ID: 52057
Title: Phyto extraction of chromium by sunflower under selected soil amendments
Author: K Suganya and D Augustine Selvaseelan
Editor: Dr. S. Palanichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 24, N0. 2, March 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: Chromium, Sunflower, Vermiculite, Soil amendments
Abstract: A pot culture experiment was conducted to evaluate the uptake and the phyto extraction potential of chromium by sunflower crop under the influence of farm yard manure (FYM), composted coir pith (CCP), calcium carbonate, vermiculite, sawdust and vermicompost. It was significant to note that under the soil incorporation of vermiculite the chromium content in leaf, stem and root portions of sunflower were below detectable level. Overall, the mean chromium uptake by sunflower crop was 88.6 percent in roots, 11.1 percent in leaves and 2.27 percent in stem and below detectable levels in seeds. As chromium was not present in the edible seeds, it is inferred that chromium will not get into the food chain when sunflower is grown with amendments in chromium contaminated soils. The uptake of chromium in plant parts indicated that the sunflower crop is a good candidate for phytoextraction of chromium from chromium contaminated sites.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52056
Title: Characterization of distillery spentwash for its valuable nutrient substitute to dryland agriculture
Author: R Murugaragavan and S Mahimairaja
Editor: Dr. S. Palanichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 24, N0. 2, March 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: Spentwash, Agriculture, Nutrients, Pollution load
Abstract: The distillery spentwash was collected from two lagoons of Rajshree Sugars and Chemicals Lts., (RSCL). Theni District and it was characterized for its nutritive and pollution potential and assessed for improving the agricultural production in dryland soils of Theni district. The spentwash was reddish brown in colour due to melanoidin pigment with unpleasant odour of burnt sugar. It was highly acidic (pH:3.94-4.30), but loaded with organic and inorganic salts recording very high EC (45.2 - 48 dSm-1). Being originated from plant sources, the spentwash was rich in nutrients and minerals viz., Nitrogen (4200-4900 mg l-1), Phosphorus (3038 - 3217 mg l-1), Potassium (17475-18263 mg l-1) and Iron (25.9-26.2 mg l-1). The organic carbon and protein ranged from 4.01-4.78 percent and 13.24-13.89 percent. However, the salts (e.g.chlorides: 42096-42835 mg l-1, sulphates : 3240-3699 mg l-1, sodium: 410-492 mg l-1, bicarbonates: 32025-34058 mg l-1) and the pollution load in terms of BOD (96000-117333 mg l-1), COD (134400-136466 mg l-1), TDS (79000-89166 mg l-1) were exceptionally high. The presence of appreciable amounts of plant growth promotes viz., gibberellic acid (GA: 4943-4669 mg l-1) and indole acetic acid (IAA: 52-61 mg l-1) added additional value to the spentwash and it was used as nutrient substitute for dryland agriculture in Theni district.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52055
Title: In vitro solubilization of silica and potassium from silicate minerals by silicate solubilizing bacteria
Author: P Kalaiselvi and S Anthoniraj
Editor: Dr. S. Palanichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 24, N0. 2, March 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: Silicate solubilizing bacteria, Minerals, Potassium
Abstract: Influence of silicate solubilizing bacterial (SSB) inoculation on degradation of silica and potassium containing silicate minerals like feldspar, mica, muscovite and biotite was studied. Two isolates (SSB I & SSB II) were screened for silica and potassium dissolutions. SSB I isolated from rice husk and SSB II isolated from soil of granite crusher yard were characterized and identified as members of the genus Bacillus. Inoculation of SSB to silicate minerals in vitro resulted in the release of silica and potassium. Among the four silicate minerals, mica and biotite were solubilized markedly by both SSB I and SSB II. Higher amount of silica was released from both mica and biotite. At 15 days after inoculation, SSB I culture filtrate exhibited a silica content of 12.4 mg l -1 and 12.5 mg l-1 in both mica and biotite respectively and SSB II exhibited a release of 11.4 mg l-1 and 10.9 mg l-1 respectively in these two minerals. SImultaneous release of potassium from silicate minerals by SSB was also observed. The solubilization of potassium was found to increase with the incubation period. The potassium increase was also higher in mica and biotite. The SSB I releases a higher amount of potassium 9.3 mg l-1 after 15 days of incubation than SSB II which released 5.7 mg l-1 from mica.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52054
Title: Effect of air pollution on plant metabolism at Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu
Author: D Sarala Thambavani, G Rajeswari and V Vijaya
Editor: Dr. S. Palanichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 24, N0. 2, March 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: Air pollutants, Plant metabolism, Biochemical parameters
Abstract: Effect of air pollutants from the firework industries and automobile exhaust on plant metabolism of selected plant species is carried out at Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu. The biochemical parameters like leaf extract pH, total chlorophyll content, leaf protein, soluble sugar content and enzymatic parameters like perioxidase activity of the leaf samples of the selected plant species namely, Azadirachta indica, Ficus bengalensis, Ficus religiosa, Moringa oleifera and Polyalthia longifolia, collected at two dissimilar areas are used for monitoring air pollution impacts on plant metabolism. The study reveals that the impact of air pollution is much pronounced in Ficus bengalensis compared to other four species. It is concluded that vegetation at roadside of firework factories are much affected by air pollutants. The rapid industrial development and continuous growth in traffic of vehicles cause an alarming increase in air pollution and consequent deterioration of air quality in Sivakasi city.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52053
Title: Antibacterial activity of selected Indian medicinal plants and antibiotics on Staphylococcus aureus
Author: S Nandakumar, M G Sanalkumar, R S Balamurali, R Reshmi, C V Anupama, O Ranjitha and Lekshmi S Kumar
Editor: Dr. S. Palanichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 24, N0. 2, March 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: Medicinal plants, Antibacterial acitivity, Staphylococcus aureus
Abstract: Five Indian medicinal plants, Lawsonia inermis, Azadirachta indica, Ocimum americanum, Adathoda vasica and Tridax procumbens and six commonly available antibiotics, Gentamycin, Lincomycin, Cloxacillin, Cefotaxime, Tetracyclin nad Co-trimoxazole were screened for potential antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Solvent extraction of medicinal plants was done using methanol. Agar disc diffusion method for antibacterial assay. Among medicinal plants, L.inermis, A. indica and O.americanum exhibited strong activity (20 & 15mm) against test microbe in terms of zone of inhibition. Among antibiotics, Co-trimoxazole and Tetracyclin showed maximum antibacterial activity (28 mm). The three medicinal plants which showed strong activity have almost equivalent measures of zone of inhibition like that of Gentamycin, Lincomycin, Cloxacillin and Cefotaxime. Hence they can be further considered for usage among alternative therapeutic medicines for antibiotics.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52052
Title: Statistical prediction of fungal population associated with yellow leaves in orchid farms of South India
Author: B Christudhas Williams
Editor: Dr. S. Palanichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 24, N0. 2, March 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: Fungal population, Orchids, Dendrobium, Statistical model, Yellow leaves
Abstract: The population of fungi associated with yellow leaves was studied in different orchid farms of peninsular India and the frequent occurence of immature yellow leaves affects the flower production. The study shows the degree of relation among the different variables and the fungal populations and it was evaluated by conducting correlation and multiple regressions. The fungal population associated with yellowing of leaves had relatively a very high degree of relation with all other variables. The statistical modeling obtained based on the data suggests that the occurrence of yellow leaves could be predicted and appropriate control measures could be predicted and appropriate control measures could be forecast.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52051
Title: Isolation of Rhizobium from leguminous plants and preparation of biological carrier based inoculum
Author: V Jeyanthi Kumari and B Victor
Editor: Dr. S. Palanichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 24, N0. 2, March 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: Leguminous plants, Rhizobium, Nodules, YEMA
Abstract: The leguminous plants Phaseolus vulgaris and Vigna mungo were selected for the isolation of Rhizobium from their root nodules and the carrier materials like compost soil, ash, activated charcoal powder and gum Arabic powder were chosen for inoculum preparation. These cultures were biochemically analyzed, mass cultivated and examined for their ability to survive and propagate in the above said carrier materials. In 7 days interval, the propagative ability by the cultures in the carriers were tested upto 42 days by serial dilution and plating in selective Yeast Mannital Agar (YEMA) plates. Results inferred that the compost soil (4.72 x 106 cfu/g; 3.68 x 106 cfu/g) was supported the best propagation of Rhizobia from the two leguminous plants followed by the activated charcoal carrier (4.21 x 106 cfu/g; 3.85 x 106 cfu/g) and ash (4.04 106 cfu/g; 3.61 106 cfu/g). The gum arabic powder exhibited very low propagated populations (3.45 x 106 cfu/g; 2.87 x 106 cfu/g). The comparative growth analysis of these two isolates were also studied and Rhizobia of greengram plant showed the better growth (41.8%) than Rhizobia of blackgram plant (36%).
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52050
Title: Endoxylanase production from Aspergillus flavus under solid state fermentation
Author: V Sashi and S Gnana Soundari
Editor: Dr. S. Palanichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 24, N0. 2, March 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: Solid state fermentation, Rice bran, Xylanase, Aspergillus flavus
Abstract: The aim of this study was to produce maximum amount of xylanase from Aspergillus flavus using agricultural residues. Among the tested agricultural residues, rice bran was evolved as the best substrate under solid state fermentation (SSF). Optimization studies were carried out to find out the growth period, pH and temperature for xylanase production under solid state fermentation. It was observed that 144h promoted maximum production of enzyme with pH 6.0 and temperature 40oC, respectively.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52049
Title: Interaction between nutrients and spacing on morphological features of onion (Allium cepa)
Author: S. Sendur Kumaran and I Muthuvel
Editor: Dr. S. Palanichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 24, N0. 2, March 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: Onion, Spacing, Nutrients, Interaction effect
Abstract: Field experiments were conducted on interaction effect of nutrients and spacing on morphological features of onion Allium cepa at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kundrakudi. The experiment was designed in split plot design with 10 treatments replicated thrice. The main plot treatments consist of three spacings viz., 45 x 5 cm, 45 x 10 cm and 45 cm x 15 cm and sub plot treatments with 10 treatment combinations of nutrients involving constant level of K @ 30 kg ha-1 along with FYM @ 25t ha-1, Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 and phosphobacteria at 2 kg ha-1. Interaction effect recorded the highest plant height (48.5 cm) and other morphological features with the closest spacing of 45 x 5 cm combined with application of 60:60:30 kg NPK ha-1, FYM at 25 t ha-1, Azospirillum at 2 kg ha-1 and phosphobacteria of 2 kg ha-1.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52048
Title: Efficacy of organic and inorganic additives on biomass production of Volvariella volvacea
Author: A Sudha and S Prabhu
Editor: Dr. S. Palanichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 24, N0. 2, March 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: Organic, inorganic additives, Volvariella volvacea, Biomass production
Abstract: The treatment calcium carbonate recorded maximum biomass production of chinese mushroom Volvariella volvacea, followed by horse gram powder, calcium carbonate + gypsum, gypsum, paddy straw powder and farm yard manure as against control. Reduction of biomass production was observed in additives at 1 and 3 percent concentrations. Among the additives, calcium carbonate enhanced the mycelial growth (4.3 days) and chlamydospores production within 11 days with maximum level of chlamydospores density. This was followed by horse gram powder, gypsum + calcium carbonate, gypsum, paddy straw powder with moderate chlamydospore density as against 6.3 and 16.3 days in non-amended medium with poor chlamydospores density.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52047
Title: Sublethal impact of nickel on survival and growth of an anecic earthworm, Lampito mauritii
Author: A Patnaik and M K Behera
Editor: Dr. S. Palanichamy
Year: 2009
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 24, N0. 2, March 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: Lampito mauritii, Survivality, Growth, Nickel fungicide
Abstract: Experiments were conducted on earthworm Lampito mauritii exposed to different sublethal levels of nickel. On exposure to sublethal doses of nickel (2,4 &8 ppm), adult worms survived for longer duration than immature ones. There was significant decrease in survival of both immature and adult worms due to impact of nickel at 0.001 level of significance. ANOVA showed significant effect of nickel on length of worms at 0.01 level of significance. Negative (non significant ) correlation between the concentration of nickel and growth of Lampito mauritii was observed.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52046
Title: Biodiversity of Parasite-Fauna: Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Himalayas
Author: None
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, N0. 8, 25 October 2009
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
ID: 52045
Title: Clouds in the Perturbed Climate System: Their Relationship to Energy Balance, Atmospheric Dynamics, and Precipitation
Author: None
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, N0. 8, 25 October 2009
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
ID: 52044
Title: Impact of the 2004 earthquake on the limestone caves in North and Middle Andaman Islands
Author: S. Manchi and R. Sankaran
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, N0. 8, 25 October 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, habitat aulteration, limestone caves, rockfall, tsunami
Abstract: We evaluated the effects of the great earthquake of December 2004 on 43 inland caves in the Andaman adn Nicobar Islands. Data was collected before and after the earthquake. The number and size of fallen rocks within the caves were taken as a measure of physical damage to the caves. Rockfall was greater in caves located above groun (Z= -3.543, P = 0.000) and in larger caves (x2 = 18.545, df=3. P=0.000), indicating significantly higher damage to these caves. The impact of damage to the microclimate and ecosystem inside the caves is also discussed.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52043
Title: Pseudo-time marching schemes for inverse problems in structural health assessment and medical imaging
Author: H.M.Varma, B.Banerjee, A.K.Nandakumaran, R.M. Vasu and D.Roy
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, N0. 8, 25 October 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Health assessment, medical imaging, Newton algorithm, pseudo-time marching schemes
Abstract: We propose a self-regularized pseudo-time marching strategy for ill-posed, nonlinear inverse problems involving recovery of system parameters given partial and noisy measurements of system response. While various regularized Newton methods are popularly employed to solve these problems, resulting solutions are known to sensitively depend upon the noise intensity in the data and on regularization parameters, an optimal choice for which remains a tricky issue. Through limited numerical experiments on a couple of parameter re-construction problems, one involving the identification of a truss bridge and the other related to imaging soft-tissue organs for early detection of cancer, we demonstrate the superior features of the pseudo-time marching schemes.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None