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1. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 5: 1-5 (2012)
HYDROGRAPHY OF THE FRESH WATER RESERVOIR NYARI-II OF RAJKOT DISTRICT, GUJARAT
Goswami, A.P. and Mankodi, P.C.
Biology Department, M. V. M. Science and Home Science College, Rajkot - 360 007, Gujarat.
E. mail: arvindgirigoswami@gmail.com
Abstract: Nyari – II reservoir is located in Rajkot district of Gujarat State near Rangpar village on Jamnagar road at Latitude: 22o 21’45" N and Longitude: 70o 40’15" E. The main purpose of construction of this reservoir is to provide water for irrigation in surrounding agriculture fields and drinking water to the Rajkot Urban Development Area. Limmnological study is one of the most important approaches to study the functional aspects of the fresh water bodies. The reservoir is influenced by several extrinsic factors which may alter the structural and functional components of such ecosystem. This study deals with the variation in the water quality from June 2006 to May 2007. The water samples were collected from the reservoirs for each month in the morning hours. Various physico-chemical parameters like pH, temperature, alkalinity, hardness, chloride, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, nitrate etc. were analyzed. Significant seasonal variation was observed during the study for various parameters.
Key words: Fresh water reservoir, Nyari - II Rajkot
2. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 5: 7-11 (2012)
EFFECTS OF INOCULATION OF AZOSPIRILLUM SP. IN THE PREPARATION OF PREDIGESTED FOOD FOR VERMICOMPOST PRODUCTION
Sathis Kumar, K. and Neelanarayanan, P.
Centre for Eco-Friendly Agro-Technologies (Vermibiotechnology), Research Department of Zoology, Nehru Memorial College (Autonomous), Puthanampatti 621 007. Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu.
E. mail: kasathis28@gmail.com
Abstract: In the present study Azospirillum sp. was mixed with 50 % cow dung and 50% organic wastes (mixed leaves’ litter) in different concentrations viz., 10g/kg, 20g/kg and 30g/kg each in order to find out the chemical nutrient changes both in the predigested food and vermicompost; and to find out the optimum period for pre-digestion which improves the quality of vermicompost based on its nutrient values. The predigested food inoculated with Azospirillum sp. were maintained separately for each concentration for three weeks period and later they were transferred to plastic trays. A control medium was also maintained simultaneously. All these experiments were conducted in triplicates. The African night crawler, Eudrilus eugeniae was used as a vermicomposting organism. The predigested foods (after the completion of first, second and third week) and harvested vermicompost were subjected to chemical nutrient analysis. The results reveal that the 10g/kg of Azospirillum sp. inoculated and maintained for one week had comparatively near desirable level chemical nutrients than all other setups. Hence we conclude that nitrogen fixing organism Azospirillum sp. at 10g/kg concentration with one week inoculation can be recommended for the preparation of predigested food (by using mixed leaves litter and cow dung) to vermicompost producers in order to produce good quality vermicompost.
Key words: Vermicompost, Azospirillum sp., Eudrilus eugeniae
3. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 5: 13-20 (2012)
SEASONAL VARIATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTE-RISTICS AND STATISTICAL STUDY OF GROUNDWATER IN THE HIPPARAGI IRRIGATION COMMAND AREA, KARNATAKA, INDIA
Jagadeesh, K.C., Somashekar, R.K. and Chandrashekar, J.S.
Department of Environmental Science, Bangalore University, Jnana Bharathi, Bangalore – 560056.
E. mail: jagadeesh_kodiyala@rediffmail.com
Abstract: In present contribution seasonal changes and linear correlation of groundwater quality in Hipparagi Irrigation Command area of Karnataka have been studied. Groundwater at Hipparagi irrigation command area showed changes in physicochemical characteristics during pre- and post- monsoon seasons. pH was increased from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline due to dilution effect during post-monsoon season. The highest sulphate content was recorded during pre-monsoon season and significantly decreased during post- monsoon season in bore well samples. Phosphate content decreased significantly from pre-monsoon season to post monsoon season. Nitrates content increased from pre-monsoon to post-monsoon season. The average value of fluorides recorded during pre- monsoon is 0.4 mg/l n bore wells and 0.5 mg/l in open wells and decreased during post-monsoon season. Chlorides content increased during post-monsoon season. The COD increased from pre-monsoon to post-monsoon season. Highly positive correlation was observed between total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity and between the estimated and measured total dissolved solids. The distribution of total hardness, Mg2+, SO42- and Cl- were significantly correlated with electrical conductivity, and the distribution of electrical conductivity, sulphates, total hardness, Mg2+ and Cl- were significantly correlated with total dissolved solids, and total hardness and Cl- with Mg2+ (R>0.6). SO42- is correlated with Cl- (R = 0.724). F negatively correlated with NO3- and total alkalinity. The distribution of total hardness, Mg2+ and Cl- is significantly correlated with Ca2+. Cl- is significantly correlated with total hardness (R=0.685).
Key words: Groundwater quality; Pre monsoon; Post monsoon, Linear correlation
4. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 5: 21-32 (2012)
POLLUTION POTENTIAL OF LEACHATE FROM AN UNSCIENTIFIC LANDFILL AND ITS IMPACT ON GROUNDWATER
D’souza, P. and Somashekar, R. K.
Department of Environmental Science, Bangalore University, Bangalore 560056, India
Email: pratibha.dsouza@gmail.com
Abstract: Leachate produced from an unscientific municipal landfill in Nyanappanahalli, Bangalore was examined to determine its pollution potential along with a groundwater analysis of the nearby borewells to find out its impact. Pre and post-monsoon analyses of leachate and groundwater samples have been carried out to assess the temporal variations in leachate contamination potential and groundwater quality. The leachate pollution index (LPI) of leachate is found to be higher in pre- monsoon (19.79) compared to post-monsoon (14.46) and it also exceeded the standard LPI of 7.4, estimated for leachate disposal as per the Indian standards. The results indicate leaching of contaminants from the landfill into the groundwater aquifer system as revealed by the higher concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), chloride (Cl-), phosphate (PO42-), nitrate (NO3-), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), ammonical nitrogen (AN) and heavy metals like Fe, Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cr and Cd in downstream samples.
Key words: Leachate; pollution potential; unscientific landfill; groundwater; LPI
5. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 5: 33-39 (2012)
ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI OF PARTHENIUM HYSTEROPHORUS LIN. AND THEIR ANTIFUNGAL POTENTIALS
Deshmukh, S.K., Verekar, S.A. and Naik, V.
Department of Natural Products, Piramal Enterprises Limited, 1, Nirlon Complex, Off Western Express Highway, Near NSE Complex, Goregaon (East), Mumbai 400 063. E. mail: sunil.deshmukh@piramal.com
Abstract: Fresh root, stem and leaf pieces of Parthenium hysterophorus were used for the isolation of fungal endophytes using standard methods. Parthenium hysterophorus Linn. (family Compositae) is an obnoxious weed, growing wild in different parts of India. Ninety two endophytic fungi belonging to ascomycetes (10.86%), coelomycetes (8.69%), hyphomycetes (51.08%) and sterile mycelium (29.34%) were isolated from 300 segments of Parthenium hysterophorus collected from Mumbai, India. Ten different fungal species belonging to 10 genera viz. Chaetomium globosum, Phomopsis sp., Phoma sp., Nigrospora oryzea, Periconia sp., Fusarium equiseti, Myrothecium inundatum, Alternaria azukiae, Sporothrix sp., Curvularia sp. and four different sterile forms were isolated. The most frequently isolated endophytes were Curvularia sp., (8.0 %), Mycelia Sterilia sp. 3 (5.0%), Phomopsis sp. (4.0 %) and F. equiseti (4.0 %). Leaf samples contained more endophytes than stem and root samples. All 14 selected representative endophytic fungi with different morphology were fermented in Czapek media and screened for antifungal activity against human pathogens namely Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Cryptococcus neoformans. Amongst the 14 cultures tested Phoma sp. and Mycelia Sterila 1 showed a strong antifungal activity against all the test organisms. The present study shows that the endophytic fungi isolated from P. hysterophorus can be a potential antifungal source.
Key words: Antifungal activity, Endophytic fungi, Parthenium hysterophorus
6. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 5: 41-47 (2012)
MALACOLOGICAL STUDY OF MAHI RIVER, GUJARAT (INDIA) WITH REFERENCE TO ESTUARINE GRADIENT
Pandya, P.J. and Vachhrajani, K.D.
Division of Environment and Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara 390 002, Gujarat, E. mail: kauresh@gmail.com
Abstract: There is a lack of basic information about the malacological fauna of the estuaries of Gujarat, India, although Gulf of Khambhat is supplied by major rivers like Sabarmati, Mahi, Narmada and Tapi. About 50 km long Mahi River estuary was divided into 3 zones viz., upstream (site Fajalpur), midstream (site Dabka) and downstream (site Kamboi) based on salinity level and total solids. A total of 24 species of molluscs belonging to 13 genera and 10 families were recorded. Upstream being a freshwater region (0.05-0.1 ppt) showed 52% of the total mollusc diversity followed by Downstream (9.6-39.3 ppt) 30% and Midstream (0.09 – 3 ppt) 18%. It appears that higher fluctuations in salinity, total solids as well as limited availability of suitable bed form can be the active controlling factors for lower diversity in midstream region.
Key word: Mollusc diversity, Mahi Estuary, Salinity gradient, Total Solids
7. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 5: 49-54 (2012)
PLANT EXTRACTS AS BIOFUNGICIDES: A REVIEW
Bhuyan, D.J. and Das, J.
Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Home Science, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat 785013; . Email: deeprkn@gmail.com
Abstract: Use of plant derived bioactive compounds as biopesticides is an emerging trend in today’s world. Although, the research on various indigenous plant species is still in its infancy, the plant extracts and the bioactive compounds of many traditionally important plants have tremendous potential to serve as biofungicide in agriculture. This review highlights some of the work that has been performed that validate the high potential and efficacy of many plant extracts in inhibiting various fungal plant pathogens. It also portraits the necessity of further investigation to isolate the active molecules from plants as well as feasibility of application with more field trials.
Key words: Plant extracts, Biofungicides.
8. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 5: 55-60 (2012)
BIO-CONVERSION OF LEAVES’ LITTER INTO VERMICOM-POST BY INDIGENOUS EARTHWORM, PERIONYX EXCAVATUS
Selvamuthukumaran, D. and Neelanarayanan, P.
Centre for Eco-friendly Agro-Technologies (Vermibiotechnology) Research Department of Zoology, Nehru Memorial College (Autonomous), Puthanampatti 621 007, District - Tiruchirappalli Tamil Nadu.
E. mail: smkumar.nmc25@yahoo.com
Abstract: The aim of this study is to evaluate the chemical nutrient qualities and microbial compositions of vermicompost produced from Tectona grandis, Azadirachta indica and Polyalthia longifolia leaves’ litter, individually, and also to find out the decomposing potentials of an indigenous earthworm, P. excavatus. The pre-decomposed leaves’ litter of T. grandis, A. indica and P. longifolia were mixed with cured cow dung at 50:50 concentration are filled in plastic trays. A control medium was also maintained simultaneously for each of these leaves’ litter with 50:50 concentrations, individually. All these experiments were conducted in triplicates. Hundred adult and healthy worms of P. excavatus were introduced into each of these experimental trays, excepting the control ones. The harvested vermicompost and worm-unworked substrates (control) were subjected to chemical nutrient analysis and colony forming units (CFU) of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes, quantification. The vermicompost harvested from experimental set up I (T. grandis + cow dung mixture) had comparatively increased levels of chemical and biological parameters than the other set ups. The results of the present study apparently suggest that in general all the three leaves’ litter with cow dung at 50:50 concentration can very well be used for converting into value added vermicompost by utilizing P. excavatus.
Key words: Vermicompost, Perionyx excavatus, Leaves’ litter
9. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 5: 61-65 (2012)
BIO-TRANSFORMATION OF POULTRY WASTE INTO VERMICOMPOST BY USING AN EPIGEIC EARTHWORM, EUDRILUS EUGENIAE
Selvamuthukumaran, D. and Neelanarayanan, P.
Centre For Eco-friendly Agro-Technologies (Vermibiotechnology) Research Department of Zoology,
Nehru Memorial College (Autonomous), Puthanampatti 621 007, Tiruchirappalli (Dist)
Tamil Nadu, E. Mail: smkumar.nmc25@yahoo.com
Abstract: Three vermibeds were prepared by mixing the processed poultry waste (Egg Layers) with groundnut husk and soil and laid. The composition of each vermibed was with 70:20:10 proportions of these selected waste materials. Six hundred Eudrilus eugeniae adult and healthy worms were introduced into each of these vermibeds. The raw poultry waste, predigested poultry waste and vermicompost were separately subjected to chemical nutrients’ composition analysis. The vermicompost had increased levels of total N, P, K and Na when compared to raw poultry waste and pre-digested poultry waste. The computed C:N ratio of vermicompost was 15:1 whereas it was 21:1 in the raw poultry waste. The results of the present study obviously suggest that the poultry waste with groundnut husk and soil at 70:20:10 proportions can very well be used for converting into value added vermicompost by utilizing E. eugeniae.
Key words: Vermicompost, Poultry waste, Eudrilus eugeniae, Macro and micro nutrients
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