Journal of Research in Biology

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An International Online Open Access

Original Research Paper Publication group
Ambient concentration of suspended particulate matter and manganese in

urban area of Madurai City
Authors: ABSTRACT:
Sarala Thambavani D1,
Vidya Vathana M2. Air quality in cities is the result of a complex interaction between natural and
anthropogenic environmental conditions. Air pollution in cities is a serious
environmental problem-especially in the developing countries. In India, millions of
people breathe air with high concentrate of dreaded pollutants. The air is highly
Institution:
polluted in terms of suspended particulate matter in most cities. The pollutants,
1. Associate professor
namely suspended particulate matter and Manganese have been named as criteria by
Department of Chemistry,
Sri Meenakshi govt. arts environmental protection agency, USA. Suspended particulate matter monitoring was
College(w), Madurai- conducted in the urban environment of Madurai in the state of Tamil Nadu. Three
625002. ambient air sampling stations were indentified for the collection of suspended
particulate matter each at residential, traffic and industrial area. The particulate
2. Assistant Professor matter sampling was conducted using recommended instrument for ambient air
Department of Chemistry, sampling (high volume sampler). The concentration of Manganese is found to be
sacs M.A.V.M.M. Engg. maximum at industrial area (0.09g/m3) followed by traffic (0.06g/m 3) and
College, Madurai-625301. residential area (0.01g/m 3). The concentration of suspended particulate matter in
the industrial area is high followed by traffic and residential area (241.1g/m 3, 222.3
g/m3 and 189.1g/m3). The results of the study indicate that the air quality of the
Corresponding author:
Vidya Vathana sampling stations falls under the polluted category.
Keywords:
Email: Sampling, Particulate Matter, high volume sampler, monitoring, ambient,
Vidhyanagaraj_1973@yahoo.com Manganese, air quality.
Phone No: Article Citation:

9487136997 Sarala thambavani D, Vidya vathana M.
9842191961 Ambient concentration of suspended particulate matter and manganese in urban area
of Madurai City.
Journal of research in Biology (2012) 1: 001-006
Web Address:
http://jresearchbiology.com/
Documents/RA0164.pdf. Dates:
Received: 10 Dec 2011 /Accepted: 15 Dec 2011 /Published: 05 Jan 2012
Ficus Publishers.
This Open Access article is governed by the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which gives permission for unrestricted use, non-
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cited.
001-006 | JRB | 2012 | Vol 2 | No 1

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Thambavani et al.,2012
INTRODUCTION The main objective of this work is to

Air pollution is a widespread problem in determine Suspended particulate matter (SPM) and
Madurai city. These pollutants can act Manganese (Mn) present in the atmosphere due to
synergistically, exacerbating health problems. It is the emission of gases from automobile exhaust and
thus natural that greater emphasis should be laid on industries. Manganese occurs naturally in air, water
the study of emissions and dispersion in the and soil, but as a result of anthropogenic activities
atmosphere. Finer solid particles and liquid its concentrations are rising unnaturally. In light of
droplets, collectively called suspended particulate the above, the present work was undertaken to
matters, are present in the air in great numbers and make a detailed study on the amount of suspended
at times they give rise to a serious pollution particulate matter and manganese concentration
problem. Numerous natural processes release present in the ambient air of Madurai.
particulate matter in the atmosphere. Typical of Particulate Matter
these processes are volcanic eruptions and the Suspended Particulate Matter
blowing of dust and soil by the wind. The activities These are fine particles of soot and dust.
of man also release dust from construction activity; They are found in ambient air due to the combined
fly ash from smelters and mining operation and effect of various natural factors. In the case of
smoke from incomplete combustion processes. Madurai, presence of extensively large arid and
Particulate matter is unique among semi arid regions in north-west, loss of moisture
atmospheric constituents in that it is not defined on from top soil strata and anthropogenic factors that is
the basis of its chemical composition. It may extensive urbanization and construction activities,
include a broad range of chemical species, increasing vehicular population, captive and
including elemental and organic carbon compound, domestic power generation are some of the major
oxides of silicon, aluminium and iron trace metals, contributors to Suspended Particulate Matter in
sulphates, nitrates and ammonia ( Sharma 2002 ). ambient air. High suspended particulate matter
Particulate matter has been natural and levels cause respiratory diseases and reduce
anthropogenic sources. Natural sources of primary visibility.
particulate matter include wind blown soil and The particulate matter contains nearly 22
material particles, volcanic dust, sea salt spray, metallic elements. The most abundant elements are
biological material such as pollen, spores and Calcium, Sodium, Silicon, Aluminium and Iron.
bacteria; and debris from forest fire. Windblown Considerable quantities of Zinc, Lead, Copper,
agricultural soil, dust from roads, construction sites Magnesium and Manganese are also present in air.
and quarrying operations all contribute primarily to The concentration of these particulate pollutants
the coarse fraction. depends upon the nature of industrial \emission.
According to a report in Canada 1990, the Manganese
source sector breakdown for primary particulate Manganese is naturally occurring metal that
matter emissions is as follows: 42% industrial is ubiquitous in the environment. Exposure to low
sources, 2 % forest fires, 15% non-industrial fuel levels of manganese in the diet is considered to be
combustion, 11% transportation and 2% each nutritionally essential for people and animals
incineration and miscellaneous sources (EPA- (ATSDR, 1997). However exposure to elevated
Timonen and Pekkanen (1997) have demonstrated concentrations of manganese are harmful to human
the effect of particulate air pollution on respiratory health and have been associated with subtle
health among children. Health effects of long term neurological effects, such as slaved eye-head
exposures to fine particulate matter have been coordination.
reported in the form of lung cancer, The environmental effects of manganese
cardiopulmonary mortality (Pope et al; 2002). reveals that the manganese compounds exist
Dominici et.al (2002) has estimated the relationship naturally in the environment as solids in the soils
between air pollution and mortality, dost-response and small particles in the water. Manganese
relationship. Many other investigators (Saini et. al, particles in air are present in dust particles. These
1994; Kulshresth et.al.1994, Joshi and Mishra.1998; usually settle to earth within a few days. Humans
Naik and purohit; 1998; Sarangi and Mishra 1997) enhance manganese concentrations in the air by
have reported ambient air quality of various Indian industrial activities and through burning fossil fuels.
cities, either for selected criteria pollutants (or) for Manganese that drives from human sources can also
particulate matter only. enter surface water, ground water and sewage
002 Journal of Research in Biology (2012) 1: 001-006
water. Table 2 Monitored Pollutants and the methodologies

MATERIALS AND METHODS employed for ambient air quality study
Descriptive of the study area Suspended
Madurai is the oldest inhabited city in the Methodology Particulate Manganese
Indian peninsula. Madurai has an area of 52 square Matter
km and is located at 9.93 North, 7 .12 East. At Indian standard Is:5182 Is:5182
present it has grown as the second largest and most no. Part:4-2005 Part:22-2004
densely populated city in the southern state of India Sampling High volume High volume
namely Tamil Nadu. At most of the subsequent equipment sampler sampler
developments of the city were multiplied without a Duration
8 hour 8 hour
sampling
scientific planning, the air pollution sources are
Collection GF/A filter
heterogeneous and widespread all over the city. GF/A filter paper
media paper
This lead to the emissions of different air pollutants
and air pollution loads and hence different degrees Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) at wavelength
of ambient air pollution are experienced with 279nm with sensitivity of 0.21g/ml of manganese.
respect to various places of the city. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The study was conducted in Madurai city. Manganese metal and Suspended
The three study sites namely traffic, industrial and Particulate Matter concentration in the ambient air
residential area with different vehicular traffic of Madurai is found at three different sampling site
density: one with >40,000 vehicles per day, and shown in the Table 3 and 4.
second with>15,000 vehicles per day and third with The manganese concentration at the traffic
>_3000 vehicles per day. Number of vehicles was area is 0.01(g/m3) as the minimum and 0.06 (g/
counted twice in a month. As there was no m3) as the maximum. The average manganese
significant variation in traffic density, they were concentration at the traffic area is 0.04 (g/m 3).
presented as average value. The study focuses the The percent of variation compared to the residential
key air pollution problem arising from vehicular area is found to be maximum The manganese
pollution. SPM is one of the most critical air concentration at the industrial area is 0.05 (g/m 3)
pollutants in most of the urban areas. Manganese is as the minimum and 0.09(g/m3) as the maximum.
one of the toxic metal. The main source of Thus, the average manganese concentration at the
manganese is alloy industry, dry cell battery industrial area is 0.07(g/m3). The percent of
Table : 1 Descriptive of the study area variation compared to the residential area is found
to be maximum. It indicates that there is hundred
Site No Location of the Site Type of the site
fold increase in the manganese concentration at the
1 Kalavasal Traffic area
traffic and industrial area compared to the
2 Kochadai Industrial area residential area.
3 Alagarkovil Residential area The average Suspended particulate matter
factories, power plants, and coke ovens. concentration in the residential area ranged from
Sampling
Samples of air pollutant was collected
fortnightly with the help of Respiratory Dust
Sampler (APM-415) from each site. The apparatus
was kept at a height of 2m from the surface of the
ground, for the collection of samples of SPM at
each sampling site. Glass Fibre/A filter paper was
used. It was weighed before and after sampling
gravimetrically. The filter paper was digested in
concentrated nitric acid (Sharma et al 2006). The
content was filtered through whatmann filter paper
no.42 and final volume made up to 25ml by de
ionised water. The filtrate was examined for the
concentration of Manganese by Atomic Fig : 1. Sample site 1 Traffic area (Kalavasal)
Sample site 2 Industrial area (Kochadai)
Sample site 3 Residential area (Alagarkovil)
Journal of Research in Biology (2012) 1: 001-006 003

Table 3. Manganese concentration (g/m3)

Traffic Date of sampling
Sample site
density 7/8/10 6/9/10 10/10/10 7/11/10 10/12/10 7/01/11
Traffic area
40,000 0.06 0.05 0.06 0.04 0.01 0.02
(Kalavasal)
Industrialarea
15,000 0.05 0.07 0.06 0.07 0.09 0.08
(Kochadai)
Residential area
3000 0.01 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.04 0.02
(Alagar Kovil)
Table 4. SPM Concentration (g/m3)

Sample site
density 7/8/10 6/9/10 10/10/10 7/11/10 10/12/10 7/01/11
Traffic area
40,000 190.3 195.4 150.2 330.5 286.8 180.5
(Kalavasal)
Industrial area
15,000 250.2 263.7 258.3 186.7 215.3 272.5
(Kochadai)
Residential area
(Alagar Kovil) 3000 205.2 235.7 160.5 197.4 130.8 205.2
130.8g\m3 to 235.7g\m3, while in industrial area present in suspended particulate matter ranged from
the average ranged from 186.7g\m3 to 272.5g\m3 0.011 percent to 0.039 percent in the traffic area,
and in traffic area the average ranged between while for industrial area it is ranged from 0.019
150.2g\m3 to 330.5 g\m3. The average SPM in percent to 0.041 percent and in the residential area
residential area (189.1g\m3) is very much closer to it has minimum 0.004 percent and maximum 0.012
standard Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board percent. The percent of Manganese concentration
(200g\m3). But the average SPM concentration in present in the Suspended particulate matter clearly
traffic and industrial area are 222.3g\m 3 shows that the industrial area predominates in the
and241.1g\m3 respectively which are very much Manganese concentration compared to that of other
below than the TNPCB standard 500 g\m3. two sampling sites.
Air Quality Index
For indexing of the air quality status an
assumption is made that all the pollutants are of
equal importance. Using observed and standard
values calculated the quality rating for each
pollutant and the geometric mean of all the
parameters gives the quality index for air. Based on
this assumption, the quality index was derived in
the manner outlined below. The existing pollution
levels of pollutants were compared with ambient air
quality standards (with the standard being assumed
as reference baseline for each pollutant) and then
converted to the concentration of pollutants into
Fig : 2. Sample site 1 Traffic area (Kalavasal)
ratio of the standard.
Sample site 2 Industrial area (Kochadai) Qi = Ci/Si
Sample site 3 Residential area (Alagarkovil)
Where Qi = Quality rating for a particular pollutant
Ambient Air Quality Study Ci = Concentration of particular pollutant
SPM Concentration (g/m3) Si = Air quality standard for particular pollutant
The percentage of Manganese concentration A typical rating scale for air quality index
in the collected Suspended Particulate Matter is (AQI) is given in Table 6.
tabulated in Table 5. The air quality index attempt to measure the
The average concentration of Manganese air quality and index value represent the most

Table : 5 Percentage of Manganese concentration in the collected SPM

Sample site
density 7/8/10 6/9/10 10/10/10 7/11/10 10/12/10 7/01/11
Traffic area
40,000 0.032 0.026 0.039 0.012 0.014 0.011
(Kalavasal)
Industrial area
15,000 0.019 0.027 0.023 0.037 0.041 0.029
(Kochadai)
Residential area
3000 0.004 0.012 0.012 0.005 0.030 0.009
(Alagar Kovil)
Ambient Manganese metal and Suspended
Table : 6
particulate matter concentration at selected sites
Index Value Remark
in Madurai city
0.3 Least polluted
> 0.3-0.6 Slightly polluted
> 0.6-0.9 Moderately polluted
> 0.9-1.2 Highly polluted
> 1.2-1.5 Severely polluted
> 1.5 Extremely polluted
desirable air quality. The air quality status of traffic

area and industrial area with respect to suspended
particulate matter shows that they are slightly
polluted, but the air quality status at the residential
area is highly polluted. With reference to the
manganese concentration in the atmosphere reveals
that the residential area is slightly polluted whereas
Fig : 3
traffic and industrial area are moderately and
severely polluted respectively. workers exposed to dust or fumes of manganese
Reference Concentration (RFC) compounds.
The reference concentration is an estimate of Important observations made from the present study
a continuous inhalation exposure to the human are:
population (including sensitive subgroups) that is 1. It is observed that the concentration of
likely to be without an appreciable risk of Suspended particulate matter in the industrial
deleterious effects during a life time (U.S.EPA, area is high (241.1g/m3) followed by traffic
2008). The reference concentration is an estimate of area (222.3g/m3) and residential area
a chronic inhalation exposure that is likely to be (189.1g/m3). It is a key point to consider that
without appreciable risk of adverse non-cancer it may become major problem in future due to
effects during a life time. The reference the growth of industries.
concentration for manganese is 0.05 micrograms 2. The study area wise comparison revealed that
per cubic meter (g\m3), based on impairment of the concentration of Manganese is found to be
neurobehavioral function in people. At exposures maximum in the industrial area (0.09 g/m3)
increasingly greater than the reference followed by traffic area (0.06g/m3) and the
concentration, the potential for harmful effects residential area (0.01 g/m3). The alarming
increases (ATSDR, 1997; U.S.EPA,1999). increase in industries and vehicles in recent
years is one of the main reason that contributed
CONCLUSION prevalence of high level of Manganese
Suspended Particulate Matter and fine concentration in the ambient air of Madurai
particles can penetrate into the lungs and cause city.
more ill effects to human being. Large exposure to 3. The percentage of Manganese present in
Manganese leads to hypertension, skin problem, Suspended particulate matter is found to be
change of hair color, blood clotting, pneumonia and high in industrial area (0.041%) followed by
other respiratory infections has been found in traffic area (0.039%) and residential ar

Table : 7 Air Quality Monitoring results for different locations

Location Q SPM Air quality status Q Mn Air quality status
Traffic area 0.44 Slightly polluted 0.8 Moderately polluted
Industrial area 0.48 Slightly polluted 1.4 Severely polluted
Residential area 0.94 Highly polluted 0.43 Slightly polluted
(0.004%). Naik S and Purohit DM. 1998. Status of ambient

4. With regard to the Suspended particulate matter air quality of at Bondamunda of Rourkela Industrial
the residential area is highly polluted whereas complex. Poll. Res., 17(1):47-49.
traffic and industrial area is slightly polluted.
With respect to Manganese the residential area Pope CA. 2002. Lung Cancer, Cardiopalmonary
is slightly polluted whereas the traffic and mortality, and long-term exposure to fine
industrial area are moderately polluted and particulate air pollution. JAMA J-Am. Med. Ass-
severely polluted respectively. The survey oc., 287:1132-1141.
indicates that the city of Madurai has a serious
air pollution problem that may aggravate all the Saini,RS, Dadhwal RJS and Jaiswal S. 1994.
more if not controlled immediately. Deterioration of air quality in Chandigarh: A Study
Recommendation on the levels of Suspended Particulate Matter in the
1. Public awareness about air pollution city, Indian J.Env.Prot.,14(9):700-702.
programme receive greater attention from local
man media which include newspaper, cable Sarangi PK and Mishra PC. 1997. Ambient air
channels and projects like free emissions testing quality of Jyotivihar, Orissa.Poll. Res., 16(1):33-35.
camps with assistance from NGOS.
2. Educate the people regarding the ill effects of Sharma RK. 2002. Characterization and impact
the growing transport problems in urban areas assessment of emitted dusts in selected
especially on their health and well being. environment. Ph.D thesis.pt. Ravishankar Shukla
3. The campaigns would seek their support for the University Rajpur.
initiatives, like greater use of public transport
and non-monitored vehicles, the proper Sharma KR. Singh Barman SC, Mishra D,
maintenance of their vehicles and replacement Kumar R, Negi MPS, Mandal SK, Kiskum GC,
of very old vehicles. Khan AH, Kidwai MM and Bhargava SK. 2006.
Comparison of trace metals concentration in PM10
REFERENCES of different location of Lucknow city. Bull.
ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Environ. Contam. Toxicol., 77:419-426.
Disease Registry). 1997. Toxicological profile for
manganese (update). Draft for public comment. Timonen KL and Pekkanen J. 1997. Air Pollution
Atlanta, GA:U.S. Department of Health and Human and respiratory health among children with
Services. asthmatic or cough symptoms .Am .J .Respir.
Crit.care Med., 156:546-552.
Dominici. F. 2002. Air pollution and mortality:
Estimating regional and national dose- response USEPA.1999.Integrated Risk Information Syste
relationship. J.Am. Statt. Assoc., 97:100-111. (IRIS) on manganese. Washington. DC.
Joshi G and Mishra A. 1998. Ambient air quality USEPA. (United States Environmental
at Indore. Poll. Res., 17(1):21-24. Protection Agency). 2008. Data from the air
quality system. Accessed.
Kulshresth UC. 1994. Measurement of heavy
metals in the ambient air of Agra. Indian J. Env.
Prot; 14(9):685-687.

Original Research Publication group
Bio monitoring of air pollution around urban and industrial sites

Authors: ABSTRACT:
Sarala Thambavani D1 and
Prathipa V2. Plants are the only living organisms which have to suffer a lot from
automobiles exhaust pollution and industrial pollution because they remain static at
their habitat. Experiments on air and bio monitoring were conducted to evaluate
Institution: pollution impact on the vegetation along the road in Dindigul town TamilNadu. The
1. Sri Meenakshi
plantation along the roads mainly include Azadiracta indica, Delonix elata, Morinda
Government Arts College
tinctoria, Calotrophis, Thyme rosemary and Cyandan dactylon. For bio monitoring,
for women (Autonomous),
Madurai, Tamil nadu. total chlorophyll, carotenoid, ascorbic acid, protein and total sugar were analyzed to
study the impact of air pollutants. It was observed that vegetation at the road side
2. PSNA College of with heavy traffic and industries was much affected by air pollutants. Significant
Engineering and technology, reduction of total chlorophyll, carotenoid, protein and total sugar was observed.
Dindigul, Tamil nadu. These variations can be used as an indicator of air pollution for early diagnosis of
stress or as a marker for physiological damage to trees prior to the on set of visible
injury symptoms. It is concluded that plants can be used as indicators for urban air
Corresponding author: pollution, and it is need to protect the road side plants from air pollution.
Sarala Thambavani D
Phone No: Keywords:

9487136997 Bio monitoring, chlorophyll, carotenoid, plant protein, visible injury, air
8056973666 pollution, bio indicators, field plants.
Web Address: Article Citation:

http://jresearchbiology.com/ Sarala Thambavani D and Prathipa V.
Documents/RA0170.pdf.
Bio monitoring of air pollution around urban and industrial sites
Dates:
Ficus Publishers.
cited.
007-014 | JRB | 2012 | Vol 2 | No 1

INTRODUCTION toxic substances into the ground water reservoir at a

Due to sharp increase in the roadway diesel very high rate, especially in industrial zones. Many
in the last few decades the emission of gases now regions all over the globe are heavily depending on
constitutes an important source of environmental ground water for various purposes (Babiker et al.,
pollution all over the world. In developing countries 2004).
like India, the problem is much more aggravated The main focus of this work is to provide an
due to factors such as narrow and congested road assessment of the use of biochemical parameters of
and old and poorly maintained engines. Exhausted plants as indicator of air pollution so that these
emissions from the diesel powered vehicles have biochemical indicators can be used for air quality
low carbon monoxide (CO) and unburnt monitoring in urban areas of Dindigul the capital of
hydrocarbons, while nitrogen oxide (NO) is present Tamil Nadu.
in high concentration than petrol powered vehicles.
Beside, these emissions contain smoke particles, MATERIALS AND METHODS
Sulfurdioxide (SO), aldehydes and odour Study site
producing compounds (Agarwal, 1991). The study area is located in the southern part
Air pollution is influenced by four major of India, close to Kodaganar river basis, mainly in
factors, namely industrialized expansion of the hard rock terrain. The area is known for its leather
cities, increase in traffic, rapid economic industries. It lies between 10 1344 102647
development, and higher level of energy N latitude and 77 5508 78 0124 E longitude
consumption. The growth of both an industrial and and falls in survey of India Top sheet No.58 F/15 &
residential area is unplanned in many developing J/3, in the state of Tamil nadu, India. The selected
cities of India. Thus, contributing to the air area is located in the central part of Dindigul town
pollution problems. Automobile produces volatile and along Madurai, Batlagundu and Ponmandurai
organic compounds (VOC), Suspended particulate roads.
matter (SPM) oxides of sulfur (SOx), oxides of Site selection / bio indicator Station selection
nitrogen (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) which Totally three bioindicator stations including
have adverse effects on surrounding ecosystem. urban and suburban sites close to streets with heavy
Regional impact of air pollution on different and light pollution load were identified and
local plant species is one of the major ecological Lakshmanapuram was treated as control site.
issues. The climatic conditions, the physico - Details of sites are
chemical properties of air pollutants and their Bio indicator Station1 Residential area
residence time in the atmosphere have impact on (Lakshmanapuram)
surrounding plants and animals. Bio indicator Station2 Dindigul Bus stand
Monitoring of air pollutant is a prerequisite (Traffic area)
to air quality control. Their impact on the chemical Bio indicator Station3 Tannery area
composition of plants is often used as an indicator (Thomaiyar puram)
and a tool for monitoring environmental pollution. Air Quality Analysis (SO, NOx and SPM):
(Rao,1977; Posthumus, 1984, 1985; Agrawal and During the exposure period ambient air
Agrawal, 1989; Kulump etal., 1994; Dmuchowski quality in terms of common air pollutants that is
and bytnerowicz, 1995, Sarala etal 2010). SO, NOx and SPM were analyzed at all three
Monitoring with the help of biological indicators is bioindicator stations.
a simple, cheap and convenient method to ensure Sampling was done for 24hr and twice in a
the state of local environment. The effect of week. Average was taken for final calculation. For
environmental factors on plants increases with the collection of samples for SPM from ambient air,
exposure time. Plant response to air pollution can GF / A filter paper was used in high volume
be used to assess the quality of air that may provide sampler (HVS) at the flow rate of 0.1 to 1.5 m /
early warning signals of air pollution trends. min. SPM was computed as per standard method.
The dying rates change with respect to Filter paper was weighted before and after
apparent injury, chlorophyll reduction, cell size sampling. West and Gaeke method (1956) and
reduction and reduction in leaf area are used as modified Jacob and Hochheiser method (1958)
parameters for monitoring air pollution impacts on were used for the analysis of SO and NOx
plant metabolism (Leblanc and Rao, 1975). respectively.
Industrial effluents are constantly adding up
Air Pollution Index (API) Estimation of Chlorophyll and Carotenoid

The average of the sum of the ratios of three 500mg of fresh leaf material was taken and
major pollutant concentrations to their respective air ground with help of pestle and mortar with 10ml of
quality standards were obtained. The average was 80% acetone. The homogenate was centrifuged at
then multiplied by 100 to get the index (Rao and 800 rpm for 15 minutes. The supernatant was
Rao, 1989). saved. The residues were re-extracted with 80%
API = 1/3 [(SPM)/ (Sspm) + (SO)/ (SSo2) + (NOx)/ (SNOX)]*100 acetone. The supernatant was saved and utilized for
chlorophyll estimation. Absorbance was read at
Where Sspm, SSo2 and SNOX represent the 645, 663 and 480 nm in the UV
ambient air quality standards for SPM, SO and Spectrophotometer.
NOx.
Air pollution index of bioindicator stations Chlorophyll a (mg.g FW) = (0.0127)*(0D663)-
were developed on the basis of ambient air quality (0.00269)*(0D645)
analyzed at specified bioindicator stations through Chlorophyll b (mg.g FW) = (0.229)*(0D645)-
instrumental monitoring of SPM, SO and NOx and (0.00488)*(0D663)
correlated with the variation in biochemical Total chlorophyll (mg.g FW) = (0.0202)*(0D645)
indicator. On the basis of air pollution index, bio + (0.00802)*(0D663)
indicator station 1 was categorized as light air Carotenoid = 80% acetone (1000 A470 3.27
pollution site (air pollution index for summer and [chla]-1.04 [chl b] / 227 (X + c = (1000 A470
winter are (28.66 and 42), station 2 as moderate air 2.27 chl a 81.4 chl b) /230.
pollution site (air pollution index for summer and Estimation of protein
winter are 61.66 and 60) and station 3 as moderate Protein content was determined by the
air pollution site (air pollution index for summer method of lowry etal(1951). 0.5g of plant sample
and winter are 47 and 50.56) (Table1 and Table 2). (shoot) was homogenized in 10 ml of 20%
Biochemical parameters Trichloro Acetic acid (TCA). The homogenate was
After three months of the exposure plants centrifuged in 10 minutes. The supernatant was
were brought back to the institute and leaf samples discharged and the pellet was re extracted with 5 ml
were analyzed for different biochemical parameters. of 0.1N NaOH. One ml of the extract was taken in a
Total chlorophyll and carotenoid were analyzed test tube and 5 ml of reagent c (protein reagent)
following the method of Arnon (1949),ascorbic acid was added. This solution was mixed well and kept
by Sadasivam and Bala Subramanian (1987), in dark for 10 minutes. Later 0.5 ml of folin ciocal
protein by Lowry etal (1951), total soluble sugars teau reagent was added and the mixture was kept in
by phenol sulphuric acid method of Dubois et al. dark for 30 minutes. The sample was read at 660
(1951). nm in the uv spectrophotometer.
Table 1. Ambient air quality and air pollution index for different bio indicators stations
Air pollution
Bio indicators stations Pollutants (g / m) Remarks
index
SPM SO NOx
light air
Station no:1(Residential) winter 111.2 11.4 32.0 42
pollution
light air
Summer 99.4 9.5 3.3 28.66
pollution
Moderate
Station no:2(Traffic) winter 158.4 15.0 25.6 60
airpollution
Moderate
summer 147.6 18.7 29.7 61.66
airpollution
Moderate
Station no:3(Tannery) winter 98.0 14.2 20.0 50.56
airpollution
Moderate
summer 65.5 9.9 14.7 47
airpollution
Ambient air quality standards taken for calculation of air pollution index 140 g / m for SPM, 60 g / m for
SO and 60 g / m for NOX.

Table 2 . Rating Scale for indices (reference)
Variation
[Both winter and summer]
-29.35
-15.60
-42.03
48.99
19.66
99.28
21.25
31.21
48.20
10.60
-2.70
-9.81
%of
Index value Remarks
0 - 25 Clear air
20 - 50 light air pollution
Sugar
Total
49.60
50.94
40.58
0.291
46.35
31.88
35.15
38.60
45.47
48.96
25.36
56.66
31.88
45.28
25.3
32.6
36.5
28.5
51 - 75 Moderate air pollution
76 - 100 Heavy air pollution
> 100 Severe air pollution
Variation
55.078
-48.43
-24.91
-99.29
71.37
40.57
39.45
51.79
46.40
64.37
27.10
36.44
%of
Estimation of Sugars
Five hundred mg of plant materials were
weighed and macerated in a pestle and mortar with
Table 3: Biochemical Indicators of different species at different bioindicator stations

10ml of 80% ethanol. The homogenate was
Protein
12.34
5.52
1.58
3.28
2.56
1.15
25.6
15.5
6.68
3.58
2.38
4.28
3.12
2.72
2.85
3.56
5.68
3.8
centrifuged for 10 minutes at 800 rpm. The
Supernatant was saved. Then the ethanol is
evaporated in water both at 50c. The net content
Variation
-115.15
-123.03
-94.71
-25.96
-35.09
-18.86
-42.57
-19.89
26.17
44.89
39.69
-17.5
was made up to 20ml with distilled water and the
%of
extract was used for the estimation of reducing
sugar. One ml of extract was taken in a 25ml
marked test tube. One ml of reagent c was added. Ascorbic
Acid
2.08
4.05
2.62
2.65
3.58
3.15
1.65
3.55
3.68
2.56
3.65
1.89
1.96
2.35
1.08
3.88
4.56
2.34
Then the mixture was heated for 20 minutes at 100
c in a boiling water bath, cooled and 1 ml of
arsenomolybdate reagent was added. The solution
was thoroughly mixed and diluted to 25 ml with
Variation
-168.15
-177.2
-24.70
-15.15
39.77
19.11
93.07
35.29
46.96
17.47
47.57
27.93
%of
distilled water. The sample was read in the uv

spectrophotometer at 520 nm. The sugar contents
were expressed were in mg/g fresh weight basis.
Estimation of Ascorbic acid:
Carotenoid
Ascorbic acid is a reducing agent it is

0.471
2.65
12.2
10.6
10.3
3.58
2.58
4.4
6.8
5.5
8.5
5.5
6.6
3.5
7.6
8.5
5.4
9.6
determined by reacting with a selective agent
namely 2, 6 dichlorophenol indophenoldye 10 gm
of the leaf samples were transferred to a glass pestle
mortar and macerated well with 4% oxalic acid.
Variation
-43.12
43.76
18.82
27.68
32.91
49.36
30.26
36.20
42.75
36.36
43.93
% of
The contents were transferred to a 100 ml 30

volumetric flask by filtering through a muslin cloth.
Repeated the extractions with 4% oxalic acid 3 4
times so that the extraction was perfectly
Chlorophyll
completed. This volume of solution was made up

Total
0.478
0.531
0.384
0.948
0.636
0.674
0.458
0.85
0.69
0.76
0.48
0.47
0.43
0.80
0.56
0.66
0.42
0.37
with 4% oxalic acid. Titrated against 0.02% dye

solution taken in the burette, a permanent pale pink
Results are significant at 0.1% ( r<0.001)
colour is obtained.
Site
No
S1
S2
S3
S1
S2
S3
S1
S2
S3
S1
S2
S3
S1
S2
S3
S1
S2
S3
RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Leaf samples of the plant species were
Residential
Residential
Residential
Residential
Residential
Residential
Sampling
analyzed for chlorophyll, carotenoid, ascorbic acid,

Station
Tannery
Tannery
Tannery
Tannery
Tannery
Tannery
Traffic
Traffic
Traffic
Traffic
Traffic
Traffic
protein and soluble sugars. All the biochemical

indicators exhibited significant variations from
species to species and sampling site to site. These
were listed in the Table- 3.
Calotrophis
Azadiracta
Name of
Rosemary
Species
Cyanadon
Morinda
Azadiracta indica
tinctoria
dactylon
the
Delonix
Thyme
Indica
The total chlorophyll content of Azadiracta

elata
indica at the control site is 0.85 mg/g . It exhibited

43.76% reduction at the sampling site 2 and 18.82% s but it showed an increasing trend (48.43%) at
reduction at the sampling site 3. The carotenoid sampling site s. The significant reduction (99.28%)
content at the control site (s) is 4.4 mg/g in total sugar was exhibited at sampling site s
significant reduction (39.77%) in carotenoid followed by (9.66%) at sampling site s
content was absorbed at sampling site S whereas at respectively.
sampling site S again of >100% was evident. The
ascorbic acid at the control site S traffic area (s)
and at the industrial site (s) were found to be 2.08
mg/g 4.05 mg/g and 2.62mg/g respectively.
Protein content at the control site S was found to
be 5.52mg/g but maximum reduction (71.37%) at
site S followed by 40.57% at site S was found
out. Total sugar showed decreased over control site
S1 48.99% reduction in total sugar was observed at
sampling site s followed by 2.70% increase at
sampling site S. It is evident from data that total
chlorophyll, carotenoid protein and total sugar
Fig : 2. Variation in bio-chemical of Delonix elata at
showed significant reduction at sampling site S
different bio indicator stations
and S. But the ascorbic acid showed increase at all
the two sampling sites (S or S) compared to Morinda tinctoria
control site S. The total chlorophyll, carotenoid, ascorbic
acid, protein and total sugar of Morinda tinctoria at
the control site was found to be 0.94 mg/g , 8.5 mg/
g, 1.65 mg/g, 25.6 mg/g and 46.3 mg/g
respectively. Chlorophyll content at sampling site s
showed 49.36% reduction followed by 32.91%
reduction at sampling site s. Caroteniod was found
to be significantly reduced (35.29%) at sampling
site s but a gain (24.70%) was observed at
sampling site s. Ascorbic acid was found to be
more at all the sampling sites as compared to
control site. Maximum enhancement (>100%) in
ascorbic acid was exhibited in sample site s
Fig: 1. Variation in bio-chemical indicators followed by sampling site s. Protein content at
Azadirachta indica at different bio indicator stations sampling site s showed 51.79% reduction followed
Delonix elata by 39.54% reduction at sampling site s. Soluble
Bio chemical indicators of Delonix elata at sugar was significantly reduced and the maximum
all the sampling sites are varied significantly. The reduction (31.21%) was revealed at sampling site s
total chlorophyll content, carotenoid, ascorbic acid, followed by sampling site s (21.25%).
protien and total sugar are 0.531 mg/g , 6.8 mg/g ,
2.65mg/g , 2.56mg/g and 40.58 mg/g respectively.
Maximum reduction (27.68%) in chlorophyll
content was observed at sampling site s and gain of
(43.12%) was observed at sampling site s.
Maximum reduction (93.07%) of carotenoid was
exhibited at sampling site s followed by 19.11%
reduction at sampling site s. Ascorbic acid was
found to be increased in all the sampling sites as
compared to control. Maximum increasing of
35.09% was evident at sampling site s followed by
18.86% at sampling site s. Maximum reduction
(55.08%) in protein was exhibited at sampling site Fig : 3. Fig: 3. Variation in bio-chemical Morinda
tinctoria at different bio indicator station

Calotrophis are 48.96 mg/g, 25.36 mg/g and 56.60 mg/g

The chlorophyll content of calotrophis at the respectively.
control site was found to be 0.674 mg/g. It
exhibited 36.20% reduction at the sampling site s
followed by 30.26% reduction at the sampling site
s. The caroteniod at the control site was found to
be 6.6 mg/g at which it showed 46.96% reduction
at the sampling site s but maximum increase of
15.15% was found at sampling site s. calotrophis
exhibited 26.17% reduction in ascorbic acid at
sampling site s while increase of 42.57% was
observed at sampling site s. All the two sampling
sites showed a decreasing trend of protein over
control site s. Maximum reduction (64.37%) at
sampling site s followed by 46.40% at sampling
site s was observed. Total sugar showed increase Fig : 5. Variation in bio-chemical indicators Thyme
rosemary at different bio indicator stations
over control at all the sampling sites. Maximum
increase (29.35%) was observed at sampling site s Cyandan dactylon
followed by sampling site s (9.81%). Cyandan dactylon showed decrease in trend
of total chlorophyll at sampling sites s and s
compared to control values site s. Sampling site s
exhibited maximum decrease (43.93%) followed by
sampling site s (36.36%). The carotenoid at the
control site was observed as 3.58 mg/g it showed
27.93% reduction at sampling site s but > 100%
increase at sampling site s was observed. Ascorbic
acid was found to be as increasing trend (17.5%) at
the sampling site s but decreasing trend at
(39.69%) at sampling site s. Protein was found to
be increasing at all the sampling sites as compared
to control. Maximum increase 99.29% was evident
Fig : 4. Fig: 4. Variation in bio-chemical indicators at sampling site s followed by 24.91 at sampling
Calotrophis at different bio indicator stations site s. Total sugar showed maximum loss (10.60%)
at sampling site s and maximum stimulation
Thyme rosemary (42.03%) at sampling site s. Although all the
Biochemical indicators such as Total species showed significant variations in all the
chlorophyll, Caroteniod, Ascorbic acid, Protein and biochemical parameters. The extent up to which
Total sugar were 0.80 mg /g , 10.3 mg /g , 1.96 mg/ plant species were affected varied from species to
g , 4.28 mg/g and 48.96 mg/g respectively. Thyme species and station to station. Almost all the species
rosemary showed maximum reduction of total showed maximum variation in biochemical
chlorophyll (42.75%) at sampling site s followed indicators at sampling site s which is found to
by 30% at sampling site s. The caroteniod of severe air pollution site. A considerable loss in total
Thyme rosemary at the control site was observed as chlorophyll and carotenoid in the leaves of the
10.3 mg/ g. It exhibited maximum reduction plants exposed at sampling site s and s (Moderate
(47.57%) at sampling site s followed by 17.47% at air pollution sites) supports the argument that the
sampling site s. Ascorbic acid showed the chloroplast is the primary sites of attack by air
reduction (44.89%) at sampling site s while a pollutant such as SPM, SO and NOx. Air pollutants
increase of 19.89% was observed at sampling site make their entrance into the tissues through the
s. Protein showed the significant reduction at the stomata and cause partial denaturation of the
sampling site s and s respectively. Sampling site chloroplast and decreases pigment contents in the
s showed 36.44% reduction in protein followed by cells of polluted leaves. Rao and Leblanc (1966)
sampling site s (27.10%). The total sugar at the mentioned that high amount of gaseous SO cause
control site s and other the sampling sites s and s destruction of chlorophyll and that might be due to
the replacement of Mg by two hydrogen and investigation revealed a great variation in the levels
degradation of chlorophyll molecules to of ascorbic acid in all the sites. Pollution load
phaeophytin. In Azadiracta indica, Delonixelata, dependent increase of all the species may be due to
Moringa tinctoria, Calotrophis, Thyme rosemary the more rate of production of reactive oxygen
and Cyandan dactylon, maximum depletion in species (ROS) such as SO, HSO, OH, O etc.
chlorophyll content and carotenoid s and s may be During photo oxidation of SO to SO where
due to the maximum pollution load at sampling sulfites are generated from SO observed. The free
sites. Variation in bio chemical indicators stations.
cyanadon dactylon at different bio indicator radical production under SO exposure would
100 increase the free radical scavengers, such as
ascorbic acid (Pierre and Queirz, 1981) based on
50 dosage and physiological status of plant. Increased
0
level of ascorbic acid may be due to the defense
% Chlorophyll % Carotenoid % Ascorbicacid %Protein % Total Sugar mechanism of the plant. Data on ambient pollutant
% Variation
-50 concentrations do not allow direct conclusions to be

drawn on potential impacts on plants and the
-100 environment. Evidence of effects can only be
provided by using plants itself as monitors. These
-150
types of plant bio indicators integrate the effects of
-200 Biochemical Indicators
all environmental factors. Therefore use of plants,
as bio indicators is inexpensive and easy technique.
Fig :6. Variation in bio-chemical indicators Cyanodon Merely by analyzing the present parameters, an
dactylon at different bio indicator station
early diagnosis of the extent of pollution can be
Reduction in protein content in Azadiracta done in the absence of visible injury.
indica, Delonixelata, Moringa tinctori, calotrophis
and Thyme rosemary at sampling sites s and s REFERENCE
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www.ficuspublishers.com/submit1.aspx.

Back-calculate length-at-age estimates of Capoeta capoeta gracilis in dough

stream, South Eastern Caspian Sea, Iran
Authors: ABSTRACT:
Khadijeh Shamekhi
Ranjbar1 Rahman
Patimar1, Rasoul
Ghorbani2, Zia Kordjazi1. This study was carried out between April and May 2010 and 2011 in Dough
Stream, southern basin Caspian Sea. A total 130 individuals of C. c. gracilis were
Institution:
1. Department of Natural sampled to study back-calculation estimations. Fish ages were determined from
Resources, Gonbad Kavous operculum. The lengths of fish at previous ages (Back-calculated lengths) were
University, Gonbad, Iran. estimated from operculum using back-calculation method. Back-calculations were
based upon a linear regression model developed by Fraser and Lee. The calculated
2. Faculty of Fisheries and total length values for male and female ranged from 6.372-16.208 and 6.935-16.518
Environment, Gorgan cm respectively. Calculated lengths were found smaller than the observed lengths.
University of Agricultural
Sciences and Natural
Resources, Gorgan, Iran.
Shamekhi K.
Email: Keywords:
f_shamekhi_r@yahoo.com Capoeta, operculum, back-calculation, Caspian Sea.

http://jresearchbiology.com/ Khadijeh Shamekhi Ranjbar Rahman Patimar, Rasoul Ghorbani, Zia Kordjazi.
Documents/RA0162.pdf. Back-calculate length-at-age estimates of Capoeta capoeta gracilis in dough stream,
South Eastern Caspian Sea, Iran.
Dates:
Ficus Publishers.
cited.
015-018 | JRB | 2012 | Vol 1 | No 1

Ranjbar et al.,2012
INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHOD

Growth is an important aspect of the ecology The materials were collected by electro-
and life history of fish, and quantification of growth shocking during the spawning April-May 2010 and
is frequently a crucial part of fisheries research and 2011 in Dough Stream, south-eastern basin Caspian
management (Summerfelt and Hall 1987; Sea. A total of 130 specimens C. c. gracilis were
Weatherley and Gill 1987). measured. Operculums for age and growth analysis
Back-calculation models are valuable were collected from each fish and were examined
because they provide growth data for fish by three readers who were uniformed of specimen
populations from a single sampling event and have age or length. Total length-operculum length
been used for over 80 years in fisheries relationships were estimated from the Fraser-Lee
management and research. In the field, fish length formula because of its popularity
is measured and calcified structures (scales,
otoliths, etc.) are collected for growth analyses. The Li = c + (Lc (. - c)* (Si/Sc),
relationship between size of calcified structures and
Li = back-calculated fish body length at age i, Lc =
the body of fish has been used widely in fisheries
fish body length at capture, Si = mean scale length
science to estimate body size at a younger age by
at annulus i, Sc = mean scale total length, c =
back-calculation (Casselman, 1990). Further more
intercept from the regression of body length on
back-calculations can be used to trace the effects of
mean scale length.
winter oxygen levels (Casselman and Harvey,
1975), fishing pressures (Nicholls, 1958), and food
RESULT
consumption (Weatherly 1959) on growth rate.
In this study, fish ages obtained from
Capoeta capoeta gracilis, one of the subspecies
operculum ranged between 1 and 6 years. The result
of the genus Capoeta is a very common and
shown that total length-operculum length
ubiquitous species that occur in the rivers and
relationships were positive linear. Calculated length
streams of the South Caspian Sea basin (north of
was gradually closed to measured length with
Iran) (Kiabi et al, 1999 and Abdoli, 2000) and
increasing fish age (Fig. 1).
inhabiting both lotic and lentic habitats (Samaee et
The mean estimated total length for males
al, 2006). This species is important for inland water
and females were given in Table1. The calculated
fishing, aquaculture (Abdoli, 2000), sport fishing
total length values for male and female ranged
(Kiabi et al, 1999) and zoogeographical studies
6.776-16.208 and 6.654-16.518 cm respectively.
(Armantrout, 1980).
In all age groups, calculated lengths were found
Even though, there are some reports on growth
smaller than measured lengths.
models of C. c. gracilis (Abdoli et al. 2008, Patimar
There were significant different in L1 and L2
et al. 2009), little is known on Back-Calculate
in male and female (p<0.05) but there werent
Length-at-Age of this species. So, the aim of this
significant different in L3-L6 in male and female
study was to determine variation of total length at
(P<0.05).
the previous ages of C. c. gracilis.
Fig. 1: The relationship between measured and calculated total lengths of C.c. gracilis. (a): males and (b)
Females in Dough stream, south-eastern Caspian sea, Iran

Ranjbar et al.,2012
Table 1. Back calculation of total length of Capoeta capoeta gracilis

Males
Age
groups
1 6.1750.964 4.3730.962
2 9.5900.504 5.7711.096 7.4141.198
3 12.4360.866 6.8471.186 10.8881.083
4 13.7330.399 6.8251.065 8.5071.119 10.3940.998 12.1451.004
5 14.8250.457 6.8121.133 8.5670.744 10.5170.284 12.2530.284 13.3190.288
6 18.1 2.687 7.6052.525 9.3691.817 11.3872.535 13.2152.451 14.7902.010 16.2082.147
Average 12.4765 6.372 8.544 10.796 12.538 14.054 16.208
Anova * * NS NS NS
Females
Age
groups
1 5.7290.345 4.1970.458
2 9.2381.795 6.2791.517 8.0331.497
3 12 1.729 7.2271.546 9.1021.964 10.6511.898
4 14 2.257 7.9111.526 10.2801.420 11.7691.568 13.3101.885
5 15.9431.628 7.6540.988 9.4771.112 11.4631.399 13.0521.441 14.5111.514
6 18.0642.517 8.4491.468 10.0711.481 11.7761.900 13.4161.834 15.0051.752 16.5181.813
average 12.496 6.953 9.393 11.415 13.26 14.758 16.518
Anova * * NS NS NS
Significance levels among lengths calculated from different age groups (*p<0.05, NS: not significant)
DISCUSSION growth history and the length of age groups which

Back-calculations were based upon a linear were not captured normally and fisheries
regression model developed by Fraser (1916) and management.
Lee (1920), which assumes that fish length is
directly proportional to scale radius (Dahl, 1909). It REFERENCES
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-Lee equation. J Fish Biology 16:725-730. Caspian Sea River basin, using morphometric ratios
and genetic markers. J Folia Zool., 55:323-335.
Fraser CMcL. 1916. Growth of the spring
salmon.Trans.2 ndmeet. (1915). Pac. Fish. Soc., 29- Summerfelt Rc and Hall GE. 1987. Age and
35. Growth of Fish. Iowa State University Press, Ames,
Lowa. 50010, 544 .
Kiabi BH, Abdoli A, Naderi M. 1999. Status of
the fish fauna in the South Caspian Basin of Iran. J
Zoology in the Middle East 18:57-65. Weatherly AH. 1959. Some features of the biology
of the tench Tinca tinca (Linnaeus) in Tasmania. J
Lee RM. 1920. Areview of the methods of age and anim Ecol., 28:73-87.
growth determination in fishes by means of scales.
Fishery Invest, Lond, Ser., 4:2. Weatherley AH and Gill HS. 1987. The biology
of fish growth. Academic Press, London. 443.
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Comparison relative of abundance of Capoeta capoeta gracilis in five

streams of Gorganroud River Basin, Golestan Province, Northern Iran
Authors: ABSTRACT:
Khadijeh Shamekhi
Ranjbar1 Rahman
Patimar1, Rasoul
Ghorbani2, Zia Kordjazi1.
In this study 1705 individuals have sampled during spawning season in five
streams of Gorganroud basin and investigated the lengths and relative abundance.
Institution:
The length varied from 4.1-23.2 cm. there were significant difference in length
1. Department of Natural
Resources, Gonbad Kavous frequencies between male and female in each streams and length classes. Sex ratio
University, Gonbad, Iran. was 1:1.78. Male dominance was observed in all population. Sixteen length classes
were present. Maximum frequency was length class length 8.9-10.1 cm for males and
2. Faculty of Fisheries and 7.7-8.9 cm for females. Males were more frequent in medium size. Females were in
Environment, Gorgan varied size.
University of Agricultural
Sciences and Natural
Resources, Gorgan, Iran.
Shamekhi K.
Email: Keywords:
f_shamekhi_r@yahoo.com Relative abundance, length, Capoeta capoeta gracilis.

http://jresearchbiology.com/ Khadijeh Shamekhi Ranjbar Rahman Patimar, Rasoul Ghorbani, Zia Kordjazi.
Comparison relative of abundance of Capoeta capoeta gracilis in five streams of
Gorganroud River Basin, Golestan Province, Northern Iran.
journal of research in Biology (2012) 1: 019-022
Dates:
Received: 27 Nov 2011 /Accepted: 03 Dec 2011 /Published: : 07 Jan 2012
Ficus Publishers.
cited.
019-022 | JRB | 2012 | Vol 2 | No 1

Ranjbar et al.,2012
INTRODUCTION parity, females dominated. The ratio of male to

Capoeta capoeta gracilis, one of the female was estimated as 1.78:1. Rezaei et al. (2007)
subspecies of the genus Capoeta is very common has already reported the sex ratio for C. c. gracilis
and ubiquitous species that occurs in the rivers and 1.5:1 in Madarsoo stream. Abdoli et al. (2008)
streams of the South Caspian Sea basin (north of reported sex ratio for C. c. capoeta 1:0.54 in
Iran) (Kiabi, et al. 1999 and Abdoli, 2000) and Yasalegh stream. Turkmen et al. (2002) has
inhabiting both lotic and lentic habitats (Samaee et reported sex ratio for C. c. umbla 1.3:1 and
al 2006). This species is important for inland water explained the sex ratio changes during spawning;
fishing, aquaculture (Abdoli, 2000), sport fishing males usually predominating at the start, after
(kiabi, 1999) and zoogeographical studies which the ratio becomes nearly 1:1, followed by a
(Armantrout, 1980). predomination of females. The males remain there
There is a little information on the relative longer or because the males shed mature sperm
abundance and length frequency of C. c. gracilis by gradually.
Rezaei et al 2007 in Madarsoo Stream and Maximum and minimum relative abundance
Gholizade et al. 2009 in Zarrin-Gol Stream. observed in Chelchai and Zarrin-Gol Streams for
Information presented here is new for the other males and relative abundance was reverse for
stream of the Gorganroud basin. The aim was females (Fig. 1). The result of relative abundance
determined by frequency of C. c. gracilis in showed significant difference between males (x 2=
Gorganroud basin. 52.02, p<0.05) and between females (x2 =215.279,
p<0.05).
MATERIALS AND METHODS In scrutiny length frequencies, maximum
A total of 1705 specimens of C. c. gracilis relative abundance was in range 8.9-10.1 cm and
were collected from in Gorganroud River Basin 7.7-8.9 cm for males and females respectively.
(Dough, Pishkamer, Tilabad, Zarrin-Gol, Chelchai Males were absentin larger length but. There were
Streams) at the spawning period in the spring significant difference in length groups 6.5-7.7, 7.7-
season of April-May, 2010 and 2011 years. The 8.9, 8.9-10.1, 11.3-12.5 and 12.5-13.7 for females
samples were captured with an electroshock (220 (p<0.05) and males (p<0.05) and also in length
V). The captured fishes were preserved in 10% groups 10.1-11.3, 13.7-14.9, 14.9-16.1 for males
formalin solution and transferred to lab for the (Table 1 and Fig. 2) between streams.
estimation of length (cm), sexual and relative Analysis of relative abundance both in total
abundance. Total length (L0.1 cm) was recorded. number and in length groups showed that there
Sex was determined by examination of the gonad were significant differences between five streams.
tissue either with eye or with the aid of a binocular. Maximum and minimum relative abundance
observed in Pishkamer and Zarrin-Gol Streams
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION were 22% and 16% respectively. Abundance
Total 1705 fish examined, 1092 were males variations are more related to variation in food
and 613 females. Sex ratio was significant from the availability, water temperature, flow and other
Fig. 1: Sex frequency (percentage of total number) in Fig 2: Total length (cm) abundance of males and
five streams of Gorganroud basin females of five streams

Ranjbar et al.,2012
Table1 Total length (cm) abundance of males and females of five streams
(Dough, Pishkamer, Tilabad, Zarrin-Gol, Chelchai Streams)
Percentage of Percentage of
S. No Length groups Female 2X Male2X
females males
1 4_5.3 1.935484 0.410557 16.88 0.286
2 5.3_6.5 4.926686 2.697947 4.69 2.47
3 6.5_7.7 5.102639 6.392962 17.69 21.87
4 7.7_8.9 5.219941 10.14663 16.81 39.74
5 8.9_10.1 4.164223 13.66569 5.81 62.25
6 10.1_11.3 3.870968 11.55425 29.6 21.55
7 11.3_12.5 2.932551 7.390029 24.79 23.44
8 12.5_13.7 2.521994 5.865103 10.96 30.3
9 13.7_14.9 1.583578 3.929619 4.66 50.836
10 14.9_16.1 0.703812 1.231672 8.85 22.8
11 16.1_17.3 0.821114 0.527859 5.63 5.44
12 17.3_18.5 1.11437 0.175953 1.75
13 18.5_19.7 0.469208 0 1
14 19.7_20.9 0.351906 0.058651 0.333
15 20.9_22.1 0.175953 0
16 22.1_23.3 0.058651 0
environmental factors. Increased female relative Samaee SM, Majazi-Amiri B, Hosseini-Mazinani

abundance in Zarrin-Gol Stream may be intercepted SM. 2006. Comparison of Capoeta capoeta gracilis
as increased environmental stress on the population (Cyprinidae. Teleostei), population in the South
and higher investment in reproduction in the Caspian Sea River basin, using morphometric ratios
stream. Gholizade et al. (2009) reported that fish and genetic markers. Folia Zool., 55:323-335.
population of C. c. gracilis had a range between 39-
151 mm and maximum relative abundance was in Armantrout NB. 1980. The freshwater fishes of
length group 67-81 mm and larger fish had low Iran. Ph.D. Thesis, Oregon State University,
number in Zarrin-Gol Stream. Rezaei et al. (2008) Corvallis, Oregon. XX:472.
has shown maximum frequency of C. c. gracilis in
length groups between 60-100 mm in Madarsoo Rezaei M, Kamali A, Hasanzadeh kiabi B and
stream. In this study, specimens ranged from 4 to Shabani A. 2007. Investigation of age, growth and
23.3 cm and maximum relative abundance was in reproduction of Capoeta capoeta gracilis in the
the range of 8.9-10.1 cm and 7.7-8.9 cm for males Madarsoo Stream in Golestan National Park in
and females respectively. The inter-basin competition with studies before of 1380 year.
differences in maximum length and weight of the Journal of science of Iran fisheries 16:63-73.
fish may be due to different availability of food
resources, growth rate and natural selections that Gholizade M, Ghorbani R, Salman Mahini AR,
favors larger size in some rivers by Patimar et al. Hajimoradloo AM, Rahmani H and Mollaei M.
(2009). 2009. An Investigation on morphology, age and
growth of Capoeta capoeta gracilis in Zarrin-Gol
REFERENCES stream, Golestan Province of Iran. J. Agric. Sci.
Natur. Resour., 16:Special issue 1-a.
Kiabi BH, Abdoli A and Naderi M. 1999. Status
of the fish fauna in the South Caspian Basin of Iran. Abdoli A. Rasooli P and Mostafavi H. 2008.
Zoology in the Middle East 18:57-65. Length-Weight relationships of Capoeta capoeta
capoeta (Gueldenstaedt, 1772) in the Gorganrud
Abdoli A. 2000. The Inland Water Fishes of Iran. River, South Caspian Basin. J. Appl. Ichthyol., 24:
Iranian Museum of Nature and Wildlife, Tehran. 96-98.
378.

Ranjbar et al.,2012
Turkmen M, Erdoan O, Yildirim A and

Akyurt I. 2002. Reproduction tactics, age and
growth of Capoeta capoeta umbla Heckel 1843
from the Askale Region of Karasu River, Turkey.
Fisheries Research 54:317-328.
Patimar R, Ownagh E, Jafari N and Hosseini M.

2009. Intrabssin variation in allometry coefficients
of Lenkorn Capoeta capoeta gracilis (Keyserling,
1861) in the Gorganroud basin, southeast Caspian
Sea, Iran. J. Appl. Ichthyol., 25:776-777.

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Short term effect of thiamethoxam on glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activity in

Snake head, Ophiocephalus punctatus
Authors: ABSTRACT:
Arun M. Chilke
An organochloride, thiamothoxam is used commercially for controlling the
Institution: agricultural pest. In the present study it was observed that at sub-lethal concentration
Division of Toxicology and (29.483 ppm) the GDH activity in the liver, kidney, gill and muscle of Ophiocephalus
Biomonitoring, Department
punctatus increased non-significantly from 24hrs to 96hrs of exposure. The maximum
of Zoology,
activity in all these organs was at 96 hrs. It has been concluded that thiamethoxam at
Shree Shivaji Arts,
sub-lethal concentration may alter the glutamate metabolism in all the tissues by
Commerce and Science
College, Rajura-442905 enhancing the GDH activity in short duration of exposure.
(India).
Corresponding author: Keywords:

Arun M. Chilke Thiamethoxam, GDH, Snake heads, Ophiocephalus.
Email: Article Citation:

achilke.2011@rediffmail.com Arun M. Chilke.
Short term effect of thiamethoxam on glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activity in
Snake head, Ophiocephalus punctatus.
Phone No: Journal of research in Biology (2012) 1: 023-027
917173 222215
Dates:
Web Address: Ficus Publishers.

Documents/RA0168.pdf. This Open Access article is governed by the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://
cited.
023-027 | JRB | 2012 | Vol 2 | No 1

Chilke, 2012
INTRODUCION The GDH (GDH: L-glutamate, NAD

Pesticide usage all over the world has Oxidoreductase, EC 1.4.1.3) activity was
increased dramatically during the past few decades, determined according to Lee and Lardy, (1965), as
coinciding with changes in farming and intensive modified by Pramilamma and Swami, (1975). The
agriculture practices. Hence the environmental 4% (w/v) homogenate was prepared in 2.25 M
pollution caused by pesticides, especially in aquatic sucrose solution. Supernatant of the homogenate
ecosystems, has become a grave problem. The obtained by centrifugation at 2500 rpm for 15
contamination of water by pesticides, either directly minutes was used for enzyme assay. The reaction
or indirectly, can lead to fish deaths, reduced fish mixture in a final volume of 2.5 ml contained 50
productivity, or elevated concentrations of moles of substrate (sodium glutamate), 100
undesirable chemicals in edible fish tissue which moles of phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), 2 moles of
can affect the health of humans consuming these INT and 0.1 moles of NAD. The above mixture
fish. was made upto 2 ml with double distilled water.
Thiamethoxam is a neonicotinoid insecticide The reaction, in all the samples, was started by the
active against a broad range of commercially addition of 0.5 ml of crude enzyme extract
important sucking and chewing pests. (equivalent to 20-25 mg of tissue) after half an hour
Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH, EC incubation of the samples at 37oC, the reaction was
1.4.1.3) is an enzyme present in all the vertebrate stopped by adding 5 ml of glacial acetic acid. The
tissues and it represents a key link between formazan formed was extracted overnight in 5 ml of
catabolic and metabolic pathways. The enzyme is cold toluene. The colour intensity of the formazan,
known to provide an essential link between proportional to enzymatic activity was read at 495
carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, nm against toluene as a blank. The enzyme activity
glutamate being a key intermediary in the transfer was expressed as moles of formazan/hour/100 mg
of amino groups to and from other amino acids tissue.
(McGivan and Chappell 1975; Williamson et al. Values were calculated by using software
1976; Storey et al. 1978; Wanders et al. 1983). Orgin-50 and figures were prepared with the help of
GDH also contributes ammonium ions to the urea Microsoft Excel and Adobe Photoshop-7.
cycle (Williamson et al. 1976) and is a distribution
point for a-amino functionalities (Schmidt and RESULTS
Schmidt 1988; Brosnan, 2000). Though this Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) plays an
enzyme is important in view of physiological action important role in both catabolic and anabolic
no substantial work has been done in fish and functions of the cells. It has been observed that the
therefore, the present work was carried out to fill organochloride, thiamethoxam affect greatly the
out the lacunae. GDH activity in the liver, kidney, gill and muscle of
Ophiocephalus punctatus.
MATERIALS AND METHODS Liver
Healthy fingerlings of Ophiocephalus Liver is the metabolic center for many
punctatus measuring the size of 12-15cm and biochemical reactions. In the liver of controlled
weight 14-18gm were purchased from the Fish fish the lowest GDH activity (0.428
market of Rajura. It was carried to the laboratory in 0.0047moles/hour/100 mg liver) was observed for
hygienic condition and acclimatized for fifteen the entire period of 96hrs (Fig. 1). Thiamethoxam
days. During this period of acclimatization fish at sublethal concentration increased the GDH
were fed with boiled eggs and rice bran. activity from 24hrs to 96 hrs of exposure. GDH
Thiamethoxam LC-50 for 96 hrs was carried out activity noted high (0.637 0.0082 moles/
thrice to confirm exact dose and confirmed sub- hour/100 mg liver) on 4th day of exposure i.e. at
lethal concentration at 29.483 ppm. Then the fish 96hrs and lower (0.463 0.0088 moles/hour/100
were divided into six groups. Each group was mg liver) at 24hrs of exposure. This continuous
contained twenty fish each. Later all these fish increase in enzyme activity in the liver was non-
were exposed to sub-lethal concentration of significant. Comparative to all the tissues studied
thiamethoxam for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs the liver exhibited the maximum GDH activity.
respectively. Tissues were removed from the fish Kidney
after decapitation. Kidney is an organ where the blood is
filtered. In the kidney of controlled fish the lowest
Chilke, 2012
GDH activity (0.302 0.0048 moles/hour/100 mg the muscle was 0.463 0.008 moles/hour/100 mg
kidney) was observed for the entire period of 96hrs. at 98hrs of exposure and at 24hrs of exposure it was
On exposure to thiamethoxam at sub-lethal lowest i.e. 0.352 0.0098 moles/hour/100 mg
concentration GDH activity in the kidney was muscles.
observed to increase subsequently from 24hr to
48hrs. The maximum (0.42 0.0124 moles/ DISCUSSION
hour/100 mg kidney) GDH activity was noted at Despite the fact that, the glutamate
96hrs of exposure and lowest (0.315 0.005 dehydrogenase (GDH) is an important enzyme but
moles/hour/100 mg kidney) at 24hrs (Fig. 2). still not much work has been done on fishes in
Sudden downfall (0.337 0.0049 moles/hour/100 response to xenobiotic substances. GDH is a
mg kidney) in GDH activity was noted at 72hr as mitochondrial enzyme, catalyses the oxidative
compared to 48 and 98 hrs of exposure. This deamination of glutamate, providing -
increase in GDH activity was non-significant for all ketoglutarate to the kerbs cycle (Reddy and
the period of exposure. Venugopal, 1990). This enzyme is having several
Gill metabolic functions with great physiological
It is the organ of aquatic respiration shows significance. It is closely associated with the
dramatic increase in GDH activity from 24hrs to 96 detoxification mechanisms of tissues. GDH in
hrs on exposure to sub-lethal concentration of extra-hepatic tissues could be utilized for
thiamethoxam. In control fish the GDH activity channeling of ammonia released during proteolysis
was noted to constant (0.322 0.0048 moles/ for its detoxification into urea in the liver. Hence,
hour/100 mg gills) upto 96hrs (Fig. 3). This the activity of GDH is considered as sensitive
increase in GDH activity was non-significant for all indicators of stress (Gould et al., 1976). Therefore
the period of exposure. However the maximum attempt has been made to study the effect of
GDH activity (0.442 0.0048 moles/hour/100 mg Thiamethoxam on the glutamate dehydrogenase
gills) was observed at 98hrs of exposure and lowest activity in the economically important freshwater
(0.342 0.007 moles/hour/100 mg gills) at 24hrs. snake heads, Ophiocephalus punctatus.
Muscle The present study revealed that the
In the muscle of controlled fish the GDH thiamethoxam provoked alterations in GDH activity
activity was 0.347 0.0049 moles/hour/100 mg and shown non-significant increase in all tissues
muscles for the whole period of experimentation after exposure to sub-lethal concentration from
(Fig. 4). It shows continuous increase in GDH 24hrs to 96hrs. The successive increase was
activity from 24hrs to 96 hrs on exposure to sub- observed in the GDH activities in all the organs of
lethal concentration of thiamethoxam. The increase the O. punctatus upon exposure to thiamethoxam.
in GDH activity was non-significant for all the This implies the active transdeamination of amino
period of exposure. The maximum GDH activity in acids for the incorporation of ketoacids into the
Fig. 1 Showing increase in GDH activity in the liver Fig. 2 Showing increase in GDH activity in the
of O. punctatus on exposure to sub-lethal kidney of O. punctatus on exposure to sub-lethal
concentration of thiamethoxam for short duration. concentration of thiamethoxam for short duration.

Chilke, 2012
Fig. 3 Showing increase in GDH activity in the gill of Fig. 4 Showing increase in GDH activity in the
O. punctatus on exposure to sub-lethal concentration muscle of O. punctatus on exposure to sub-lethal
of thiamethoxam for short duration. concentration of thiamethoxam for short duration.
TCA cycle to release necessary energy required for kidney, gill and muscle), throughout the exposure,
the synthesis of new proteins (Sreedevi et al., 1992; suggesting a need for -ketoglutarate. The
Sivaramakrishna and Radhakrishnaiah, 1998). regulatory roles of this enzyme as observed in
Subsequent increase in the enzyme specifies the mammalian models in checking the deamination
utilization of amino acids. Improvement in GDH process were reported earlier (Philip et al., 1988;
activity in the tissues provided ketoglutarate and Ramana Rao et al., 1990; Reddy and Venugopal,
reduced nucleotides, which may fulfill the energy 1990; Reddy and Yellama, 1991; David, 1995;
requirements during toxicity manifestations Deva, 2000 and Shobha Rani et al., 2001).
(Chandravathy and Reddy 1994). However the
amino acids appear to be mobilized to get CONCLUSION
transamination to 2-keto acids, for use in the It has been concluded that thiamethoxam at
production of energy rich compounds (David, 1995; sub-lethal concentration may alter the glutamate
Rajmannar and Manohar, 1998; Deva, 2000). metabolism in all the tissues by enhancing the GDH
GDH in extra-hepatic tissue like kidney, gill activity and for the evaluation of its effect further
and muscles could be utilized for its ultimate study also requires in this direction.
detoxification to urea in the liver. In the present
study the significant elevation in activities of these ACKNOWLEDGMENT
enzymes in the organs of fish exposed to the lethal Author is thankful to the Principal, Mr. D.B.
concentration of cypermethrin indicates greater Bhongale, Shree Shivaji Arts, Commerce and
association of oilgomers of these enzymes in Science College, Rajura for helping to provide all
response to toxic stress. This shows that oxidative the required facilities for the present work.
deamination is contributing higher ammonia
production. The high levels of ammonia produced REFERENCES
is not eliminated but is salvaged through GDH Brosnan JT. 2000. Glutamate and glutamine in
activity which is utilized for amino acid synthesis metabolism. J Nutr., 130:988S-990S.
through transaminases (David, 1995; Deva, 2000
and Prashanth, 2003). Chandravathy MV and Reddy SLN. 1994. In
The steady increase in the activities of GDH vivo recovery of protein metabolism in gill and
leads to metabolic compensation and allow the brain of a freshwater fish, Anabas scandens after
animal to adapt to the imposed toxic stress. The exposure to lead nitrate. J Environ Biol., 15(1):75-
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progressive enhancement in all tissues (liver, of freshwater fish, Labeo rohita. Ph.D. thesis, S. K.
Chilke, 2012
University, Anantapur India. fenvalerate. Biochem Internat. 23(2):259-365.
Deva PR. 2000. Fenvalerate induced changes in Reddy SLN and Venugopal NBRK. 1990.
the protein metabolism of freshwater fish, Tilipa Fuoride-induced changes in protein metabolism in
mossambica (Peters). Ph. D. thesis, S. K. the tissue of freshwater crab, Barytelphusa guerini.
University, Anantapur India. Environ Pollut., 67:97-108.
Gould E, Collier RS. Karolous JJ and Givenus. Schmidt ES and Schmidt FW. 1988. Glutamate
1976. Heart transaminase in the rock crab, Cancer dehydrogenase: biochemical and clinical aspects of
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Shobha Rani AR, Sudharsan TN, Reddy PVM
Lee YL and Lardy HA. 1965. Influence of and Reddy TN. 2001. Effect of arsenite on certain
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McGivan DJ and Chappell JB. 1975. On the Sivaramakrishna B and Radhakrishnaiah K.

metabolic function of glutamate dehydrogenase in 1998. Impact of sub lethal concentration of mercury
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Feeding. Bull. Envion Contam Toxicol., 41:822- Radhakrishnaiah K. 1992. Effect of nickel on
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Science 44:739. 1978. Purification and properties of glutamate
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Prashanth MS. 2003. Cypermethrin induced squid, Loligo pealeii. Role of the enzyme in energy
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Reddy ATV and Yellama K. 1991. The possible

metabolic diversions adopted by the cockroach,
Periplaneta americana to counteract the toxicity of

Controlling asthma and related allergies - alternative options

Authors: ABSTRACT:
Ehtishamul Haq
and Mujeeb Zaffar
Banday. Asthma is a medical condition that causes narrowing of small airways in the
lungs. Asthma is a chronic inflammation of lung passages, involving eosinophils, mast
cells, T-cells, neutrophils, macrophages. Typically, asthma patients develop wheezing
and have increased mucous production in their lungs, which causes breathlessness
and chest tightness particularly during night. The most common inhaled allergens that
trigger asthma attacks are: pollen, cockroach allergens, animal dander, mites in house
Institution: dust, fungi (molds) that grow indoors, chemicals, fumes, or airborne industrial
Department of pollutants, smoke. In addition, inflammation in asthma can also be triggered by: viral
Biotechnology respiratory infections, gastrooesophageal reflux disease & other conditions. In the
University of Kashmir, year 2007 report by WHO estimates that more than 300 million people suffer from
Hazratbal, Srinagar asthma worldwide, and almost 2,50,000 deaths attributed to the disease. In the past
JK, India 190006. decade much of interest has been shown in alternative medicine and asthma was not
an exception. The authors have summed up the alternative treatment strategies,
which may atleast be used as adjunct in the treatment of asthma and related allergies.

Ehtishamul Haq Asthma, herbal medicine, alternative regimens.
Email: Article Citation:

haq@kashmiruniversity.net Ehtishamul Haq and Mujeeb Zaffar Banday.
Controlling Asthma & Related Allergies - Alternative Options.
Web Address: Dates:

Documents/RA0171.pdf. Received: 21 Dec 2011 /Accepted: 11 Jan 2012 /Published: 19 Jan 2012
Ficus Publishers.
cited.
042-049 | JRB | 2012 | Vol 2 | No 1

Haq et al.,2012
INTRODUCTION: smooth muscle contraction, edema and remodeling

Asthma including allergic asthma is a of the formed elements of the airways. Although
common, complex and chronic disease of the chronic (typically eosinophilic) airway
respiratory tract broadly defined by inflammation of inflammation and remodeling are pathological
the air ways asso ci ated wi t h a ir way hallmarks of asthma; heterogeneity of clinical
hyperresponsiveness (AHR), mucus hypersecretion, presentation, accompanying atopy, clinical severity,
reversible episodic and sometimes persistent airway inflammation, and genetic predispositions
airflow obstruction of variable degrees and indicate that asthma is a syndrome rather than a
remodeling of the airways (Busse and single disease. Asthma is considered as a good
Lemanske,2001), although it is not completely clear example of gene-environment interactions, although
how inflammation, remodeling and airway no single gene or environmental factor accounts for
hyperreactivity are linked. The airflow obstruction the disease. The heterogeneity of asthma also
caused by the constriction of airway smooth muscle relates to the different response to therapies
(ASM), airway wall thickening, and/or mucus (Hershenson et al., 2008). The histopathological
secretion induces shortness of breath, chest changes in the bronchial and bronchiolar walls in
tightness, wheezing and coughing in asthmatics, asthma involve the mucosa (i.e., the epithelium and
during episodes that may be triggered by exposure lamina propria), submucosa [with included airway
to a wide range of exogenous and endogenous smooth muscle (ASM) and mucus-secreting
stimuli including irritants, allergens, cold air, or glands], and adventitia (the interface between
exercise, or may occur seemingly spontaneously airway and surrounding lung parenchyma) (Hogg,
and these symptoms are often worse at night 1993). The characteristic pathological features of
(Figure 1.) (British-Thoracic-Society; Hershenson asthma include the presence in the airway of
et al., 2008). Asthma is a chronic inflammatory inflammatory cells, plasma exudation, edema,
condition, and evidence of inflammation can be smooth muscle hypertrophy, mucus plugging, and
observed in mild, moderate, and severe disease. shedding of the epithelium (British-Thoracic-
However, the relative magnitude, type of Society).
inflammatory cells, and site of the inflammatory Asthma is one of the most common chronic
infiltrate may differ among patients. Many cells are diseases worldwide with a prevalence estimated at
involved in the immune and inflammatory 5% of the population and is among the major health
responses to allergens in asthma; these include T- issues in developed countries with rising incidence
cells, eosinophils, mast cells, neutrophils and and prevalence (Apter and Weiss, 2008). Reflecting
epithelial cells. The different clinical expressions of its increased prevalence over the past 40 years in
asthma involve varying environmental factors that the developed world, almost 30 million Americans
interact with the airways to cause acute and chronic have asthma. The social and economic costs of
inflammation, and the varying contributions of asthma are staggering. It is the most common cause
of missed school days by children, and costs related
to asthma care or to lost wages and productivity in
the United States exceed $16 billion annually
(Hogg, 1993). Despite effective therapies, the
incidence of this disease and the frequency of its
significant complications are increasing. However,
new therapeutic approaches based on our
understanding of the pathophysiology of asthma
could have profound repercussions for the care of
asthmatics and the health of the public in general.
Asthma and Plant derived compounds:
Herb and plant based preparations are a
popular treatment for asthma, although there remain
concerns as to their efficacy and safety. In Western
societies, motivations for using such treatments
Figure 1: Development of allergic inflammation in may be both positive and negative, with their
asthma and relationship to bronchial hyper- perceived safety and dissatisfaction with
responsiveness and symptoms. conventional medicine among them. In China such
Haq et al.,2012
treatments are more commonly used and many is regarded as most important because its
compounds considered 'conventional' are derived expression correlates with asthma severity and local
from herbs or plants. Ginger, cayenne, Indian eosinophil infiltration (Castro et al., 2000; Truyen
tobacco (Lobelia inflata), turmeric, skunk cabbage, et al., 2006). Therapeutic strategies directed
and goldenseal are supposed to held promise for towards inhibition of Th2 cytokines would thus
asthma sufferers. seem to offer an attractive imunomodulatory
The search for novel treatments for asthma strategy for asthma (von Hertzen and Haahtela,
has significantly advanced in recent years and this 2000). IL-10 is one of those cytokines that inhibits
increased attention has led to the exploration of inflammation, and cytokine therapy with IL-10 may
alternative medicines with particular interest in have relevance as for as asthma is concerned. While
plant products that have been in use for many years it may not be possible to administer cytokines
in the old world countries. Several scientific studies directly into patients, strategies may be developed
in recent years suggested that some of these to increase their release e.g., that of IL-10 release
folklore medicines have significant effect in (Asadullah et al., 1998). IL-12 is produced by APCs
reducing the severity of respiratory disease and have role in the Th1 cell development, Th1
symptoms and improving patient's quality of life. cells secrete IFN-gamma that may strongly inhibit
The alternative medicines, particularly plant Th2 cytokines (Shevach et al., 1999).
extracts have shown acceptance by patients and Acupuncture for Asthma:
physicians alike (Bielory and Lupoli, 1999; Acupuncture is a treatment originating from
Markham and Wilkinson, 2004). However, no traditional Chinese medicine. It consists of the
detailed scientific studies have been conducted to stimulation of defined points on the skin (mostly by
further the understanding of anti-allergic insertion of needles). Acupuncture has traditionally
mechanisms associated with these products. In spite been used to treat asthma in China and is used
of the lack of information, a substantial interest has increasingly for this purpose internationally
been shown to alternative and supplementary (McCarney et al., 2004a). It is thought that such
medicines. In addition, the side effects from long- treatments can correct any imbalances in vital life
term use of asthma drugs have prompted interest in energy (perhaps along the lung, spleen, or kidney
complementary and alternative therapies such as system meridians) that may be triggering the
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbs. In a breathing problems. A few small clinical trials
recent article, National Center for Complementary showed that acupuncture may help improving
and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) supported asthma symptoms. But to date, the research is
scientists from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine inconclusive, since no one has conducted either a
to review research evidence on TCM herbs for review or a randomized controlled trial for the gold
asthma, focusing on studies reported since 2005 (Li standards in proving a treatment successfully. The
and Brown, 2009). most recent Cochrane Collaboration Review, found
Currently, closer to 2,000 herbal products that while some improvements in asthma were seen,
are available for the treatment of various ailments the results were not consistent.
and the list is steadily growing (Bielory and Lupoli, Chiropractic Treatment for Asthma
1999; Markham and Wilkinson,2004). A number of Chiropractic is a health care profession that
herbs and herbal products have been used in the focuses on the relationship between the body's
treatment of allergy and asthma in ancient structure-mainly the spine-and its functioning.
traditional Chinese medicine, Indian Ayurvedic Although practitioners may use a variety of
medicine, and Japanese Kampo medicine. treatment approaches, they primarily perform
However, few scientific studies have been carried adjustments (manipulations) to the spine or other
out to ascertain their action and effectiveness parts of the body with the goal of correcting
(Kobayashi et al., 1997; Shivpuri et al., 1972). alignment problems, alleviating pain, improving
Other Asthma Therapies: function, and supporting the body's natural ability
Immunomodulation to heal itself. Chiropractic practitioners think that
Asthma is thought to be mediated through Asthma is a symptom of a misalignment of the
the imbalance of Th2 and Th1 cell responses. Th2 spinal vertebrae, which chiropractic adjustments
lymphocytes are thought to play a key role in the can correct. When medical researchers tested
pathogenesis of asthma. Of the Th2 cytokines IL-5 chiropractic manipulation as a treatment of asthma

Haq et al.,2012
in children, they reported that "the addition of dilutions advocated by Sameul Hahnemann
chiropractic spinal manipulation to usual medical (German physician) (Haehl, 1922) and those used
care provided no benefit (Balon et al., 1998). today often reduce the concentration of the initial
Although chiropractic manipulation can be substance to infinitesimal levels. Hahnemann
beneficial in the treatment of some types of neck himself understood that dilutions of the magnitude
and back pain, it is advisable not to take infants and he used eliminated all of the original substance. He
children to a chiropractor, since the risk may believed, however, that the healing power of the
outweigh any benefit. A systematic review of substance could be preserved and actually
literature on results of the eight retrieved studies concentrated by the process of dynamization.
indicated that chiropractic care showed Although a Cochrane study was inconclusive about
improvements in subjective measures and, to a the homeopathic benefits (Linde and Jobst, 2000).
lesser degree objective measures, none of which Specific remedies are tailored to the individual, but
were statistically significant. It is evident that some common prescription used in asthma treatment is
asthmatic patients may benefit from this treatment aconitum napellus. Some of the results with
approach; however, at this time, the evidence homeopathy are thought to be a placebo effect
suggests chiropractic care should be used as an (Ernst, 2010). The results of a clinical trial with
adjunct, not a replacement, to traditional medical both acupuncture and homeopathy are awaited
therapy (Kaminskyj et al., 2010). (McCarney et al., 2004b). In another clinical trial it
Environmental Medicine for Asthma: was found that the symptoms of patients
Although there are genetic factors which undergoing homeopathic treatment improved
predispose to the development of asthma (Scirica substantially and conventional medication dosage
and Celedon, 2007), and genetic differences may could thus be substantially reduced (Grundling et
alter susceptibility to asthma, as well as al., 2011).
responsiveness to asthma medications (Expert- A Hypothesis:
Panel-Report, 2007). Exposure to certain Immunotherapy exposes the patient to small
environmental factors may contribute significantly doses of the allergen over a period of time a process
to the risk of developing the disease (Ege et al., called desensitization (Eifan et al., 2011). In a way
2011; Rosenstreich et al., 1997). Environmental a person is exposed to small quantities of allergen,
exposure in sensitized individuals is a major the body becomes less sensitive to allergen. In short
inducer of airway inflammation, which is a the body becomes tolerant to the allergens. Pollen is
hallmark finding in the asthmatic lung. Although an airborne allergen that may set off numerous
triggers induce inflammation through different asthma symptoms in sensitive people at certain
pathways, the resulting effects all lead to increased times of the year (Galan et al., 2010; Kim et al.,
bronchial reactivity. Food allergies, molds, pollen, 2007; Ridolo et al., 2007; Singh and Shahi, 2008;
dust mites, animal dander, tobacco smoke, some Yao and Zhang, 2009). Since during honey making
chemicals, and more can trigger asthma (Ballmer- the bees utilize almost all types of pollen, degrade it
Weber, 2011; Huss et al., 2001; Sporik et al., 1990; into smaller components and this becomes a part of
Wahn et al., 1997). Treatment may include the honey, small amount of honey if consumed
desensitization, avoidance of triggers, and throughout year will thus desensitize the body
nutritional supplements (such as antioxidants). against a plethora of allergens. This is because the
Homeopathy for Asthma: body will already have seen the allergen in honey,
Homeopathy is a system of medicine which and it is well established that honey contains pollen
involves treating the individual with highly diluted particles (Ferreres et al., 1998; Todd and
substances, given mainly in tablet form, with the Vansell,1942). The things to be remembered about
aim of triggering the bodys natural system of honey is that it should be local (i.e., preferentially
healing (Ernst, 2002). Based on their specific produced in the vicinity of the patient, so that the
symptoms, a homeopath will match the most local allergens are present), it should be consumed
appropriate medicine to each patient. Homeopathic round the year to harness better benefits. In addition
remedies are prepared by serial dilution with taking honey is considered to be good as it has a
shaking by forceful striking on an elastic body, wide range of benefits, it has a plethora of amino
which homeopaths term succession, the process of acids (Perez et al., 2007; Rebane and Herodes,
dilution continues till no traces of original chemical 2010), antioxidants (Al-Hindi et al., 2011; Alvarez-
are found (Creighton-University, 2009).The Suarez et al., 2010a; Alvarez-Suarez et al., 2010b;
Haq et al.,2012
Liberato Mda et al., 2011), vitamins (Ciulu et al., Apter A and Weiss S. 2008. Asthma
2011; Leon- Ruiz et al., 2011), has anti- Epidemiology. In: Fishman's Pulmonary Diseases
inflammatory substances (Kassim et al., 2010a; & Disorders, 4th Edition. Edited by Fishman A,
Kassim et al., 2010b) and anti-bacterial actions (Al- Fishman JA, Grippi MA, Kaiser LB, Senior RM,
Waili et al., 2011; Chang et al., 2011; Kwakman New York: McGraw Hill 1:787-798.
and Zaat, 2011); In addition it has great anti-cancer
properties (Hassan et al., 2010; Jaganathan and Asadullah K, Sterry W, Stephanek K, Jasulaitis
Mandal, 2009a, b; Samarghandian et al., 2011; D, Leupold M, Audring H, Volk HD and Docke
Swellam et al., 2003). Honey is also considered as a WD. 1998. IL-10 is a key cytokine in psoriasis.
good energy source due to its high carbohydrate Proof of principle by IL-10 therapy: a new
content (Bogdanov, 2010). It is not surprising thus therapeutic approach. The Journal of clinical
to find that the Holy Quran sums up honey making investigation 101:783-794.
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Diversity of rotifer fauna of Kolavoi Lake, Chingleput district,

Tamil Nadu
Authors: ABSTRACT:
Sonia R and Ramanibai R.
Institution: The biodiversity of the rotifer fauna of Kolavoi Lake, Chingleput was studied
Aquatic Biodiversity Unit,
through weekly sampling programme advocated from Jan 2010 to Nov 2010.
Department of Zoology,
Remarkably rich rotifer community consisting of 23 species was recorded including 3
University of Madras,
Guindy Campus, species reported for the first time from Kolavoi Lake. Brachionus forficula and
Chennai - 25, Tamil Nadu. Keratella vulga were frequently occurred species. Mytilina mucronata, Macrochaetus
collinsi and Manfredium eudactylotum are first time reported from this lake.
Sonia R.
Email:
soniadaisy7@gmail.com Keywords:
rramani8@hotmail.com Rotifer fauna, Kolavoi Lake, Mytilina, Macrochaetus and Manfredium.

http://jresearchbiology.com/ Sonia R and Ramanibai R.
Documents/RA00146 pdf. Diversity of rotifer fauna of Kolavoi Lake, Chingleput district, Tamil Nadu
Dates:
Received: 17 Nov 2011 /Accepted: 03 Dec 2011 /Published: 23 Jan 2012
Ficus Publishers.
cited.
028-031 | JRB | 2012 | Vol 2 | No 1

Sonia et al.,2012
INTRODUCTION: samples consist of several horizontal hauls made

Since late 1970s, studies of rotifer diversity using 53 m and 120 m plankton nets which were
attract attention worldwide (Dumont, 1980). For preserved in 4% formaldehyde solution. Specimens
evaluating environmental changes; understanding were sorted under dissection microscope, examined
the functional properties of rotifer fauna are and drawn figure using Labomed Microscope.
important (Bdzki & Ellison, 2003).
Rotifers address its ecological importance in RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:
aquatic environments, filtering suspended material Twenty three species Brachionus angularis,
of different sizes and advocate new methods to Brachionus calyciflorus, Brachionus diversicornis,
obtain their food, help to classify them as Brachionus forficula, Cephalodella forficula,
generalists or specialists. They play an important Euchlanis dilate, Filina terminalis, Filinia
link in energy flow and nutrient cycling because of longiseta, Keratella vulga, Lecane depressa,
their high population renewal rates (Esteves, 1998). Lecane hemata, Lecane luna, Lecane ohioensis,
Another salient feature is their high tolerance ability Lecane popouava, Manfredium eudactylotum,
to face changes in the environmental conditions Marochaetus collinsi, Monostyla bulla Monostyla
(Allan, 1976) quadridentata, Mytilina mucronata, Plationus
The present study concentrates on the patulas, Platyas quadricornis, Rotatoria reptunia
biodiversity of rotifer fauna of Kolavoi Lake and Trichocerca kostei were totally reported. Three
(Chingleput) with reference to their general nature of which Manfredium eudactylotum, Marochaetus
and composition of toxocoenosis. collinsi and Mytilina mucronata are first reports
from the Kolavoi Lake, Chenglepet from five
MATERIALS AND METHODS: locations studied (Table 1). Macrochaetus collinsi,
Kolavoi Lake: Manfredium eudactylotum and Mytilina mucronata
Kolavoi Lake is situated in the Chingleput are widely distributed in the oriental region (Fig.3).
district, 58 Km away from the Chennai City. It is M. collinsi and M. eudactylotum were reported
one of the largest lakes of Chingleput district, lake earlier from tropical floodplain lakes of the
water has been used for agriculture, recreation and Brahmaputra river basin, Assam (Sharma and
fishing activities. It is a perennial lake irrigating Sumita Sharma, 2001).
about 2000h area covering 12 nearby villages. The Macrochaetus collinsi and Manfredium
total capacity of the lake is 13.50 Mm3. The water eudactylotum were primarily during the warmer
spread area is 8.82 Km2, 3.3 Km long and 1.6 km months and are therefore designated as warm-
wide mostly infested by the aquatic vegetation stenothermal species (vide Koste, 1978) in the
(Bharathi 2003) (Fig 1 & 2). present study. M.collinsi was reported from north
Samples were collected qualitatively from eastern USA bogs, North America also (Bdzki &
five locations (Thirivandraum gate, Chingleput Ellison, 2003).
railway station, Pulipakkam and Paranur (2 Three individuals of M. collinsi were
Locations) from Jan 2010 to Nov 2010. The collected from Thirivandrum gate and Pulipakkam.
Figure 1: Satellite image showing Study Figure: 2 Map showing study area Kolavoi Lake,
area Kolavoi Lake, Chingleput. Chingleput.

Sonia et al.,2012
A.Rotaria B. Brachionus C. Brachionus D. Cephalodella E. Lecane

reptunia calyciflorus diversicornis forficula popuava
F. Monostyla G. Platyas H. Mytilina I. Lecane J. Macrochaetus

uadridentata quadricornis mucronata Luna collinsi
Figure 3: Rotifer fauna present in Kolavoi Lake, Chingleput.
Four individuals of Mytilina mucronata were
Table 1: List of Rotifera identified from Kolavoi Lake collected from Thirivandrum gate, Pulipakkam and
S. Paranur. One individual of Manfredium
ROTIFERS L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 eudactylotum was collected from thirivandrum gate.
No
1 Brachionus angularis + + + + + Among about 22 species of the genus
2 Brachionus calyciflorus + + + + + Brachionus was reported from the Indian waters
3 Brachionus diversicornis + + (Sharma, 1996), only four species were observed
4 Brachionus forficula + + + + from the Kolavoi lake. The relative paucity of
5 Cephalodella forficula + brachionid species indicated the acidic nature of the
6 Euchlanis dilata +
Lake and re- affirms the findings of Fernando &
7 Filina terminalis +
8 Filinia longiseta + + + +
Zankai (1981) and Sharma (1996).
9 Keratella vulga + + + Paranur station one contained the most
10 Lecane depressa + diverse rotifer toxocoenosis (14 species) followed
11 Lecane hemata + by Thirivandrum gate (12 species) & Pulipakkam
12 Lecane luna + + + (10 species) and Paranur station two (7 Species)
13 Lecane ohioensis + + finally the Chingleput railway station nearby area (6
14 Lecane popouava + Species) respectively.
15 Manfredium eudactylotum* +
16 Marochaetus collinsi* + + ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
17 Monostyla bulla + The authors are grateful to UGC- New Delhi
18 Monostyla quadridentata + +
for their financial support.
19 Mytilina mucronata* + + +
20 Plationus patulas + +
21 Platyas quadricornis + REFERENCES:
22 Rotatoria reptunia + Allan JD. 1976. Life history patterns in
23 Trichocerca kostei + + Zooplankton. American Naturalist 110:165-180.
Total Number of Species 12 6 10 14 7
Bharathi D. 2003. Limnological studies of few
Where,
* denotes first report from Kolavoi Lake fresh water habitats in and around Chennai City.
L1 - L5 - Location of sampling sites. Ph.D Thesis submitted to University of Madras,
Chennai.

Sonia et al.,2012
Bdzki and Ellison. 2003. Diversity of rotifers

from north eastern U.S.A bogs with new species
records for North America and New England.
Hydrobilogia 497:53-62.
Dumont HJ. 1980. Workshop on taxonomy and

biogeography. Hydrobiologia 73:205-206.
Esteves FA. 1998. Fundamentos de Limnologia

(2nd edn.) Intercincia/ FINEP. Rio de Janerio. 602.
Fernando CH and Zankai NP. 1981. The Rotifera

of Malaysia and Singapore with remarks on some
species. Hydrobiologia 78:205-219.
Koste W. 1978. Rotatoria. Die Rdertiere

Mitteleuropas be- griindet von Max Voigt.
berordnung Monogonata. Gebriider Borntaeger.
Berlin. Stuttgart. I. Text: U. II> Tafelbd. (T. 234)
673.
Sharma BK. and Sumita Sharma. 2001.

Biodiversity of Rotifera in some tropical floodplain
lakes of the Brahmaputra river basin, Assam (N.E,
India) Hydrobiologia 446/447:305-313.
Sharma BK. 1996. Biodiversity of Fresh water

Rotifera in India a status Report. Proc. Zool. Soc.
Calcutta. 49:73-85.

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Antagonistic interaction between Fusarium oxysporum var. cumini and

Aspergillus niger
Authors: ABSTRACT:
Sameer Sharma
Antagonists are microorganisms that adversely affect another pathogen

growing in association with it. Aspergillus niger have long been known as effective
Institution: antagonists against plant pathogenic fungi and are the focus of much recent research.
Microbiology, Plant
The antagonism between Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum var. cumini and
pathology and Mycology
the possible mechanism (s) of antagonism employed by Aspergillus niger when
Laboratory,
Department of Botany, isolated from Capsicum annuum rhizosphere were investigated. Aspergillus niger was
J.N.V. University, Jodhpur most effective, in causing significant suppression of growth and spore formation of
(Raj.) Fusarium oxysporum var. cumini in plates and pots. Aspergillus niger was
mycoparasitic on Fusarium oxysporum var. cumini and their hyphae grew over the
hyphae of Fusarium oxysporum var. cumini. There was evidence that the mechanism
of antagonism employed by Aspergillus niger were competition, lysis, penetration and
Corresponding author: hyperparasitism.
Sameer Sharma
Email: Keywords:
sam23112@gmail.com Antagonism, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum var. cumini.
Phone No: Article Citation:

09460649016 Sameer Sharma
Antagonistic interaction between Fusarium Oxysporum var. cumini and
Aspergillus niger
Web Address: Dates:

http://jresearchbiology.com/ Received: 01 Dec 2011 /Accepted: 07 Dec 2011 /Published: 23 Jan 2012
Ficus Publishers.
cited.
032-034 | JRB | 2012 | Vol 2 | No 1

Sharma, 2012
Body of the Article interaction was observed. It was observed that the
Antagonistic interaction is a natural growth of Fusarium oxysporum var. cumini was
phenomenon present in any habitat which is reduced and Aspergillus niger grown well and
governed by biological balance present in the mycelium has captured the Fusarium oxysporum
community. Any inhibitory effect of an organism var. cumini from all the side (Plate no. 1 ab).
created by any means to the other organism is Different types of observations were observed in
known as antagonistic interaction. Such type of the fugal interaction. Plate no. 1 photograph b1
interaction is used in biological control of plant showed chlamydospore formation in the Fusarium
pathogen. Antagonism is the balancing wheel of the oxysporum var. cumini hyphae. Chlamydospore are
nature and through this mechanism some shorts of formed when any fungus comes under stress. They
biological balance or equilibrium is maintained are asexual spores and can survive for longer time
(Dubey and Maheshwari 1999). and to save from the antagonist fungus, host cell
Cumin cyminum (Jera) is an important cash produces chlamydospore. This was clearly observed
crop of Rajasthan but it is often attacked by fungus in the present investigation.
Fusarium oxysporum var. cumini causing wilt of The another type of antagonist interaction
cumin. Large number of fungicides has been was observed (Plate no. 1, b2) where host
developed to control the fungus but use of synthetic mycelium showed lysis as well as chlamydospore
fungicides causes residual toxicities. Therefore, formation. It was clearly observed that at certain
there is an urgent need to develop new and effective places, it showed constriction of hyphae ultimately
means for controlling the fungus that posses less break down from this place. It was observed by
risk to human health and the environment. various workers Siven & Chet (1982), Liu & Baker
Antagonistic interaction through biocontrol is a new (1986) that metabolites are secreted by antagonist.
system of controlling various diseases. Now a days The secretion of enzymes is the important factor.
various biocontrol agents are identified like Observations from microphotograph (plate
Trichoderma (Durrel 1968, Mukhopadhyay and no. 1,b3) showed that two phenomenon are clearly
Mukherjee 1996), Aspergillus niger (Sen 2000). visible that is lysis of host mycelium as well as
In present work Aspergillus niger was
isolated from Capsicum annuum rhizosphere which
was evaluated in vitro and in vivo to assess their
mode of antagonistic against Cumin wilt pathogen
Fusarium oxysporum var. cumini.
MATERIALS AND METHODS

For in vitro experiment dual culture method
described by Dennis and Webster (1971) was used
to test the antagonistic ability of Aspergillus niger
against Fusarium oxysporum var. cumini, using the Aspergillus niger Fusarium Oxysporum
PDA medium. Both the fungus was grown on PDA On PDA On PDA
media for seven days at 2820 C. After that 10 mm.
discs were cut by cork borer from both the fungal
petriplates and placed on fresh PDA plate on the
two different poles. It was termed as antagonistic
dual culture (Plate no. 1 a). Further, disc petriplate
were allowed to grow both fungi for seven days.
Three replicates were maintained for this
experiment. For microscopic examination of the
mycelium small cut was given at the zone of
interaction and then mycelium was stained by
cotton blue & mounted in lacto phenol. For in vivo
A. Niger & F. Oxysporum Smothering on
experiment pot experiment was conducted. On PDA F.Oxysporum
(Dual culture) By A. Niger
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
After seven days incubation, antagonistic Plate no. 1 a
Sharma, 2012
b. Mycoparasitism showing post infection events in antagonist & host hyphae.

b1 Chlamydospore formation in host hyphae
b2 Lysis of host hyphae
b3 Penetration of antagonist in host hyphae.
penetration of antagonist fungus in the host Microbiology. S. Chand and Co. Ltd. India. 552-
mycelium. These antagonisms also check the 560.
growth of the fungus.
When experiment was conducted in vivo. Durrell LM. 1968. Hyphal invasion by
Aspergillus niger inhibited the Fusarium Trichoderma viride Mycopath. Mycol. App.,
oxysporum var. cumini and plant showed no 35:138-144.
symptoms of wilting. This observation of biocontrol
of Fusarium oxysporum var. cumini by Aspergillus Liu S, Baker R. 1986. Mechanism of biological
niger is first report from Rajasthan (India). control in soil suppressive to Rhizoctonia solani.
Phytopatho., 70:402-412.
CONCLUSION
Interaction of fungal form for biological Mukhopadhyay AN, Mukherjee PK. 1996. Fungi
control is a new method for controlling diseases. In as fungicides. Internati. J Tropi. Pl. Dis., 14(1):1-
the present investigation, attempts have been made 17.
by interacting Aspergillus niger (potent antagonist)
with the Fusarium oxysporum var. cumini, better Sen B. 2000. Biological Control: A success story.
suppression of the host was noted by formation of Ind. Phytopatho., 53(3):243-249.
chlamydospore, penetration of antagonist hyphae
into host hyphae and lysis of host hyphae are Siven A, Chet I. 1982. Biological control of
important findings of present investigation. Phythium by Trichoderma. Phytopathology 72-
118.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I wish to thanks Dr. V.G. Rao and Dr. Alka
Pande Scientist in charge, Agharkar research Submit your articles online at Ficuspublishers.com
institute,Pune for the identification of many of my Advantages
research materials. Easy online submission
REFERENCES Affordable Charges
Dennis C, Webster J. 1971. Antagonistic Quick processing
properties of species groups of Trichoderma 1. Extensive indexing
Production of non- volatile antibiotics. Trans. Brit. Open Access and Quick spreading
Myco. Soc., 57:25-39. You retains your copyright
Dubey RC, Maheshwari DK. 1999. A text book of

Distribution and abundance of zooplankton in Muttukadu backwater, Chennai.

Authors: ABSTRACT:
Bharathi Devi NS and
Ramanibai R.
The present work aims to study the zooplankton distribution and abundance
Institution: in Muttukadu backwater, Chennai, East coast of India from December 2008 to May
Aquatic biodiversity unit, 2010. We have recorded 46 species of which, 31 species belongs to copepoda, 9
Department of Zoology, species belongs to Rotifera, 2 species belongs to Ostracoda, four species of Cladocera.
University of Madras, Among zooplankton, particularly Rotifera was the dominant group throughout the
Guindy Campus, Cheanni-25 study period and highest count was recorded in the month of January, 2008.
Percentage composition and Shannon diversity index is also presented for
zooplankton community.
Bharathi Devi NS
Email: Keywords:
bharresearch@gmail.com, Zooplankton, Distribution, Muttukadu backwater, Shannon wiener index,
rramani8@hotmail.com Percentage composition.

http://jresearchbiology.com/ Bharathi Devi NS and Ramanibai R.
Documents/RA0157.pdf. Distribution and abundance of zooplankton in Muttukadu backwater, Chennai.
Dates:
Received: 30 Nov 2011 /Accepted: 07 Dec 2011 /Published: 23 Jan 2012
Ficus Publishers.
cited.
035-041 | JRB | 2012 | Vol 2 | No 1

Devi et al.,2012
INTRODUCTION complex system of shallow estuarine network

Tropical aquatic ecosystems are more spread over an area of 215.36 acres (87.190
productive areas with rich zooplankton population. hectares) meant for fishing and boating activities.
Information on species diversity, richness, evenness The backwater extended to north and southwards
and dominance evaluation on the biological for about 15 Km and opens into the Bay of Bengal
components of the ecosystem is essential to at its eastern end. The bar mouth acts as a barrier
understand detrimental changes in environs and the sea water infiltrates into the land which is
(Perumal et al, 2009). The study of estuarine fauna the main source for the prawn hatcheries mostly
especially zooplankton, constitutes a sensitive tool situated in this area.
for monitoring environmental changes in coastal Tami lnad u Tourism D evelopment
lagoons. It plays a major role in the functioning and Corporation (TTDC) initiated boating activities and
the productivity of aquatic ecosystems through its declared it as a tourist spot. Several salt pans are
impact on the nutrient dynamics and its key also located along the backwaters. The average
position in the food webs. They also constitute a depth of the water found to be 1.16 m extends to a
food source for organisms of the upper trophic distance of about 20 Km. Depth varied throughout
levels such as planktivorous fish and carnivorous the year depending on rainfall and outflow of water
invertebrates (Pinel-Alloul, 1995). The examination from the sea during high tide period. It receives
of variation in zooplankton assemblage composition considerable amount of sewage, industrial effluents,
according to environmental gradients may help to hazardous wastes, human influences and urban
clarify the role of biotic and abiotic factors for runoff (Fig.1).
community organization a major issue in aquatic Bimonthly sampling was carried out in
ecology. Indeed, zooplankton generation times may Muttukadu estuary from December 2008 to May
be short enough to respond quickly to acute stress 2010. Three locations were selected at the interval
but long enough to integrate the effects of chronic of 100 m between each location from the mouth of
problems. These are favorable attributes for a the estuary extends up to the boat house. The period
community indicator of ecosystem health (Cairns et of sampling covered six seasons namely two Post-
al, 1993). Zooplankton can also be used as monsoons (Jan Mar, 09 & 10), two Summer (Apr
biological indicators for pollution, water quality, Jun, 09 & 10), one Pre-monsoon (Jul Sep, 09)
and eutrophication (Webber et al , 2005; Landa et and 2 Monsoon ( Dec 08 & Oct - Dec 09).
al, 2007). For qualitative and quantitative analysis of
Species composition and seasonal variation zooplankton, circular metallic frame of 0.0176 m2
of zooplankton abundance has been studied by area was employed for the collection. The filtering
many authors in different regions of Indian coastal cone was made up of nylon bolting silk plankton net
waters (Achuthankutty et al, 1980; Nair et al, 1981; with a mesh size 120 m was used for the collection
Godhantaraman, 2001; Eswari and Ramanibai, of zooplankton by hauling each time for five to ten
2004; Ashok Prabu et al, 2005; Rakhesh et al, 2006; minutes. The collected samples were preserved in 5%
Elayaraja and Ramanibai , 2006) but there are few
works has been carried out in Muttukadu backwater Fig.1 Study area
related to zooplankton abundance in relation with
water quality and other aspects (Prema and
Subramanian, 2003; Chitra 2006, 2008,2008 &
2009; Elayaraja, 2008; Bharathi Devi, 2010). The
present study deals with the species distribution and
abundance of zooplankton from Muttukadu
backwater. This information would be helpful in the
ecological monitoring of this ecosystem in future.
MATERIALS AND METHODS

Muttukadu (Kovalam) backwater (lat.12
46N and long. 80 18E) is located at 36 km south
of the Chennai city and runs parallel to the east
coast, the Bay of Bengal. It is also called as estuary,
creek or lagoon. Muttukadu backwater form a
Devi et al.,2012
buffered formalin for further analysis. Zooplankton zooplankton species, comprising of Copepods (31
was identified using the standard keys given by species), Rotifers (9 species), Ostracods (2 species),
Edmondson (1959); Kasturirangan (1963); Newell Cladocerans (4 species) were recorded in the
and Newell (1977); Victor and Fernando (1979); backwater (Table.1). Among the rotifers
Sharma and Michael (1980); Battish (1992). For Brachionus plicatilis, B. rubens, B.angularis,
quantitative analysis, zooplankton samples were used B.bidentata along with their egg sacs were
after sedimentation and counted under binocular frequently recorded as dominant. The percentage
microscope using Sedgewick Rafter Cell counter. composition of rotifers accounted from 12%
The values were expressed as individuals/ m3 (ind./ (Summer, 2010) to 43% (Post- monsoon, 2009) and
m3) using the formula given by Santhanam et al it forms the most abundant group in Muttukadu
(1989). estuary by representing an average value of 7, 17,
Shannon wiener diversity index and 000 ind. /m3 in post monsoon, 10 (Fig.2D).
percentage composition were calculated for Among copepods Oithona brevicornis, O.
zooplankton abundance using SPSS v10. rigida, nauplii and copepodites of cyclopoida,
Paracalanus parvus, copepodites of calanoida, and
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Onychocamptus bengalensis along with nauplii and
The zooplankton of Muttukadu estuary was copepodites of harpacticoida were recorded
clumped into four major groups Copepods, frequently. The average copepod abundance was
Cladocera, Ostracods and Rotifers, the total of 46 also high (1,80,700 ind. /m3). The composition of
Table 1. List if Zooplankotons identified in the surface water samples of Muttukadu

backwater
Calanoida Cladoceran
Acartia discaudata Ceriodaphnia Cornuta
Acrocalanus Gibber Diaphanosoma sp
Acrocalanus gracilis Moina micrura
Diaptomus sp Podon sp
Metacalanus aurivili
Nannocalanus minor Rotifera
Paracalanus parvus Branchionus angularis
Pseudodiaptomus annandalei Branchionus bidentata
Pseudodiaptomus aurivili Branchionus calyciflorus
Pseudodiaptomus serricadatus Branchionus forficula
Scolecithnx danae Brachionus falcatus
Branchionus plicatilis
Cyclopoida Brachionus quadridentatus
Cyclopoida copepodite Branchionus rubens
Halicyclops sp Cephalodella forficula
Mesocyclops aspericornis
Mesocyclops hyalinus Ostracoda
Mesocyclops leuckartii Cypris subglobosa
Microcyclops minutes Stenocypris major
Microcyclops varicans
Oithona brevicornis Harpacticoida
Oithona linearis Euterpina acutifrons
Oithona rigida Longipedia weberi
Oithona similis Onychocamptus bengalensis
Oithona spinorostris
Oncaea venusta
Thermocyclops decipiens
Thermocyclops sp

Devi et al.,2012
cyclopoid ranged from 28% (Post monsoon 09) to depth of water, sedimentological aspects, organic
49% (Summer 2010). Calanoid were accounted matter and carbonate distribution. His observations
from 10 % (Summer and Premonsoon 09) to 33% revealed that the linear and multiple correlations
(Monsoon 08) and Harpacticoids were 11% resulted in depth favored the increased population
(Summer 2010) to 7% (Premonsoon,09 and Post of ostracods was reported by Reghunath et al.
monsoon ,09 &10) (Fig. 2A-C ). The copepods and (1999). Only Cypris subglobosa and Stenocypris
rotifers were more in abundance during the post major are contributed from ostracods during the
monsoon compared to the other seasons. The study period.
quantitative analysis of changes in zooplankton The composition of cladocera was ranged
abundance and community structure in the from 0% (Monsoon 08) to 7 % (Summer 2009) and
Bornholm bay, over a full seasonal cycle of it was completely absent in Dec 08, Jan, June, Oct,
cyclopoid copepod Oithona similis in the spatio Dec of 2009 and Jan, April, May of 2010. Moina
temporal pattern and suggested a possible decade- micrura, Diaphanosoma sp, ceriodaphnia cornuta
scale shift in zooplankton community was were recorded frequently during the study. The
investigated by Hansen et al. (2004). average number of cladocerans were recorded as
Ostracoda occupied third position of 33,200 ind. /m3 (Summer 09) to 7,600 ind. /m3
zooplankton and represented 2% (Pre monsoon, 09 (Post monsoon 09) (Fig. 2F & 3E). The
and Summer 10) and to 5% (Monsoon 08). The zooplankton of temperate bay and estuaries were
average abundance of the Ostracoda group was typically high in abundance and low in diversity
29,400 ind. /m3 in all the seasons (Fig. 2E & 3F). than zooplankton of adjacent neritic waters was
The distribution of ostracods was related to the suggested by Chandramohan et al. (1999). They
Fig. 2 (A-F) Percentage composition of Zooplankton

Devi et al.,2012
Fig. 3 (A-F): Abundance of Zooplankton in Muttukadu Backwater
further stated that bay fauna was typically 2009 and February 2010). The results indicate that
dominated by one or two ubiquitous species like the maximum number of species occurred at station
Acartia sp., Paracalanus sp., Oithona sp. and 3 that other stations (Fig. 4a&b).
Centropages sp.
From the study, the percentage CONCLUSION
composition and abundance of zooplankton group There is an increasing interest sparked in the
was classified in the order as follows: Rotifers < commercial culture of various marine fish species
Copepods < Ostracods < Cladocerans. Shannon that led to technological improvements in copepod
wiener index (H) was used to measure the culture aspects which leads to the thrust on the
zooplankton diversity. The Shannon diversity study of zooplankton diversity in the Muttukadu
indices applied to zooplankton abundance data. The backwater. It is highly influenced by human
zooplankton diversity at Muttukadu backwater activities and largely engaged with aquacultural
varied from 0.665 to 1.149. The minimum species farms.
diversity was observed at station two and maximum The present study will provide the needed
at station three. The monthly variation of information on species composition, distribution
zooplankton at Muttukadu backwater was recorded and diversity of zooplankton. This information
between 0.40 (May 2009) to 0.474 (September would be helpful in the ecological monitoring of

Devi et al.,2012
Fig. 4 (a&b) Shannon Wiener Indices for Zooplankton
Months Stations
this ecosystem in future.

Chitra. J, Ramanibai R. 2009. Intense bloom of a
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT seaweed Centroceras clavulatum (Ceramiaceae) in
We thank University Grant Commission the Muttukadu backwaters: a case study. Globec
(UGC), New Delhi for financial support in the form International News letter. Plymouth U.K. 8-9.
of Meritorious fellowship (NSB).
Chitra. J, Ramanibai R. 2008. Seasonal
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Nagapattinam, southeast coast of India. Journal of
Environmental Biology 30(6):1035-1046.
Pinel-Alloul B. 1995. Les invertebres predateurs

du zooplancton. In Pourriot R and Meybeck M
(eds), Limnologie Generale. Masson. Collection Submit your articles online at Ficuspublishers.com
dEcologie, Paris 541-564. Advantages
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Hussain SK. 1999. Distribution of ostracods in the

Variations in LC50 of some pesticides due to physico-chemical parameters and impact

of sevin on neurosecretory cells of a fresh water snail, Thiara lineate
Authors: ABSTRACT:
Ah i rrao K D 1 , K ed kar Aquatic contamination by pesticides is arising as a result of their extensive
GD2. use in agriculture and public health programmes. However, indiscriminate use of
these pesticides for crop protection causes much damage to the aquatic fauna. The
snail an aquatic fauna is economically important which serves as an intermediate host
of various trematod parasites, which causes severe diseases to human being as well as
domestic animals. The gastropod mollusc, Thiara lineata is a filter feeder at the
Institution: secondary level of fresh water ecosystem. Hence felt necessary to study alteration in
1. Department of the LC50 and neurosecretion. The acclimatized, healthy, active and approximately
Zoology, Rani same weight and sized mature adult and immature animals, groups of ten snails each
Laxmibai College,
were exposed (in Plastic troughs each containing 1 liter of water) to Organochlorine
Parola, Dist-Jalgaon.(MS)
(Endosulfan), Organophosphate (Nuvacron), synthetic pyrethroids (Cymbush) and
425111 India.
Carbamate (Sevin). The LC50 values for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours were calculated. The
2. Zoology Dept., physico-chemical parameters of water used for holding the animal had temperature
Dr. Babasaheb between 26-28 0C , pH 7.1 to 7.3, total hardness 140 to 150 ppm and oxygen content
Ambedkar Marathwada of 5.6 to 7 ml/lit. The physico-chemical factors affecting the LC50 like temperature, pH,
University, Salinity and Photoperiodism light and dark hours were studied. During the stress
Aurangabad. (MS) conditions neurosecretions are adversely affected . The snail are exposed to pre
India. determined sub-lethal concentration of sevin(0.913 ppm) for 1,7 and 14 days,
simultaneously controls were run. After exposure, It was found that the number of the
neurosecretory cells 'A' and 'B' has suddenly discharged neurosecretory material.
Neurosecretory material was found to be remaining accumulated in control snails.

Ah i rrao K i ran D. Thiara lineata, Sevin, Neurosecretion.
Emai l: Article Citation:

dr ki r a na hi r a o @ g ma i l . c o m Ahirrao KD, Kedkar GD.
Variations in LC50 of some pesticides due to physico-chemical parameters and impact
of sevin on neurosecretory cells of a fresh water snail, Thiara lineate.
Web Address: Dates:

http://jresearchbiology.com/ Received: 13 Nov 2011 /Accepted: 26 Nov 2011 /Published: 23 Jan 2012
Ficus Publishers.
cited.
050-056 | JRB | 2012 | Vol 2 | No 1

Ahirrao et al.,2012
INTRODUCTION physiological activities and

Many snails serve as an intermediate hosts (3) Effect of sevin on the neuroendocrine cells of
for a number of parasites causing several diseases brain
to man and live stocks while some snails and slugs
act as crop pests affecting agricultural, horticultural, MATERIALS AND METHODS
forest and garden plants. The snail, Thiara lineata The fresh water snail, Thiara lineata were
acts as an intermediate host for Schistosome collected from Bori river near Tamaswadi, Tal-
parasites. If the snails and slugs are to be directly Parola, Dist-Jalgaon, Maharashtra State, India.
controlled, it is essential to understand the ecology They were brought to the laboratory, cleaned to
and chemical control of slug and snails. Magare remove the fouling algal biomass and mud. and
and Kulkarni, (1995) studied the Seasonal LC50 were placed in well aerated fiber troughs containing
variations in Paratox exposed freshwater snail, sufficient water for five days for acclimatization.
Indoplanorbis exustus. Many workers have worked They were not starved at the time of
on snails like L. alte (Bodhankar, 1984), experimentation. The healthy, active,
Indoplanorbis exustus(Patil et.al,1991; Patil and approximately same sized and mature adult were
Mahale, 2010) Zootecus insularis(Chaudhari and exposed to pesticide to calculate LC50 values for
Kulkarni, 1993), Thiara lineata (Patil et. al., 1993; different pesticides viz. Organochlorine
and Chaudhari et. al.,1999 ) studied LC50 on the (Endosulfan), Organophosphate (Nuvacran),
molluscs. Synthetic Pyrethroid (Cymbush) and Carbamate
In gastropods, the nervous system is (Sevin). Values are estimated by the method of
constructed on the same general plan as in the other Probit Analysis (Finney, 1971). For age related
molluscs undergo. Most of the information is mortality experiments, the snails having length less
available on the nervous system of gastropods that than 20.00mm were considered to be immature and
to mostly of Pulmonates. The nervous system in the snails having length 22.00mm to 25.00mm or
Prosobaranchs have been studied by a few workers more were considered to be mature. Experiments
(Baker, 1925, Crofts 1929, Mortan 1956, and Van were carried out separately for immature and
der Schalie and Dundee, 1956) The most primitive mature snails.
type of nervous system in Prosobranchs is of The adult Snails were exposed to pre-
Haliotis, which has been described by Crofts(1929) determined sub-lethal concentration of Sevin for 1,
Though some extensive studies have been made on 7 and 14 days, simultaneously controls were run, to
the central nervous system of gastropods the study the neurosecretion. After exposure period,
endocrinological aspects are rather different in the the central nervous system was quickly and
three subclasses and above all the knowledge we carefully dissected out from the snail and was fixed
have of them is very scanty . in aqueous Boins fluid for 24 hours. It was then
The essential data concerning the dehydrated in alcohol by the different grades
neurosecretion of the Prosobranchs are found in a cleared in xylol and embedded in paraffin wax at 58
small number of publications. Many workers have -60 0C (Standard micro-technique) serial sections of
worked on the nervous system of these gastropod 5-6 u thickness were cut and subjected to "Mellory's
viz. Laevicaulis alte (Nagabhushanam and Triple Staining" (Mallory, 1944) techniques. The
Kulkarni, 1971), Melania scabra (Muley, 1974; physico-chemical parameters of the water were
Nagabhushanam and Muley, 1971), Viviparous studied by the method of APHA (1981). The
bengaiensis (Utkar, 1982), I. exustus (Shinde, observations were made under low and high power
1991) Cerastus mossonianus (Magare 1991; microscopic levels.
Magare and Kulkarni, 1995; Utkar and Kulkarni
2000). OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS
The present study was undertaken with the The physico-chemical characters of water
aim to extend our knowledge of neurosecretion in used for holding the gastropods had temperature
prosobanchs. The principle objective were to between 26-280C, pH 7.1 to 7.3, total hardness 140
investigate to 150 ppm and oxygen content of 5.6 to 7 ml/lit.
(1) The presence and distribution of neurosecretory The LC50 values of immature as well as
cells in the central nervous system of Thiara mature snails were calculated at 24, 48, 72 and 96
lineata, hours of exposures, to pesticides endosulfan,
(2) Neuroendocrine regulation of various nuvacran, cymbush and sevin. Summarized in
Ahirrao et al.,2012
Table 1. As far as age related mortality is staining peculiarities are characteristic features of
concerned immature snails were more resistant to neurosecretory cells (Scharrer and Scharrer, 1954)
pesticides as compared to mature snails. While and thus differentiate them from the normal neural
assessing the LC50 of pesticides for 24 hours cells.
affected by the temperature, pH, salinity and On the basis of their morphological features
photoperiod on snails, were recorded in the Table like shape, size, vacuolization, stainability etc., the
2. neurosecretory cells of T. lineata could be classified
Assessing the effect of temperature on the into two main types (1) A cells or Axonic cells
snails exposed to pesticides endosulfan, nuvacran, and (2) B cells or non-axonic cells.
cymbush and sevin for 24 hours it was seen that an These cells were observed in cerebral,
increase in temperature resulted in increasing the buccal, pleural, parietal, and visceral ganglia and
mortality rate in all above four pesticides. Similarly more generally arranged in periphery and at the
increase in pH and salinity, increased mortality of centre a lumen, neuropile. The extreme periphery
snails. and ganglia is supposed to be the neurohaemal
On evaluating the effects of photoperiod on region as being observed to be vacuolated. The
snails exposed to endosulfan, nuvacran, cymbush number, size and shape of these also may vary from
and sevin it was revealed that 8L : 16D caused ganglion. The characteristics of these cells are
maximum mortality followed by 12L : 12D. Thus given in the Table 3.
increasing dark period caused increased mortality. Cell type A:
However, 0L : 24D did not show mortality rate These cells are pyriform in shape and have
higher than 8L : 16D. This may be because snails long axons. The length of the cell body is ranging
remained active for only a limited period according from 9 to 16 in length. The nucleus is oval
to their circadian rhythm and even when darkness measuring about 3 to 6 in diameter and has one
was prevailing for 24 hours, they did not change large nucleolus. The nucleus may be either central
their rhythm beyond a certain limit. of eccentric in position. The size and the number
In order to investigate different type of cells are comparatively smaller than B cells. Generally
present within the central nervous system of snail, they lie towards the peripheral region of the
Thiara lineata the ganglionic ring was sectioned ganglia. The nucleus generally bears single
and stained with Mallorys triple staining technique. nucleolus. The cytoplasmic portion of the cell
The neurosecretory cells are quite distinct from the consists of a colloidal neurosecretory material
normal neural cells. There neurosecretory cells stained deep blue with Mallory triple staining and
bigger with conspicuous nuclei and large amount of contains few vacuolar spaces. The neurosecretory
cytoplasm. The perikarya and axonic A cells are materials are elaborated by these cells.
loaded with fine particles, stained distinctly. These
Table: 1 : Age related mortality of T. lineata exposed to pesticides:
Duration of LC 50 of Immature LC 50 ofMature
Name of the Pesticide
Exposure in hours Snails in ppm Snails in ppm
24 0.028 0.01182
Endosulphan 48 0.016 0.00360
(Organochlorine) 72 0.003 0.00134
96 0.002 0.000142
24 0.038 0.02880
Nuvacran 48 0.027 0.01480
(Organophosphate) 72 0.016 0.01112
96 0.013 0.008834
24 0.047 0.028113
Cymbush 48 0.032 0.02244
(Synthetic Pyrethroid) 72 0.028 0.02078
96 0.023 0.019615
24 41.37 30.6835
Sevin 48 21.47 8.4394
(Carbamate) 72 15.47 6.1688
96 09.02 4.5638

Ahirrao et al.,2012
Table : 2 :Effect of Physico-Chemical Parameters on the Percent morality of T. lineata exposed to LC50 dose of
pesticides for 24 hours.
Pesiticides used
Physico-Chemical
Parameters Endosulphan Nuvacron Sevin cymbush
25 50 50 50 50
Temperature 67.50 58 65.00 67.50
0 30
C
35 87.50 60.50 75.00 77.50
7.5 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00
pH 8 57.00 62.00 72.00 72.00
8.5 74.00 72.00 80.00 81.00
.03% 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00
Salinity .04% 65.50 67.50 71.50 66.00
.05% 80.50 81.50 78.00 74.00
0L-24D 55.00 53.00 55.00 56.00
Photoperiod 8L-16D 65.00 69.00 65.00 71.00
Li gh t /d ark 12L-12D 60.00 68.00 60.00 65.00
hours 16L-8D 51.50 51.50 52.00 50.00
24L-0D 37.50 39.00 35.00 38.00
Cell type B: compared to mature snails. This fact is mainly due

These cells are oval or round in shape to the absorptive sole surface (Godan, 1983),
measuring about 4 to 7.5 in diameter. The nuclei Similarly seasonal LC50 variations in Paratox
are round or oval measuring 1.5 to 3 in diameter exposed freshwater snail, Indoplanorbis exustus
and may be either at the centre or eccentric in (Magare, and Kulkarni, 1995). The present
position. These cells are characterized by the investigation reports that during LC50 exposure
intensive staining of the cytoplasmic granules. The several species of aquatic snails have been used as
granules are observed in clumps and stain faint red bioassay for a variety of toxic substances and a
with Mallorys triple stain. These cells are more broad range of sensitivity has been observed.
common as compared to cell type A and are Allison (1978) expressed in Current trends in
scattered in all the regions of the ganglia. Table 3 toxicological research that progress in toxicology
represents some distinct properties of all type A and has required the combined activity of chemists who
B cells. have purified and characterized toxic substance and
electro physiologists, molecular biologists, and
DISCUSSION other who have defined their precise mode of
The evaluation of age related mortality action.
revealed that the immature snails were more The factors affecting the toxicity of a
resistant to the action of pesticides used viz. particular pesticide are the animal weight
endosulphan, nuvacran, cymbush and sevin as (Pickering et al., 1962) its developmental stage
Table : 3: Morphological Characteristic of neurosecretory cell type A and B found in the cerebral ganglion of T. lineata
Characteristics/ Descriptions Cell type A Cell type B

Mostly along the peripheral Scattered in all the regions of the
Distribution
region, less in number ganglion abundant in number
Shape of the cell body Pyriform Oval
Largest diameter of the cell
16 u m 7.5 u m
body
Nucleus Lobed or rounded Rounded
Nature of secretary material Colloidal Granular in clusters
Vacuoles Absent Absent
Dark blue and red with Mallorys Blue black and faint red with Mallorys
Staining reaction of cytoplasm
triple stains. triple stains.
Ahirrao et al.,2012
(Kamal deep and Toor, 1977), times of exposure processes like reproduction and exposure of
and temperature (Macek et al., 1969), pH and animals to pesticides interfere with the normal
hardness of water (Handerson et al., 1960) Effect of functional process and ultimately create an
salinity (Nagabhushanam and Muley, 1976). imbalance in the normal system. Utkar (1982) has
It is a well known fact that the found the toxic effect of copper sulphate on the
neurosecretory cells control the physiological neurosecretion and has reported a decrease in all
Table : 4 : Variations in the number of stainable number cell and all nuclear area, depletion of
neurosecretory cells present in cerebral ganglion of neurosecretory cells of the freshwater snail,
T. lineata on exposure to Sevin. Viviparous bengalensis. He also reported that effect
of biogenic amines (reserpine and esperpine) on
Cells loaded with neurosecretory neurosecretory cells and observed that the size of
Exposure material (NSM)
both neurosecretory cells (A and B) was reduced.
period
Cell type A Cell type B Bodhankar (1984) observed that there was an
decrease in neurosecretory material in both A and B
Control 22 +2 56 +2 types of cells number of cell types and nuclear areas
1 Day 21 +1 49 + 3 of these cells of the slug, Laevicaulis alte on
exposure to five different molluscicides, viz.
7 Days 15 + 2 38 + 4 Malathion, hygro, Tiodon, Sevimol, and Copper
14 Days 12 + 4 34 + 8
A) Control B) 1 Day
C) 7 Days D) 14 Days
Fig: A, B, C, D: T. S. of Brain of Thiara lineata after exposure of Sevin on Neu rosec ret ory cel l s .

Ahirrao et al.,2012
sulphate. Bhatlawande (1989) has reported similar Handerson C, Deckring OH and Trazewell CM.
phenomenon in the snail, Cerastus moussonianus. 1960. Trans 2nd Seminar on Biol. Problems in
In the present investigation on exposure of Sevin it water poll. R.A. Tabt. Samit, Eng. Center 76.
was observed that there was an acute cellular
degeneration, vacuolization and pronounced *Kamaldeep K and Toor HS. 1977. Ind. J. Exp.
decrease in the cell number in cerebral ganglion of Biol., 15:193.
Thiara lineata. These results are in agreement with
the result of Reddy(1982), Utkar(1982), Bodhankar *Macek KJ, Hutchinson C and Cope OB. 1969.
(1984), Bhatlawande(1989). Bull. Enviorn. Contam. Toxicol., 4:174.
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Epidemiology of Entamoeba histolytica among children in Erbil

Province, Kurdistan Region-Iraq
Authors: ABSTRACT:
Narmin Rafik Hamad and
Isra Anmar Ramzy.
The current epidemiological study investigated the prevalence of Entamoeba
histolytica and its relation with residency, sexes, age, economical status, maternal
Institution: education and studied months, among 200 children, including 117 boys and 83 girls,
Biology Department,
aging less than 1-12 years, attending the pediatric hospital in Erbil/Kurdistan region-
Science College, Salahaddin
Iraq, between the beginning of November 2010 to the end of March 2011. The rate of
University, Kurdistan
Region-Iraq. infection was 30% (34.69% in urban and 25.49% in rural regions). The higher rates of
infection were among girls (33.73%), aged 4-6 years (52.38%), with moderate
economical status (34.54%), illiterate mothers (39.24%) and in February-2011
Corresponding author: (54.54%).
Narmin Rafik Hamad
Email: Keywords:
narmeen_rafik_hamad @yahoo.com Entamoeba histolytica, Children, Erbil-Iraq.

http://jresearchbiology.com/ Narmin Rafik Hamad and Isra Anmar Ramzy.
Documents/RA0126.pdf. Epidemiology of Entamoeba histolytica among children in Erbil Province, Kurdistan
Region-Iraq.
Dates:
Received: 02 Oct 2011 /Accepted: 09 Oct 2011 /Published: 25 Jan 2012
Ficus Publishers.
cited.
057-062 | JRB | 2012 | Vol 2 | No 1

Hamad and Ramzy, 2012
INTRODUCTION below 3 years of age and 39.7% were recorded for

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, E. histolytica. Out of 115 collected stool samples
occurs worldwide (Kreidl et al., 1999) D. F. Loch, from kindergartens children, the infection rate was
in Petersburg, Russia, first described this ameba in 1.7% for the studied parasite (Farag, 2000) In a
1875 (Roberts et al., 1996) Amebiasis is a parasitic survey, (Ahmed, 2006) revealed that 9.47% was the
infection caused by the protozoon Entamoeba infection rate for E. histolytica among rural primary
histolytica (Pritt et al., 2008) and it is one etiology schoolchildren from different regions in Erbil city,
of diarrheal disease. Diarrhea is a major contributor while (Hama, 2007) reported rate of infection
to childhood mortality and morbidity in the 2.33% among children aged 6-12 years old from
developing world and it is accounted for a median rural and urban primary schools.
of 21% of all deaths of children aged under 5 years Aims of the present study are to:
in these areas and countries (Kosek et al., 2003) 1. Investigate the prevalence of E. histolytica
Amebiasis is the third most common parasitic cause among children in Erbil governorate.
of death worldwide, surpassed only by malaria and 2. Study the relationship between the infection
schistosomiasis. On a global basis, amebiasis with E. histolytica and residency, sexes, age,
affects approximately 50 million persons each year, economical status and maternal educational
resulting in nearly 100,000 deaths. The prevalence level of the children and the seasons of the
of infection varies between 1% in industrialized studied years.
countries to between 50% and 80% in tropical 3. Our study, although a small one, in the field of
countries, where transmission of E. histolytica cysts observation of parasitic infestations, whether it
by untreated drinking water is common. Ingestion be rural or urban, may help others in the
of food and drink contaminated with E. histolytica prevention and control of intestinal parasitic
cysts from human faeces and direct faecal oral disease in children worldwide.
contact are the commonest means of infection
(Bruckner, 1992). MATERIALS AND METHODS
This parasite has two forms: a motile form, Time and location
called the trophozoite which inhabits the large The present study was achieved on 200
intestine of human, and a cyst form, responsible for children, including 117 boys and 83 girls, aging <1-
the person-to-person transmission of infection. The 12 years, and they were attended to the rapareen
cysts may remain viable for three months but may pediatric hospital in Erbil/Kurdistan region-Iraq,
be destroyed by iodination or hyperchlorination. between the beginning of November 2010 to the
The incubation period is usually two to four weeks end of march 2011, for detection of the trophozoites
but may be as long as months or years. About 10% and cysts of Entamoeba histolytica infection. The
of those infected have clinical symptoms. Most children and their parents were interviewed, then
(80% to 98%) present with amoebic colitis, with informative questionnaire form was organized for
bloody diarrhoea and abdominal pain, the each patient including data such as age, sex,
remaining 2% to 20% present with extra-intestinal residence (urban, rural), education level of the
disease, most commonly as liver abscess (Marshall household and the economical status of the
et al., 1997) The case fatality rates of E. histolytica families.
liver abscess are estimated to be between 0.2% to Collection of stool samples
2% in adults and up to 26% in children. The stool samples were collected in sterile
Metronidazole is the drug of choice for treatment of containers labeled with names of the patients and
liver abscess and intestinal disease (Kreidl et al., brought to the laboratory for macroscopic and
1999). microscopic examinations.
There were many studies carried out in Erbil Laboratory methods
-Iraqi Kurdistan to investigate the intestinal The stool samples were examined with the
parasites in children, among them: a study naked eye for appearance, color, and the presence
performed by (Molan et al., 1989) and 18.6% for of blood. They were then examined microscopically
infection by E. histolytica was recorded among by direct method for presence of Entamoeba
fecal samples of school children aged 6-13 years histolytica trophozoite and cystic stages.
old of both sexes. While (Salih, 1991) reported the Direct stool examination
infection rate 3.6% for E. histolytica. (Abdullah et The fresh stool samples were examined
al., 1999) collected 249 stool samples from children under the microscope using the saline solution by
adding a small quantity of the selected fresh stool to many interacted factors like sanitary service, low
one or two drops of normal saline (0.9% NaCl) on education of mothers, improper water supply
the slide with an applicator stick and covered with a because E. histolytica can be transmitted orally by
cover slip Faust et al., (1978). drinking water and it is one of the environmental
contaminants of the water supply (Omar et al.,
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 1995) also absence of regular hygiene toilets, and
Epidemiological study malnutrition which significantly increases
Out of 200 examined stool samples of the susceptibility to Entamoeba histolytica in children
children, 98 cases were from urban and 102 from (Duggal et al., 2011) In addition to environmental,
rural areas, only 60 cases were positive for social and economic factors are also playing a role
Entamoeba histolytica (34 in urban and 26 in rural in this matter (Al-Shammari et al., 2001).
habitants), the total rate of infection was 30% Sexes
(34.69% in urban and 25.49% in rural regions) as Table (2) shows that higher infection rates
shown in (Table 1). were recorded among girls than boys (33.73% and
Table 1: Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica
27.35%). The present results are similar to a study
according to the residency of the patients performed in Saudi Arabia (Al-Shammari et al.,
2001) These results may be because this group of
Residency No. Examined No. +ve % children is more involved in out and indoor
Urban 98 34 34.69 activities which might lead to Entamoeba
Rural 102 26 25.49 transmission.
Total 200 60 30
Table 2: Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica
according to the sexes of the patients
The infection rate, in the present study, is
Sex No. Examined No. +ve %
much higher than those reported by some other
studies in Iraq and Erbil. In Kirkuk, the infection Male 117 32 27.35
rate of E. histolytica among primary schoolchildren Female 83 28 33.73
was 8.45% Al-Shirifi HMH, (2000) in Mosul, Al- Total 200 60 30
Abbadie, (2001) recorded 11.07% among primary
school and kindergartens children, in Sulaimani Age groups
district Raza HH et al., (2009) reported 4% among Regarding the results of E. histolytica
pre-school children. While in Erbil, 2.33% and infection among different age groups, Table (3)
6.4% were recorded by Hama, (2007) and Faraj AM shows that the children less than 1 year old group
et al., (2007) respectively. The present result (30%) had a lower rate of infection (19%), and it is
was lower than that of (Kasssem et al., 2007) in consistent with the study conducted in Saudi Arabia
Libya (36.57%). (Al-Shammari et al., 2001) This finding perhaps
The findings of this study, including the because parents are responsible for their hygiene
higher infection rate of E. histolytica among (Al-Saeed et al., 2006) although not statistically
children in the urban areas in comparison with that significant, the incidence rates of E. histolytica
of rural regions 34.69% and 25.49%, are in infection were higher in children who were breast-
agreement with the study of (Al-Shammari et al., fed less than 12 months (Haque et al., 2003) The
2001) who detected higher rates of infection in infection rate was highest in the illiterate age group
urban than rural areas, but disagreed with the (4-6 years) and in the group with educational level
situation recorded by (Rayan et al., 2010) who of primary school (10-12 years) (52.38% and 50%
reported that significant differences were noted Table 3: Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica
between rural and urban children for E. histolytica according to the age groups of the patients
(4.2% vs. 0%), while (Raza HH et al., 2009)
Age (years) No. Examined No. +ve %
documented that for E. histolytica, the rates were
close to each other in both sexes. The present result <-1 121 23 19.00
is possibly caused by the greater number of 1-3 45 20 44.44
villagers (majority resides in urban area) in our 4-6 21 11 52.38
study population. 7-9 11 5 45.45
10-12 2 1 50
In general, this variations may be due to
Total 200 60 30

respectively), which may be attributed to defecation Table 5: Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica according
practices because these groups of children are fully to the maternal education status of the patients
independent in toilet use and are more involved in Maternal
both outdoor activities and feeding. In addition to No. Examined No. +ve %
Level
their poor level of education, the prevalence of E.
Illiterate 79 31 39.24
histolytica was found to increase with age (Omar et
School 111 28 25.22
al., 1991) Table 3: Prevalence of Entamoeba University 10 1 10
histolytica according to the age groups of the
patients Total 200 60 30
Economical status
The patients were evaluated according to their Studied months
socio-economic criteria (Table 4); most of the cases The distribution of E. histolytica according
(34.54%) were from moderately developed regions to the months of the year is shown in Table (6).
where there is no proper sewage system present. A Although no samples were collected in the summer
study (Nematian et al., 2004) showed that a higher months, the rate of E. histolytica infection as a
family income was related to a lower prevalence of proportion of the number of stools examined was
parasitic infection in the children. Both studies lowest in November-2010 (8.53%). Fewer samples
(Jarabo et al., 1995) and (Gunduzi et al., 2005) were collected in the colder months but the highest
demonstrated that intestinal parasites are more infection rate of samples was in February-2011
prevalent in school-age children, probably due to (54.54%) followed by March (52%), January
the moderate to low socio-economic level and these (27.58%) and December (16.66%). The cysts of E.
infections deteriorate the psychological and histolytica are rapidly killed by temperatures below
physical development of the children. 5 C and above 40 C Roberts et al., (1996) In Erbil
Table 4: Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica according city the temperature in winter is 0 C or less than 5
to the Economical status of 200 children patients C. Other behavioral factors could be involved, for
example, the consumption of drinks with ice, ice
Economic cream and raw fruits in ice are associated with E.
No. Examined No. +ve %
Status
histolytica infection (De Lalla et al., 1992).
Bad 25 6 24
Medium 110 38 34.54 Table 6: Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica according
Good 65 16 24.61 to the studied months.
Total 200 60 30 Months No. Examined No. +ve %
Maternal education November 82 7 8.53

Table (5) clarifies the prevalence of E. December 6 1 16.66
histolytica infection according to the maternal January 29 8 27.58
educational status of the children and the higher February 33 18 54.54
infection rates were among illiterate mothers March 50 26 52
(39.24%) and who had school education (25.22%)
compare to (10%) with college education. This Total 200 60 30
finding is in agreement with findings of studies in
other developing nations. For example, (Curtale et According to this study, it is concluded that
al., 1998) found that the knowledge, perception, infection with Entamoeba histolytica parasites are
and behavior of mothers were helpful in designing frequent in children in Erbil-Iraq. Therefore,
and implementing an effective community based a. A periodic survey and treatment of this infected
intestinal parasites control program in Egypt. age group is useful.
(Wamani et al., 2004) found that the mother's b. Improvements in the environmental and
education was the best predictor of health and personal health through public education
nutrition inequalities among children in rural campaigns, improved sanitation facilities,
Uganda. Finally, (Nematian et al., 2004) showed proper waste and wastewater disposal, control
that the better the educational level of the mothers, of drinking-water and food safety are highly
the lower the parasitic infection rate in children in recommended in Erbil city.
Iran. c. Patients with intestinal parasitosis become an
infection focus for the community. If left Northern Iraq. J. Dohuk Univ., 3(1):7-12.
untreated, serious complications and even death
may occur due to parasitic infections. Ahmed QMK. 2006. Prevalence of intestinal
Therefore, public health care employee as well parasites among food handlers and primary school
as the officers of municipality and government children in Erbil province, with initial cultivation of
should cooperate to improve the survival Entamoeba histolytica Schaudinn, 1903. M.Sc.
conditions, and also people should be Thesis, Science College, Salahaddin University.
informed about the signs, symptoms and
prevention methods of the parasitic diseases. Hama AA. 2007. Intestinal parasites in relation to
d. In addition, breastfeeding seems to have a malnutrition among primary schoolchildren in Erbil
strong impact on early childhood development province, with evaluation of some anti-parasitic
as well as protection against disease. drugs. M.Sc. Thesis, Science College, Salahaddin
University.
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Ambient concentration of suspended particulate matter and manganese in

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001-006 | JRB | 2012 | Vol 2 | No 1

INTRODUCTION The main objective of this work is to

water. Table 2 Monitored Pollutants and the methodologies

Journal of Research in Biology (2012) 1: 001-006 003

Table 3. Manganese concentration (g/m3)

Table 4. SPM Concentration (g/m3)

004 Journal of Research in Biology (2012) 1: 001-006

Table : 5 Percentage of Manganese concentration in the collected SPM

desirable air quality. The air quality status of traffic

Journal of Research in Biology (2012) 1: 001-006 005

Table : 7 Air Quality Monitoring results for different locations

(0.004%). Naik S and Purohit DM. 1998. Status of ambient

006 Journal of Research in Biology (2012) 1: 001-006

Bio monitoring of air pollution around urban and industrial sites

Phone No: Keywords:

Web Address: Article Citation:

007-014 | JRB | 2012 | Vol 2 | No 1

INTRODUCTION toxic substances into the ground water reservoir at a

Air Pollution Index (API) Estimation of Chlorophyll and Carotenoid

Journal of Research in Biology (2012) 1: 007-014 009

Table 2 . Rating Scale for indices (reference)

Table 3: Biochemical Indicators of different species at different bioindicator stations

distilled water. The sample was read in the uv

Ascorbic acid is a reducing agent it is

The contents were transferred to a 100 ml 30

completed. This volume of solution was made up

with 4% oxalic acid. Titrated against 0.02% dye

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

analyzed for chlorophyll, carotenoid, ascorbic acid,

protein and soluble sugars. All the biochemical

The total chlorophyll content of Azadiracta

indica at the control site is 0.85 mg/g . It exhibited

Journal of Research in Biology (2012) 1: 007-014 011

Calotrophis are 48.96 mg/g, 25.36 mg/g and 56.60 mg/g

-50 concentrations do not allow direct conclusions to be

Journal of Research in Biology (2012) 1: 007-014 013

Lowry OH, Rosebrough NJ, Farr AL and

Pierre M and Queiroz Q. 1981. Enzymic and

Posthumus AC. 1984. Monitoring levels and

Posthumus AC. 1985. Plants as a bio indicator for

014 Journal of Research in Biology (2012) 1: 007-014

Back-calculate length-at-age estimates of Capoeta capoeta gracilis in dough

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015-018 | JRB | 2012 | Vol 1 | No 1

INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHOD

016 Journal of Research in Biology (2012) 1: 015-018

Table 1. Back calculation of total length of Capoeta capoeta gracilis

DISCUSSION growth history and the length of age groups which

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018 Journal of Research in Biology (2012) 1: 015-018

Comparison relative of abundance of Capoeta capoeta gracilis in five

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019-022 | JRB | 2012 | Vol 2 | No 1

INTRODUCTION parity, females dominated. The ratio of male to

020 Journal of Research in Biology (2012) 1: 019-022

environmental factors. Increased female relative Samaee SM, Majazi-Amiri B, Hosseini-Mazinani

Journal of Research in Biology (2012) 1: 019-022 021

Turkmen M, Erdoan O, Yildirim A and

Patimar R, Ownagh E, Jafari N and Hosseini M.