ID: 52822
Title: Air pollution monitoring: A new use of Mox sensors, cellular phone network and microcontroller
Author: G.V.Rmanachandra Rao, M. Murali, K. Satya Prasad and C.B.Rama Rao
Editor: Dr. R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 28 (4), 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Air pollution monitoring, Mox sensors, Cellular phone network
Abstract: Air pollution is a serious problem in urban areas of India and other developing countries. The number of automobiles have increased to N-fold due to rise in population and improved standard of living. The exhaust from the automobiles is one of the main causes for air pollution in the urban areas. Hence, it is the important area to be monitored continuously to improve the air quality in metro and urban areas. Ban of usage of automobiles with more than 15 years age, insisting Bharat III Standards for new vehicles and making periodical pollution check ups mandatory are few steps taken by government. Governmet employed team has to verify all pollution level verification certificates regularly. Physical verification of all such certificates is not only tedious but also incomplete. As the automobile has to be taken to pollution check centre for pollutant level verification regularly, there is a possibility of human negligence. In the present study an attempt is made to use MOX sensors, cellular phone network, and micro-controllers to develop a new systems such that exhaust gas monitoring for automobiles can become automatic and simple.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52821
Title: Studies on textile dye degradation by Aspergillus niger from dye contaminated soil
Author: G.Prabakaran, R. Pugalvendhan and M. Jayaseelan
Editor: Dr. R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 28 (4), 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Textile dye, Aspergillus, Azo dyes and Potato dextrose agar
Abstract: Azo dyes constitute the largest class of dyes used commercially in the textile mills. These components in the effluents regarded as hazardous to the environment and they are resistant to biological degradation. They are not easily removed by conventional waste water treatment system. Two isolates of Aspergillus capable of degrading textile dye were used in this study. There commercially used textile dyes were found to be degraded by Aspergillus. Complete colour removal of turquoise blue H2 G dabd red ME4BL was achieved by aspergillus Niger-I a total of five isolates obtained from the dye contaminated soil by means of plate culture method with potato dextrose agar. From the above isolates Aspergillus niger strains were identified by colony morphology & Micro scopic observations. Dye added to five day old culture of A. niger decolourized up to 99% with in four days of incubation. Culture filtrates of A. niger brought out 50% decolourization of red ME4 BL with in three days of incubation. Temperature & pH optima for dye decolourization was found to be 25oC and 4 respectively. Dyes were added to CD broth with and with out nitrogen source in nitrogen limited condition the three dyes (turquoise blue H2 G dabd, red ME4BL , Block HFGR) decolourized up to 84%, 81% and 51% respectively. Rf values for dyes and dye degraded products were determined by thin layer chromatography.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52820
Title: Spatio-temporal variations in aerosol properties over the Deccan Plateau region, India
Author: P. Ernest Raj, P.C.S. Devara, S.K.Saha, K.K.Dani and R.S.Maheskumar
Editor: Dr. R.K.Trivedy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Enviro Media, Vol 28 (4), 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Aerosol Optical Depth, Sun Photometer, Total Column Ozone
Abstract: Multi-wavelength sun photometric measurements of atmospheric aerosols, ozone and precipitable water have been made as part of the Indian Space Research Organization ' s (ISRO) Land Campaign Experiment-2004 over the Deccan Plateau region in India encompassing the geographical region 73o to 79oE longitude and 15o to 19o N latitude. Aerosol characteristics showed considerable spatial and temporal variability. Column integrated aerosol optical depth in the region varied between 0.3 and 0.6. Aerosol size distributions in this region showed both mono-modal and bi-modal nature. Aerosol radiative forcing estimates showed a cooling effect in the surface layers with a negative forcing in the range 12-53 W/m2. Total column ozone measured by the ground-based technique varied from 237 to 265 DU and these values agreed very well with those measured by satellite.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52819
Title: Water quality and the algal flora of river Roro, Chaibasa, Jharkhand
Author: Gouri Suresh
Editor: Dr. S Palaichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 25, No 4, December 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Ecobiology- An International Journal for Scientific Research on Environmental Biology, Toxicology and Inter Relations
Keywords: Asbestos mining, Water quality, Algal flora, Roro river
Abstract: Roro is a small river near the Roro hills of Jharkhan, where an asbestos mine was operating actively till 1983. After the closing down of the company, there has been practically no effort to inspect the waste or find out its impact on the environment. As the local people depend on this river for many of their needs, a study of the level of its pollution is very much essential. The present study was taken up keeping this fact in mind. It is the first part of a detailed investigation of the physico-chemical properties and the algal flora of the water of this river from April 2005 to Sept 2005. The turbidity level was found to have increased, while the Dissolved Oxygen level has decreased. Calcium and Magnesium levels were higher too, except in the rainy season. Chemical Oxygen Demand was seen to be at its highest in summer.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52818
Title: Prevention and elimination of soil transmitted nematodes in the selected adolescent community in Erode urban, Tamilnadu
Author: N Maragatham
Editor: Dr. S Palaichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 25, No 4, December 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Ecobiology- An International Journal for Scientific Research on Environmental Biology, Toxicology and Inter Relations
Keywords: Soil transmitted nematodes, Health, De-worming programme, Infection
Abstract: Infection with Soil Transmitted Nematode (STN) or geohelminths in highly prevalent among the children in developing countries like India. Ascaris lumbricoides (round worm), Enterobius vermicularis (thread worm/pin worm),Trichuris trichiura (whip worm) and Ancylostoma duodenale (hook worm) are the most pathogenic helminthes infecting the human. Preliminary study showed the severity of STN infection (hook worm, pin worm & round worm is 65, 95 & 60% respectively) among the selected subjects. The present study aims to reduce and eliminate the STN infection and to improve the haemoglobin (Hb) status by cost effective measures among the selected adolescent community in Erode urban area. The effort of the present project was found to be highly effective in eliminating the roundworm and pinworm infection by albendazole 500 mg as a single dose in I, II, III and IV phases of de-worming procedures. Hook worm infection was reduced only to limited extent by albendazole 500 mg; 70% of the subjects were found to be in the acceptable range of anaemia (upto 12 g/dL of Hb) after the de-worming. Severity of the anaemia was reduced from 22 to 5% after the treatment (before de-worming , acceptable range was 10%). Yearly four time regular de-worming procedure was found to be effective in eliminating and reducing round worm and pin worm infections at a higher rate and hook worm infection to a certain extent and the reduction in the severity of teh anaemia status revealed the improvement of Hb status of the adolescent community.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52817
Title: Resistance of Drosophila species to desiccation and starvation tolerance at high temperatures
Author: Santosh Hooda
Editor: Dr. S Palaichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 25, No 4, December 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Ecobiology- An International Journal for Scientific Research on Environmental Biology, Toxicology and Inter Relations
Keywords: Desiccation, Starvation, Drosophila, Analysis of variance (ANOVA)
Abstract: Starvation and desiccation tolerance were studied at different temperatures (31, 33 & 36oC) in three cosmopolitan Drosophila species, simulating the conditions of extreme temperature and humidity, which they observe seasonally in their natural habitats. It was found that with increase in temperatures, starvation tolerance decreases linearly but the desiccation tolerance decreases non linearly. For different Drosophila species, 80 to 90% trait variability resulted due to thermal changes. Sexual dimorphism was significantly higher for starvation tolerance than desiccation resistance. Interestingly, at higher ambient temperatures (30 to 36oC), Drosophila species can mitigate the deleterious effects due to starvation as well as desiccation stress. The data on stress resistance in tropical species and populations evidence species specific adaptations.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52816
Title: Spatial distribution of zooplankton of Vembanad lake, Kerala
Author: V Sobha, S Santhosh and P Pournami
Editor: Dr. S Palaichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 25, No 4, December 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Ecobiology- An International Journal for Scientific Research on Environmental Biology, Toxicology and Inter Relations
Keywords: Nutrients, Diversity, Plankton, Vembanad lake
Abstract: Vembanad Lake is the largest backwater systems of the Kerala State. The present study was carried out to the qualitative and quantitative study of Zooplankton from six different stations during the period May 2007. A total of 19 species of zooplankton were identified. The most abundant group was decapod larvae followed by rotifers and copepods. Observations revealed that the physico-chemical characteristics of this backwater system is adversely changed as a result of different types of pollution which inturn affected the quality as well as quantity of zooplankton.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52815
Title: Influence of organic manures on tissue composition, nutrient uptake, dry matter production and yield of garlic (Allium sativum)
Author: T R Shashidhar, I M Mannikeri and M L Chavan
Editor: Dr. S Palaichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 25, No 4, December 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Ecobiology- An International Journal for Scientific Research on Environmental Biology, Toxicology and Inter Relations
Keywords: Allium sativum, Tissue composition, organic manures, yield
Abstract: Field experiments were conducted during 2003-2004 for two different seasons to know the influence of different organic manures on growth and yield of garlic at Arabhavi, Belgaum district, Karnataka. Seven different organic manures along with the Recommended Dose of Fertilizer and untreated control were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications. The study revealed that the application of sunnhemp @ 20 tonnes ha-1resulted in higher content of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (2.2, 0.5 & 1.7%, respectively) in the garlic plant and was on par with the application of poultry manure @ 2.5 t ha-1 (2.18, 0.47 & 1.49% of nitrogen, phosphorous & potassium, respectively) and vermicompost @ 5.0 t ha-1 (2.17, 0.43 & 1.46% of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, respectively). Application of sunnhemp also resulted in the highest uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (105.8, 24.1 & 75.9 kg/ha, respectively) by the garlic plant. Maximum dry matter production (47.73 t/ha) was noticed in sunnhemp application and was on par with poultry manure (46.8 t/ha). The yield per hectare (70.8 q/ha) was also the highest with the application of sunnhemp @ 20 tonnes ha-1 followed by the application of poultry manure (68.37 q/ha) and vermicompost (68.30 q/ha). Application of RDF has resulted in the yield of 49.6 q/ha. The untreated control resulted the lowest yield.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52814
Title: Developmental characteristics of selected Drosophila species and Zaprionus indianus
Author: Santosh Hooda
Editor: Dr. S Palaichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 25, No 4, December 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Ecobiology- An International Journal for Scientific Research on Environmental Biology, Toxicology and Inter Relations
Keywords: Drosophila, Development, Temperature, Variations
Abstract: Effect of temperature on growth from egg to adult, viability and speed of development in different species Drosophila and Zaprionus indianus collected from Rohtak district (Haryana) were compared. Comparisons were done between cosmopolitan, sub-cosmopolitan and tropical species of Drosophilia and a releated genus Zaprionus. The data on percent hatchability and viability for six Drosophila species and Z. indianus are consistent with species specific adaptations of their habitat. Two cold adapted species (D. takahashii & D. busckii) have shown significantly higher hatchability at lower thermal range. By constrast for D. ananassae & Z. indianus, the trends are in opposite direction. For cosmopolitan species, life history traits evidenced higher values across full thermal range.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52813
Title: Phyto sociological attributes of herbaceous flora in sub-tropical forest, Central Himalaya
Author: Geeta Kharkwal, Yaswant S Rawat and Yaspal S Pangtey
Editor: Dr. S Palaichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 25, No 4, December 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Ecobiology- An International Journal for Scientific Research on Environmental Biology, Toxicology and Inter Relations
Keywords: Vegetational analysis, Herb species, Community structure, Central Himalaya
Abstract: Phytosociological analysis, diversity and composition of herb species in different forest sites viz. chir-pine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg). banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora A Camus), tilonj oak (Quercus floribunda Rehder) and kharsu oak (Quercus semecapifolia Smith) were evaluated between 1580-2600 m asl elevation in Central Himalaya. A total of 111 herb species were encountered belonging to 87 genera and 36 families. The total number of species was found to be higher in S3 site (chir-pine forest) than the other sites. Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were found to be the dominant families in all the forest sites. Simpson index was higher in S1 site as compared to other sites indicating that few species were dominant thus showed lower stability. Low evenness/equitability value in S1 site indicated that some species have high abundance as compared to other species; whereas high evenness in S7 site indicates that more than one species have similar abundance. Prominence value helped in understanding the ecological significance of the species in their respective forest sites. Though climatic variation and uniform rainfall has resulted in moderate levels of species richness in these forest sites among them, some species are economically important yet affected through human disturbances and overexploitations. Therefore, it may be concluded that this region still rich in herbaceous flora, even after having great disturbance in its natural structure.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52812
Title: Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer on growth and yield of Bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus)
Author: P M Munikrishnappa and Shantappa Tirakannanavar
Editor: Dr. S Palaichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 25, No 4, December 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Ecobiology- An International Journal for Scientific Research on Environmental Biology, Toxicology and Inter Relations
Keywords: Bhendi, Vermicompost, Farm Yard Manure, Fertilizer, Flyash
Abstract: An experiment was conducted to study the effect of organic and inorganic source of nutrients on growth and yield components of bhendi cv. Arka Anamika during kharif 2002-03 and 2003-04 at Agricultural Research Station, Malnoor, Gulbarga District of Karnataka State. The highest pod yield (95.2 q/ha) was recorded with application flyash + vermicompost + 100% RDF followed by crop supplied with vermicompost + 100% RDF (88.9 q/ha) and flyash + FYM + 100% RDF (85.7 q/ha). Similarly, the crop received with flyash + vermicompost + 100% RDF significantly superior with respect to number of fruits per plant (15.8), weight of fruit (10.5g) and length of fruit (11.1 cm). The minimum plant height (61.0 cm), stem girth (1.9 cm) internodes length (7.3 cm), number of fruits per plant (9.7), fruit weight (6.2 g), fruit lenght (7.3 cm), girth of the fruit (2.1 cm) and yield (35.3 q/ha) were recorded with supply of FYM alone treatment.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52811
Title: Futuristic assessment of bio-fertilizer technology in Tamil Nadu and usage in 2020
Author: K Jayakumar and Anandhavalli Mahadevan
Editor: Dr. S Palaichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 25, No 4, December 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Ecobiology- An International Journal for Scientific Research on Environmental Biology, Toxicology and Inter Relations
Keywords: Biofertilizers, Technology, Usage, Futuristic assessment
Abstract: Biofertilizers (microbial nutrients) are the products containing living cells of different types of microorganisms which have an ability to mobilize nutritionally important elements from non usable to usable form through biological process. A futuristic technology assessment and environmental impact of biofertilizers were done to assess the potential plant species as biofertilizers and expected breakthrough in the research were also studied using new futuristic methodologies. Rhizobium was identified as potential and viable biofertilizer followed by other speices. Demand forecast of biofertilizers were made for Tamil Nadu for the year 2020 A D
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52810
Title: Efficiency of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus sajorcaju) on degradation of different agro wastes
Author: S Senthil Kumar, S Sahaya Sathish, J John and M Kamaraj
Editor: Dr. S Palaichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 25, No 4, December 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Ecobiology- An International Journal for Scientific Research on Environmental Biology, Toxicology and Inter Relations
Keywords: Pleurotus sajor-caju, Edible oyster mushroom, Cellolusic wastes, yield
Abstract: The potentially of Pleurotus sajor-caju, an edible oyster mushroom on degradation of a variety of cellulose rich agrowaste was evaluated. Five different substrates were tested viz. paddy straw, tapioca tuber peel, Eichhornia leaves, groundnut pod shell and sugarcane bagasse. Since this mushroom posses the digestible enzymes complex namely exoglucanases, endoglucanases and ? -glucosidases, it can degrade cellulose efficiently in the cell wall of the differnet substrates along with an increased biomass of protein suitable for human consumption. The yield is measured in terms of number of bunches and the weight of the fruit bodies. The high yield is however observed in the paddy straw (21 bunches/ pocket, 750 g fruit bodies/bunch). Next to paddy straw, the result was appreciable in the substrate of groundnut pod shell (9 bunches/ pocket, 320 g fruit bodies/pocket). Other substrates did not show any significant growth as well as yield. In the present investigation, it was concluded that the oyster mushroom have all the potential of degrading a variety of cellulosic rich agro waste in a short period of time with less man power.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52809
Title: Impact of changes in the microclimatic conditions on species diversity of insectivorous plants at Karungalagudi, Near Madurai
Author: S Ramya, P J Jepachandera Mohan, S Godwin Wesley, N Alaguchamy, M Kalayanasundaram and R Jayakumararaj
Editor: Dr. S Palaichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 25, No 4, December 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Ecobiology- An International Journal for Scientific Research on Environmental Biology, Toxicology and Inter Relations
Keywords: Karungalakudi, insectivorous plants; Anthropogenic intervention
Abstract: A study on the interrelationship between the factors influencing vegetation change and composition of insectivorous plant community was carried out at Karungalagudi, near Madurai. Karungalkudi is blessed with rich herbaceous flora including two carnivorous plant groups, viz. Drosera and Ultricularia. Anthropogenic intervention at this site due to industrial development, agro-industrial pollution, mining and quarrying has accelerated the pace by which the microclimatic and environmental conditions have shown ever-changing temporal and special variation. This has resulted in alteration in the community composition of insectivorous plants at this consortium. Anthropogenic activities along with changes in the ecological process have altered the microclimatic conditions to a greater extent conducive for the sustenance of the tiny plant association among the members of insectivorous (Droseraceae & Lentibulariaceae), non insectivorous (Eriocaulaceae, Polygalaceae & Scrophulariaceae) and other lower plants. Changes in the environmental condition are reflected by the decline in the species diversity, count of a single speices and variation in the community composition at the site. Understanding of the impact on the future changes has been hampered by the inability to disentangle conflicting, forcing factors that regulate the dynamic environment and vegetation composition of the carnivorous and associated plants. As at times, it becomes extremely difficult to single out the factor responsible for the effect on community dynamics and on the life of an individual plant.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52808
Title: Influence of seed treatment and foliar application of growth regulators on growth and yield of Bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus)
Author: P M Munikrishnappa and Shantappa Tirakannanavar
Editor: Dr. S Palaichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 25, No 4, December 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Ecobiology- An International Journal for Scientific Research on Environmental Biology, Toxicology and Inter Relations
Keywords: Abelmoschus esculentus, Gibberlic acid, Cycocel, Fruit yield, Growth regulators
Abstract: Application of growth regulators like gibberlic acid (25 ppm) and Cycocel (100 & 150 ppm) as seed treatment and foliar spray on growth and yield components of bhendi cv. Arka Anamika were performed. Among the growth regulator treatments, maximum number of fruits per plant (21.1), fruit girth (2.5 cm) and fruit yield per hectare (95.8 q/ha) were observed in the plants derived from the seeds soaked with 150 ppm cycocel and foliar application of cycocel @ 150 ppm at 40 and 60 days aftre sowing.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None