ID: 55926
Title: Ramsar Convention and India
Author: Jaimini Sarkar
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 101, No 10, 25 Nov 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55925
Title: Adapting to climate change in Laos: challenges and opportunities
Author: Harsha Meenawat and Benjamin K Sovacool
Editor: P K Bhattacharya
Year: 2011
Publisher: TERI, Vol 10, No 4, December 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: TIDEE - TERI Information Digest on Energy and Environment
Keywords: Laos, adaptive capacity, climate change adaptation
Abstract: This viewpoint briefly provides a commentary on climate change adaptation activities currently under implementation in Laos. First, the article explores the vulnerability of Laos to climate change and the various impacts of uneven water flows on the agricultural sector of the country. In the second section, the discussion moves to the adaptation activities under a specific GEF-funded project " Improving the Resilience of the Agriculture Sector in Lao PDR to Climate Change Impacts", summarizing the organizations involved and offering a description of how the project would add to the resilience of the irrigation system of the country. Based on interviews and literature review, the third section of the article examines the benefits and challenges to the implementation of the project and adaptation activities at large. The article concludes with lessons learnt from the case for adaptation in least developed countries.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55924
Title: Energy management for air conditioning units
Author: G Selvam
Editor: P K Bhattacharya
Year: 2011
Publisher: TERI, Vol 10, No 4, December 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: TIDEE - TERI Information Digest on Energy and Environment
Keywords: Energy management, air conditioning
Abstract: In our homes, majority of the electricity load is due to the air conditioning units. The method proposed in this paper is targetted at energy management of such units. Through this proposed energry management method, we can save reasonable amount of energy, which will reflect in the electricity bill, without compromising our level of comfort.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55923
Title: Environmental governance for Carbon neutrality: Issues of externality sharing mechanism in Himachal Pradesh
Author: Rakesh Kumar Sharma
Editor: P K Bhattacharya
Year: 2011
Publisher: TERI, vol 10, No 4, December 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: TIDEE - TERI Information Digest on Energy and Environment
Keywords: Carbon credity, ecosystem services, economic valuation, externality
Abstract: The valuation of ecosystem services, environmental externalities and the development of cost and benefit sharing mechanism are of utmost importance to every nation or province. Hence, the issue of environmental governance becomes very important at various levels. In its absence, the problem of free rider will lead to complete chaos. International platforms like IPCC, UNEP, UNFCC, WB, WWF etc. are taking up this issue very seriously and suggesting a number of strategies. Carbon credits and its trading is one such mechanism that has become very popular in recent years. The Government of Himachal Pradesh has now become proactive for reducing carbon emissions in recent years and envisaging a goal to become the first carbon neutral state in India. It has adopted several promotional as well as the restrictive measures for environmental prservation and minimal carbon emissions. In this regard, the Union Government too has a play a major role in order to compensate the states promoting initiatives with positive externality and tax those with negative externality for keeping development within environmental limits.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55922
Title: Studies on the distribution of bacterial isolates in rare earth environment
Author: A Selvam, E S Challaraj Emmanuel, B Anandkumar, S Maruthamuthu, N Palaniswamy
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Rare earth elements, 16SrDNA, Carboxylic acid, Biofilm
Abstract: Rare earth soil is precious, but very common across Arabian coast especially in Chavara, (Quilon district, Kerala) south west coast of India. They are widely distributed but usually occur in small amounts and enhance the soil properties. In the present study, 18 different bacterial isolates were identified from three different samples such as soil and biofilm formed on metal surfaces from the rare earth environment of Chavara using 16SrDNA gene sequencing. The accumulation of rare earth elements (REE) by microbes was studied using FT-IR analysis. In the FTIR spectrum of the test system, a peak at 1548 and 1449 cm-1 indicates the presence of aromatic nuclei (carboxylic acid), while C=C stretch for C-O-C group was noticed at 1237 cm-1. Thus significant variations in the peak position confirm the presence of carboxyl group and thus it was confirmed that rare earth elements induce the bacterial to produce carboxylic acid and thereby accumulate rare earth elements.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55921
Title: Acute and chronic toxicity of copper on aquatic insect Chironomus ramosus from Assam, India
Author: T N Majumda, A Gupta
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Acute and chronic toxicity, median lethal concentrations, Chironomus ramosus, copper sulphate
Abstract: Acute toxicity of copper (Cu) on Chironomus ramosus was determined by exposing third-instar larvae to graded concentrations of copper sulphate (CuSO4.5H2O). Median lethal concentrations (LC50) of Cu as CuSO4 at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hr were determined as 3280, 1073.33 , 780 and 183 ?g l-1, respectively. For determining the effects of chronic toxicity, small first-instar larvae were individually exposed to sublethal concentrations of copper sulphate (1.0-18.0 ?g l-1) for a period of 21 days. Discoloration and thinning of body were detected at 1?g l-1 and ventilation movements, pupation and adult emergence were significantly affected at 1.8 ?g l-1. At 10 ?g l-1CuSO4 concentration, growth and tube-building activities of the larva were significantly different from the control.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55920
Title: Glutathione S-transferase and metallothionein levels in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium malcolmsonii exposed to mercury
Author: A Yamuna, R Saravana Bhavan, P Geraldine
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Prawn, mercury, glutathione S-transferase, Reduced glutathione, metallothionein
Abstract: Healthy juveniles of M. malcolmsonii were exposed to 24.1 ?g l-1 of mercury (96 hr LC 50: 145 ?g l-1Hg) for a period of 21 days. The hepatopancreas and gills of the prawns were sampled on 8th, 15th and 22nd day of exposure. Accumulation adn elimination of Hg, activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST), content of glutathione (GSH) and metallothionein (MT) level were studied. Mercury accumulation was found to be higher in the hepatopancreas (88.60?gg l-1) and lower in the gills (67.8 ?gg l-1). However, Hg elimination was found to be faster in the gills (62%) and slower in the hepatopancreas (58%). Therefore, the rate of Hg elimination did not match the rate of its uptake. The activity of GST was found to be higher in tissues of test prawns (5.94 - 9.13 nmol mg-1 protein min-1) on all sampling days when compared with controls (3.45 - 4.23 nmol mg-1 protein min-1). Similarly, the content of GSH was found to be higher in tissues of test prawns (0.80 - 1.43 ? molg l-1protein) on all sampling days when compared with controls (0.55-1.00 ?molg l-1protein). These results indicate the formation of glutathione conjugate in test prawns to eliminate Hg. The induction of MT level was also found to be higher in tissues of test prawns (57.50 - 75.76 nmolg l-1protein) on all sampling days when compared with control (20.24-45.22 nmolg l-1protein). This indicates the fact that sequestration of Hg has occurred for its easy elimination. Thus, induction of GST-GSH and MT ensured protection and adaptation of test prawns to thrive in Hg contaminated environment.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55919
Title: Macroenvironmental influence on Hepatozoon lacertilis infectivity ot lizard Hemidactylus flaviviridis
Author: N Gupta, M Bhaskar, D K Gupta
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Hemidactylus flaviviridis, macroenvironment, Hepatozoon lacertilis
Abstract: Hemidactylus falviviridis Ruppell, 1835 (n = 199) sampled during different seasons from Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh, India) were infected with a sporozoan parasite belonging to the genus Hepatozoon Miller, 1908. Four morpho-variants of the parasite, Type I, II, III and IV were identified on their growing pattern. When compared with earlier reported species, the parasite could be characterized taxonomically by its comparatively greater length 17.35 (13.57 - 21.30) ?m and width 7.51 (5.59 - 10.11) ?m, unusual larger size of parasite nuclear length 8.86 (4.75 - 15.83) ?m and width 3.55 (2.14 -5.11) ?m and cytomorphological differences. These characteristics warrant creation of a new species and was named Hepatozoon lacertilis sp. nov. The morpho-variants, their effect on host cell and host nuclei are clearly illustrated. The influece of macroenvironmental factor (host sex) on parasitic infectivity indicated that it was 7.14% prevalent in male and 6.25% in female Hemidactylus flaviviridis.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55918
Title: Association of some milking parameters with milk quality of smallholder dairy farms in Samsun region, Turkey
Author: Savas Atasever, Huseying Erdem, Kursat Demiryurek
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Somatic cell count, Milking factors, milk quality, dairy farm
Abstract: This study was carried out to determine the association between some milking factors and milk quality in dairy cows. While questionnaires collected from a total of 50 smallholder farms in Bafra and Samsun, number of milkers (NM), milking duration (MD), care frequency for milking amchine (CMM) and age of milking machine (AMM) were used as milking parameters. Milk quality was measured by somatic cell count (SCC) of milk by direct microscopy. Milk parameters were assessed in two groups according to SCC: < 400,000 and > 400,000 cells ml-1, respectively. Data were analyzed by SPSS, and no statistical difference was found in each parameter by SCC thresholds. However, significant (P<0.01) difference was determined among MD means by NM groups. Estimated correlation (r = 0.47; p <0.01) indicated that lower NM caused to shorter MD during milking activity. The results of the study suggest that dairy farmers should focus on milking factors to obtain more quality milk.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55917
Title: Inhibition of oral pathogens and collagenase activity by seaweed extracts
Author: Jae-Suk Choi, Yu-Mi Ha, Chi-Un Joo, Kwang Keun Cho, Sung-Jo Kim, In Soon Choi
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Antimicrobial activity, seaweed extracts, periodonititis, Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Collagenase
Abstract: Fifty - seven species of common seaweed from the Coast of Korea were screened for antimicrobial (i.e inhibition of Prevotella intermedia and Porphyromonas gingivalis growth) activity. As a source of bioactive compounds, seaweeds can produce many secondary metabolites with a variety of activities. Using the agar diffusion method, only 17 species (29.8%) showed inhibitory activity. Of these, methanol extracts of Enteromorpha linza, Sargassum sagamianum, and Ulva pertusa showed strong inhibitory effects against both P. intermedia and P. gingivalis. The MIC values of E.linza, S. sagamianum, and U. pertusa extracts against P. intermedia were 625, 78 adn 625 ?g m-1and those against P. gingivalis were 312, 156 and 625 ?g m-1, respectively. When these three species ' extracts were separated into five fractions according to their polarity, the main active agents were determined to be phenolic compounds. We then compared the antimicrobial activities of these phenolic compounds against various periodontal pathogens using a MIC test. Phenolic compound containing extracts at concentrations of 10 to 100 ?g m-1showed a moderate to significant inhibitory effect on collagenase 1, 2 and 3 activity.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55916
Title: Temporal and spatil distribution of physico-chemical parameters in an anoxic lagoon, Aitoliko, Greece
Author: Areti Gianni, George Kehayias, Ierotheos Zacharias
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Aitoliko lagoon, Anoxia, physico-chemical characteristics, trophic state index
Abstract: Temporal and spatial distribution of physico-chemical and water quality parameters and their correlation with meterological and hydrological data, was investigated for anoxic lagoons, in Greece. Monthly variations of parameters like temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll-a, total phosphorus etc, along the Aitoliko lagoon water column, were recorded and studied at 14 stations. Throughout the sampling period, in lagoon ' s water column three layers were determined: the surface low density layer (11.49 -16.15), the layer with the steep density gradient and the deep dense (19.78 - 20. 62) water below the depth of 20 m. The depth of the surface pycnocline layers depends on seasonal surface salinity (20.53 - 22.43%) and temperature (12.48 - 28.400C) alteration. Lagoon ' s monimolimnioon was extended, below the depth of 20 m and had constant temperature and salinity equal to about 130C and 27% respectively. Meterological conditions control termperature (R2 = 0.845) and dissolved oxygen (R2 = 0.576 ) monthlly changes, in lagoon ' s epilimnion, while salinity seems to be related with the salt/fresh water budget into Aitoliko lagoon, Epilimnetic chlorophyll - a (3.29-14.89 ?g l-1) and total phosphorus (13.33 - 36.31?g l-1) concentrations classify Aitoliko lagoon as a mesotrophic environment (40<TSI (Cha_a) <55, 40 < TSI (TP) <60). The vertical distribution of dissolved oxygen in the water column was always of special interest. During the last decades the Aitoliko lagoon was reported as a permanent anoxic basin. The depth of the anoxic layer gradually decreased and reached 5 m depth during 2003-2004. In the present study, the anoxic layer was limited below the depth of 18m during summer. The most interesting is the dissolved oxygen presence in lagoon ' s monimolimnion during January and February, 2007. In this study, for the first time, Aitoliko lagoon was reported as seasonal anoxic basin.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55915
Title: Studies on spatio-temporal dynamics of phytoplankton in El-Umum drain in west of Alexandria, Egypt
Author: Nabila R Hussein, Samiha M Gharib
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: El-Umum drain, phytoplankton, spatio-temporal dynamics, Diversity indices
Abstract: Phytoplankton was assessed quantitatively and qualitatively in regard to their abundance in the northern part of El-Umum drain, west of Alexandria at four stations to study the spatial, temporal, dominance and abundance of the phytoplankton community. The samples were collected monthly from April 2003 to April 2004. A total of 152 phytoplankton taxa were identified belonging to Bacillariophyceae (60), Chlorophyceae (46), Cyanophyceae (20), Euglenophyceae (17) and Dinophyceae (9). A limited number of these were recorded throughout the year, and showed an indication of organic pollution. The total densities (333.8 x 103 units l-1) were mainly a reflection of the trensd in counds of Bacillariophyceae and Chlroophyceae (138.1 x 103 and 131.6 x 103 units l-1, respectively). Monthly differences in the quantitative (18 x 103 to 1645 x 103 units l-1) and qualitative composition (41 to 113 taxa) of the phytoplankton communities in the different stations wre marked, with recurrent high abundance in spring (910.4 x103 units l-1), whereas lowest densities occurred in autumn (99.7x 103 units l-1). Cyanophyceae was most abundant in July (67.5 x 103 units l-1) , whereas Euglenophyceae in December (32.0 x 103 units l-1) . Species diversity (H ' ) gave a signal of the area is light to moderate polluted. The present study emphasized the need to use phytoplankton community as index of water quality.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55914
Title: Studies on effects of Emblica officinalis (Amla) on oxidative stress and cholinergic function in scopolamine induced amnesia in mice
Author: Mahaveer Golechha, Jagriti Bhatia, Dharmveer Singh Arya
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Alzheimer disease, Emblica officinalis, scopolamine, amnesia
Abstract: Emblica officinalis, commonly known as amla, is an important medicinal plant of India. Its fruits have potent antioxidant activity due to the presence of tannoids, tannins, vitamin C and flavonoids. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of the fruits of Emblica officinalis (EO) on memory impairment in Swiss albino mice. Scopolamine (1mg kg-1, i.p) was administered to induce amnesia and the memory ws evaluated by using elevated plus-maze and passive avoidance tests. Piracetam (200 mg kg-1, i.p.) was used as a standard nootropic agent. The EO extract was administered intraperitoneally in four graded doses (150, 300, 450 and 600 mg kg-1) for 7 consecutive days to different groups of mice. The mice were sacrificed on the 8th day following assessment of memory. The brain malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) as well as acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity was determined. It was observed that EO extract reversed the amnesia induced by scopolamine. The mean transfer latency and retention latency in the EO extract 600 mg kg-1 group vs the vehicle treated scopolamine group was 13.46 sec (p<0.001) and 134.4 sec (p<0.001) vs 223.99 sec and 44.55 sec, respectively. EO extract treatment also significantly (p<0.001) ameliorated the oxidative stress induced by scopolamine administration. The mice brain MDA and GSH levels in the EO extract 600 mg kg-1 group vs the scopolamine group were 29.95 nmol g-1 of wet tissue and 51.87 ?g g-1of tissue vs 55.22 n mol g-1 of wet tissue, respectively. Further, EO extract (300, 450 and 600 mg kg-1, i.p) significantly (p<0.001) reversed the rise in brain acetyl cholinesterase (AchE) level induced by scopolamine. The mice brain AchE levels in the EO extract 600 mg kg-1 group as compared to the scopolamine group was 70.23 vs 151. 49 U mg-1protein-1, respectively. These results suggest that EO possesses memory enhancing, antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase activity. It may be useful for the treatment of cognitive impairments induced by cholinergic dysfunction. Its potential in the management of dementia and Alzheimer disease needs to be further explored.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55913
Title: Steroidal feedback on photoperiodic induction of testicular growth and development in two bird species
Author: Sunil Kumar, R K Pandey, I Choudhary, S K Bhardwaj
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Brahmin myna, Baya weaver, body mass, Testosterone propionate, Steroidal feedback
Abstract: Present study was performed to demonstrate the effect of exogenous administration of testosterone propionate on photoperiodic induction of testicular growth and development in brahminy myna (Stumus pagodarum) and baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus). Two groups of brahminy myna and baya weaver (n = 5 each ) were exposed to 15 L:9D (group-1) and 9L : 150 (group -II) and received 30?g of TP bird-1 for 15 days. Then, the photoperiod was reversed; the one receiving 15L was exposed to 9L and vice versa. Observations on body mass and testis volume were taken at the beginning and at 15 days interval. In brahminy myna, a significant change in body mass occurred under 9L: 15D, transfer to 15L: 9D, but not under 15 L: 9D group, transfer to 9L:15D. Also, testes were stimulated under 15L:9D transferred to 9L:15 D but not under 9L:15D transferred to 15L:9D. In baya weaver, body mass increased under 15L:9D and 9L:15D for first 15 days and was maintained until the end of the experiment. Testes enlarged gradually in both groups (15L:9D and 9L:15D transfer to vice versa), but it regressed in 15L:9D group, transferred to 9L:15D after 45 days. Taken together it appears that body mass response indicates the photoperiodic effect and gonadal response indicates the hormonal effect. Finally results conclude that the photoperiod and circulating testosterone levels feedback on to hypothalamus regulates reproductive cycle in these birds.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55912
Title: Influence of drying of biosludge on organochlorine compounds from pulp and paper industry
Author: S Gupta, M Purwar, S K Chakrabarti, Satnam Singh
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Adsorbable organic halogen, organochlorine, purgeable organic halogen, biosludge, pulp and paper industry
Abstract: Pulp and paper industry is one of the major sources of man-made generation of organochlorine compounds. During biological treatment of wastewater, part of organochlorine compounds is discharged with treated effluent and part is retained on biomass and disposed of as waste activated sludge. Due to presence of these compounds, the disposal of biosludge from pulp and paper idnustry has become an issue. The estimation of adsorbable organic halogen (AOX) compounds after drying and grinding resulted in 49% lower concentration of AOX due to stripping of purgeable compounds. These purgeable compounds are not released at 600C in aqueous medium during estimation of purgeable organic halogen (POX) compounds. Dispersion of sludge by sonication overcomes the loss of POX compounds and results in higher concentration of AOX compounds. The drying of biosludge samples at 45, 1000C and in present of sun light resulted in 20.1, 49.0 and 29.6% removal of purgeable AOX compounds, respectively. The lab scale sorption study using dichloromethane (as volatile organochlorine compound) reveal that biosludge from pulp and paper industry is a good absorbent of volatile organochlorine compounds and results in poor release of these compounds during estimation of POX compounds
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None