral and faunal community.
Key Words: Floral and faunal community, Veeranam lake, Rainfall, Water temperature
Water Quality Status of Bisalpur Reservoir, Rajasthan
Sudha Summarwar and Deepali Lall
P.G. Department of Zoology, S.D. Government College
Beawar - 305008, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
E-mail: saraherry@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Limnological parameters are important criteria for determining the sustainability of water for
irrigation and drinking purpose. The Bisalpur Dam is the important centre of Rajasthan state
which is located on river Banas near by Deoli, District Tonk. The limnlogical investigation was
carried out for four complete years i.e. from September 2006 to January 2010.For physic
chemical investigation, water samples were collected from reservoir on monthly basis and the
period from 2006 to 2010 was divided into four ambiences i.e. moderate, extreme hot, extreme
cold and moist warm. The lowest mean value of PH (7.14), alkalinity (80.6), dissolved oxygen
(5.0mg/l), COD (3.1 mg/l) and TDS (90.6mg/l)were obtained from bisalpur area during moist
warm condition and the highest mean vale of pH (9.5), alkalinity (420.9 mg/l), dissolved oxygen
(7.8mg/l), COD(5.3 mg/l), total hardness (240.5mg/l) nitrate(22.8 mg/l), sulphate ions (274.5
mg/l), turbility (0.99 mg/l)and TDS(1120.5 mg/l) were obtained from Thadoli area during
extreme cold condition. On the basis of water quality parameters, it was concluded that water
pollution was present in Thadoli and Negdiya areas and these findings suggest the need for
monitoring the quality of water periodically
Key Words: Limnological Parameters, Bisalpur reservoir, water quality
Air Quality and Exceedence Factor at Different Areas of Cuttack City, Odisha
G. Sunpriya Achary, Saswat Kumar Mohanty,
Ramakanta Sahoo, and Nishiprava Pattanaik
ABSTRACT
This paper examines the significant different in seasonal variations of air pollutant
concentrations in the Cuttack city from Nov 2008to Oct-2010.RSPM (Respirable Suspended
Particulate Matter), SPM (Suspended Particulate Matter), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Oxides of
nitrogen (NOx) and CO were collected over seven sites in Cuttack. Monthly and seasonal
variations of these pollutants have been observed and graphically compared for two
consecutive years and the annual average and range values have been calculated. It has been
observed that the concentrations of the pollutants are high in winter in comparison to the
summer and rainy seasons. It was noticed that the SPM, RSPM and CO levels at all selected sites
exceed the present prescribed limits as stipulated by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB),
Delhi. But the SO2 and NOx levels in all the sites found under prescribed limits of CPCB. From
exceedence factor, the different pollutants are categorized into four categories. It was observed
that RSVM and CO at all locations for both the years fall under critical category. While SPM in
2008-09 fall under critical category at all locations and in 2009-10, one location fall under high
category and rest under critical categorySO2 at all locations in both the years was under low
category. NOx fall under low category in all locations expect one point in the year 2008-09 and
in 2009-10, two locations are under modern category and rest under low category.
Key Words: Air Pollutants, Exceedence factor, Cuttack City
Effect of Particulate matter on Phytochemical Characteristics of the Sun Flower Plant
(Helianthus Annuus)
M. Jaganathan, S. Gunaselvi and K.C. Pazhani
ABSTRACT
The work is designed to determine the ambient air quality of Ariyalur region interms of
particulate matter and to estimate its effect phytochemical parameters of Helianthus annuus.
There was a morphological, biochemical and phytochemical components due to particulate
pollutants Vitamin E(Tocophoral) was reduced to 66%. The compounds decreased were ether,
esters, alkaloids, fatty acids, ketones, alcoholand sesquiterpene.
Key Words: Helianthus annuus, Phytochemicals, particulate pollutants
Toxicological and Histoppathological Effects of Phosphamidon on Pancreas of The Indian
Skipper Frog Euphlyctis Cyanophyctis
K. Thenmozhi
E-mail: jvtamphibia@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Toxic effects of organophosphate pesticide phosphamidon, on skipper frog Euphlycits
cyanoplyctis revealed that the concentration of phosphamidon and the rate of mortality were
directly propotional to each other. The acute (120 h) impact of phosphamidon on
E.cyanophlycitis was assessed in terms of median lethal concentraction of phosphamidon (LC50)
and 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 12h LC50values of phosphamidon were 0.274, 0.272, 0.271,
0.269,0.268 and 0.268 ppm, respectively. The mortality occurred steadily with the passage of
time each of phosphamidon concentration thus indicating that the pesticide had not either
substantially degraded with time or the degradation products themselves were toxic. These
observations question the claims of the manufacturers of phosphamidon that the pesticide is
easily decomposable in water and it does not get absorebed by the soil or plants, thus having
very low toxicity to frog. The impact of phosphamidon was evident on the histology of
pancreas. The normal architecture
of pancreatic tissue was completely altered.
Histopathological lesions in the pancreas of treated animals were assessed in the sub lethal and
lethal (0.20 - 0.3ppm) concentration. This study clearly showed the presence of necrosis and
retention of cysts in the pancreatic cells after the administration of phosphamidon.
Key Words: Euplyctis cyanophlyctis, Phosphamidon, Toxicity, Pancreas, Necrosis
Comparative Studies of Antibacterial Activities of Selected Medicinal Plants And Commonly
Used Antibiotics on Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
V. Jayalekshmy, S. Nanda Kumar, M. G. Sanal Kumar and R.S. Balamurali
ABSTRACT
The present study is an in vitro antibacterial assay on pseudomonas aeruginosa, an emerging
opportunistic pathogen, which can produce several nosocomial infections. The methanolic
extract of six indigenous medicinal plants and commercially available standard filter test discs
of nine antibiotics were studied for their antibacterial activity, using Kirby-Baeur disc diffusion
method. The results were measured as Inhibitition Zone Diameters (IZDs). In this preliminary
screening, Adathoda Vasica and Glycosmis Pentaphylla(10.5 mm each) showed maximum,
Azadirachta indica and Phillasnthus niruri (9.5 & 7 mm) showed average antibacterial activity
and minimum activity was shown by phumbago rosae and Lawsonia intermis (6.035mm).
Isolates were sensitive to all the nine antibiotics tested. Among them four have minimum
(Cloxacillin, Cephalexine, Linesolid & Lincomycin), two have medium (Gentamycin &
Cefotaxime) and three have the highest (Levoflxacin, Ampicillin/sulbactum & Tetracyciin)
activity on P.aeruginosa, without considering their concentration used. Significant variations
observed among the IZDs produced by different antibiotics (FCR- 475.88) and plant extracts
(FCR 21.98). This reveals that the selected medicinal plant extracts have significant antibacterial
activity on the tested microbes.
Key Words: Pseudmonas aeruginosa, Antibacterial assay, Solvent extraction, Phytochemicals
Northeast Monsoon Rainfall pattern over Western Tamilnadu
M. Thirumarran
ABSTRACT
The behavior of rainfall over the land and hilly terrain areas of Western Tamilnadu (Coimbatore,
Erode & Nilgiris districts) are considered for rainfall analysis and forecast. Monthly rainfall data
for the period of 57 years from 1951 to 2007are considered. Forecast for the year 2008 is
estimated. The model estimated rainfall is in good agreement with the observed rainfall for the
year 2007 and 2008. The details of model calculations and significance of results are presented.
Key Words : Rainfall Forecast, Stochastic modeling, Northeast monsoon. Western Tamil Nadu
Certified Organic Farming: A solution For Environmental Sustainability
S. Sedur Kumaran and V. Palnichamy
ABSTRACT
Organic farming is the best known alternative to the conventional method of agriculture. This
system of practice intensifies farm-internal processes like biological activities of soils, recycling
of crop and livestock waste and enhance biodiversity of the ecosystem. Proper understanding
on history, different variants and certification procedures of organic farming help sustain the
environment. Keeping this in view this article has been driven on step into the organic farming
methods, certification agencies and its procedures towards sustainability in agriculture
considering future generation
Key Words: Organic farming, Certification, Sustainability
Effect of Moringa Oleifera Seed Extracts on purification of Well and Pond Water
V.T. Valsamma and M. M. Mathew
ABSTRACT
This study reports the effects of Moringa oleifera seed extracts on purification of fresh waters.
Extracts of de-oiled seed powder of M.Oleifera PKM-1 variety in distilled water, 1% NaCl, 0.1 N
NaOH and 70% ethanol at 100, 150 and 200 mg_1 concentrations were tested for water
clarification. The results of the treatments with the extracts were studied using 18 parameters
and 100 mg_1 water extract lowered alkalinity in well and pond water and electric conductivity
from water. While 100 and 150 mg_1 water extracts effected the maximum removal of chloride
from well and pond water respectively, 200 mg_1 water extract was effective in removing
ammonia and phosphate from well water 100 mg_1 saline extract discarded maximum total
dissolved solids from well and pond water. Similarly, 100 mg_1 saline extract reduced turbidity
in well and total hardness. Calcium and magnesium hardness and nitrate in pond water and 200
mgl_1 NaCl extract effectively lowered BOD, total hardness, calcium and magnesium hardness
and nitrate and enhanced the DO level in well water and lowered COD, fluoride and ammonia
in pond water. While 150mgl_1 NaOH extract minimized phosphate concentration in pond
water, 200mg_1 NaOh extract resulted in lowering fluoride content in well water and 150mg_1
ethanol extract effectively removed COD from well water and 200mg_1 ethanol extract
successively lowered electric conductivity chloride and sulphate from well water and salinity,
BOD, total hardness, calcium and magnesium hardness, Chloride, phosphate and sulphate and
enhanced DO in pond water. The study proved that the de-oiled seed powder extracts of
M.Olefera PKM-1 variety are highly effectively in clarifying polluted well and pond water.
Key Words: Morlinga Oleifera, De-oiled seed powder, Purification, Pond water, Well water
Organic Composition of Silk Gland of Bombyx Mori infected with Bacillus Thuringiensis
D. Bharathi and Y. Miao
ABSTRACT
The organic composition of silk gland of Bombyx mori was studied in a univoltine hybrid silk
worm. Huahe (Chinese) x Dongfei (Japanese ) infected with Bacillus thuringiensis. A significant
decrease was noticed in the biochemical constituents causing pathological symptoms.The
decrease in the biochemical components of posterior silk gland indicates that B. thuringiensis
affected the synthesis of silk proteins which might influence on the quality of silk.
Key Words: Bombyx mori Bacillus thuringiensis, Proteins, Silk gland
Environmental Audit and Its Implications: A Study of Sugar Industry at Akluj, Mahrashtra
M. Dhere Amar and P. Kakar Anjali
ABSTRACT
Environmental audit gives information on utilization of the natural resources and emissions of
any particular firm. Government of India compels the submission of annual environmental audit
report. This research article ascertains the insights and contents of environmental audit sugar
industry; Data for drawing this investigation is based on the secondary resources and
environmental audit statement of Sahakar Maharshi Shankarrao Mohite-Patil Sugar Industry,
Akluj located in the Maharastra state. It is found that use of 1000liters of the water for
manufacturing of 1 tonne of sugar. The 15.43 KWH of power is used in 2004-05 per metric tone
of cane crushed. This value is lower than national average viz 20 KHW power used per MT of
sugarcane crushed. The wastewater has concentration of Biochemical Oxygen Demad (BOD) up
to 90mg/lit whereas mass concentration is 49.5 kg/day. This industry occasionally uses the
effluent to irrigate their gardens.
Key Words: Environmental Audit, Sugar Industry, Pollution, Electricity Consumption.
Assessment of Noyyal River Water Quality at Coimbatore City
M. Chitra
ABSTRACT
The water quality of Noyyal River at Coimbatore city was investigated during January 2013.
Water samples were collected from the surface water of river Noyyal from three different
locations (Telugupalayam, Nanjundapuram & Ondipudar) in Coimbatore city. The physiochemical features of the water were carried out. They were pH (7.7-9mg/l), Hardness (7602220mg/l), Electrical conductivity (657-2580 m.mhos/cm), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (4872mg/l), Alkalinity (896-1387 mg/l), Chemical Oxygen Demand (123-286 mg/l) Total dissolved
solids (1617-2546 mg/l) Sulphjate (489-678 mg/l), Chloride (565-1034mg/l) and Iron (0.8-1
mg/l).It is evidenced from the result that the physic-chemical features of the water parameters
such as pH, Hardness, Electrical conductivity, Alkalinity, Chemical Oxygen Demad, Total
dissolved solids and chloride values were higher than the Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS
standard-Surface Water Quality Standards-as per IS 2296-1982).
Key Words : Water quality, Noyyal river, Coimbatore, Physics-chemical parameters
North East Monsoon Rainfall Pattern over Cuddalore, Thiruvarpur and Nagai Districts of
Tamilnadu
M. Thirumarran
ABSTRACT
In order to understand the behavioral performance of rainfall in typical geographical area three
districts namely Cuddalore. Thiruvarur and Nagai of Tamilnadu were considered for analysis and
forecasting. Stochastic model was developed for annual rainfall forecasting. Monthly rainfall
date for the period of 58 years from 1951 to 2008 were considered for analysis and forecasting
.The estimated rainfall by the model was in good agreement with the observed rainfall for the
most of the rain gauge stations for the year 2007 and 2008.The observed rainfall distribution
pattern over Cuddalore. Thiruvarur and Nagai districts are not spatially homogeneous
Key Words: Rainfall forecast, Northeast monsoon, Tamil Nadu
Assessment of Ground Water Quality at Malegaon Camp Near Nasik, Maharashtra
Y. D. Sonawane
ABSTRACT
Physico-chemical Characteristics of the bore well water were carried out at Malegaon Camp
near Nasik, Maharashtra from April 2009 to March 2010.Water temperature varied from 18 to
29.9°C pH (6.72-8.25). Conductivity (2.3-9.6 µmhos/cm), dissolved oxygen (2.5-6.59mg/l), BOD
(1.0-4.4mg/l), alkalinity (234-359mg/l), TDS (1.1-7.4 ppm), hardness (133-330mg/l), calcium
(27.8-45.mg/l), chloride (57.2-120mg/l), acidity (5.8-38.3mg/l), nitrate (0.08-0.58mg/l) and
phosphate level 0.01-0.18mg/l.The above physic-chemical parameters are within the range
prescribed by BIS, ISI and WHO standards for drinking purpose. The bore well water is suitable
for human uses after proper treatment.
Key Words: Physico-chemical parameters, Water quality; Bore wells, Malegaon camp
Ecotoxicological Effects of Ayurvedic Swaskuthar Rasa Bhasma on Fish, Daphnia and Alga
M. Seenivasan and P. Balakrishna Murthy
ABSTRACT
The toxicity potential of Swaskuthar rasa bhasma-Ayurveda to Cyprinus carpio.Daphnia magna
and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata has been studied without altering the physic chemical
properties externally (Sonication, Centrifugation & filteration, addition of solvents etc:) in order
to achieve solubility or to decrease agglomeration that may or may not occur in the realistic
scenario. This study indicated that Swaskuthar rasa bhasama is high concern to the above
aquatic species tested (Fish. Daphnia & algae).The present study reveals that no toxicity was
observed in Swakuthar rasa bhasma exposed aquatic species
Key Words: Swaskuthar rasa bhasma, Fish, Daphnia, Alga
Effect of Mercuric Chloride on Toxicity and Behaviour of Fresh Water Teleost Anabas
Testudineus
V.S. Bindu and S. Amina
ABSTRACT
Static bioassays were conducted in the laboratory for 96 hours to determine the median lethal
concentrations (LC50) of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) to Anabas testudineus. The LC50 of
A.testudineous for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h were 6.01, 3.2, 1.8 and 0.96 ppm, respectively. Ten
percent morality at 96 h ouccured in 0.18 ppm of HgCl2 whereas 15, 85, 90 and 95 percent
mortality were observed in 0.25, 3.69, 5.08 and 8.13 ppm, respectively. When A.testudineus
was exposed to HgCl2 for 96 h, fish exhibited a series of abnormal behavioural responses such
as erratic movements, rapid movement of operclum, secretion of excessive mucus, jumping out
of the test media, lateral swimming, loss of equilibrium etc; and finally the fish were found
dead. It is concluded that HgCl2 is highly toxic to A. testudineus.
Key Words : Mercuric chloride, LC50 Behavioral changes, Anabas testudineus
Hit Distance and Predatory Performance of the Water Bug Diplonychus Rusticus
(Insecta: Hemiptera)
I Deepa Persis and P. Venkatesan
ABSTRACT
Most of the families in the order Hemioptera are predatory in nature. Predatory potential of
the water bug Diplonychus rusticus (both male & female bugs) exposed to varying prey
densities (10, 30, 50 & 70) of III and IV classes of mosquito larvae belonging to Culex for 1 hour,
was at the rate of (2.0, 4.4, 8.6, 9.2), (3.0, 5.6, 7.4, 10.4), (1.2, 4.2, 8.2, 9.6) and (2.0, 5.2, 5.6,
10.0) respectively. The prey death rate was maximum in male bugs. Secondly, the experiment
conducted support the concept of functional response. Prey sizes brought about changes in
predation among the sexes. The attack rate was inversely proportional to the handling time.
The handling time was -2.39, -0.31 and -1.62 for the prey densities 10, 30, 50 and 70
respectively. The attack rate (a) deprived from the equation was 0.05, 0.12 and 0.01 for
different densities. The handling time in male was (6.15, 0.29, 5.38, 4.74) and (11.49, 7.65, 6.75,
4.47) for the prey densities 10, 30, 50 & 70 respectively. The most predominant prey-predator
distance recorded throughout the experiment belonged to the minimum range comprising
mostly of 2.1cm which is approximately equal to the length of the foreleg of the bug, when the
predators (both male & female) were exposed to different prey densities 10, 30, 50 and 70 and
III and IV prey size classes of Culex larvae.
Key Words: Belostoomatid bug, Predatory performance, Hit distance, Attack rate, handling time
Impact of Fertigation on Leaf NPK Status and Yield of Tissue Culture Pomegranate CV.Mirdula
Grown Under Ulter High Density Planting
T. Shanmugasundaram and G. Balakrishna Murthy
ABSTRACT
A study was conducted during 2011-12 and 2012-13 to find out the effect of fertigation on leaf
NPK content and yield of tissue culture (TC) pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) ev Mirdula
grown under ultra high density planting (UHDP). The experiments was laid out in randomized
block design with five treatments of fertigation levels, namely 50, 75, 100 and 125%
recommended dose of water soluble fertilizers (applied twice in a week) including soil
application (control) and replicated four times, to test various leaf NPK content and yield
attributes of 2-3 year old TC pomegranate cv. Mirdula grown under UHDP. The investigation
indicated that 50% recommended dose of fertilizers (T2) applied through fertigation resulted in
maximum leaf N(1.67, 1.77 & 1.62%), leaf P(0.17, 0.20 & 0.14%), leaf K(1.15, 1.28 & 1.01%)
during vegetative, flowering and harvesting stages respectively The yield attributing characters
viz., number of fruits per plant (52.4), average fruit weight (211.4 g), fruit volume (228.8 cc) and
fruit yield per plant (11.1 kg) were also found to be higher in the same treatment than with soil
application of recommended doses of NPK and higher dose fertigation. Therefore (T2) 50%
recommended doses of NPK in the form of water soluble fertilizers can be suggested for
increasing the yield of two to three year old TC pomegranate cv. Mridula significantly.
Key Words : Pomegranate, Fertigation, Leaf NPK, Yield