Electronic Journal of Environmental Sces Vol. 1: (Jan. 2008
1. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 2: 1-3 (2009)

SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS OF FLUORIDE CONTENT IN GROUND WATER IN MEHASANA DISTRICT OF NORTH GUJARAT

Patel, B.G.,  Patel, I.N., Dhaduk, J.J., Vyas, S.R., Patel, N.V. and Sail, S.S.

Department of Food Science and Nutrition, ASPEE College of Home Science, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar 385 506.  E-mail:bgpatel62@yahoo.co.in

Abstract:  The quality of groundwater reserves deteriorate in many places globally. The Fluoride content in 156 water samples along with other parameters was determined. A significant variation was observed in quality parameters. The fluoride content in general higher than maximum permissible limits set for India. Ground water during monsoon had significantly minimum pH, alkalinity and fluoride content. Seasonal trend was almost same for all the parameters studied indicating the association between them. However, the correlations of alkalinity with pH and hardness were non-significant. The fluoride content had significant positive correlation with pH and alkalinity while it had significant negative correlation with hardness.

2. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 2: 5-11 (2009)

URBANIZATION INFLUENCE ON THE STATUS OF WETLAND AND AVIFAUNA: A SHORT TERM PRILIMINARY STUDY

 Pandya, P.J. and Padate, G.S.

Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda,
Vadodara-390002, India. E. mail: pranavpandya1@yahoo.com

Abstract: Comparison of two wetlands Savli and Javla ponds located in Vadodara district, Gujarat, was carried out in order to check the influences of progressive urbanization and anthropogenic pressures. Water quality and avifaunal diversity of both the ponds were analyzed. Savli pond represents a typical village pond, influenced by ongoing encroachment by human beings, while Javla pond being away from the village served as a controlled system. Routine physico-chemical analyses of water were carried out using standard APHA protocol. A check list of avifauna of the study sites was prepared and subjected to various biodiversity indices. The activities around the ponds and probable domestic and agricultural inputs were noted. No direct industrial pollutant discharge was found within or in the vicinity of both the ponds. Since Savli pond is located in the village and witness the population influences, water quality of Savli pond was degraded as compared to Javla pond. A total of 65 species of birds were recorded at Savli and 72 species at Javla. Species richness and diversity was higher in Javla as migratory waterfowls avoided human disturbance and poor water quality of Savli and were routed to Javla pond. Higher numbers of birds in Javla (max. 1600) as compared to Savli (max. 800) during peak migratory season also reflected the degrading water quality and local anthropogenic impact at Savli pond.

3. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 2: 13-18 (2009)

BIRDS OF CHANDOLI NATIONAL PARK OF WESTEN GHAT OF MAHARASHTRA

Lawate, D. V. and Mule, M. B.

Department of Zoology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur.  E. mail: dr.amar101@rediffmail.com

Abstract: The present paper deals with the birds of Chandoli National Park. The park is partly situated in Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara and Ratnagiri districts. The studies on the avifauna from Chandoli National Park specify the presence of 202 bird species belonging to 141 genera scattered over 47 families. While the study, 23 species of winter visitors were encountered. The highest number of birds was observed during the winter months and lower number of birds was recorded during the months of June and July.

4. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 2: 19-24 (2009)

SOURCE RECEPTOR MODELLING AND SHAFT DIAGRAMS: A BASIS FOR TREND ANALYSIS OF METEOROLOGICAL PARAMETERS FOR PUNE CITY

Thacker, K., Ojha, A. and Parikh, P.

Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda,
Vadodara-390 002 Gujarat,. E. mail: thackerkhyati_1@yahoo.co.in

Abstract: The analysis of 9 of the meteorological parameters for Pune city over a period of 5 years, viz. wind speed, wind direction, vapor pressure, relative humidity, evaporation, sunshine,  rainfall, duration of rainfall, average air temperature and water temperature reveals interesting facts. The data for all these five years have been collected from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) – Pune, which is the daily average data. The analysis has been carried out on seasonal and annual basis. It discloses interdependence of certain parameters, which is theoretically illogical but practically true and existing, for both observations. Interdependence among the factors like Relative humidity and duration of rainfall is one such example that is shown in all five years analysis matrix. On the other hand, based on the “Shaft Diagrams” it can be concluded that there is a change in rainfall pattern for 2005 and 2006. It shows that heavy rainfall is due to increase in relative humidity as well as duration of rainfall. Thus, both these analysis pattern support the fact that relative humidity affects the rainfall and its duration on a higher scale. From the present study it can be concluded that there exists a remarkable interdependence between relative humidity and rainfall pattern along with its duration for rainfall which was supported by both, the analysis through SPSS and shaft diagrams.

5. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 2: 25-32 (2009)

TEST HYPOTHESES AND INTERACTION MATRIX FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF MINING ACTIVITIES ON THE ASIATIC LION HABITAT OF GIR ECOLOGY AREA, GUJARAT, INDIA

Vachhrajani, K.D.

Division of Environment and Toxicology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science,
The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, India. E-mail: kdv_zdmsu@yahoo.com

Abstract: The satellite populations of Asiatic lions have distributed and established in the Gir Ecology Area spread over Junagadh, Amreli and Bhavnagar districts of Gujarat state, India. It is therefore important to monitor the development activities in this region of lion habitat. Owing to peculiar geological characteristics, mining and mining associate industries have developed in this region during past five-six decades. Therefore, the existing habitat can be considered to be an overall outcome of the interactions of mining and associated activities with the components of the environment. Environmental Impact Assessment requires comprehensive studies to analyze the actions involved and their impacts on distinctly variable habitat components. It is important to distinguish between different abiotic/environmental factors such that the impact potential of all can be separately identified. When impacts of certain basic activities on environment are concerned, the only two hypothetical alternatives are; either it produces adverse impacts or it has no impact. It is proposed that the mining and industrial activities along with associated economic development activities do pose risk to the environment of the study area. The extent and type of economic developmental activities are not similar throughout the study area and, therefore, gradations in impacts are expected. The test of hypothesis necessitates critical identification of the components of the economic developmental activity and evaluation of their impacts. The retrospective assessment is source-driven assessment, which evaluates the impacts of releases that began in the past and have uncertain consequences. The predictive assessment is effect-driven assessment that addresses apparent ecological effects that have uncertain magnitudes and causes. An attempt is made to logically put forward the hypotheses for EIA studies and evaluate impacts through interaction matrix which involves varied components of the actions and impacts. Incorporating the action and impact flow chart components, the Gir Ecology Area can be categorized into various sensitivity zones which will assist in evaluating the consequences of impacts and provide base for future studies.

6. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 2: 33- 36 (2009)

HERPATOFAUNA OF CHANDOLI NATIONAL PARK OF WESTERN GHATS OF MAHARASHTRA

Lawate, D.V. and Mule, M.B.

Department of Zoology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, 416004,  E. mail: dr.amar101@rediffmail.com

Abstract: The present study deals with the Herpatofauna of Chandoli National Park, a part of Western Ghats. The Park falls partly in four districts viz. Kolhapur, Satara, Sangali and Ratnagiri. We report an updated checklist of Herpatofauna of the Park. 16 species of Amphibians belonging to four families distributed over 13 genera. About reptiles, the recorded number is 57 species, belonging to 14 families scattered over 41 genera. Overall 72 species of Reptiles and Amphibians have been recorded from this region, of which 1 species is endangered, 8 are vulnerable and 1 is found rare.

7. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 2: 37-40 (2009)

EFFECT OF CADMIUM AND ZINC ON BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF FRESHWATER PLANKTONIC COPEPOD THERMOCYCLOPS DECIPIENS

Sivakumar, K.,   Jayavelan, T., Prabha, R., Magesh, R. and Karthikeyan, V.

Department of Biotechnology, Karpaga Vinayaga College of Engineering and Technology,
Madhuranthagam 603 308.  E. mail: ksivakumar76@gmail.com

Abstract: The freshwater cyclopoid, Thermocyclops decipiens is a commonly available zooplankton species in freshwater bodies. The aim of this study was to determine to LC­50 value of T. decipiens in the medium containing cadmium and zinc metals. In this regard, T. decipiens was exposed to 24 h and 48 h in each medium containing 0.2pM, 0.2nM, 0.2µM, 0.2mM, and 0.4mM of both metals. LC­50 value was calculated based on the percentage of mortality; it was 0.244µM and 0.131nM for cadmium and 0.976µM and 0.302nm for zinc, 24 and 48hrs respectively. The data obtained from the percentage of mortality showed significant difference (P<0.05level) between the concentration of both metals. The concentrations of protein, RNA, DNA and RNA: DNA ratio of T. decipiens were assessed in both metals treated and control animals. Results of the parameters of treated animals showed significantly low when compared to control animals.

8. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 2: 41-44 (2009)

BIOACCUMULATION OF TRIVALENT CHROMIUM BY BACTERIA ISOLATE (CrRBI-1) SEPARATED FROM INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT

Mistry, K., Patel, J. and Bhavshar, N.

Ashok and Rita Patel Institute of Integrated Study & Research in Biotechnology and Allied sciences
(ARIBAS), New Vallabh Vidyanagar 388 121. E. mail: kinnarinmistry@yahoo.com

Abstract: Bioremediation technology has gained importance because microbes could be the convenient source of bio-absorption/bioaccumulation of metals from effluent streams. The chromium-resistant bacterial isolates (CrRBI-1) was selected from various bacterial separated from industrial effluent and grown in nutrient broth containing different concentrations of chromium chloride  (0-12 mM) and their capability of accumulating metal from the medium. Well defined growth of CrRBI-1 was observed in the medium containing up to 9 mM of chromium. The isolate was identified using Biolog system. It was closely related to Curtobacterium pusillum. Maximum accumulation of trivalent chromium (347.54 mg/g dry weight of bacterial cells) was observed when CrRBI-1 was grown in media containing 12 mM of chromium. The protein profile of the CrRBI-1 cellular extract by SDS-PAGE showed one metal stress-induced proteins of molecular weight 33,000Da simultaneous down regulation of one protein of 33,000Da. Thus it is concluded that 33,000Da and 33,000Da proteins play a role in metal resistance mechanism by CrRBI-1

9. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 2: 45-50  (2009)

SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS OF TAXONOMIC CHARACTERS OF TWO SPECIES OF DAPHNIA

Sharma, M.B., Suman Devi and Bhardwaj, P.

Department of Zoology, KVA DAV College for Women, Karnal, Haryana  132 001,
E. mail: manjuszz@rediffmail.com

Abstract: Scanning electron microscopic study on topography of two species of Daphnia i.e. D. magna and D. similis was carried out. The surface of bivalve carapace revealed the marked variations in the form of small scutes. The antennae showed the presence of spines in annular form. The spines were more or less triangular in outline having swollen base and pointed tip. The length of spines increased towards the anterior end. Biramous antennae possessed four stout jointed dorsal ramous and three small jointed ventral ramous. Rostrum armature was similar to that of carapace in both the species. On ventral side beak like structures possessed helical screw like twisted antennules. The posterior end of D. magna tapered in to tail possessing long pointed, stout spines which were thick at the base and pointed at the tip. The spines of D. similis were thicker, pointed and were present only on the outer margins of the tail.

10. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 2: 51-56 (2009)

QUALITATIVE STATUS OF GROUNDWATER IN THE NORTH GUJARAT REGION OF   INDIA

Patel, P.M. and Bhatt, S.A.

Department of Biotechnology, P. S. Science and H.D. Patel Arts College, Kadi 318 215, Gujarat
E. mail: payal1311@gmail.com

Abstract: Water stored under the Earth’s surface is plentiful, yet it is considered to be a precious resource in most areas of North Gujarat. The major source for drinking and irrigation is groundwater in this region but the sustainable groundwater balance is shrinking at an alarming level. The major problems concerning of  groundwater are depletion due to overdraw, salinization due mostly to inadequate drainage and insufficient conjunctive use and pollution due to agricultural, industrial and other anthropogenic activities. With an objective to understand ground water pollution  in this region, groundwater samples from different locations all over North Gujarat were analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters, viz., DO, BOD, COD, pH, conductivity, TDS, nitrate, nitrite, chromium, sodium, potassium and fluoride etc. The microbial parameters analyzed by MPN test for the presence of coliforms and standard plate count. Samples were collected from different depth zones tapping shallow dug wells, hand-pumps and tube wells from all the four districts viz., Patan, Mehsana, Sabarkantha and Banaskantha of North Gujarat during the period of two years. The results of physico-chemical and microbiological analysis of groundwater are discussed.

11. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 2: 57-67 (2009)

EFFECT OF ENDOSULFAN ON EARTHWORM BEHAVIOUR AND SOIL FERTILITY

 Rai, N., Kurawar, R. and Bansiwal, K.

Department of Environmental Sciences, Mohan Lal  Sukhadia University, Udaipur -313001.
E. mail: vinitabansi@yahoo.com

Abstract: The present study was undertaken to assess the effects of Endosulfan on earthworm behaviour and Soil Fertility. In the experimental earthworm species, Eisenia foetida was used as a test animal. Soil beds containing different doses of endosulfan were prepared and worms were reared for 30 days. Results revealed that the toxicity of pesticide to earthworm varied significantly depending on dosed. Endosulfan significantly reduced the body weight, ruptured epidermis, oozing of yellowish red fluid from ruptured epidermis and finally worms were dead. Results also show that Endosulfan significantly decrease the organic carbon and increased chloride content in soil.

12. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 2: 69-72 (2009)

EVALUATION OF GRAIN LEGUME RHIZOBIA FROM SEMI-ARID REGIONS OF TAMIL NADU

Meenakshisundaram, M. and  Santhaguru, K.

P.G. Department of Biotechnology, Nehru Memorial College, Puthanampatti, Tiruchirappalli 621007,
E. mail: meenakram06@yahoo.co.in

Abstract: Twelve strains of grain legume rhizobia isolated from semi-arid areas of Tamil Nadu were evaluated on the basis of nodulation, nodule leghaemoglobin, dry matter yield and nitrogen accumulation in pigeon pea and found Cc02 (an isolate from Cajanus cajan) and Vu03 (an isolate from Vigna ungiculata) were more efficient. The strains Cc02 and Vu03 were found to increase the shoot length (76 and 7 0%), dry matter yield (150 and 94% and nitrogen accumulation (415 and 36 8 %, in Cajanus cajan over the control. There was a positive correlation between shoot length and other parameters like nodule leghaemoglobin content, dry matter yield and nitrogen accumulation and hence shoot length measurement can be used to assess the strain efficiency.

13. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 2: 73 - 75  (2009)

MAMMALS OF CHANDOLI NATIONAL PARK OF WESTERN GHATS OF MAHARASHTRA

Lawate, D.V. and Mule, M.B.

Department of Zoology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, 416004,
E. mail: dr.amar101@rediffmail.com

Abstract: The present paper deals with the mammals of Chandoli National Park. The park is partly situated in Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara and Ratnagiri districts of Maharashtra state. The studies on the mammals from Chandoli National Park specify the presence of 34 species of mammals belonging to 30 genera scattered over 19 families. Out of these 5 species  are vulnerable, one is threatened, one is near threatened and one is endangered.