ID: 58263
Title: Isolation and optimization of biosurfactant producing microorganisms from agro and dairy wastes
Author: S Suganya, T S Blessy Thayalin and V Prabakaran
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2013
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 15, No 1, 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Biosurfactants, actinomycetes, adhesion, emulsification index
Abstract: The present investigation demonstrates the isolation and characterization of biosurfactant producing microorganisms. Of the four strains selected after screening, there were bacteria while one was actinomycetes. Results revealed that emulsification activity of biosurfactant was greater with glycerol and glucose as carbon source and NH4NO3 as efficient nitrogen source. The emulsification index of the biosurfactant reached its maximum at 4% NaCl. The biosurfactant produced by Bacillus showed greater zone of inhibition against all the organisms tested. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that agricultural waste and effluent from dairy waste offer promise nutrient sources for biosurfactant production.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58262
Title: Comparative study of the production of biosurfactant by Pseudomonas fluorescens 2421 and Pseudomonas aeroginosa isolated from soil
Author: Niranajana and Priya R Iyer
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2013
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 15, No 1, 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, biosurfactant, Pseudomonas fluorescens, surface tension
Abstract: Biosurfactants are amphiphilic molecules produced by a variety of bacteria and fungi. It reduces surface and interfacial tension which makes them potential candidates for enhancing oil recovery bioremediation and de emulsification processes. Biosurfactants have several advantages over chemical surfactants because of their low toxicity and biodegradability. Use of agro industrial waste for the production of biosurfactant leads to the greater economical production also reduces the environmental pollution caused by those waste. In this study oil contaminated soil was collected from petroleum bunk (Thiruvannamalai) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from the soil and screened for the biosurfactant production. The production was compared with Pseudomonas fluorescene 2421, a MTCC strain. Different fried vegetable oils and whey were used as substrate for biosurfactant production. Among the different carbon sources olive oil, fried rice bran oil, fried sun flower oil and whey were the best source and Pseudomonas aeruginosa have higher activity then Pseudomonas fluorescens 2421.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58261
Title: Antibiotic compound from marine actinomycetes (Streptomyces cavourensis sp. SU 3 Nov): isolation and purification
Author: S Sudha Sri Kesavan and M Masilamani Selvam
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2013
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 15, No 1, 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Streptomyces, antibacterial activity, purification, column chromatography, HPLC
Abstract: Isolation and purification of antibiotic produced by marine Actinomycetes (Streptomyces cavourensis sp. SU 3 with accession number JF730121) was conducted. Production of antibiotic was carried out by liquid fermentation using ISP-2 medium for 6 days fermentation. The ethyl acetate solvent extract of selected isolate had biological activity to Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus pneumonia, Salmonella typhi, Aspergillus niger, and produced by extracellular secretion. Purification of antibiotic was carried out by silica gel 60 (Merck, 0.063 - 0.200 mm) column chromatography and preparative HPLC. The presence of active compound in the HPLC purified fractions were detected by UV spectrometry. Further studies are needed to elucidate the structure of the antibiotic.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58260
Title: Response of enzymatic parameters of Eleusine coracana Gaertn. seedlings to mercury and zinc stress
Author: Manna Milian, K Bijay Kumar and B K Mohanty
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2013
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 15, No 1, 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Finger millet, Mercury, zinc, stress, enzyme
Abstract: Tolerance response of Eleusine coracana (Finger millet) to enzymatic parameters were evaluated with the experimental treatments of Zinc Sulphate (ZnSO4.7H2O) and Mercuric Chloride (HgCl2). The selected concentrations of both the metals in the range of 0.1 mg/L to 100 mg/L since 1000 mg/L showed zero percentage germination of seeds. Chlorophyllase, the enzyme that breaks the chlorophyll showed an increase in its activity with the rise in the levels of both the metals. Protease was induced to a milder or greater extent by both zinc and mercury. While zinc suppressed DNase in both the root and the shoot, mercury had an inductive and suppressive effect in the shoot and the root respectively. RNase was stable in the shoot in response to mercury but there was significant suppression in the root. Zinc also caused a decrease in RNase activity in the shoot. Both the metals induced the activities of catalase, peroxidase and polyphenol-oxidase enzymes both in the shoot and the root. The peroxisomal enzyme catalase responded well to the metal exposure in the roots, as well as in the shoots. The second peroxisomal enzymes, peroxidase showed consistent response to the metals. There was induction with the increase in metal concentration and suppressions in its activity at the peak of the metal level. Polyphenol oxidase followed rise in activity with the increase in concentration. The other enzyme that showed dose related to both the metals was acid phosphatase and this parameter can also be used as an index of zinc and mercury toxicity in Eleusine. In general there was an induction of Acid phosphatase and Acid inorganic phyrophosphatase activity with exception of the effects of zinc in the root. Both mercury and zinc were responsible for an increase in the activity of Alkaline inorganic pyrophosphatase enzyme. The trends in acid phosphatase activity in response to metals shows that the enzyme cannot be used as a general indicator of metal toxicity as its response to metals shows that the enzyme cannot be used as a general indicator of metal toxicity as its responses are dependent on species. It was found that at higher concentration alkaline inorganic pyrophosphatase activity is rapid in photosynthesizing tissue. Based on such findings they proposed that the pyrophosphate released during synthetic reactions may be removed by alkaline inorganic phosphatase.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58259
Title: Growth, antioxidant and NPK content analysis of compost, biofertilizers treated medicinal plant, Alternanthera sessilis
Author: Shubha, K Y Pratibha and A C Manjula
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2013
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 15, No 1, 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Alternanthera sessilis, Antioxidants, biofertilisers, vermicompost, farm yard manure
Abstract: Alternanthera sessilis belonging to Amarnathaceae is used as a green vegetable and medicine to eye problems in South India and hence the study was focused on the qualitative and quantitative improvement of growth, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, potassium content and antioxidant properties of the plant using biofertilizers and composts. 30 days old fifteen inches stem cuttings were treated with Azospirillium (T1) - a free living nitrogen fixer, Bacillus megaterium (T2) - a phosphate solubiliser, Vermicompost (T3), Farm Yard Manure (FYM) (T4) and a consortium of all (T5) and compared with untreated control (C). The experiment was conducted in randomized replicate block design with 10 replicates for each treatment. At 90 days, biomass, NPK content, enzymic antioxidants like catalase and peroxidase and non-enzymic antioxidants like total carotenoids, ascorbic acid and total phenols were analysed. Statistically signifiant increase in the biomass and NPK content was recorded in T4 treated plants compared to other treatments and control (C). Carotenoids, ascorbic acid content, catalase activity was also maximum in T4 treated plants whereas T5 treated plants recorded maximum total phenolic content and peroxidase activity. Hence, FYM is the best manure for cultivating Alternanthera sessilis which can enhance qualitative and quantitative properties of the plant.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58258
Title: Evaluation of the composting process through the changes in physical, chemical, microbial and enzymatic parameters
Author: A I Khalil, M S Hassouna, M M Shaheen and M A Abou Bakr
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2013
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 15, No 1, 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Organic fraction of municipal solid wastes, composting, evaluation parameters
Abstract: Evaluation of the composting process at three compost plants (Abis-I, Abis-II and E1-Montaza) through the changes in physical, chemical, microbial and enzymatic parameters was investigated. The results showed that the temperature increased and reached the maximum and then slowly decreased. The temperature remained almost steady at high temperature throughout the composting period except during the winter season. The unpleasant odour decreased with time but not completely disappeared. A gradual darkening of colour was evident. The colour of the final composts was light brown, except that found at El-Montaza plant in the winter season it was nearly dark brown. Moisture content decreased with time. Marked changes in pH values were found. C/N, C/P and C/K ratios decreased with time. This decrease was higher in the winter season than in the other seasons and the highest decrease was found at El-Montaza plant. The mesophilic bacteria decreased with time, whereas the thermophilic ones increased and reached the maximum after 10 days and then decreased. The mesophilic fungi appeared at the beginning and then decreased and disappeared after a period differed from 10 to 20 days, whereas the thermophilic ones disappeared at the beginning and appeared after 10 days and then disappeared after a period differed from 20 to 30 days. The maximum activity of alpha-amylase was found at the beginning and then decreased. The activity of CMCase increased and reached the maximum after a period differed from 10 to 30 days and then decreased. The activity of xylanase increased and reached the maximum after 30 days and then deecreased. The activity of enzymes was higher in the winter season than in the other seasons and the highest activity was found at El-Montaza plant.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58257
Title: Involvement of bolA and rpoS genes in oxygen uptake (respirometry) by E.coli K-12 MG1655 under various stress conditions
Author: Mohd Adnan, Idalina Machado Ana Margarida Sousa, Maria Olivia Pereira, Glyn Morton and Sibte Hadi
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2013
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 15, No 1, 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: rpoS, bolA, E.coli, respiratory activity, oxygen uptake
Abstract: Differences in respiratory activity of Escherichia coli under various stress-induced environments has shown the ability of rpoS and bolA genes to respond in several stress conditions and adaptation, leading to an increase rate of oxygen uptake. The results have shown the rate of respiratory activity (defined in mg O2/g bacteria min-1) changed under various stress-induced conditions, i.e. heat shock, cold shock and oxidative stress. Sudden shifts from optimal growht conditions to stress-induced environments led to an increase of the oxygen uptake rate of E. coli in presence of rpoS and bolA genes.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58256
Title: Seasonal dynamics of some organic contaminants in groundwater in some parts of the Niger delta, Nigeria
Author: G C Okpokwasili and S I Douglas
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2013
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 15, No 1, 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Groundwater, organics, crude oil
Abstract: The organic quality of some groundwater samples collected around ten flowstations in Niger Delta Nigeria were investigated to demonstrate the effects of oil activities on the organic levels of the water samples. Groundwater samples were collected monthly from the flowstations for twenty four months. Standard analytical techniques as specified by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and American Public Health Association (APHA) were adopted to analyse the samples. The results revealed that the conductivity values were higher in dry season than the rainy season for all samples analysed and the values from 38.22-241.76 ?S/cm. The temperature at the various locations ranged from 24 to 27.90C with the dry season showing higher values than the rainy season. The values for temperature were not significantly different at P<0.05 while that for conductivity was significant at P<0.05. Higher dissolved oxygen values were also observed for the rainy than dry season, which ranged from 1.98 to 6.23 mg/L. BOD values for the rainy season were higher than the dry season values, the values were 0.35-6.29 mg/L which was above the permissible limits for domestic water acceptability. TPH values were in the range 0-445 mg/L, this shows the level of pollution in that area and the great damage to groundwater. Total heterotrophics bacteria (THB) counts had mean values of 4.6 x 103 CFU/mL and 5.2 x 102 + 0.024 CFU/mL for wet and dry seasons respectively, while total fungi (TF) counts had values of 8.2 x 102 +0.029 CFU/mL for rainy season and 4.2 x 101+ 0.02 CFU/mL for dry season. The mean value for hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (HUB) was 3.5 x 103+ 0.027 CFU/mL and 2.5 x 101 +0.02 CFU/mL for dry and rainy seasons respectively and mean values for hydrocarbon utilizing fungi (HUF) were 3.0 x 102 +0.025 CFU/mL for rainy season and 3.0x 101 +0.2 CFU/mL for the dry season. Apart from in one location for the months of June, July and August, tota coliform bacteria wer enot observed in all other locations samples. Salmonella and Shigella were not isolated in all the samples analysed, showing minimal contamination. Generally, higher microbial loads were observed in rainly season, than dry season which were in this order; THBC>HUB>TFC>HUF. The results indicate seasonal changes in the parameters that were studied as well as influence of operational and storage activities in crude oil facilities, on the organic load of the water samples analysed.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58255
Title: Isolation and screening of keratinases produced by two Bacillus spp
Author: A S M Saiyem, Ferdausi Ali and M N Anwar
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2013
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 15, No 1, 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Bacillus spp., chicken feather, keratin, keratinase
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to isolate kertinolytic bacteria from the soil samples collected from poultry farm yard and dumping site of poultry waste areas in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Total eighteen bacteria were isolated from samples based on their keratinolytic activity when cultured on feather meal liquid medium and subsequently on feather meal agar medium. Among the bacterial isolates, two isolates showed the highest keratinolytic activity and were identified as Bacillus pp (Bacillus brevis and Bacillus cereus) by microscopic and biochemical experiments. In case of Bacillus brevis, the best enzyme activity was observed at pH 7 and temperature 370C with 4 days incubation period, whereas Bacillus cereus showed maximum enzyme production at 370C and favours alkaline condition (pH 8) with 4 days incubation period. Complete degradation of chicken feather in liquid medium was observed by the isolates itself after 3 days of incubation.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58254
Title: Trace metals in the shells of mussels Perna viridis transplanted from polluted to relatively unpolluted sites in the straits of Johore: Shells as biomonitoring materials
Author: Y J Eugene NG , C K Yap, M P Zakaria, A Z Aris and S G Tan
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2013
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 15, No 1, 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Depuration, transplantation, mussels, trace metals
Abstract: In this paper, the shells of mussels Perna viridis were determined for Ag, As, Be, Co, Cr, Cs, Hg, Li, Mn, Se, Sr and V, based on transplanted mussels from a known polluted site at Kg Pasir Puteh (KPP) to two relatively unpolluted sites at Kg Sg Melayu (KSM) and Sg Belugkor (SB). It was found that significant (P<0.05) decreased levels of Ag, Li and Se were found in mussels transplanted to KSM and SB after 2 and 6 weeks. However, significant (P< 0.05) increased levels of As, Mn, Sr and V were found in mussels transplanted to KSM. In comparison between KSM and SB, decreased levels of Ag, As, Li, Mn and Sr in SB were found to be more significant (P<0.05) in SB than KSM. Meanwhile there was no significant (P>0.05) changes for Cr, Co and Hg levels for both sites after the transplantation periods. When compared to the trace metals in the total soft tissues previously reported by Eugene Ng et al. (2012), only the increased level of As based on the shells was supported by the total soft tissue of mussels. All the differences of increased and decreased levels of trace metals between soft and hard (shells) tissues after the transplantation periods from KPP to KSM and SB, is thus difficult to explain. Further studies are necessary in the future to understand the differences of metal accumulations between issues and shells of P. viridis.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58253
Title: Effects of germination time and watering regime on the cold water extract and diastatic power on local cultivars of Nigeria millet and sorghum malt
Author: L O Eneje, V O Aniaku and C O Onu
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2013
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 15, No 1, 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Sorghum and millet malts, watering regime, cold water extract and diastatic power
Abstract: The effects of germination time and watering regimes on the cold water extract and diastatic power of local cultivars of Nigerian millet and sorghum malt were investigated. Malts were produced from 200 g of millet and sorghum cultivar each after sleeping in 1.0% formaldehyde solution for 48 hours, germinating under low, medium and high watering regimes for 3-5 days. Each of the germinating grain samples was moistened 6 hourly using 50mL of water for low watering regime, 100 mL for medium watering and 150mL for high watering regime. The cold water extract and diastatic power of the resulting malts all increased with the level of watering. Highest values of the cold water and diastatic power were recorded on the fifth day of germination with millet malt having the cold water extract and diastatic power of 57.0% and 350L respectively while the sorghum nmalt had cold water extract adn diastatic power of 61.0% and 40.10L respectively. The overall result had shown that watering regime and germination tiem had positive impact on the malting properties of our local sorghum and millet malts. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the Values obtained for each parameter determined showed that the cold water extract and diastatic power of the sorghum and millet malt was significantly (p<0.05) dependent on the watering regime applied during germination and malting time.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58252
Title: Experimental study on water use efficiency of winter wheat in different irrigation methods
Author: Shun Sheng Wang, Liang Jun Fei and Chuan Chang Gao
Editor: Dr P K Goel
Year: 2013
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 12, No (1), March 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Water use efficiency, winter wheat, bed-planting, grain yield
Abstract: In order to probe dry matter accumulation, grain yield and water use efficiency of winter wheat, the study has been conducted under three irrigation treatments by the different irrigation methods. The results show that winter wheat water consumption and the ground dry matter accumulation gradually increase under the different irrigation conditions, with the increase in the number of irrigations, while yield and water use efficiency increase at first and then decrease. Under the same irrigation times, the water consumption of winter wheat in bed-planting is lower than in flat planting, and dry matter accumulation is higher than that of flat planting. Compared with the flat planting, and dry matter accumulation is higher than that of flat planting. Compared with the flat planting, the water quantity of bed-planting can be save 40%, the production can increase by 5.5% to 11.3%, and water use efficiency can increase by 0.17 to 0.40 kg/m3. On the basis of the experimental results, it is suggested that the bed-planting mode in combination with considerably deficit irrigation at winter, jointing and booting stges is worth extending the application in winter wheat production.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58251
Title: Biomass and secondary production of earthworm Drawida willsi (MIchaelsen) from a tropical agroecosystem in Ranchi, Jharkhand
Author: Rohit Srivastava, D K Gupta, A K Choudhary and M P Sinha
Editor: Dr P K Goel
Year: 2013
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 12, No (1), March 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Drawida willsi, secondary production, agroecosystem
Abstract: Biomass variation, secondary production and turn-over of the earthworm Drawida willsi (Michaelsen) was assessed from a tropical agroecosystem site at Ranchi for 18 moths. The total biomass ranged between 0.88+ 0.33and 29.55 +3.15 g dry weight m-2. Secondary production of 53.37 g dry weight m-2yr-1 was obtained which in terms of calorific value amounts to 246.57 kcal m-2yr-1. Biomass turnover value was 4.99.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58250
Title: An analysis of ambient air quality and categorization of exceedence factor of pollutants in different locations of Assam
Author: Abhijit Barman
Editor: Dr P K Goel
Year: 2013
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 12, No (1), March 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Ambient air quality, air pollutants, exceedence factor
Abstract: This paper tries to find out effect of air quality of five places in eight different locations in the state of Assam. The study is to analyse the air pollution concentratin in the State. Basically, sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM), suspended particulate matter (SPM) for three consecutive years 2007, 2008, 2009 were critically analysed. The annual average and Exceedence factor were also calculated in all different locations. In this study, it is observed that RSPM and SPM are high in four locations in 2007, five in 2008, and five in 2009. In critical category, we see two locations in 2007, three locations in 2008 and four locations in 2009. But, it is seen that the concentrations of SO2 and NO2 are below the prescribed limit of NAAQS of CPCB in all three consecutive years in all locations.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58249
Title: Observations on the effect of copper on growth performance, dry matter production and photosynthetic pigments of Ludwigia perennis L.
Author: Sushma Jangid and S K Shringl
Editor: Dr P K Goel
Year: 2013
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 12, No (1), March 2013
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Ludwigia perennis L, copper toxicity, growth performance, photosynthetic pigments
Abstract: Effects of various concentrations of copper were studied on growth performance, dry matter production and photosynthetic pigments of Ludwigia perennis L. The growth of the plant showed significant negative correlation with increase in concentration of copper. Higher concentrations of copper caused maximum reduction of shoot and root dry weight over the control plants. The reduction in dry weight of root was higher than the shoot. The photosynthetic pigments also showed reduction with increasing concentration of copper.
Location: TE15, New Biological Sciences, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None