Smitha, Sebastian; Ammini, Joseph(Cochin University Of Science And Technology, May , 2015)
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Abstract:
The present work is the study of filamentous algae in the paddy fields of Kuttanad and Kole lands of Kerala. This investigation was initiated by sampling of filamentous algae in Kuttanad during December 2010 to February 2011. A second phase of sampling was done from November 2011 to February 2012. The sampling
periodicity corresponded to the crop growth starting from field preparation through sowing, and continued till the harvest. Sampling locations were selected from the active paddy cultivation regions of the six agronomic zones of Kuttanad. The numbers of sampling locations were proportional to the area of each zone. Algae of the Kole lands were collected during from October 2011 to January 2012. It was observed that blue-green algae dominated in both Kuttanad and Kole lands. Thirty two species of blue-green algae and eight species of green algae were identified from Kuttanad. The highest number of algal species was observed from Kayal lands in Kuttanad throughout the cropping season. Among the thirty two species of blue-green algae twenty five species are nonheterocystous and seven species are heterocystous. Twenty eight species of blue-green and six species of green algae were identified from Kole lands, and highest number of species was observed in Palakkal throughout the cropping season. Among the twenty eight species of blue-green algae collected from Kole lands twenty one species are non-heterocystous, and only seven species are heterocystous filamentous algae. Blooms of Spirogyra were observed during the second phase of sampling in Kuttanad and also in the Kole lands. The results of the germination study revealed that the extract of Spirogyra sp. inhibited seed germination and reduced seedling vigour. The growth of the treated seedlings was evaluated by pot experiments. The results clearly showed that Spirogyra sp. can negatively affect the seed germination, seedling vigour, and the yield of rice.
Ramya, R; Dr.Balasundaran, M; Dr.Jose, Kallarackal(Kerala Forest Research Institute, July , 2010)
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Abstract:
S. album L. is the source of highly priced and fragrant heartwood which on steam
distillation yields on an average 57
per cent oil of high perfumery value. Global
demand for sandalwood is about 5000-6000
tons/year and that of oil is 100 tons/year.
Heartwood of sandal is estimated to fetch up to Rs. 3.7 million/ton and wood oil
Rs.70,000-100,000/
kg in the international market. Sandal heartwood prices have
increased from Rs. 365/ton in 1900 to Rs. 6.5 lakhs/ton in 1999-2000
and to Rs. 37
lakhs/ton in 2007. Substantial decline in sandalwood production has occurred from 3176
tons/year during 1960-‘
65 to 1500 tons/year in 1997-98,
and to 500 tons/year in 2007.Depletion of sandal resources is attributed to several factors, both natural and
anthropogenic. Low seed setting, poor seed germination, seedling mortality, lack of
haustorial connection with host plant roots, recurrent annual fires in natural sandal
forests, lopping of trees for fodder, excessive grazing, hacking, encroachments, seedling
diseases and spread of sandal spike disease are the major problems facing sandal. While
these factors hinder sandal regeneration in forest areas, the situation is accelerated by
human activities of chronic overexploitation
and illicit felling.Deterioration of natural sandal populations due to illicit felling, encroachments and
diseases has an adverse effect on genetic diversity of the species. The loss of genetic
diversity has aggravated during recent years due to extensive logging, changing landuse
patterns and poor natural regeneration. The consequent genetic erosion is of serious
concern affecting tree improvement programme in sandal. Conservation as well as mass
propagation are the two strategies to be given due importance. To initiate any
conservation programme, precise knowledge of the factors influencing regeneration and
survival of the species is essential. Hence, the present study was undertaken with the
objective of investigating the autotrophic and parasitic phase of sandal seedlings
growth, the effects of shade on morphology, chlorophyll concentration and chlorophyll
fluorescence of sandal seedlings, genetic diversity in sandal seed stands using ISSR
markers, and the diversity of fungal isolates causing sandal seedling wilt using RAPD
markers. All these factors directly influence regeneration and survival of sandal
seedlings in natural forests and plantations.
Abesh, Reghuvaran; Dr. Anita Das, Ravindranath(Cochin University of Science And Technology, April , 2013)
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Abstract:
In this study, a novel improved technology could be developed to convert
the recalcitrant coir pith into environmental friendly organic manure. The standard
method of composting involves the substitution of urea with nitrogen fixing
bacteria viz. Azotobacter vinelandii and Azospirillum brasilense leading to the
development of an improved method of coir pith. The combined action of the
microorganisms could enhance the biodegradation of coir pith. In the present study,
Pleurotus sajor caju, an edible mushroom which has the ability to degrade coir
pith, and the addition of nitrogen fixing bacteria like Azotobacter vinelandii and
Azospirillum brasilense could accelerate the action of the fungi on coir pith. The
use of these microorganisms brings about definite changes in the NPK, Ammonia,
Organic Carbon and Lignin contents in coir pith. This study will encourage the use
of biodegraded coir pith as organic manure for agri/horti purpose to get better
yields and can serve as a better technology to solve the problem of accumulated
coir pith in coir based industries
Description:
School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science & Technology
Arun Augustine; Dr. Valsamma Joseph(Cochin University of Science and Technology, April 10, 2015)
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Abstract:
Fatty acids are the basic building blocks fats and lipids are made of. Fatty
acids found in foods and fats stored in the body are mainly in the form oftriacylglycerols (TAGs), a glycerol molecule backbone to which three (termed sn-1;
sn-2 and sn-3), often different, fatty acids are attached Figure 1-1 (A). Fatty acids are
made up of a backbone of carbon atoms, with a carboxyl group (COOH) at one end
[the delta (Δ) end] and a methyl group (CH3) at another end [the omega (ω) or n-end]
(Figure 1-1 (B). Hydrogen atoms are joined to the sequence of carbon atoms, forming
a hydrocarbon chain. Carbon chain length and presence and absence of a double bond
between the carbon atoms influence the characteristics of a fatty acid such as melting
point and digestibility. Based on the bonding nature, they are divided into saturated
fatty acid (SFA)- carbons in the fatty acid chain are linked by single bonds;
monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)- only one double bond present in fatty acid
chain and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) more than one double bond present in
the fatty acid chain
Divya, Jose; Dr.Mohandas, A; Dr.Bright Singh,I S(Cochin University of Science & Technology, November , 2011)
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Abstract:
In the present study,heterotrophic protease producing bacterial isolates were screened for protease activity and a potent protease producing bacterial isolate was selected,identified and coded as Pseudomonas aeruginosa MCCB 123.The organism was capable of producing three different types of enzymes each having potential industrial applications.The non-toxic nature of the bacterial strain and the relatively non-toxic nature of three enzymes suggested their poetential application in various industries.Application of LasA protease and beta-1,3 glucanase in DNA extraction is a promising area for commercial utilization. LasB protease can find its potential application in detergent and tanning industries.As on today Bacillus sp.has been the source of commercial proteases,and the ones produced form P.aeruginosa 123 can pave way for making the industrial and biomedical processes more cost effective and refined.
Description:
National Centre for Aquatic Health,Cochin University of Science and Technology
Alex Paikada,Mathew; Sivasankara Pillai,V N(School of rural development and appropriate technology: CUSAT Environmental studies, 2005)
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Abstract:
The study conducted on the salinity intrusion and seasonal water quality variations in the tidal canals of cochin. The main objectives are, salinity intrusion profile, water quality variation of the surface water of the canals,hierarchical utility of the water bodies and to understand the non-conservative components in the water body. The parameters monitored werepH,temperature,alkalinity,conductivity,DO(dissolvedoxygen),COD(chemical oxygen demand),BOD(biochemical oxygen demand0,chloride, total hardness, calcium hardness, dissolved phosphate, nitrate, total iron, sulphate, turbidity, total coliform and SUVA at 254nm. The tidal canals of GCDA were found to be creeks extending to the interior, canals inter connecting parts of the estuary or canals with seasonally broken segments. Based on utility the canals could be classified as: canals heavely polluted and very saline,canals polluted by urban waste , canals having fresh water for most part of the year and not much polluted, fresh water bodies heavily polluted.
During the rainy months carbon fixation by plankton is nonexistent,and during the dry months Chitrapuzha becomes a sink of phosphate. The study indicated abiotic subrouts for dissolved phosphate and revealed the potential pitfalls in LOICZ modeling exercise on sewage ladentidal canals. It was also found that all canals except for the canals of West cochin and chittoorpuzha have fresh water for some part of the year. The water quality index in the durable fresh water stretches was found to be of below average category.