Bijumon, K B; Dr.Ouseph, P P(Cochin University Of Science And Technology, July 4, 2005)
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Abstract:
Assessment water’ quality nowa-days in global scenario implies the need for a
reference point against which monitoring can be measured and weighed. Aquatic
ecosystenis as part of the natural environment are balanced both witliin tlicinselves and
with other environmental compartments and this equilibrium is subject to natural
variations and evolutions as well as variations caused by human intervention. The
present assessnient is to identify. and possibly quantify, anthropogenic influences over
time against a “natural baseline situation. Water pollution problems have only recently
been taken seriously in retrospect. Once damage occurred, it becomes immeasurable,
and control action cannot be initiated
Description:
School of Environmental Studies,Cochin University of Science &
Technology
Jitha, G; Dr.Ammini, Joseph(Cochin University of Science and Technology, October , 2005)
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Abstract:
The microalgae gained importance as food and feed as well as source of fine
chemicals since the l960’s. Spirulina became the trend setter due to its easily
culturable properties as well as nutritional composition. A rapid expansion of
microalgal industry occurred in the Asia-Pacific region as microalgae came to
stay as a health food supplement.
Microalgae have been an integral component of oxidation ponds usually
incorporated with wastewater treatment. Over the last few decades, efforts
have been made to apply intensive microalgal cultures to perform biological
tertiary treatment of secondary effluents. Given the limited number of species
still available for commercial exploitation, it is imperative to isolate and
cultivate those photosynthetic organisms with high growth rate and biomass
accumulation, which could play the dual role of cleaning the wastewater and
also providing useful biomass. This has been the objective of this study ie.
0 To develop pure cultures of local isolates of Cyanobacteria for
extraction of biochemicals of commercial value
0 To couple biomass production with effluent treatment
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)
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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
Joseph, P J; Dr.Ammini, Joseph(Cochin University of Science & Technology, April , 2007)
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Abstract:
The objective of this research is to study the feasibility of
bioremediating the oily sludge from a refinery site. Three different methods of
waste treatment were tried i.e. phytoremediation, land farming and microbial
enhanced oil separation in laboratory scale treatment systems. A multiprocess
approach by combination of phytoremediation, biostimulation and
microbial enhanced oil separation is also presented. The methods of analysis,
experimental procedure, and results are incorporated into five chapters of this
thesis entitled "Bioremediation of petroleum sludge through
phytoremediation, land farming and microbial enhanced oil separation.
Description:
School of Environmental Studies,
Cochin University of Science and Technology
Manju, N J; Dr.Bright Singh,I S(Cochin University of Science and Technology, October , 2007)
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Abstract:
This thesis entitled Development of nitrifying ans photosynthetic sulfur bacteria based bioaugmentation systems for the bioremediation of ammonia and hydregen sulphide in shrimp culture.
the thesis is to propose a sustainable, low cost option for the mitigation of toxic ammonia and hydrogen sulphide in shrimp culture systems. Use of ‘bioaugmentors’ as pond additives is an emerging field in aquaculture. Understanding the role of organisms involved in the ‘bioaugmentor’ will obviously help to optimize conditions for their activity.The thesis describes the use of wood powder immobilization of nitrifying consortia.Shrimp grow out systems are specialized and highly dynamic aquaculture production units which when operated under zero exchange mode require bioremediation of ammonia, nitrite nitrogen and hydrogen sulphide to protect the crop. The research conducted here is to develop an economically viable and user friendly technology for addressing the above problem. The nitrifying bacterial consortia (NBC) generated earlier (Achuthan et al., 2006) were used for developing the technology.Clear demonstration of better quality of immobilized nitrifiers generated in this study for field application.
Description:
National Centre for Aquatic Animal Health, 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)
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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
Geetha, T; Dr. Balagopalan, M(Cochin University of Science and Technology, January 8, 2008)
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Abstract:
Impact of teak and eucalypt monoculture on soils in the highlands of kerala .The thesis is arranged under nine chapters. The first chapter introduces the topic, reviews the literature pertaining to the study and presents the aims and objectives of the study. The second chapter briefly describes the study location. experimental design and sampling methodology. The third chapter deals with physical properties of plantation soils. The fourth and fifth chapters cover the chemical properties and macro- and micro nutrient status in plantation soils. The organic matter fractions in plantation soils are described in sixth chapter. First part of the seventh chapter presents the results of factor analysis and the second part deals with fertility index of plantations. All these chapters are self-contained with separate introduction, materials and methods and results and discussions. A general discussion of the results is included in the eighth chapter. The ninth chapter includes conclusions and summary A study that traces the variation in physical and chemical properties and nutrient status of teak soils with age of plantations, till the end of a rotation period is thus highly pertinent. Such a study, with an adjacent natural forest as a reference stand will not only generate information that will help us to understand the pattern of variation in soil properties, but will also aid us in formulating better management strategies. The data generated by such a study will be more useful if accompanied by information on soil changes following a short rotation plantation crop. As Eucalypt, a short rotation crop is the second major
plantation crop in Kerala, it was chosen for the study.
Description:
Soil Science discipline, SNPFM Division
Kerala Forest Research Institute
Peechi
Sreebha, S; Dr. Padmalal, D(Cochin University of Science and Technology, November , 2008)
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Abstract:
This thesis Entitled Environmental impact of Sand Mining :A case Study in the river catchments of vembanad lake southwest india.The entire study is addressed in nine chapters. Chapter l deals with the general introduction about rivers, problems of river sand mining, objectives, location of the study area and scope of the study. A detailed review on river classification, classic concepts in riverine studies, geological work of rivers and channel processes, importance of river ecosystems and its need for management are dealt in Chapter 2. Chapter 3 gives a comprehensive account of the study area - its location, administrative divisions, physiography, soil, geology, land use and living and non-living resources. The various methods adopted in the study are dealt in Chapter 4. Chapter 5 contains river
characteristics like drainage, environmental and geologic setting, channel characteristics, river discharge and water quality of the study area. Chapter 6 gives an account of river sand mining (instream and floodplain mining) from the study area. The various environmental problems of river sand mining on the land adjoining the river banks, river channel, water, biotic and social / human environments of the area and data interpretation are presented in Chapter 7. Chapter 8 deals with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) of sand mining from the river catchments of Vembanad lake.
Description:
Environmental Sciences Division, Centre for
Earth Science Studies
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.
Sreelakshmi, B; Dr.Bright Singh,I S(Cochin University Of Science And Technology, November , 2011)
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Abstract:
The present study focuses on vibrios especially Vibrio harveyi
isolated from shrimp (P. monodon) larval production systems from both east
and west coasts during times of mortality. A comprehensive approach has
been made to work out their systematics through numerical taxonomy and
group them based on RAPD profiling and to segregate the virulent from
non- virulent isolates based on the presence of virulent genes as well as their
phenotypic expression. The information gathered has helped to develop a
simple scheme of identification based on phenotypic characters and
segregate the virulent from non virulent strains of V. harveyi.
Description:
National Centre for Aquatic Animal Health
Cochin University of Science and
Technology
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
Udayakumar, P; Dr.Ouseph, P P(Cochin University Of Science And Technology, July 19, 2012)
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Abstract:
The nearshore marine ecosystem is a dynamic environment impacted by
many activities, especially the coastal waters and sediments contiguous to major
urban areas. Although heavy metals are natural constituents of the marine
environment, inputs are considered to be conservative pollutants and are
potentially toxic, accumulate in the sediment, are bioconcentrated by organisms
and may cause health problems to humans via the food chain. A variety of
metals in trace amounts are essential for biological processes in all organisms,
but excessive levels can be detrimental by acting as enzyme inhibitors.
Discharge of industrial wastewater, agriculture runoff and untreated sewage
pose a particularly serious threat to the coastal environment of Kerala, but there
is a dearth of studies in documenting the contaminant metals. This study aimed
principally to assess such contamination by examining the results of heavy
metal (Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cd and Hg) analysis in seawater, sediment and
benthic biota from a survey of five transects along the central and northern
coast of Kerala in 2008 covering a 10.0 km stretch of near shore environment in
each transect. Trophic transfer of metal contaminants from aquatic invertebrates
to its predators was also assessed, by employing a suitable benthic food chain
model in order to understand which all metals are undergoing biotransference
(transfer of metals from a food source to consumer).The study of present contamination levels will be useful for potential
environmental remediation and ecosystem restoration at contaminated sites and
provides a scientific basis for standards and protective measures for the coastal
waters and sediments. The usefulness of biomonitor proposed in this study
would allow identification of different bioavailable metals as well as provide an
assessment of the magnitude of metal contamination in the coastal marine
milieu. The increments in concentration of certain metals between the predator
and prey discerned through benthic food chain can be interpreted as evidence of
biotransference.
Description:
School of Environmental Studies
Cochin University of Science and Technology
Jayesh, P; Dr.Bright Singh,I S(Cochin University of Science and Technology, September , 2012)
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Abstract:
Unveiling the molecular and regulatory mechanisms that prevent in vitro
transformation in shrimp remains elusive in the development of continuous cell
lines, with an arduous history of over 25 years (Jayesh et al., 2012). Despite
presenting challenges to researchers in developing a cell line, the billion dollar
aquaculture industry is under viral threat. In addition, the regulatory mechanisms
that prevent in vitro transformation and carcinoma in shrimps might provide new
leads for the development of anti-ageing and anti-cancer interventions in human
(Vogt, 2011) and in higher vertebrates. This highlights the importance of
developing shrimp cell lines, to bring out effective prophylactics against shrimp
viruses and for understanding the mechanism that induce cancer and ageing in
human.. Advances in molecular biology and various gene transfer technologies for
immortalization of cells have resulted in the development of hundreds of cell lines
from insects and mammals, but yet not a single cell line has been developed from
shrimp and other marine invertebrates. With this backdrop, the research described
in this thesis attempted to develop molecular tools for induced in vitro
transformation in lymphoid cells from Penaeus monodon and for the development
of continuous cell lines using conventional and novel technologies to address the
problems at cellular and molecular level.
Description:
National Centre for Aquatic Animal
Health, School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and
Technology
Jaison, C A; Dr.Sivanandan, Achari V(Cochin University of Science And Technology, October , 2012)
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Abstract:
Everywhere, on the coastal belt it is proved without doubt that the pristine ground
water quality was severely deteriorated after the 26 December 2004 Indian Ocean
Tsunami. But how far is more relevant, as it is decided by the so-called pre-tsunamic
situation of the region. In water quality studies it is this reference finger print which
earmarks regional ground water chemistry based on which the monthly variability
could rationally be interpreted. This Ph D thesis comprises the testing and evaluation of the facts: whether there is any significant difference in the water quality parameters under study between stations
and between months in Tsunami Affected Dug Wells (TADW). Whether the selected
water quality parameters vary significantly from BIS and WHO standards. Whether
the water quality index (WQI) differ significantly between Tsunami Affected Dug
Wells (TADW) and Bore Wells (BW). Whether there is any significant difference in
the water quality parameters during December 2005 and December 2008. Is there any
significant change in the Water Quality Parameters before 2001 and after tsunami
(2005) in TADW.
Description:
School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology