ID: 52897
Title: Effect of selected insecticides on nitrogen transformations in groundnut soils
Author: R. Jaya Madhuri and V. Rangaswamy
Editor: R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 98, No 6, 25 March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Ecology- Environment & Conservation
Keywords: Ammonification, Nitrification, Organophosphates and carbamates insecticides application, Groundnut soil
Abstract: Application of selected insecticides up to 5 kg ha-1stimulated the mineralization of peptone-N, but the activity was more pronounced at 2.5 kg ha-1 for 2 weeks of incubation. Whereas in nitrification, it was more significant at 2.5 kg ha-1, insectide concentration, at 4 weeks time interval. Both the activities are significantly stimulated with methyl parathion treatment in black and red soils of groundnut fields.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52896
Title: Zooplanktonic assemblages in two seasonal wetlands of Udaipur, Rajasthan
Author: Vijay Laxmi Parihar, L.L.Sharma, M.S.Sharma and Ashwani Kumar
Editor: R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 98, No 6, 25 March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Ecology- Environment & Conservation
Keywords: Zooplankton, Nauplii, Wetland
Abstract: Zooplanktonic communities of the two seasonal wetlands of Udaipur are represented by protozoans, rotifers, cladocerans, copepods and ostracods. In all 42 zooplanktonic forms were recorded from Gudli wetland, whereas, 41 forms were recorded from Bhensra wetland. In general, groupwise composition of zooplankton communities indicated following ranking: Rotifers> Copepods> Cladocerans> Protozoans> Ostracods. Besides this, nauplii larvae numerically dominated among other groups of Zooplankton. Menhinick ' s index was applied for zooplankton indicated that Gudli wetland harboured relatively rich diversity as compared to Bhensra wetland.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52895
Title: Molecular design for bioremediation of Cr (VI) by Pseudomonas putida
Author: G.Renuga, S.Kalidhasan, A.Babu Thandapani and K.R.Arumugam
Editor: R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 98, No 6, 25 March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Ecology- Environment & Conservation
Keywords: Pseudomonas putida, Chromium, Plasmid, Pollution, Bioremediation
Abstract: Pseudomonas putida isolated from tannery sludge, were examined for their tolerance to hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) and their ability to reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III), a detoxification process in cell suspension and cell extracts. Pseudomonas putida could reduce Cr (VI) up to 50 mg/mL, in terms of their Cr (VI) reducing ability and resistance to Cr (VI), and the Cr (VI) reduction was mainly associated with the soluble protein fraction of the cell. Pseudomonas putida strains were also screened for the presence of plasmid DNA had proved successful and harbored two plasmids of 9 Kb and 4 Kb molecular mass respectively. This approach has a great potential for bioremediation of Cr (VI)- polluted environments.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52894
Title: Eco-biodiversity of marine mycoflora of Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve (India)
Author: R. Gayatri Mambiar and K. Raveendran
Editor: R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 98, No 6, 25 March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Ecology- Environment & Conservation
Keywords: Gulf of Mannar, Marine fungi, Fertility, Productivity, Sethusamudram project
Abstract: Gulf of Mannar (GOM) is considered as teh world ' s richest marine biological resource. The present study deals with the frequency and abundance of marine fungi from GOM. A total of 40 marine fungi were encountered including 24 Ascomycetes, 2 Basidiomycetes and 14 Mitosporic fungi. All are new reports from GOM. The percentage of occurrence of individual species is quite variable. Nine species, namely Corollospora maritima, Lignincola laevis, Torpidospora radiata, Cirrenalia sp, Clavatospora bulbosa, Cumilospora marina, Dendryphiella salina, Periconia prolifica and Phoma sp. were the most frequent species of GOM. Twelve species were frequent and eleven were occasional in occurence. Among eh frequent ones, Savoryella paucispora and Nia vibrissa occurred in more number of samples. Similarly, Aniptodera indica and Corollospora filiformis among the occasional category were present in maximum number of samplings. Eight speices constituting 19.51% of the total taxa were ' sporadic ' in occurrence. Percentage colonization was high i.e., 77.78% and average number of fungi per sample was 2.51.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52893
Title: River interlinking in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of coastal Karnataka-a case study
Author: Mohandas Chadaga, Udayashankar H.N., Ganesha A and Gangahdhar Bhat H
Editor: R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 98, No 6, 25 March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Ecology- Environment & Conservation
Keywords: River interlinking, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
Abstract: Undivided Dakshina Kannada (DK) district of coastal Karnataka includes Udupi and now Dakshina Kannada (Mangalore) districts and comprises many west flowing river networks with 13 major rivers and hundreds of tributaries and rivulets. These river networks contribute the major share for irrigation and domestic water needs. Due to the increased urbanization and industrialization activities, a growing demand for water is obseved in the recent years. Even though the region receives good amount of rainfall (about 3500 mm to 4000 mm per annum), a large quantity joins the sea as surface runoff due to steep slopes prevalent in the Western Ghats and lateritic terrain in other area. There is saltwater ingression problem in the coastal region. Therefore, shortage of water during summer season is observed in many places. In this context, a project named "SOUBHAGYA SANJEEVINI", for linking the rivers of undivided Dakshina Kannada has been proposed (Kundaprabha, 12-11-2002). This study highlights the feasibility of such a project. The study area comprises rock types of different ages overlaid by Archeans such as Gneisses, Schist, Granites, Volcanogenic metasediments, Dykes, Quartzites, Laterites and Bauxites, Clay, Alluvium and Beach deposits. About 805 lineaments are traced with a length of 1 km-30 km of which about 785 are major and 57 major. Two main soil types observed are laterite and alluvial. Different landforms in the study area include Coastal, Fluvial and structural. Coastal plains, Spits, Estuaries, Bars, Beaches, Beach ridges, Mangroves etc. are the coastal landforms observable whiel Fluvial landforms include Alluvial Flood plants, Point bars, Channel bars and River Terraces. Structural landforms comprises Duricrusts, Linear ridges, Mesas, Talus, Residual hills, Pediment slopes, Structural hills, Scarps, Valley fills, Pediplains etc. The different types of river channel patterns observed are Straight, Meandering and Braided. Rivers in the western ghat region are of "Young Flashy" type. Many areas in the Western ghat region are too slopy with elevation rising to 1300 m or more within short distances. Thus Geology, Landforms, Soil characteristics and River morphology in the region are varying highly. Keeping in view all these factors, the rivers in the region can be interlinked through their tributaries and rivulets by running artificial channels wherever required, instead of one in North-South direction, at the foothill of Western Ghat. Check dams/barrages/vented dams are to be constructed across teh rivers to divert the water into the interlinking canals. Existing vented dams with some modifications can be made use along with the tanks and natural depressios (Madagas), as temporary reservoirs. The exact amount to be diverted can be estimated based on total water demand and also by considering other collateral factors. Degradation of the deciduous forests in the Western ghat may affect the hydro meterological characteristics (Orographic Precipitation) of the region. New diversion canals may also pose problems like water logging, increase in the salinity on the downstream, increase in sea erosion in river mouths etc. Hence, it is advisable to divert partial flow from the natural courses.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52892
Title: Nitrogenase activity and endophytic establishment of Azorhizobium caulinodans in auxin induced root tumors of rice
Author: V.S.G.R.Naidu
Editor: R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 98, No 6, 25 March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Ecology- Environment & Conservation
Keywords: Nodules, azorhizobium, nitrogenase, endophyte
Abstract: The treatment of rice seedling roots with synthetic auxins such as 2, 4-D (0.5 ppm), NAA (8 ppm) and IBA (8 ppm) resulted into the formation of nodule like structures (para-nodules). These para-nodules were readily colonized by Azorhizobium caulinodans which penetrated the para-nodule by migrating in between loosely arranged cells that covered their surface or by penetrating the space at the junction of root and para-nodule (crack entry). Nitrogenase activity was enhanced in para-nodulated roots inoculated with A. caulinodans due to the increased internal bacterial colonization within the para-nodules, which provided the niche that protected the bacteria from the higher concentration of oxygen on the root surface.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52891
Title: Utilization of problematic soil and water resources through aromatic plants
Author: O.P.Aishwath and Shyam Vir, S Nibauria
Editor: R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 98, No 6, 25 March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Ecology- Environment & Conservation
Keywords: Utilization of problem soils, saline alkali soil, eroded soil, submergeddd soil, poor quality water, aromatic plants
Abstract: India has vast area under the different problems of soils and about 167 million hectare suffering from various degradations. These problems-wind and water erosion, water stagnation, salinity and sodicity are most prominent. Other than these problems, some of these soils are poor in fertility and scarcities of total as well as good quality of underground irrigation water make them unsuitable for food grain production. Population pressure on land is increasing day by day and per capita land is shrinking down. Therefore, utilization of problematic soil for the production of aromatic plant is a wise step for conserving our natural resources and managing crop biodiversity which ultimately adds to our national economy. The information available on this line are compiled which enunciate that the saline/alkaline soils and water resource could be utilized for the production of palmarosa, lemongrass, vetiver, jamarosa, citronella, ambrette, chamomile, fennel, dill, lavender, mint, ocimum, celery and eucalyptus. For utilization of eroded lands, eucalyptus, Cymbopogons, ocimum, lavender and roses are promising. Aromatic grasses, peppermint, davana, coriander, fenugreek lavender and geranium are suitable for nutritionally eroded soil and some of them have association with VAM leads to effective utilization of available nutrients and water by them. Under submergence or water logging condition, sweet flag, cardamom, clove, kewada, mint nad vetiver could be taken successfully with due cares.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52890
Title: The effect of different levels of phsophorus and nitrogen fertilizers on rape seed after rice harvest in north of Iran
Author: Majid Ashouri, Ebrahim Amiri and Naser Mohammadian Roshan
Editor: R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 98, No 6, 25 March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Ecology- Environment & Conservation
Keywords: Paddy field, Nitrogen-Phosphorus, Rapeseed, Iran
Abstract: At present and in order to provide sufficient vegetable oil for domestic consumption we have turned to global market. Domestic production of vegetable oil is about 100000 tons while its consumption rates exceed 850000 tons in Iran yearly. This huge difference is supplied by importing. The surface area under cultivation in the northern regions of Iran is over 460000 hectares which for the most part is only used in the first six months of the year. These paddies are absolutely useless in the second half of the year. Rape seed is therefore one of the products that can be used as double cropping after harvest of rice paddies. This experiment was a completely randomized factorial design with three replicates and was conducted in an experimental field in lahijan in 2005-2006. The first factor was included of three levels of phosphorus fertilizer (p1 =0, p2=50, p3=100 kg/ha) and the last factor contained four different levels of nitrogen fertilizers (n1=0, n2=100, n3=150, n4=200 kg/ha). Considering most of surveyed characteristics and compared to other levels, n4 has shown superiority. Number of silique in bush had the most effect on seed yield and percentage of oil seed with increase in consumption of nitrogen fertilizer had decreased. The excessive consumption of phosphorus fertilizer has always been among critical issues and great concern in rice paddies of northern Iran and the results of this experiment showed non significance between different levels of Phosphorus fertilizer.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52889
Title: Effect of planting date on potato varieties in Iran; a case study from Mashhad
Author: Shabnam Roshani, Kiumars Bakhsh Kelarastaghi, Ebrahim Amiri and Kourosh Shojaei Noferest
Editor: R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 98, No 6, 25 March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Ecology- Environment & Conservation
Keywords: Potato, Transplanting date, yield, Iran
Abstract: In order to define the suitable planting date in the potato yield varieties (Agria, Almera, and Sante), a field experiment was conducted in Mashhed area in 2008. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replications. Planting date (9 and 30 May, 20 June and 11 July) was the main plot, and varieties in subplot. The planting date has a significant effect in the statistical level of 1% on the yield of potato. Also the planting date factor affected the height and percent of dry material in statistical level of 1% significantly. Varieties are very significant about the Yield of tuber, total number of tubers, the dry material organ and tuber, dry matter of the tuber and height of the tuber, in statistical level of 1% although varieties show important differences in the yield in different dates but this is mostly connected to planting date, and this is probably a reaction for temperature changes and day length during the growth season. Yield increase in some varieties is because of bigger tubers and more weight in the other varieties. Results concluded during the experiment yielded that planting dates 30 May and 20 June and Almera variety because of having the highest yield are considered as a recommendation in potato tilling in Mashhad, Iran.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52888
Title: Applying fuzzy algorithms and spatial information system for appropriate urban ecological development (A case study of Sanandaj city, Iran)
Author: Abolfazi Meshkini, Sedigheh Lotfi and Kiumars Habibi
Editor: R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 98, No 6, 25 March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Ecology- Environment & Conservation
Keywords: Urban development, ecological problem, integrated map model, master and detail plans, migration
Abstract: The unplanned development of urban areas has created many ecological problems in the developing countries. Sanandaj is the political and socio-economic center of the Kurdistan province in the western border of Iran which has witnessed many different transitions such as rapid population growth and the physical explansion during the last 30 years. Its population increased from 40 thousand to 350 thousands in 2006. The physical expansion has dominantly taken place in an area where the most fertile lands and orchards are located. Now the city suffers from haphazard physical growth which has threatened the ecological sustainability of the region. Appraoch: Hence, this study intends to apply integrate different types of environmental and human-made indicators to create models via GIS and RS techniques.The research tries to use satellite and Arial photographs to determine the physical expansion of the city by geometric corrections of the images. Then the Index and Boolean logic will be used to assign the most appropriated lands for future city development. Results: The results revealed that such developement firstly has been as result of urban development projects like master and detail plans which have stimulated rural migrants who squatted in the city without any consideration to the environmental or natural setting of teh areas. They formed neighborhoods with sever infrastructural problems an area in the North West part of the city with 12 km2 on the base of the present urban fixed land ratio. Conclusion: The applied mythology has proved to be efficient in the context of a developing country where access to the data is costly and unreliable. Also the model has the potential to be used for the other areas which present same ecological problems.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52887
Title: The bionomics of the prawn, Macrobrachum macrobrachion (herklots 1851) in a Southern Nigeria coastal lagoon
Author: M.P.Kuton, L.O.Chukwu, A.O.Osibona and O.O. Aderibigbe
Editor: R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 98, No 6, 25 March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Ecology- Environment & Conservation
Keywords: Prawn, growth pattern, feeding habits, fecundity badagry lagoon Nigeria
Abstract: The growth pattern, food and feeding habits and reproductive characteristics of M.macrobrachion in Badagry lagoon, Southern Nigeria were investigated. Some aspects of the biology of the prawn, Macrobrachium macrobrachion (Herklots, 1851) in the Badagry lagoon Southern, Nigeria was investigated. The prawn occurs in the lagoon throughout the year with peak abundance in carapace-weight relationship showed a positive allometric growth. The highest mean condition factor was 1.40 and generally K-values were highest in the smaller species irrespective of sex. The length weight and carapace weight relationship indicated a positive allometric growth. The highest mean condition factor was 1.40 and generally k-values were highest in the small species irrespective of sex. The male female ratio was 1:1 and the fecundity estimates ranged from 5,120 eggs to 14,260 eggs and were significantly correlated with female length and body weight. There was an increase in fecundity with increasing body weights and total length of the shrimps. The gonadotrophic index for the species was 5.09%. M. macrobrachion is a benthic, omnivorous feeder with dust consisting principally of diatoms.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52886
Title: Recycling of rainwater for cooling tower operation
Author: Katayon Saed and Sathananthan Selvadurai
Editor: R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 98, No 6, 25 March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Ecology- Environment & Conservation
Keywords: Rainwater Recycling, Cooling Tower, Water Conservation
Abstract: This project evaluated the feasibility of recycling rainwater as make up water for cooling tower operation. The system, which was installed on the rooftop of one of teh Ngee Ann Polytechnic ' s building, is intended to replace the normal city wate supply from PUB. In this project rainwater was collected from the roof gutter, subsequently filtered and disinfected and then sent to nearby cooling tower to replace and eliminate the need from city water. A solenoid valve triggered supply of city water in the absence of rain or dry season. A comprehensive monitoring system was implemented whereby rainwater samples in teh storage tanks and the cooling tower basin were taken regularly to determine their chemical, biological and physical properties. This is to determine that the rainwater quality would not cause operational problems for the cooling tower system such as corrosion, scaling and breakout of the Legionella bacteria. In general, results showed that values of conductivity, alkalinity, chloride, silica, standard plate count, Legionella bacteria, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, phosphate and Aluminum were well within the control limits practiced in Singapore, USA and Hong Kong. However, values of pH, hardness and Iron concentrations didn ' t comply with the recommended control limits, occasionally. During 3 months of operation and actual installation, results indicated an effective saving of 40% of the water used, in terms of volume, the volume of which did not have to come from city water. As a result of savings in terms of water, energy costs, and deferred capital, the cost of collected roof water was calculated to be Sdollors 0.20 per cubic meter.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52885
Title: Spatio-temporal analysis of the Indus urbanization
Author: Kavita Gangal, M.N.Vahia and R.Adhikari
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 6, 25 March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Baluchistan, Ghaggar-Hakra region, Harappan civilization, Indus urbanization
Abstract: The great Indus valley was home to Neolithic cultures starting from 7000 BCE. They formed the antecedents of the urban Harappan civilization, whose rise and decline are dated to 2600 BCE and 1900 BCE respectively. At its peak, the Harappan civilization covered an area of more than a million square kilometres, making it the largest urbanized civilization of the Bronze Age. In this communication, we integrate GIS information on topography and hydrology with radiocarbon and archaeological dates of 1874 sites, to analyse the spatio-temporal growth and decline of the Indus urbanization. Our analysis reveals several large-scale patterns in the growth and decline of urbanism. In the growth phase, urbanism appears to nucleate in three distinct geographical locations, situated in Baluchistan, Gujarat and the Ghaggar-Hakra valley. In the mature phase when urbanism is fully developed, the area distribution of sites follows a Zip-fian power law, a feature common to modern urban agglomerations. In the decline phase, the pace of de-urbanization is non uniform with a strong geographical variation. The decline starts in the Ghaggar-Hakra region, followed by a large-scale collapse in the lower Indus plain, leaving, however, a resilient zone in Gujarat which has a delayed decline. The patterns discerned through our analysis will find use within a Bayesian framework to test hypotheses for the growth and decline of the Harappan civilization.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52884
Title: Impact of recent discoveries on petroleum and natural gas exploration: emphasis on India
Author: J.Marvin Herndon
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 6, 25 March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Abiotic petroleum, East African Rift System, mantle plume, petroleum exploration, decompression dynamics, rifting, sedimentary basin
Abstract: Two recent discoveries have greatly impacted understanding relevantto the origination and emplacement of petroleum and natural gas deposits. One discovery, pertaining to hydrocarbon formation from methane broadens significantly potential regions where abiotic petroleum and natural gas deposits might be found. The other, discovery of the physical impossibility of Earth-mantle convection, restricts teh range and domain of geodynamic behaviour, and leads to new insights into the formation of petroleum and natural gas deposits. This article highlights the impact and implications of those discoveries, especially as they relate to petroleum and natural gas exploration in India and throughout the world. From the reasoning developed here, the generality of the considerations involved, the understanding developed with respect to the East African Rift System, and the experience garnered from the larger and older Siberian Traps, the prognosis and potential for the region beneath the Deccan Traps of India to eventually become a major source of petroleum and natural gas seems quite favourable.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52883
Title: Lessons from Haiti: the Indian earthquake scenario
Author: C.P. Rajendran
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 6, 25 March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None