Peter, Mani K; Dr. Babu, Philip(Cochin University of Science and Technology, November 5, 1998)
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Abstract:
The present work is focussed mainly on the utilization of this weed-biomass on a biochemical and biotechnological basis. Before designing scientific and systematic utilization of any given biomass, the detailed analysis of its chemical componets is essential. Hence, as the preliminary part of the experimental works, samples of Salvinia were analysed for its chemical constituents.Before designing scientific and systematic utilization of any given biomass, the detailed analysis of its chemical componets is essential .The composition of the substrate contributes much to the nutritive value of mushrooms. Hence, alterations in the nutritive value of mushrooms (in terms of total carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and minerals) in response to Salvinia as substrate were analyzed.Substrate after mushroom harvest (spent substrate) can be utilized for various purposes such as cattle feed, as a source of degradative enzymes, as a substrate for other mushrooms and as garden manure. But studies are limited with regard to the utilization of Pleurotus spent substrate as garden manure. So the value of spent substrate as an organic supplement and its multidimensional impacts on soil chemical status, soil microbial population dynamics and plant growth (Amhurium andreanum) were carried out.Major findings of this work have got much relevance in designing measures to utilize different types of plant biomass, especially aquatic weeds, with the aid of a powerful biological tool, the lignocellulolytic fungus, Pleurorus
Description:
Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences
Kalpana, K V; Dr.James, P S B R(Cochin University of Science and Technology, 1999)
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Abstract:
Metapenaeus dobsoni (Miers) is the most abundant species
along the coast of Kerala. It is cultured extensively by adoption of
traditional farming practices. The geographical location and water source
determines the seasonal and annual environmental fluctuations the
prawn farming systems experiences. The life cycle of the shrimp includes
its migration to the coastal deeper waters for spawning and the immigration
of larvae to the estuaries for growth. The survival of the species in such
complex ecosystems is thus critical to its life cycle. The animal adapts itself to
different environments through a physiological process known as osmoregulation.
The present study on osmoregulation in the penaeid prawn
Metapenaeus dobsoni was thus undertaken to understand the mechanism
adopted by this species to survive in different environments. A
number of experimental work have been conducted to understand the
effect of salinity on the internal variations. However the effect of the
complex environmental conditions as existent in nature on the osmotic
variations in this species has not been dealt with in any of the earlier studies.
Srinivas, K; Dr. Rao, R R(Cochin University of Science and Technology, April , 1999)
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Abstract:
This thesis entitled seasonal and interannual variability of sea level and associated surface meteorological parameters at cochin.The interesting aspect of studying sea level variability on different time scales can be attributed to the diversity of its applications.Study of tides could perhaps be the oldest branch of physical oceanography.The thesis is presented in seven chapters. The first chapter gives, apart from a general introduction, a survey of literature on sea level variability on different time scales - tidal, seasonal and interannual (geological scales excluded), with particular emphasis on the work carried out in the Indian waters. The second chapter is devoted to the study of observed tides at Cochin on seasonal and interannual time scales using hourly water level data for the period 1988-1993. The third chapter describes the long-term climatology of some important surface oceanographic and meteorological parameters (at Cochin) which are supposed to affect the sea level. The fourth chapter addresses the problem of seasonal forecasting of the meteorological and oceanographic parameters
at Cochin using autoregressive, sinusoidal and exponentially weighted moving average techniques and testing their accuracy with the observed data for the period 1991-1993. The fifth chapter describes the seasonal cycles of sea level and the driving forces at 16 stations along the Indian subcontinent. It also addresses the observed interannual variability of sea level at 15 stations using available multi-annual data sets. The sixth chapter deals with the problem of coastal trapped waves between Cochin and
Beypore off the Kerala coast using sea level and atmospheric pressure data sets for the year 1977. The seventh and the last chapter contains the summary and conclusions and future outlook based on this study.
Krishna Kumar,P A; Chandramohanakumar, N(Cochin University of Science and Technology, October , 1999)
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Abstract:
This study focuses on the fractionation and quantification of chlorophenols, the most important and potential pollutant in this category, the distribution and seasonal dynamics of MBAS, phenols and clorophenols and development of a model to describe the chemical reactivity of the estuary are utilizing the dynamics of boron. The CES is highly influenced by various anthropogenic activities like discharge of agricultural, industrial and urban wastes operation of shipyard, oil and other transporting activities, fishing, dredging etc. Seasonal values of MBAS showed high values in the surface water during monsoon compared to premonsoon and postmonsoon. In the Cochin estuary o-chlorophenol and p-chlorophenol showed low values in the surface water compared to bottom water in the northern part of the estuary and higher values in the surface water in the southern part
Lizen, Mathews; Dr.Chandramohanakumar, N(Department of Chemical Oceanography, School of Marine Sciences, 2000)
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Abstract:
In the present study the nutrient dynamics and fertility of Kuttanad waters is addressed. Kuttanad represent a wetland system with considerable agricultural activities. The hydrographical features of the Kuttanad waters are controlled by discharges from Manimala, Meenachil, Pamba, Achencoil and Muvattupuzha rivers and also by tidal intrusions of saline waters from Cochin backwaters during summers. The fertility of these water bodies were significantly high and supported good agricultural production. Kuttanad water forms the southern part of this aquatic systems and is considered as the most productive zones. As a part of the management scheme for a higher agricultural activity, the Thannermukkam bund was constructed to block and regulate the intrusion of saline water. The increased use of artificial fertilizers along with stagnant character of the water body in this area has resulted in sharp decline in the water quality, productivity and aquatic resources.
Imelda, Joseph; Dr.Chandrika, V(Cochin University of Science and Technology, 2000)
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Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to determine the ability of specifically adapted bacteria to degrade phenol and to quantify the rate of biodegradation at. Different concentrations by mixed as well as individual isolates. Regular quantitative analysis of phenolics and aerobic phenololytic heterotrophs from five different ecosystems were done during 1990-1991, and the ability of microorganisms isolated from those areas, to utilize phenol, o-cresol and orcinol was also studied. In addition, data on environmental parameters like temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH, organic carbon and nutrients were also collected during the period of study The present study is one of its first kind in natural aquatic environment and has aimed to bring out some idea about the potential phenol biodegrades in such environments where the phenol concentration is beyond permitted level.
Rathna Kala, R; Dr.Chandrika, V(Cochin University of Science and Technology, 2000)
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Abstract:
The present study on "Microbial production of antibiotics from mangrove ecosystem” was carried out for a period of one year in four selected Stations, Mangalavana, Narakkal, Puthuvyppu and light house area of Puthuvyppu (9°55' — 10°10'N and 76°10‘ - 76°20'E) from January to December 1991. Though much emphasis has been given to occurrence and distribution of actinomycetes, an attempt was also made to understand the distribution patterns of other micro flora in the sediments. Data on physico-chemical parameters were also collected to find out their relationship if any with the microflora. The principle interest of the present investigation is to determineseasonal variations of antagonistic actinomycetes in selected mangrove ecosystem. The microbial interrelationship in mangrove sediments was found out by constructing the ratio between bacteria and actinomycetes, bacteria and fungi, fungi and actinomycetes. In addition temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen and organic carbon were determined seasonally and their possible relationship was statistically analyzed and the results are presented. Isolated actinomycetes were subjected to cross streak assay to know their nature of antibiotic activity against test fish pathogens and crude antibiotics were extracted from selected isolates and their inhibitory activity is studied and the results are discussed.
Sheeba,P; Sarala Devi,K(National Institute of Oceanography, 2000)
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Abstract:
The study revealed stress and localized impact of industrial waste on the biota, predominance of stress tolerant species and low diversity in the vicinity of the effluent discharge point. These studies on impact of environmental parameters on the distribution of macrobenthos thus indicate the quantum of endurance warranted by the infauna to tide over the wide range of environmental stress. Low diversity and lower number of benthic fauna near discharge site can be attributed to the stress caused by cumulative toxic effects of effluents. The results of the physico-chemical parameters highlight the effects of pollution. The results of the study indicated the changes due to the large-scale movements of the estuarine water under the influence of tide, monsoon and land runoff coupled with its heterogenous nature owing to the effluent discharge from the industries
John Kurian,P; Radhakrishna,M(Department of Marine Geology and Geophysics, School of Marine Sciences, 2000)
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Abstract:
The primary aim of the present study is to acquire a large amount of gravity data, to prepare gravity maps and interpret the data in terms of crustal structure below the Bavali shear zone and adjacent regions of northern Kerala. The gravity modeling is basically a tool to obtain knowledge of the subsurface extension of the exposed geological units and their structural relationship with the surroundings. The study is expected to throw light on the nature of the shear zone, crustal configuration below the high-grade granulite terrain and the tectonics operating during geological times in the region. The Bavali shear is manifested in the gravity profiles by a steep gravity gradient. The gravity models indicate that the Bavali shear coincides with steep plane that separates two contrasting crustal densities extending beyond a depth of 30 km possibly down to Moho, justifying it to be a Mantle fault. It is difficult to construct a generalized model of crustal evolution in terms of its varied manifestations using only the gravity data. However, the data constrains several aspects of crustal evolution and provides insights into some of the major events.
Unnikrishnan,P; Muraleedharan, Nair S(Department of Chemical Oceanography, School of Marine Sciences, 2000)
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Abstract:
This thesis is a modest attempt in assessing the trace metal levels and their behavior in the aquatic environment of Kuttanad, an aquatic system that is severely affected by man’s intervention on natural processes, by study seriously evaluating the levels of trace metals in dissolved and particulate phases and also in the different chemical fractions of the sediments. Understanding of the distributions, variations and transfer processes of trace metals in different environmental phases in the backwaters of Kuttanad is vital for the assessment of the water pollution problems and study the ecology of the area which contributes 20% of the rice production in the State of Kerala. Kuttand is a low-lying, shallow bay formed as a result of geological uplift. The major economic activity is agriculture involving 40% of the population. About 1.5% of the people are engaged in aquaculture. The trace metal distribution in the Kuttand backwaters is considerably influenced by the tropical features of the location and by human activities including agricultural activities and construction of salinity barrier. In this study an attempt is made to differentiate the metals in the sediment into exchangeable, reducible and resistant fractions in the sediments.
Lizen, Mathews; Dr.Chandramohanakumar, N(Cochin University of Science and Technology, January , 2000)
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Abstract:
In the present study the nutrient dynamics and fertility of Kuttanad waters is addressed. Kuttanad represent a wetland system with considerable agricultural activities. The hydrographical features of the Kuttanad waters are controlled by discharges from Manimala, Meenachil, Pamba, Achencoil and Muvattupuzha rivers and also by tidal intrusions of saline waters from Cochin backwaters during summers. The fertility of these water bodies were significantly high and supported good agricultural production. Kuttanad water forms the southern part of this aquatic systems and is considered as the most productive zones. As a part of the management scheme for a higher agricultural activity, the Thannermukkam bund was constructed to block and regulate the intrusion of saline water. The increased use of artificial fertilizers along with stagnant character of the water body in this area has resulted in sharp decline in the water quality, productivity and aquatic resources.
Sunila, George; Dr.Mohammed Salih,K Y(Cochin University of Science & Technology, March , 2000)
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Abstract:
The present investigations have considerably enhanced the existing knowledge on the biology and distribution/availability pattern of D.incarnatus in the Malippuram region. The species occurs in good concentration during October - March/April, and disappears from the area during late premonsoon and monsoon months. Recolonising the area in September, it grows fast in the subsequent months. The life span of the species is estimated to be about an year. Studies on the reproductive biology of the species have revealed that there are two spawning peaks, the major peak in February - March and minor peak, in December. The salinity regime of the area influences the reproductive activity. These observations form the original contribution in the thesis. The information on variation in water content, protein,glycogen and lipid levels in relation to reproductive cycle has helped to a better understanding of the gametogenic activity and spawning of the species. Similarly, the findings on salinity tolerance and filtration rate have shown that small sized clams exhibit greater tolerance range than larger clams, and grow at a faster rate with active metabolism. It is hoped that these information would considerably add to the present knowledge of the basic facts which are relevant to the improvement and management of the clam fishery of this region.
Description:
Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, Cochin University of Science and Technology
Soney Kurien, P; Dr.Nambiar,C G(Cochin University Of Science And Technology, May 2, 2000)
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Abstract:
This report deals essentially with the geochemistry and petrogenesis
of Perinthatta anorthosite. The work also addresses the geological setting
of the pluton in terms of its field relationships and petrography and the
structure and metamorphism of the region and examines its relation with
the associated plutons. For the sake of convenience, the thesis is divided
into six chapters
Description:
Department of Marine Geology and Geophysics, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin
University of Science and Technology
Annes, V H; Dr.Mohan Kumar, K(Cochin University of Science & Technology, June , 2000)
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Abstract:
The aim of the
present study is to understand the characteristics and properties of different wave
modes and the vertical circulation pattern in the troposphere and lower stratosphere
over Indian region using data obtained from the Indian Mesosphere-Stratosphere Troposphere
(MST) radar, National Center for Environmental Prediction/National
Centres of Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) reanalysed data and radiosonde observations.Studies on the vertical motion in monsoon Hadley circulation are carried out
and the results are discussed . From the analysis of MST radar data, an
overall picture of vertical motion of air over Indian region is explained and noted that
there exists sinking motion both during winter and summer. Besides, the study shows
that there is an anomalous northerly wind in the troposphere over the southern
peninsular region during southwest monsoon season.The outcome of the study on intrusion of mid-latitude upper tropospheric
trough and associated synoptic-scale vertical velocity over the tropical Indian
latitudes are reported and discussed . It shows that there is interaction
between north Indian latitudes and tropical easterly region, when there is an eastward
movement of Western Disturbance across the country. It explains the strengthening of
westerlies and a change of winter westerlies into easterlies in the tropical troposphere
and lower stratosphere. The divergence field computed over the MST radar station
shows intensification in the downward motion in association with the synoptic
systems of the northwest Indian region.
Description:
Department of Atmospheric Sciences,
Cochin University of Science and Technology