Reju, M K; Dr.Mohandas, A(Cochin University of Science & Technology, 1990)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
The present study is an attempt to understand the physiological responses of a freshwater gastropod, in terms of haematological parameters, in normal conditions as well as in various natural and man made altered conditions of the environment.Pila virens, a freshwater prosobranch,commonly found in paddy fields, ponds, and streams of Kerala is selected as the test animal for the present investigation. Various haemolymph constituents such as total carbohydrate, glycogen, total protein, total lipid, urea,ammonia,sodium,potasium, calcium, and chloride which are directly involved in the control and maintenance of different physiological systems, were analysed in the present study. Selected haematological parameters like total haemocyte number, and packed cell volume were also determined. Besides , the activity pattern of selected haemolymph enzymes such as acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP),Glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), and glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT), all having diagnostic value in terms of internal defence system and metabolism of the organism, were also studied.
Description:
School of Environmental Studies,Cochin University of Science and Technology
Balachandran, M; Sivasankara Pillai,V N(Cochin University of Science and Technology, October , 2004)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
The current water treatment technology is oriented towards the removal of contaminants, mostly organic compounds, by activated carbon. Activated carbons are classified as Granular Activated Carbons (GAC) and Powdered Activated Carbons (PAC) on the basis of the particle size of the carbon granules. Powdered carbons are generally less expensive than granular carbon, operating costs with powdered carbon could be lower. Though powdered activated carbon has many advantages over granular carbon, its application in large-scale separation process is limited by difficulty in recovery and regeneration. Deposition of magnetic iron oxide on carbon particles provides a convenient way of recovering the spent carbon from process water. The study deals with the preparation and physico-chemical characterization of magnetic iron oxide loaded activated carbons. The evaluation of absorption properties of magnetic iron oxide loaded activated carbon composites. The target molecules studied were phenol, p-nitro phenol and methylene blue. The feasibility of magnetic separation of iron oxide loaded activated carbons were studied and described in this thesis.
Mohamed Ali, M I; Dr.Sharma, J K(Cochin University of Science And Technology, February , 1993)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
In forestry, availability of healthy seeds is an important
factor in raising planting stock. Initial seed health
and storage conditions are the major factors governing the
germinability of seeds. Like seeds of agricultural and horticultural
crops, forest tree seeds are also liable to be affected
by micro-organisms during storage, which affects the
germination, and reduces the viability. Further introduction
of seed-borne diseases into newly sown crops/areas on account
of using unhealthy seeds is also not ruled out. Availability
of healthy stock of seedlings is intrinsic for raising plantations
and to meet this requirement elimination of nursery
diseases by appropriate chemicals is of prime imortance. As
exotic tree species may become susceptible to various native
pathogens, it is generally considered better to select indigenous
tree species for large scale plantations as they are
well adapted to local environment. However, before taking up
large scale afforestation progranme involving any indigenous
tree species, it is essential to have knowledge about seed
disorders and seedling diseases and their management. with a
View to select appropriate tree species with fewer seed disorders
and seedling disease problems for use in further plantation
programme, four indigenous tree species such as Albizia
odoratissima (L.f) Benth., Lagerstroemia microcazpa Wt., Pterocazpus marsupiwn Roxb. and Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) Taub.
were evaluated to meet the above parameters
Description:
Department of environmental studies, Cochin University of Science And Technology
Manju, M R; Dr.Balakrishnan, K P(Cochin University of Science and Technology, September 25, 1991)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
The thesis embodies the results of a study on the variations in the parameters of productivity of two test species, a chlorophycean alga and a diatom. The chlorophycean alga Scenedesmus abundans was isolated from a fresh water pond whereas the diatom Nitzschia clausii was from the Cochin backwaters. Their growth parameters and their variations due to the effect
of addition of some heavy metals have been studied. The growth parameters include biomass, production, respiration, photosynthetic pigments and end products of photosynthesis. The cell numbers were estimated by using a haemocytometer and production and respiration by oxygen light and dark technique. Spectrophotometric analysis for pigments, anthrone method for carbohydrate and heated biuret method for protein were the different methods employed in the present investigation.
The present study is confined to nickel, cobalt, trivalent and hexavalent chromium. Different metals are discharged from various industries in and around Cochin. The effects of these metals individually and in combination are studied. Experiments to determine the effects of interaction of metals in combination enabled the assessment of the antagonistic and synergistic effect of metals on test species. The concentration or accumulation of metals on algae was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry.
The thesis has been divided into seven chapters. The introductory chapter explains the relevance of the present investigation. Chapter two presents the review of literature based on the work in relation to toxicity. Third chapter gives a detailed description of the material and specialized methods followed for the study. The effects of various metals selected for study - nickel, cobalt, trivalent and hexavalent chromium on the qualitative and quantitative aspects of productivity forms the subject of matter of the fourth chapter. The fifth chapter gives the impact of metals in combination on two species of algae. A general discussion and summary are included in the sixth and seventh chapters
Description:
School of Environmental Studies,
Cochin University of Science and Technology
Shaganas, Banu B; Dr.Rajathy, Sivalingam(Cochin University of Science and Technology, October 8, 2007)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
This thesis Entitled studies on the effect of toxic heavy metal mercury on the physiology and biochemistry of an estuarine crab scylla serrata (Forskal). Evaluate the toxicity of three sub lethal concentrations of mercury, viz., 0.009 mg/l, 0.02 mg/1, and 0.04 mg/l on the mud crab, Scylla serrata through bioaccumulation, and depuration studies. To characterize the biochemical responses to the sub-lethal stress of mercury in chelate muscles, abdominal muscles, hepatopancreas and gills. To study the activity pattern of acid and alkaline phosphatases in mercury-exposed crabs. To evaluate the induced changes in these tissues through histopathological studies,The Cochin backwaters is one of the most productive and biologically active backwater systems, and is the habitat of varieties of fishes, mollusks, and crustaceans, though this water body also receives tons of effluents from factories located on the banks of the river, Periyar.To study the activity levels of acid and alkaline phosphatases in crabs, at three time periods, exposed to three sub lethal concentration of mercury,
Description:
School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of
Science and Technology
Rajalekshmi Amma, P; Dr.Mohandas, A(Cochin University of Science And Technology, 1992)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
Industrialisation affects air, water, and soil. Industrial
effluents which enter the aquatic environment either by direct
disposal or through run off, affect living organisms at
morphological and physiological levels. In any living tissue
toxic materials exert their effects first at molecular and
biochemical levels (Robbins and Angell, 1976). Most of the
industrial effluents contain elevated concentrations of organic
and inorganic chemicals capable of eliciting stimulatory or
inhibitory effects on the metabolism of aquatic organisms.
Heavy metals form an important group of environmental
pollutants. Effects of pollution on the aquatic environment by
heavy metals have received considerable attention in recent years
due to their toxicity even at very low levels, persistence in the
environment, and chances of getting biomagnified. A pollutant
that does not affect a particular process under normal unstressed
condition may affect the ability of the animal to adjust to
changing environmental conditions which ultimately decrease its
chances of survival (Thurberg et al., 1973
Description:
School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science And Technology
Subha, Vishnudas; Dr.Abdul Azis, P K(Cochin University of Science And Technology, 2006)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
Soil erosion is more detrimental and affects the chemical, physical and biological
properties of the soil. Degradation of soil and water resources is a worldwide problem. Over the next two decades, it is expected that the world will need 17% more water to grow food for the increasing population in developing countries and that total water use will increase by 40%. The total land area subjected to human-induced soil degradation is estimated as 20 x 106 (km)2 Hence conservation of soil and water is essential for the subsistence of life. This can be made possible through sustainable watershed management. This thesis aims at investigating the condition under which sustainable watershed management is possible in Kerala, in South India. The research has been carried out in three stages. In the first stage a conceptual framework is formulated (Chapter 3) based on the relevant literature (Chapter 2) in the field of watershed management. In the second stage this framework is applied to two existing case studies in Kerala State (Chapter 4).
In the third stage, the methodology is used to test out geo textile innovation (Chapter 5) in two field experiments (Chapter 6).
Description:
Department of environmental studies, Cochin University of Science And Technology
Sarita,G Bhat; Dr.Bright Singh,I S(Cochin University Of Science And Technology, May 4, 1998)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
Even though Bergey '5 Manual has been recognized globally as the guide to
bacterial systematics, it has to be emphasized that descriptions given to a large extent
are based on studies made with temperate isolates This leads one to conclude that
any attempt to identify the tropical isolates with identification keys and tables
generated from this information may lead to erroneous conclusions. And there is
every possibility of the existence of genotypic and phenotypic variants or even nev.
species in this part ofthe aquatic ecosystem. Applications ofa polythetic scheme of
classification based on the principles of Numerical Taxonomy opens up exciting
avenues for bringing to light, this possibility which otherwise would have been
masked by the unidirectional approach as in monothetic schemes.
Another added advantage of clustering a ‘natural’ bacterial population by
numerical taxonomy, is the ease by which genotypic characterization could be
performed on the clusters by selecting a representative from each cluster This helps
overcome the practical impossibility of analyzing all the isolates in a pani:'_lar
cluster. The genotypic characteizarion would either be mole °/o G-'rC. DNA-D.\_-X
hybridization, DNA-RNA hybridization or DNA fingerprinting. Considering the requirement creating a broad base in the understanding of the family Vibrionaceae associated with the larvae ofM rosenbergii, the present work was undertaken to channelize every new information generated for developing appropriate managerial measures to protect the larvae from vibriosis during the unusually prolonged larval phase.
Description:
School of Environmental Studies.
Cochin University of Science and Technology
Sarita,G Bhat; Dr.Bright Singh,I S(Cochin University of Science and Technology, May , 1998)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
The great potential for the culture of non-penaeid prawns, especially
Macrobrachium rosenbergii in brackish and low saline areas of Indian coastal zone has
not yet been fully exploited due to the non availability of healthy seed in adequate numbers
and that too in the appropriate period. In spite of setting up several prawn hatcheries
around the country to satiate the ever growing demands for the seed of the giant fresh
water prawn, the supply still remains fear below the requirement mainly due to the
mortality of the larvae at different stages of the larval cycle. In a larval rearing system of
Macrobrachium rosenbergii, members of the family Vibrionaceae were found to be
dominant flora and this was especially pronounced during the times of mortality
However, to develop any sort of prophylactic and therapeutic measures, the pathogenic
strains have to be segregated from the lot. This would never be possible unless they were
clustered based on the principles of numerical taxonomy It is with these objectives and
requirements that the present work involving phenotypic characterization of the isolates
belonging to the family Vibrionaceae and working out the numerical taxonomy,
determination of mole % G+C ratio, segregation of the pathogenic strains and screening
antibiotics as therapeutics at times of emergency, was carried out.
Description:
School of Environmental Studies.Cochin University of Science and Technology
Rajendran, C P; Dr.Soman, K(Cochin University of Science And Technology, May , 1987)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
Quaternary stratigraphy of the Kerala coast and
the genetic aspects of the sediments are discussed.
The age of limeshells, and peaty sediments determined
by radio carbon dating have been used for reconstruction
of sea level changes. Evolution of red sands occurring
in some parts of the coastal tract of Kerala is also
discussed, based on textural parameters and quartz
grain morphology.
Anil, Loveson; Rajathy, Sivalingam(Cochin University of Science And Technology, August , 2014)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
One of the objectives of the current investigation was to evaluate the effectiveness of Spirodela polyrhiza to remove heavy metals and other contaminants from the water samples collected from wetland sites of Eloor and Kannamaly under controlled conditions .The results obtained from the current study suggest that the test material S. polyrrhiza should be used in the biomonitoring and phytoremediation of municipal, agricultural and industrial effluents because of their simplicity, sensitivity and cost-effectiveness. The study throws light on the potential of this plant which can be used as an assessment tool in two diverse wetland in Ernakulum district. The results show the usefulness of combining physicochemical analysis with bioassays as such approach ensures better understanding of the toxicity of chemical pollutants and their influence on plant health. The results shows the suitability of Spirodela plant for surface water quality assessment as all selected parameters showed consistency with respect to water samples collected over a 3-monitoring periods. Similarly the relationship between the change in exposure period (2, 4 and 8 days) with the parameters were also studied in detail. Spirodela are consistent test material as they are homogeneous plant material; due to predominantly vegetative reproduction. New fronds are formed by clonal propagation thus, producing a population of genetically homogeneous plants. The result is small variability between treated individuals. It has been observed that phytoremediation of water samples collected from Eloor and Kannamaly using the floating plant system is a predominant method which is economic to construct, requires little maintenance and eco friendly.
Surekhamol, I S; Dr.Bright Singh,I S(Cochin University of Science and Technology, November , 2012)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
Aquaculture is a global industry providing food and employment thereby contributing to the economy. For the sustenance of aquaculture, disease management is a major requirement. Among the bacterial pathogens Vibrio harveyi remains to be the major one especially in shrimp culture systems. Rapid
and mass mortality of shrimp larvae due to Vibrio harveyi infection is well known, and the pathogen causes serious economic losses in grow out systems as well. It suggests that a well defined management strategy has to be built up to protect the crop from Vibrio harveyi infection in aquaculture systems. Antibiotics have been the choice for quite some times which led to residues in meat and development of multidrug resistant bacteria which invited ban on their application. In this context several alternate options have been thought off such as probiotics, immunostimulants and vaccines. Phage therapy is yet another option. Phages being natural parasites of bacteria and are abundant in aquatic environments their application to control bacterial pathogens in aquaculture has commendable potential in lieu of antibiotics. For that matter the therapeutic effect of phages has been proven in several antibiotic resistant pathogens inclusive of Vibrio harveyi.
Description:
National Centre for Aquatic Animal
Health, School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology
Peter, Varkey K; Dr.Sivasankara Pillai, V N(Cochin University of Science and Technology, December , 2002)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
The Kerala Water Authority requested the School of Environmental Studies to
carry out investigations on the mechanism of sporadic mobilization of iron and
odour in the raw water drawn to the drinking water treatment plant. The
currently used treatment process failed to remove iron completely. This led to
problems in the filter and complaints of taste and colour due to iron in the
finished water. The sporadic nature of the problem itself made the trouble
shooting difficult.
The problem was looked in from three points of view.
1. Influence of environmental (climatic) conditions on the dynamics of
the relevant basin of the reservoir.
2. Influence of the physical dynamics on the physico — chemical quality
of water.
3. Identification of cost-effective treatment processes to suit the existing
plant.
Since the problem emerged only during the post- monsoon to pre-monsoon
months, a related problem was investigated, namely, influence of anions on
the oxidation of Fe(II) in natural waters by air. This is presented in Part II of
the dissertation.
Description:
School of
Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology
Soman, C K; Dr.Jose, Kallarackal(Cochin University of Science And Technology, May , 1997)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
Investigations on the water relations and gas exchange of/tcacia aun'culiji_2rmis
were carried out in natural and controlled environments. The experiments were
performed in both seedlings and five year old trees. Different sets of experiments
were conducted in Acacia plantations, at Kothachira, Palakkad District and in
.seedlings, at KFRI campus nursery mainly during the summer months. Investigations
were also extended to seedlings of A.mangium, Aaulacocarpa and /Lholocericea,
which are also phyllodinous species with the intention of comparing their physiology
with Acacia auriculifomus.
Potted seedlings of four species of Acacia viz., A. auriculi/E)/7r:i.r, /I.
aulacocarpa, A. holocericea and A. mangium were used for the study.
Measurements of relative water content (RWC), water potential, photosynthetic rate,
transpiration, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency etc. of phyllodes were
measured diumally in plants subjected to three stress conditions namely, drought,
salinity and flooding