ID: 53421
Title: High temperature induced alterations in thylakoid membrane photofunctions of wheat primary leaves
Author: K. Ram Prasad and P. Kiran Mayi
Editor: Dr. P.K. Wong, Dr. Sadhana Sharma, Dr P.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Global Science Publications , No 2,Vol 12, 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Electron transport, photosystem II, lipid peroxidation
Abstract: In the present study the effect of high temperature has been studied on the thylakoid photochemical activity and alterations in the memebrane organization of wheat primary leaves. The results clearly indicated that high temperature caused inhibition of photosystem II catalyzed electron transport activities and enhancedment of photosystem I catalyzed electron transport activities in wheat thylakoids. The reason for the inhibition of photosystem II activity is alteration at the level of water oxidation complex. In addition high temperature caused an increase in the lipid peroxidation of thylakoid membrane which can be minimized if the ascorbate is present during high temperature treatment.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53420
Title: Optimization and comparative studies of amylase production by immobilised Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans
Author: R. Poornima and G. Prabakaran
Editor: Dr. P.K. Wong, Dr. Sadhana Sharma, Dr P.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Global Science Publications , No 2,Vol 12, 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Amylase, Bacillus, Immobilization, Optimization and Sodium alginate
Abstract: The wide applications of amylase enzymes especially in the starch processing industries and the textile industries has made it an enzyme with a high demand ? amylase production was carried out with sodium alginate immobilized Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans. The organisms are non pathogenic, produce no known toxins and have a well established record of safety. The identification of amylase producing capability of these microorganisms can be easily performed by the preliminary screening technique using starch agar. Also the methods of enrichment and assay are relatively simple as described. Calcium chloride was also provided in the production medium, as the presence of calcium ions is very much necessary for the maintenance of the stability of the enzyme. The maintenance of favorable pH is very essential for amylase production. Maximum activity of the enzyme was obtained at the pH of 7 . acidic conditions do not favor the production of amylase. The presence of the inducer (starch) is also a critical factor in amylase production. An inducer concentration of 0.02 to 0.03% is generally favoured for amylase production. The inducer acts as the genetic level. A longer incubation time was found to increase the activity of the enzyme. Highest production was reported after 24 hours as compared to lesser incubation times. This could be due to secretion of the extracellular enzyme after an initial growth phase of the organism. Both the organisms, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans produced almost similar amounts of enzyme under various conditions. This also proves that Bacillus coagulans can indeed be a substitute for the widely used Bacillus subtilis.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53419
Title: Stabilization of lime-cement flyas layer at subbase level of flexible pavement
Author: M. Anjan Kumar, D.S.V.Prasad and G.V.R.Prasada Raju
Editor: Dr. P.K. Wong, Dr. Sadhana Sharma, Dr P.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Global Science Publications , No 2,Vol 12, 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Expansive soil, Flyash, Lime-cement
Abstract: When geotechnical Engineers are faced with problematic soils (such as clayey or expansive soils), the engineering properties of those soils may need to be improved to make them suitable for construction. Waste materials such as flyash or pozzolanic materials have been used for soil improvement. Flyash is a waste material of burring coal at electric power plants and one of the most useful and versatile industrial by products. Many highway agencies, private organization and researchers are doing extensive studies on waste materials and research projects concerning the viability and environmental suitability. Effective utilization of waste materials with technical development in each field is indeed necessary. Attempts are made to investigate the stabilization process with model test tracks over expansive/ and subgrades. Loading - unloading tests are carried out on the tracks with chemicals like lime and cement introduced in flyash subbase laid on expansive/ sand subgrades. Test results show that maximum load carrying capacity is obtained for stabilized flyash subbase compared to untreated flyash subbase.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53418
Title: Anemophilus fungi in selected sites of Madurai, Tamilnadu, India
Author: N. Arun Nagendran
Editor: Dr. P.K. Wong, Dr. Sadhana Sharma, Dr P.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Global Science Publications , No 2,Vol 12, 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Airborne fungi, Allergenic diseases, Air pollution
Abstract: Eight study sites at different locations in Madurai city were randomly chosen to assess the diversity and distribution of airborne fungi. Seven fungal strains viz., Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terres, Penicilium sp, Fusairum sp, Geotrichum sp and Alternaria sp were recorded. All the isolates belong to the phylum Ascomycota which is a potential contributor of many strains o pathogenic fungi. Among the study sites, PTR Bridge ranks first in terms of relative richness and harbours all the seven strains. Thiagarajar College was found to have minimum number of cfus. Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp. were the most abundant strains among all the isolates. Geotrichum sp. has represented only in limited numbers and is completely absent in five study sites.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53417
Title: Effects of C, N and cellobiose octa acetate (COA) on cellulolytic enzyme production by Streptomyces aburaviensis (RB20)
Author: Kaniz Fatema, M.Z.Alam and M.N.Anwar
Editor: Dr. P.K. Wong, Dr. Sadhana Sharma, Dr P.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Global Science Publications , No 2,Vol 12, 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Streptomyces aburaviensis, Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), Cellobiose octaacetate (COA)
Abstract: The cellulolytic isolate Streptomyces aburaviensis (RB20) was used to determine the effect fo carbon and nitrogen sources on the production of cellulolytic enzymes using cellobiose octaacetate (COA), a synthetic carbon source as an inducer. The isolate was found to degrade various cellulosic carbon sources. But the rate of degradation, production of extracellular protein, reducing sugar, saccharification percentage, biomass yield and the production of enzyme was enhanced when 0.6% COA was used as an inducer in addition to the main substrate. Among the nitrogen sources tested, Asparagine showed maximum enzyme production (359.37 U/mL CMCase) in Winstead ' s medium. The enzyme production further enhanced in the medium supplement with 0.6% COA which correspond to 421.88 U/mL CMCase. Among the carbon sources, CMC was found to be the best carbon source (296.88 U/mL CMCase) and again supplementation of medium with 0.6% COA enhanced CMCase production (437.5 U/mL CMCase). In addition to CMCase activity, the organism also showed appreciable levels of FPase, Avicelase and b-Glucosidase activities. The study clearly demonstrated that COA is a good inducer for extracellular CMCase production by the Streptomyces aburaviensis.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53416
Title: H-point standard addition method for simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide
Author: Manoochehr Fadaelan, Reza Hajian and Alamtaj Zarifmanesh
Editor: Dr. P.K. Wong, Dr. Sadhana Sharma, Dr P.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Global Science Publications , No 2,Vol 12, 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, HPSAM
Abstract: The applicability of H-point standard addition method (HPSAM) to the resolving of overlapping spectra corresponding to the hydrochlorothiazide and Furosemide is verified. The results show that the H-point standard addition method is suitable for the simultaneous determination of hydrochlorothiazide and Furosemide in aqueous media. The results of applying the H-point standard addition method showed that the two drugs could be determined simultaneously with the concentration raitos of hydrochlorothiazide to Furosemide varying from 1:40 to 20:1 in the mixed sample. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of hydrochlorothiazide in the presence of Furosemide in some synthetic samples. Moreover, the applicability of the method was demonstrated by the recovery of species in some biological fluids.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53415
Title: The distribution of phytoplankton and chlorophyll A in the cross river estutary, Nigeria
Author: A.O.Ekwu and F.D.Sikoki
Editor: Dr. P.K. Wong, Dr. Sadhana Sharma, Dr P.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Global Science Publications , No 2,Vol 12, 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Chlorophyll a, density, phytoplankton, pigment, productivity
Abstract: Studies on phytoplankton and chlorophyll a distribution in the Cross River estuary were carried out from the month of March 2004 to February 2006. The range of chlorophyll a concentration was 0.25 ?gL-1-67.95?gL-1in the surface samples and 0.15?gL-1 in the bottom samples. Spatial distribution showed generally higher concentrations in the upper reach stations (1 and 2), as well as in station 6 (lower reach). Concentrations were higher in the surface samples than bottom samples. Also, concentrations were statistically higher in surface samples than bottom samples. Seasonal variation indicated higher dry season values than wet season. Total cell densities ranged from 160 cells L-1to 9.235 x 103cells L-1. Of this number, diatom density was 6.6 x 103cells L-1(71.58% of total algal density), Green algae density was 1.27 x 103 cells-1(12.69%), while Euglenophyceae, and Dinophyceae contributed 812 cellsL-1(0.879%) and 930 cells L-1(1.007%) respectively, to the total algal density. Both the spatial and seasonal variation corresponded with the spatio-seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton density. Chlorophyll a showed a strong relationship with cell density, described by the Linear Regression equation: Y = 0.032 x -6.161 (r2=0.860; P<0.01). The coefficient of determination (r2) showed that 86% of the variation in chlorophyll a concentration is atributeanle to phytoplankton density.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53414
Title: Diet and feeding performance of Liza falicipinnis (Valenciennes, 1836) (Mugilidae) in cross river estuary, Nigeria
Author: Bassey E. Akpan
Editor: Dr. P.K. Wong, Dr. Sadhana Sharma, Dr P.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Global Science Publications , No 2,Vol 12, 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Cross river estuary, Liza falcipinnis, Feeding performance, Selectively polyphagous
Abstract: Food and feeding activities of Liza falicipinnis from Cross river estuary, Nigeria, was studied from January to December 2008. Total length of the specimens varied between 3.5 cm and 34.3cm. The food contained 12 items grouped into phytoplankton, sand/mud, detritus, macrophyte matter and arthropod parts, in order of their increasing importance. Primary dietaries were Coelosphaerium,Rhizosolenia, sand/mud and coarse particulate organic matter, while Navicula, Pleurosigma, Spirogyra, macrophyte matter and fine particulate organic matter were secondary items. Arthropod parts were incidental items. Females consumed more phytoplankton and particulate organic matter than males while males consumed more sand/ mud than females. Adults consumed more phytoplankton and particulate organic matter than juveniles. Dry season diet comprised 12 items and wet season 10 items. Feeding activities increased in males and adults but seasonally there was no marked difference in feeding activity. Food items were available throughout the year.L.falcipinnis from Cross river estuary feeds consistently on some phytoplankton, detritus and bottom sediments, as such, considered to be selectively polyphagous.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53413
Title: Microbiological and sensory studies of Nigerian Moin-moin plantain blend treated with garlic, ginger or potassium sorbate
Author: C.F.Ezeama and C.B.Ogbonna
Editor: Dr. P.K. Wong, Dr. Sadhana Sharma, Dr P.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Global Science Publications , No 2,Vol 12, 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Cowpea paste, Garlic, ginger, potassium sorbate, Microbiology, Moin-moin, Sensory properties
Abstract: The microbiological and sensory properties of moin-moin/plantain (MP) blend treated with garlic or ginger (0.5, 1.0 adn 1.5% w/w) or potassium sorbate (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3% w/w) and stored at ambient temperature (28 + 20C) were investigated. There was a significant (p=0.05) decrease in total viable counts (TVCs) of the untreated (control) to that of the treated samples irrespective of the treatment concentration. Treating of MP blend with 0.2 -0.3 % w/w potassium sorbate (KS) or 1.5% w/w garlic resulted in marked reduction in TVC (<log 5) of the samples and extended the keeping quality if the product by 2 days. Significant reduction in fungal population (<101 cfu/g) of the product treated with 0.3% w/w KS occured on day O of ambient storage. Of the six bacteria present in control sample, garlic and ginger treatment (0.5-1.5 %w/w) could not inhibit Streptococcus faecalis. However, 1.5%w/w garlic treatment inhibited the growth of Salmonella enteritidis. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus were inhibited by 0.1%w/w KS treatment. MP blend treated with 1.0%w/w ginger was more preferred in aroma, taste, visual appearance, texture and overall acceptability while 1.5% w/w garlic showed adverse quality changes. The 0.2% w/w KS treatment enhanced the overall acceptability of the product.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53412
Title: Risk determinants to congenital malaria in Ilorin, Nigeria
Author: O.M. Kolawole, A.S.Babatunde, A.A.G.Jimoh, O.R.Balogun and I.G.Kanu
Editor: Dr. P.K. Wong, Dr. Sadhana Sharma, Dr P.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Global Science Publications , No 2,Vol 12, 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Risk determinants, Malaria, Congenital
Abstract: A study on risk determinants to congenital malaria was carried out for seven months between March and September 2006 at Ilorin using three different hospitals; Eyitayo, Surulere Medical hospital and Centre Gboro specialist hospital. Malaria parasite detection was performed on a set of 130 maternal, fetal, placental and cord blood samples using thick film method. Blood group and haemoglobin genotype was also determined using tile technique and haematocrit method respectively. The prevalence of maternal, fetal, placental, and cord parasitaemia were 37 (28.46%), 29 (22.31%), 33(25.38%) and 30(23.08%) respectively. Fetal weight, sex, blood group, maternal height, Gestation age, placental weight, Diabetes, socio-economic status, maternal educational background, husbands occupation and husbands educational background did not show positive correlation with maternal, fetal, placental and cord parasitaemia (p>0.05). However, haemoglobin genotype and type of accomodation showed positive correlation with maternal, fetal, placental and cord parasitaemia (p<0.05) while maternal weight showed positive correlation with maternal parasitaemia only (p<0.05).
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53411
Title: Field evaluation of capacitance probe to measure soil water content
Author: Aboutaleb Hezarjaribi, Heinz Sourell, Ghorban Ghorbani Nasrabad, Abdolreza Gharanjiki and Meysam Abedinpour
Editor: Dr. P.K. Wong, Dr. Sadhana Sharma, Dr P.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Global Science Publications , No 2,Vol 12, 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Soil moisture, capacitance probe, calibration
Abstract: Capacitance probe sensors are a popular electromagnetic method of measuring soil water content. In this study EnviroSCAN capacitance sensors were calibrated for a sandy and loamy sand soils and the water contents estimated by calibrated equation and with those estimated by the manufacturer ' s default (uncalibrated) equation were statistically compared. Results demonstrated that calibrated EnviroSCAN sensor could be used as the standard instrument to measure soil water content in sandy soil. The uncalibrated equation of both of soil textures appeared to consistently underestimate soil water content. A large discrepancies existed between calibrated and uncalibrated values for both of soil textures. Calibrated values of soil water content in loamy sand profile were close to those measured by the soil samples. Calibration of EnviroSCAN capacitance sensor found to give more accurate estimation of soil water content values, and essential to improve sensor ' s performance, compared to those obtained from the uncalibrated equation in loamy sand soil.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53410
Title: Bioaccumulation of cadmium and lead by Lycopersicum esculentum (L.): Impact on uptake of nutritional elements
Author: Uma Harikishan and Ashok Kumar
Editor: Prof V. Subramanian
Year: 2010
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company , No 2,Vol 7, April 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution
Keywords: Phytoremediation, heavy metals, nutrient uptake, soil
Abstract: Phytoextraction is an important technique used for the decontamination of areas polluted by lead and cadmium. Consequently, an understanding of the physiological responses to tolerance of tropical species subjected to increasing levels of contamination is fundamental before considering their use as phytoextractors in contaminated areas. The objective of this study was to assess the lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) uptake and the tolerance of Lycopersicum esculentum L. The outcome of this study corroborate that L. esculentum is a suitable candidate for the phytoremediation of Cd(II) and Pb(II) contaminated soils. Furthermore, the concentration of Cd and Pb determined in the dry root tissue indicates that L. esculentum could be considered as a potential Cd and Pb hyperaccumulator in the dry root tissue indicates that L. esculentum could be considered as a potential Cd and Pb hyperaccumulator.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53409
Title: Study of physico-chemical characteristics of water bodies of Burdwan Municipal area, West Bengal, India
Author: N.K.Mondal, M.Sinha, J.K.Datta and S.Gupta
Editor: Prof V. Subramanian
Year: 2010
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company , No 2,Vol 7, April 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution
Keywords: Physico-chemical , COD, municipal area, potassium, Ranisaya, Shyamsayar, phosphate level
Abstract: A study has been undertaken to evaluate the physico-chemical parameters (colour, temperature, pH, DO, COD, alkalinity, hardness, sodium, potassium, nitrate-nitrogen, phosphate) in surface water bodies (pond water) in Burdwan municipal area of West Bengal. Water samples collected from Ranisayar, Shyamsayar, Raj College pond, Laldighi, Krishnasayar, Kamalsayar, Gopalsayar, Hatipukur, Gargarghat and Bashbera were analyzed in laboratory. Results reveal that Ranisayar has less dissolved oxygen; COD of Ranisayar, Shyamsayar, Laldighi, Gopalsayar and Bashbera are high. All these ten ponds have high sodium and potassium concentration and the Krishnasayar has the highest phosphate level among these five ponds. Ultimately it is concluded that Ranisayar, Shyamsayar, Laldighi, Gopalsayar and Bashbera are more polluted than remaining five ponds.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53408
Title: Application of water quality index to monitor groundwater quality in Nagpur city
Author: P.N.Rajankar, S.R.Gulhane, D.H.Tambekkar and S.R.Wate
Editor: Prof V. Subramanian
Year: 2010
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company , No 2,Vol 7, April 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution
Keywords: Groundwater, physico-chemical analysis, water quality, water quality index (WQI)
Abstract: The present work is aimed at assessing the seasonal (pre-monsoon and post-monsoon) water quality index (WQI) for the groundwater of different areas of Nagpur city during the year 2006-2007. 15 locations (45 samples in each season) for three alternate weeks were studied for comprehensive, bacteriological and physico-chemical analysis. The WQI for these 15 locations ranges from 76 to 83 in pre-monsoon and 68 to 82 in post monsoon season. Only 13% of the locations (two locations) showed the quality change from good to medium and other 87% showed variation in WQI but not change in water quality. The analysis reveals that the groundwater of few areas needs some treatment before consumption, and it also needs to be protected from the perils of contamination.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53407
Title: Limiting effect of some toxic heavy metals on zooplankton diversity in freshwater lake ecosystem at Sahebbundh, Purulia, West Bengal
Author: Subhayan Dutta, Aniruddha Mukhopadhyay and Tapan Saha
Editor: Prof V. Subramanian
Year: 2010
Publisher: Capital Publishing Company , No 2,Vol 7, April 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution
Keywords: Toxic metal, zooplankton, diversity, freshwater, ecosystem, anthropogenic interference, limiting effect
Abstract: Environmental monitoring of inland water bodies is needed for proper introspection of the structural and functional responses of freshwater ecosystem vis-a-vis status of biological components. Above endeavour have been initiated by periodic monitoring of both biological and physico-chemical parameters of a freshwater lake at Sahebbundh, Purulia, West Bengal, which is located at 23029 ' 42"N latitude and 86021 ' 37" E longitude. Water of this 63-acre lake is widely used for drinking purposes during summer months. But the water body has become a target of several anthropogenic interference like garage activities, biomedical wastes, disposed sewage, etc., which can potentially hamper the health of the freshwater lake ecosystem. In all 28 species of zooplanktons are recorded from the lake, including some which are reported to be indicator of thermal pollution. Among the heavy metals the study concentrates upon Pb2+, Cr3+ and Cd2+. A remarkable change of community dynamics of the zooplankton reflected by diversity fluctuations is observed particularly in those areas with anthropogenic activities including introduction of biomedical wastes, garage activities etc. Interestingly the toxic heavy metal is very high in those spots with direct human interferences. The level of Pb2+ is much higher in those sites in comparison to the other two heavy metals, i.e. Cr3+ and Cd2+. The Pb2+ is obviously a direct contribution from anthropogenic garage activities, which is established from our findings.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None