Journal of Research in Biology Volume 3 Issue 7 by Journal of Research in Biology

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CHANDRAMOHAN [Biochemist] College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University.

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B.C. Behera [Natural product and their Bioprospecting] Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, INDIA.

Dr. Erkan Kalipci [Environmental Engineering] Selcuk University, Turkey.

Kuvalekar Aniket Arun [Biotechnology] Lecturer, Pune.

Dr Gajendra Pandurang Jagtap [Plant Pathology] College of Agriculture, India.

Mohd. Kamil Usmani [Entomology, Insect taxonomy] Aligarh Muslim university, Aligarh, india.

Dr. Arun M. Chilke [Biochemistry, Enzymology, Histochemistry] Shree Shivaji Arts, Commerce & Science College, India.

Dr. Lachhman Das Singla [Veterinary Parasitology] Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, India.

Dr. AC. Tangavelou [Biodiversity, Plant Taxonomy] Bio-Science Research Foundation, India.

Vaclav Vetvicka [Immunomodulators and Breast Cancer] University of Louisville, Kentucky.

Nasroallah Moradi Kor [Animal Science] Razi University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran

José F. González-Maya [Conservation Biology] Laboratorio de ecología y conservación de fauna Silvestre, Instituto de Ecología, UNAM, México.

T. Badal Singh [plant tissue culture] Panjab University, India

Dr. Kalyan Chakraborti [Agriculture, Pomology, horticulture] AICRP on Sub-Tropical Fruits, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India. Dr. Monanjali Bandyopadhyay [Farmlore, Traditional and indigenous practices, Ethno botany] V. C., Vidyasagar University, Midnapore. M.Sugumaran [Phytochemistry] Adhiparasakthi College of Pharmacy, Melmaruvathur, Kancheepuram District. Prashanth N S [Public health, Medicine] Institute of Public Health, Bangalore. Tariq Aftab Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India. Manzoor Ahmad Shah Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India. Syampungani Stephen School of Natural Resources, Copperbelt University, Kitwe, Zambia. Iheanyi Omezuruike OKONKO Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria. Sharangouda Patil Toxicology Laboratory, Bioenergetics & Environmental Sciences Division, National Institue of Animal Nutrition and Physiology (NIANP, ICAR), Adugodi, Bangalore. Jayapal Nandyal, Kurnool, Andrapradesh, India. T.S. Pathan [Aquatic toxicology and Fish biology] Department of Zoology, Kalikadevi Senior College, Shirur, India. Aparna Sarkar [Physiology and biochemistry] Amity Institute of Physiotherapy, Amity campus, Noida, INDIA. Dr. Amit Bandyopadhyay [Sports & Exercise Physiology] Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, INDIA . Maruthi [Plant Biotechnology] Dept of Biotechnology, SDM College (Autonomous), Ujire Dakshina Kannada, India.

Dr. Satish Ambadas Bhalerao [Environmental Botany] Wilson College, Mumbai Rafael Gomez Kosky [Plant Biotechnology] Instituto de Biotecnología de las Plantas, Universidad Central de Las Villas Eudriano Costa [Aquatic Bioecology] IOUSP - Instituto Oceanográfico da Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil M. Bubesh Guptha [Wildlife Biologist] Wildlife Management Circle (WLMC), India Rajib Roychowdhury [Plant science] Centre for biotechnology visva-bharati, India. Dr. S.M.Gopinath [Environmental Biotechnology] Acharya Institute of Technology, Bangalore. Dr. U.S. Mahadeva Rao [Bio Chemistry] Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia. Hérida Regina Nunes Salgado [Pharmacist] Unesp - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Brazil Mandava Venkata Basaveswara Rao [Chemistry] Krishna University, India. Dr. Mostafa Mohamed Rady [Agricultural Sciences] Fayoum University, Egypt. Dr. Hazim Jabbar Shah Ali [Poultry Science] College of Agriculture, University of Baghdad , Iraq. Danial Kahrizi [Plant Biotechnology, Plant Breeding,Genetics] Agronomy and Plant Breeding Dept., Razi University, Iran Dr. Houhun LI [Systematics of Microlepidoptera, Zoogeography, Coevolution, Forest protection] College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, China. María de la Concepción García Aguilar [Biology] Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada, B. C., Mexico Fernando Reboredo [Archaeobotany, Forestry, Ecophysiology] New University of Lisbon, Caparica, Portugal Dr. Pritam Chattopadhyay [Agricultural Biotech, Food Biotech, Plant Biotech] Visva-Bharati (a Central University), India

Veeranna [Biotechnology] Dept of Biotechnology, SDM College (Autonomous), Ujire Dakshina Kannada, India.

Dr. Preetham Elumalai [Biochemistry and Immunology] Institute for Immunology Uniklinikum, Regensburg, Germany

RAVI [Biotechnology & Bioinformatics] Department of Botany, Government Arts College, Coimbatore, India.

Dr. Mrs. Sreeja Lakshmi PV [Biochemistry and Cell Biology] University of Regensburg, Germany

Sadanand Mallappa Yamakanamardi [Zoology] Department of Zoology, University of Mysore, Mysore, India.

Dr. Alma Rus [Experimental Biology] University of jaén, Spain.

Anoop Das [Ornithologist] Research Department of Zoology, MES Mampad College, Kerala, India.

Dr. Milan S. Stanković [Biology, Plant Science] University of Kragujevac, Serbia. Dr. Manoranjan chakraborty [Mycology and plant pathology] Bishnupur ramananda college, India.

Table of Contents (Volume 3 - Issue 7) Serial No

Accession No

RA0387

Title of the article

Population density of Indian giant squirrel Ratufa indica centralis (Ryley,

Page No

1086-1092

1913) in Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India. Raju Lal Gurjar, Amol S. Kumbhar, Jyotirmay Jena, Jaya Kumar Yogesh, Chittaranjan Dave, Ramesh Pratap Singh and Ashok Mishra.

RA0376

Puntius viridis (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae), a new fish species from

1093-1104

Kerala, India. Mathews Plamoottil and Nelson P. Abraham.

RA0377

A new species of Agathoxylon Hartig from the Sriperumbudur

1105-1110

formation, Tamil Nadu, India. Kumarasamy D.

RA0420

An assessment of bioactive compounds and antioxidants in some

1182-1194

tropical legumes, seeds, fruits and spices. Dilworth LL, Brown KJ, Wright RJ, Oliver MS and Asemota HN.

RA0411

Characterization of silica nanoporous structures of freshwater diatom

1195-1200

frustules. Dharitri Borgohain and Bhaben Tanti.

RA0413

Saprobic status and Bioindicators of the river Sutlej. Sharma C and Uday Bhan Singh.

1201-1208

Journal of Research in Biology

An International Scientific Research Journal

Original Research

Journal of Research in Biology

Population density of Indian giant squirrel Ratufa indica centralis (Ryley, 1913) in Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India Authors: Raju Lal Gurjar1, Amol .S. Kumbhar1*, Jyotirmay Jena1, Jaya Kumar Yogesh1, Chittaranjan Dave1, Ramesh Pratap Singh2, Ashok Mishra2. Institution: 1. WWF - India, Nisha Building, Near Forest Barrier, Katra, Mandla, Madhya Pradesh, India. 2. Field Director Office, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh, India.

ABSTRACT:

Information on population and distributional status of Indian giant squirrel Ratufa indica centralis is poorly known from central Indian hills. The species is endemic to India and widely distributed in Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats and Central India. In this study using line transect distance sampling we estimated population density of giant squirrel in Satpura Tiger Reserve (STR), which is a major biosphere reserve in central India that harbors wide variety of rare endemic and endangered species. Density estimate with total effort of 276km line transect shows 5.5 (Âą 0.82) squirrels/Km2. This study provides first baseline information on ecological density estimate of Ratufa indica centralis in central Indian landscape. Reduction of anthropogenic pressure should be the first priority for park managers in Satpura Tiger reserve.

Corresponding author: Amol S. Kumbhar

Keywords: Central Indian landscape, Distance sampling, density estimation, Ratufa indica centralis.

Email Id:

Article Citation: Raju Lal Gurjar, Amol S. Kumbhar, Jyotirmay Jena, Jaya Kumar Yogesh, Chittaranjan Dave, Ramesh Pratap Singh and Ashok Mishra. Population density of Indian giant squirrel Ratufa indica centralis (Ryley, 1913) in Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India. Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1086-1092

Web Address: http://jresearchbiology.com/ documents/RA0387.pdf.

Journal of Research in Biology An International Scientific Research Journal

Dates: Received: 08 Oct 2013

Accepted: 08 Nov 2013

Published: 25 Nov 2013

This article is governed by the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by/2.0), which gives permission for unrestricted use, non-commercial, distribution and reproduction in all medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

1086-1092| JRB | 2013 | Vol 3 | No 7

www.jresearchbiology.com

Gurjar et al., 2013 INTRODUCTION

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Habitat fragmentation is cited one of the major

Study area

reason for the decrease in abundance of arboreal

The Satpura Tiger Reserve (22°19’ - 22° 30’N

mammals and isolation of many species into small

and 77° 56’ - 78° 20’E) covers an area of 1427.87 km2

population (Umapathy and Kumar, 2000). Indian Giant

(Figure 1) in south east border of Madhya Pradesh state,

Squirrel Ratufa indica centralis is a maroon and buff

it extends from east to west in the southern part of the

colour and is endemic to India with four sub-species. The

district Hoshangabad in Satpura ranges of Central Indian

conservation status of Indian giant squirrel (IGS) is the

landscape. The forest types of satpura tiger reserve

“least concern” category of IUCN, Appendix II of

consist of southern moist mixed deciduous forest,

CITES and Schedule II (part II) of Indian Wildlife

southern dry mixed deciduous forest and dry peninsulas

(Protection) Act 1972 (Molur et al., 2005). Giant

Sal forest (Champion and Seth, 1968). The terrain of

squirrels occur across a wide range of natural forests.

park is hilly and highly undulating, with dominated tree

They have been reported from moist deciduous, dry

species such as Tectona grandis, Shorea robusta,

deciduous and riparian forests (Datta and Goyal, 1996;

Buchanania latifolia,

Baskaran

Jathanna

officinalis, Madhuca indica and Rauwolfia serpentina.

et al., 2008; Srinivas et al., 2008), old mature teak forests

The faunal diversity comprises of major carnivore such

(Ramachandran, 1988) and teak-mixed forests (Kumara

as Tiger (Panthera tigris), Leopard (Panthera pardus),

and Singh, 2006). Habitat fragmentation is one of the

Dhole (Cuon alpines) and other small carnivores

major threats which influence giant squirrel population

including

due to its arboreal nature. Throughout India several

(Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) as well as ungulates such

investigators already studied on population status of

as Spotted deer (Axis axis), Sambar (Cervus unicolor),

Malabar giant squirrel in Western Ghats (Baskaran et al.,

Wild boar (Sus scrofa), Barking deer (Muntiacus

2011; Ramachandran, 1988; Ganesh and Davidar, 1999;

muntjak), Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) and

Madhusudan and Karanth, 2002; Kumara and Singh,

Common langur (Semnopithecus entellus). In satpura

2006; Jathanna et al., 2008; Ramesh et al., 2009;

birds of prey like crested hawk eagle, black eagle and

Umapathy and Kumar, 2000). In central India though

crested serpent eagle were major predators of Ratufa

there are studies available on ecobiology of Ratufa

indica centralis (Datta, 1999; Kumbhar et al., 2012).

indica centralis (Datta, 1993, 1998, 1999; Datta and

Also Mehta (1997) reported leopard attempted to prey on

Goyal, 1996; Kanoje, 2008; Kumbhar et al., 2012;

giant squirrel.

Pradhan et al., 2012; Rout and Swain, 2006) but there is

Sampling

al.,

2011;

Kanoje,

2008;

no study available on status and population density of this species from central Indian landscape.

Jungle

Line

cat

transect

Terminalia arjuna,

(Felis

chaus),

methodology

Emblica

Palm

was

civet

adopted

(Buckland et al., 2001; Jathanna et al., 2008) and

In the current study we tried to estimate

distance sampling methodology was used to estimate

population densities of Ratufa indica centralis by line

population density of giant squirrel in our study area.

transect distance sampling (Jathanna et al., 2008) in

Field sampling was carried out in the months of

Satpura Tiger Reserve of central India. It believes that

December to February 2011 – 2012. Dur-ing this period

this kind of effort will help forest department to take

39 permanent transects were established in different

better management and conservation strategies.

habitat types including riparian patches. Each transect was surveyed thrice by well trained observer be-tween

1087

Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1086-1092

Gurjar et al., 2013

Figure 1: Location of Satpura Tiger Reserve in India. 0600–0900 hr. Each transects differed in length, the

total efforts of 276km. Analysis were done by fitting

average transect length was 2km to 4km. Every time the

different detection functions to the observed data for the

species was detected group size, sighting distance and

estimation of density. Based on minimum AIC value

angle of sighting were recorded. Sighting distances were

(94.9), half – normal with cosine proved to be the best fit

measured using lesser rangefinder and the angle of

for giant squirrel data. As giant squirrel is a arboreal

sighting was recorded using a liquid filled compass. The

species its visibility is very high when we compare it

field protocols were followed described in Jhala et al.,

with other terrestrial animals so detection in uniform

(2009). The density of Indian giant squirrel (IGS) was

manner is normal, AIC value also supports the model

calculated using DISTANCE program version 6.0 (Laake

selection. The encounter rate was 0.12 ± 0.06/km

et al., 1994). The best model was selected on the basis of

walked, IGS known to be a solitary animal, maximum

the lowest Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) (Burnham

two individuals were recorded in a group and mean

et al., 1980; Buckland et al., 1993).

group size was calculated as 1.2 ± 0.6 in Satpura Tiger Reserve.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Studies conducted elsewhere on Indian Giant

A total of 35 Giant squirrel sights comprising

Squirrel (IGS) have shown different estimates of

42 individuals were recorded during the study period in

population density (Table. 2). The variation in different

Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1086-1092

1088

Detection Probability

Gurjar et al., 2013

Perpendicular distance in meters Figure 2: Result of model fitted in the DISTANCE to estimate detection probability and effective strip width of giant squirrel in Satpura Tiger Reserve. estimates in different studies could be due to the different

nesting (Kumbhar et al., 2012). Maximum IGS sightings

habitat types in the different study areas; also seasonal

were recorded in riparian patches of churna, moist and

annual variation and observer differences put limits of

dry deciduous forest of watch tower and semi-evergreen

comparison. The present study is the first attempt to

forest of Nimghan to pachmarhi. A viable population is

provide baseline information on ecological density status

one that maintains its genetic vigor and potential for

of Indian giant squirrel in Central Indian landscape

evolutionary adaptation (Kumar et al., 2007), therefore

(Table. 1). IGS distribution in STR was observed in

continuous monitoring of the population status of this

Terminalia arjuna, Madhuca longifolia and Tectona

lesser-known mammal in central India should be given

grandis. These trees are mostly used for feeding and

high

conservation

priority.

Excessive

amount

Table 1: Population density and average group size of Indian Giant Squirrel (density /Km2) estimated in Satpura Tiger Reserve. Parameter

Point Estimate Standard Error

Percentage Coefficient of variation

95% Confidence Interval

4.786

0.66

13.83

3.62

6.31

E(S)

1.169

0.59

5.05

1.05

1.29

5.595

0.82

14.73

4.17

7.49

6.000

0.88

14.73

4.00

7.00

Note: DS- estimate average group size; E(S) – estimate expected value of cluster size; D – estimate of density of animal; N – estimate no. of animals in specified area; Chi-square value P – 0.969. 1089

Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1086-1092

Gurjar et al., 2013 Table 2: Density of Indian Giant Squirrel (individual/Km2) from other part of India. Study site

Density of IGS /Sqkm

Anamalai Hills

11.4 - 64

Kudremukh NP

0.25

Bandipur TR

2.36

Nalkeri

4.55

Sunkadakatte

4.86

Muthodi

10.19

Lakkavalli

12.25

Authors Umapathy and Kumar 2000 Madhusudan and Karanth 2002

Jathanna et al., 2008

2.9

Baskaran et al., 2011

1.6

Ramesh et al.,2009

Kalakad-Mudanthurai TR

1.7

Ramesh et al., 2012

Kakachi

1.42

Ganesh and Davidar 1999

12.4

Borges et al.,1999

15.89

Mehta et al.,2012

Madumalai TR

Bhimashankar W Sanctuary

poaching pressure and habitat fragmentation has been

Madhya Pradesh for give permission to conduct

reported in Orissa (Pradhan et al., 2012) which can leads

phase-IV monitoring of predators and their prey in

to population decline. We hope this baseline study will

Satpura Tiger Reserve. We would like to acknowledge

encourage long-term study, which includes on nesting

frontline staff of Satpura tiger reserve, Ratnesh and

breeding habits and resource availability of IGS

Kamal Thakur for their extensive help in field work.

populations in Central Indian Forest. Further research study about population status for this species and

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1092

Journal of Research in Biology

ISSN No:

An International Scientific Research Journal

Print: 2231 –6280; Online: 2231- 6299.

Original Research

Puntius viridis (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae),

Journal of Research in Biology

a new fish species from Kerala, India Authors: Mathews Plamoottil and Nelson P. Abraham.

ABSTRACT:

Corresponding author: Mathews Plamoottil.

http://zoobank.org / urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F091CFE1-4510-419E-89B4-EBE147BFD9D6 http://zoobank.org / urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:7569C0D4-1236-473F-AE67-541C6A4C9A10

Email Id:

Article Citation: Mathews Plamoottil and Nelson P. Abraham. Puntius viridis (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae), a new fish species from Kerala, India. Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1093-1104

Taxonomic analysis of eight specimens of a cyprinid fish collected from Manimala River, Kerala, India revealed that they present several morphological differences from their congeners. The new species, Puntius viridis, is diagnosed by a combination of the following characters: eyes clearly visible from below ventral side; Institution: head depth lesser; one row of prominent elongated black spots on the middle of 1. Government College, Chavara, Kollam Dt, Kerala. dorsal fin; a black band formed of dark spots present outer to operculum. 25-26 lateral line scales; 4½- 5½ scales between lateral line and dorsal fin; moderate scales Pin code: 691583. on the breast region 2. St.Thomas College, Kozhencherry, Kerala. Keywords: Fish, New species, Puntius parrah, Manimala River, Kallumkal.

Web Address:

http://jresearchbiology.com/ documents/RA0376.pdf.

Journal of Research in Biology An International Scientific Research Journal

Dates: Received: 14 Aug 2013

Accepted: 02 Dec 2013

Published: 18 Jan 2014

1093-1104| JRB | 2013 | Vol 3 | No 7

www.jresearchbiology.com

Plamoottil and Abraham, 2013 INTRODUCTION

practices. In the table values of holotype as percentages

The tropical Asian cyprinid genus Puntius

are given first, then ranges (holotype + paratypes) as

contains 120 valid species (Pethiyagoda et al., 2012).

percentages followed by their mean values. Body depth

The genus as currently known (Pethiyagoda et al., 2012)

and body width were measured both at dorsal-fin origin

is characterized by the absence of rostral barbels, last

and anus, vertically from dorsal-fin origin to belly, and

unbranched dorsal fin ray smooth, dorsal fin with 3-4

from anus to dorsum, respectively.

unbranched and eight branched rays, anal fin with three

Abbreviations

unbranched and five branched rays, lateral line complete

ZSI/WGRC/IR-Identified Register, Zoological

with 22- 28 pored scales, presence of free uroneural,

Survey of India, Western Ghats Regional Centre,

simple and acuminate gill rakers and presence of a post-

Kozhikode;

epiphysial fontanelle.

Southern Regional Centre, Chennai; ZSI- Zoological

ZSI/SRC-Zoological

Survey of India,

Jayaram (1991) revised the fishes of the genus

Survey of India, Kolkata; UOK/AQB- University of

Puntius from the Indian region. He classified different

Kerala, Department of Aquatic Biology, Kariavattom,

species of Puntius into 10 groups with 14 complexes.

Thiruvananthapuram;

But it is now understood that five lineages are present

Research Group, St. Albertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College, Kochi; STC/DOZ-

within South Asian genus Puntius, which are recognized

St. Thomas College, Kozhencherry, Department of

as distinct genera namely Puntius, Systomus, Dawkinsia,

Zoology; BDD- Body Depth at Dorsal origin; BDA-

Haludaria and Pethia.( (Pethiyagoda et al., 2012;

Body Depth at Anal origin; BWD- Body Width at Dorsal

Pethiyagoda, 2013); of these Puntius and Dawkinsia are

origin; BWA- Body Width at Anal origin; PROD-Pre

the common cyprinid fishes of the country. In Kerala

Occipital Distance; D-OD- Distance from Occiput to

different species of Puntius preponderate in number than

Dorsal fin origin; LCP- Length of Caudal Peduncle; DCP

any other scaled fresh water fishes.

- Depth of Caudal Peduncle; DP-PL- Distance from

CRG-SAC-

Conservation

Since the presently described specimens from

Pectoral fin to Pelvic fin; DPL-A- Distance from Pelvic

Manimala River did not have rostral barbels, possession

fin to Anal fin; DA-C- Distance from Anal fin to Caudal

of smooth last unbranched dorsal ray and was similar in

fin; DAV- Distance from Anal to Vent; DVV- Distance

morphology to the genus Puntius (sensu stricto), the

from Ventral to Vent; LMB- Length of Maxillary

authors compared the specimens with comparative

Barbels; LLS- Lateral Line Scales; PDS- Pre Dorsal

materials of the currently known species in that genus

Scales; PRPLS- Pre Pelvic Scales; PRAS- Pre Anal

and found that the new species differs in enough

Scales; CPS- Circum Peduncular Scales; LL/D- Scales

characters to distinguish it from other similar fishes of

Between Lateral Line and Dorsal fin; LL/V- Scales

the genus.

So it is described here as a new species

between Lateral Line and Ventral fin; LL/A- Scales

Puntius viridis. The descriptions are based on eight

between Lateral Line and Anal fin; L/TR- Lateral

specimens collected from main stream of Manimala

Transverse Scales; D- Dorsal fin; P- Pectoral fin; V-

River at Kallumkal.

Ventral fin; A- Anal fin; C- Caudal fin; HT- Holotype; PT- Paratype.

MATERIALS AND METHODS Fishes were collected using cast nets and

Puntius viridis, sp. nov., http://zoobank.org / urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:7569C0D4-

preserved in 10% formalin. Methods used are those of

1236-473F-AE67-541C6A4C9A10

Jayaram (2002) and measurements follow standard

(Figures 1-4, 5. F & Tables 1 & 2)

1094

Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1093-1104

Plamoottil and Abraham, 2013 Type materials examined

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Holotype

Diagnosis:

ZSI/ WGRC/IR/2382, 81 mm SL, Kallumkal,

Puntius viridis can be differentiated from

Manimala River, Kerala, India, 9˚20’0’’N, 76˚30’0’’E,

P. dorsalis in having a terminal mouth (vs. sub terminal

collected by Mathews Plamoottil, 21.08.2011.

mouth), a comparatively short snout (22.7- 31.8 vs. 31.8

Paratypes

- 37.1 in % of HL), LL/V 3½ (vs. 2½) and caudal fin

ZSI FF 4932, 2 examples, 63- 74 mm SL,

with 18- 19 rays (vs.17). The new species differs from

Manimala River at Kallumkal, Kerala, India, collected

Puntius sophore in having 10- 12 pre anal scales (vs. 13

by Mathews Plamoottil, 10. 10. 2012.

pre anal scales in P. sophore), 3½ scales between lateral

ZSI/ WGRC/ IR/2383, 5 examples, 72- 76 mm SL,

line and anal fin (vs. 4½), a black band present outer to

Kallumkal,

operculum (vs. black band absent), a black blotch present

Manimala

River,

Kerala,

India,

coll.

Mathews Plamoottil, 21.08.2011.

in front of occiput (vs. black blotch absent) and absence of spot on the base of dorsal fin (vs. black spot present at the base of dorsal fin), body depth at dorsal origin 31.5-

Figure 1: Puntius viridis, sp. nov, (fresh specimen), Paratype, 76 mm SL, ZSI/WGRC/IR/2383.

Figure 2: Puntius viridis, sp. nov, (preserved in formalin), Holotype, 81 mm SL, ZSI/ WGRC/IR/2382. Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1093-1104

1095

Plamoottil and Abraham, 2013

Figure 3: Dorsal fin of Puntius viridis

Figure 4: Head region of Puntius viridis

33.8 in % of SL (vs. 36.2- 37.3), eye diameter 26.1- 31.6

down very slightly goes straight to snout tip; post dorsal

in % of HL (vs. 34.7- 36.0) and head depth 68.2- 80.0 in

region slightly concave. Eyes situated considerably

% of HL (vs. 80.3- 86.7). The new species differs from

behind and above the angle of jaws, protruding above the

Puntius parrah in having nine pre dorsal scales (vs. 8 in

surface of head and distinctly visible from below the

P. parrah), a deep black caudal spot (vs. diffused caudal

ventral side; inter orbital region slightly convex; nostrils

spot), green dorsal and caudal fin (vs. dusky dorsal and

situated nearer to eyes than to snout tip and covered by a

caudal fin), longer head, 26.4- 31.1 % of SL (vs. 25.6-

flap originating from the anterior end; jaws equal, upper

26.0), shorter caudal peduncle, 16.3- 17.8 % of SL (vs.

jaw broader than lower jaw; tip of upper jaw a little

19.1- 21.2) and shorter head depth (68.2-80.0 vs. 84.2-

bulging and so can be easily demarcated from the rest of

89.5 % of HL); the new species differs from Puntius

it; barbels one pair maxillaries only, shorter than orbit,

madhusoodani in having 4Â˝- 5Â˝ scales between lateral

feeble and never reach the eyes or nostrils; mouth

line and dorsal fin (vs. 4 scales), 8 branched rays in

terminal, slightly upturned and protruding; width of gape

dorsal fin (vs. 7), 5 branched rays in anal fin (vs. 6), a

of mouth shorter than inter narial distance; operculum

deep black caudal spot (vs. diffused caudal spot) and

rigid and moderately hard.

lesser body depth at dorsal fin origin (31.5- 33.8 vs. 34.5

Dorsal fin originates considerably behind the

- 36.2); the new species can be differentiated from

pectoral tip and a little behind the ventral origin, upper

Puntius chola in having 8 anal fin rays (vs. 7 in P.

margin fairly concave, first ray very minute, soft and

chola), 10-12 pre anal scales (vs. 12-13), 9- 10

seemingly absent, commonly fused to second ray which

circumpeduncular scales (vs. 11- 12), protrusible mouth

is slightly osseous, soft, tip a little filamentous, form a

(vs. non- protrusible mouth) and a row of black spots

little less than Â˝ and above 1/3 of the third ray; third ray

present in the middle of dorsal fin (vs. absent).

osseous but not much strong, tip filamentous, inner

Description:

margin slightly roughened but not serrated. Last dorsal

General body shape and appearance is shown in Figures 1- 4.

Morphometric data as in Table 1 and

meristic counts as in Table 2.

ray branched to root and so considered as one. Pectoral tip just reaches or reach nearer to ventral origin; its upper

Body laterally

margin convex. Ventral originates just in front of dorsal

compressed; dorsal and ventral profiles convex; region

origin and a little behind pectoral tip; its tip never

from dorsal front to occiput a little bent, after sinking

reaching anal origin, but only reaching the vent; upper

1096

Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1093-1104

Plamoottil and Abraham, 2013

Figure 5: General body shape and appearance of Puntius viridis and relative species. Puntius dorsalis ZSI/F 2730 (coll. Francis Day) B. P. parrah ZSI/F 2718 (coll. Francis Day) C.P. chola ZSI/F 2804 D. P. madhusoodani Paratype CRG-SAC 457 E. Puntius sophore ZSI/F 13827 F. P. viridis Holotype, SL, ZSI/ WGRC/IR/2382. margin of ventral fin convex; two scales present on either

Coloration:

side of base of ventral, one above the other, of this the

Fresh specimens:

upper one soft and delicate, lower one more fleshy, form

Dorsal and dorso lateral sides green to silvery

2Â˝ of the length of ventral. Anal roughly rectangular,

green; ventro lateral sides silvery green; eyes greenish

upper margin fairly concave, originates a little in front of

blue; a prominent yellowish green rectangular spot on

dorsal tip, considerably behind the ventral tip and a little

opercle; a black band formed of dark spots present outer

behind anal opening; its tip never reach caudal base; no

to operculum; a black blotch present just in front of

prominent ridge on the base of anal; considerable

occiput, in the middle of it present a small elongated

distance in between anal fin origin and vent; first anal

depression; dorsal and caudal fins light green, pectoral

ray small; unbranched rays are slightly osseous; last anal

and anal light green to hyaline, distal end of anal black;

ray not divided to root. Caudal lobes equal.

ventral hyaline to white. A row of distinct black spots

Scales relatively large, not easily deciduous and

present on the middle of dorsal fin; a deep black caudal

clearly countable; scales on the breast region moderate.

blotch present well behind anal tip on 20-22 or 21-23 or

Lateral line passes through lower half of the body and

23-25 scales; 2- 3 rows of mid lateral scales have dark

fairly distinct throughout.

spots at its base, so appear to have 2-3 broken lines on mid lateral side.

Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1093-1104

1097

Plamoottil and Abraham, 2013 Table 1: Morphometric characters of Puntius viridis and its relative species from Kerala Puntius viridis sp. ov. SL.N0.

Characters

Mean

P. parrah ZSI/F2718,4934 (n=5)

P. madhusoodani CRG/SAC 456- 459 (n=4)

91.2 -103.0

96.5

4.04

86.5 - 102.0

90.5 - 118.3

Range HT+PT (n=8)

103.0

Total length (mm)

Standard Length (mm)

81.0

72.0 - 81.0

74.9

3.26

65.5 - 78.0

67.6 - 91.4

Head length

28.4

26.4 - 31.1

28.7

1.75

25.6 - 26.0

27.5 - 29.5

Head depth

22.2

19.7 - 22.9

21.6

1.13

21.6 - 24.0

20.7- 23.1

Head width

16.7

15.8 - 17.8

17.1

0.45

15.4 - 17.6

15.0 - 16.7

BDD

33.3

31.5 - 33.8

32.9

0.94

32.1 - 33.1

34.5 - 36.2

BDA

22.2

21.1 - 23.9

22.6

0.98

23.7 - 24.4

22.1 - 23.7

BWD

18.5

16.2 - 19.1

17.7

1.16

17.3 - 19.7

17.6 - 19.1

BWA

12.3

10.8 - 13.2

12.2

0.88

13.4 - 15.2

11.7 - 14.5

PROD

19.1

18.9 - 23.0

20.9

1.22

20.5 - 24.3

18.9 - 22.9

D-OD

30.6

30.4 - 31.7

30.9

0.31

24.3 - 29.8

29.0 - 32.9

Pre-dorsal length

50.6

48.2 - 54.8

52.2

1.61

50.0 - 52.1

49.3 - 50.6

Post-dorsal length

50.6

48.2 - 54.8

52.2

1.61

48.7 - 53.5

50.2 - 58.6

Pre-pectoral length

27.2

25.8 - 29.7

28.3

0.92

27.0 - 28.2

26.2 - 28.9

Pre-pelvic length

49.4

47.9 - 50.0

49.0

0.73

47.2 - 51.3

46.5 - 50.3

Pre-anal length

72.2

72.2 - 76.6

73.3

1.68

70.3 - 74.4

67.6 - 74.3

Length of dorsal fin

23.5

22.4 - 26.5

24.2

1.58

22.1 - 24.4

25.2 - 28.7

Length of pectoral fin

17.3

16.7 - 19.7

18.5

1.19

17.6 - 19.8

17.7 - 19.1

Length of pelvic fin

17.3

17.3 - 20.3

19.0

1.13

20.3 - 21.4

20.7 - 21.1

Length of anal fin

14.8

14.8 - 18.9

17.4

1.58

13.3 - 16.8

19.2 - 21.5

Length of caudal fin

29.5

29.3 - 30.0

29.6

0.20

28.4 - 32.1

24.8 - 27.0

Length of base of dorsal fin

18.5

17.6 - 19.2

18.5

0.60

18.0 - 21.0

19.0 - 20.0

Length of base of anal fin

9.8

9.8 - 11.1

10.7

0.43

12.0 - 15.4

9.0 - 12.0

Length of base of pectoral fin

4.3

4.1 - 5.3

4.5

0.48

3.3 -

4.2

3.7 -

4.1

Length of base of pelvic fin

5.2

5.0 - 6.9

5.9

0.77

4.2 -

5.4

6.0 -

7.1

% SL

1098

Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1093-1104

Plamoottil and Abraham, 2013 26

Length of base of caudal

13.6

13.5 - 14.2

13.8

0.34

12.2 - 14.1

12.4 - 13.8

Length of caudal peduncle

17.3

16.3 - 17.8

17.0

0.62

19.1 - 21.2

12.6 - 17.5

Depth of caudal peduncle

13.6

13.5 - 14.5

13.8

0.37

12.9 - 13.5

12.8 - 14.6

LCP/DCP

78.6

77.0 - 88.0

81.2

3.20

63.6 - 74.3

73.1 - 84.6

Width of caudal peduncle

7.4

5.5 - 7.4

6.5

0.77

4.1 - 5.4

6.2 - 6.6

DP- PL

21.0

21.0 - 21.6

21.4

0.20

20.4 - 20.9

22.8 - 25.0

DPL-A

24.2

23.8 - 25.0

24.3

0.60

24.3 - 26.8

25.0 - 28.9

DA-C

26.0

25.9 - 27.5

26.6

0.51

27.7 - 29.6

25.5 - 27.0

DAV

3.7

2.6 - 4.1

3.2

0.61

4.8 - 6.6

DVV

22.8

19.1 - 22.8

21.2

1.29

23.0 - 25.6

22.4 - 23.4

Head depth

78.3

68.2 - 80.0

74.3

4.26

84.2 - 89.5

95.0 - 100.0

Head width

58.7

56.5 - 63.2

59.8

2.52

60.0 - 68.4

55.0 - 61.9

Eye diameter

30.4

26.1 - 31.6

29.6

2.07

32.5 - 36.8

27.5 - 33.3

Inter orbital width

39.1

31.6 - 40.9

37.5

3.37

42.1 - 42.5

37.5 - 41.9

Inter narial width

28.3

23.9 - 28.9

26.8

1.95

23.5 - 30.0

25.0 - 28.6

Snout length

30.4

22.7 - 31.8

29.1

3.39

26.3 - 30.0

28.6 - 30.0

26.1

23.0 - 27.3

25.5

1.53

28.9 - 30.0

25.0 - 27.6

17.4

13.0 - 21.1

17.8

3.69

15.0 - 17.6

14.3 - 15.0

% HL

42 43

Width of gape of mouth LMB

Preserved specimens:

deposits. The depth and width of the channel at

Dorsal and upper lateral sides blackish green,

Kallumkal ranges from 1 to 10 and 30 to 85 m

lower lateral and ventral sides whitish yellow; spot on

respectively. The reach has a bank height of 1 to 2 m

the operculum becomes brownish black colored; a

from the general water level.

greenish line present above the ventral origin to caudal

moderate.

spot which is distinct in some specimens in preserved

B. vulgaris, Hibiscus tiliaceus and Ochreinauclea

condition; pectoral, pelvic and anal becomes hyaline,

missionis. The other species include Thespesia populnea,

dorsal and caudal become dirty black, base of caudal

Artocarpus heterophyllus, Areca catechu, Anacardium

turns to black.

occidentale, Aporosa lindleyana and Ficus exasperata.

Distribution:

Cynodon dactylon and Cymbopogon flexuosus are major

Puntius viridis sp. nov is presently known only

Riparian vegetation is

Dominant flora include Bambusa bambos,

grass species in this area. Rasbora daniconius,

from Manimala River, Kerala, India.

Osteobrama bakeri, Amblypharyngodon microlepis,

Habitat:

Dawkinsia filamentosa, Haludaria fasciatus, Puntius

Manimala River at Kallumkal the type locality of

parrah,

Systomus

subnasutus,

Pethia

ticto,

P. viridis is blanketed by mud dominant sediments. Sand

Gonoproktopterus kurali, Catla catla, Labeo rohita,

occurs as discrete patches within the mud dominant

Labeo dussumieri, Cirrhinus mrigala, C. cirrhosus,

Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1093-1104

1099

Plamoottil and Abraham, 2013 Table 2: Meristic Counts of Puntius viridis sp.nov and its relative species SL No

Puntius viridis (n=8)

Counts

Holotype

Range

P.parrah ZSI/ F2718, STC/ DOZ 20 (n=5)

P. madhusoodani CRG/SAC 456- 459 STC/DOZ 21(n=6)

P. chola ZSI/F2203, 4009(n=2)

P. dorsalis ZSI/ F2730,ZSI/ SRC4954 (n=3)

P. sophore ZSI/ F13827, STC/ DOZ 22 (n=3)

Scale Counts LLS

25 - 26

26 - 28

25 - 26

5- 6

5 -6

10 - 12

12 - 13

11 - 13

9 - 10

11 - 12

9 - 10

4½

4½ - 5½

5½

4½ -5½

5½

3½

3 - 3½

2½

3½

4½

5 ½ / 3½

5 -5½ /3½

5/4

5 / 3½

5½ / 4½

iii , 8

iii , 7

iii , 8

i , 14

i , 13-16

i , 14-15

i , 13-14

i , 8

ii , 8

i , 7

i, 8

iii , 5

ii , 5

ii , 6

iii ,

iii , 5

18 - 19

PDS

PRPLS

PRAS

CPS

LL/D

LL/V

LL/A

L/TR

4½ - 5

5 ½ / 2½

5½ / 4½

Fin Ray Counts 10 11 12 13 14

D P V A C

Horabagrus

brachysoma,

melanosoma

iii , 8

Mystus

present species), mouth sub terminal (vs. mouth

indicus, Wallago attu etc are some of the co- occurring

terminal), dorsal fin inserted nearer to caudal fin base

species.

than tip of snout (vs. dorsal fin inserted in the middle

Etymology:

between snout tip and caudal base), 2½ scales present in

Species name comes from the Latin word viridis

between lateral line and pelvic fin (vs. 3½ scales ),

meaning green, an adjective, given here in reference to

caudal fin with 17 rays (vs. 18 or 19 caudal rays) and

greenish colored body and fins of the new species.

snout length 31.8-37.1 (vs. 22.7- 31.8) in percent of head

Comparisons:

length, dorsal fin inserted in front of ventral (vs. dorsal

Puntius viridis is related to Puntius parrah,

originates a little behind ventral fin) and black spots

P. madhusoodani, P. dorsalis, P. chola and P. sophore

absent in the middle of dorsal fin (vs. one row of

(Figure 5). Puntius dorsalis (Jerdon, 1849) [Figure.5 A]

prominent elongated black spots present on the middle of

was described from the fresh water bodies of Madras

dorsal fin).

(Jayaram, 1991; Talwar & Jhingran, 1991; Pethiyagoda

Puntius parrah Day (1865, 1878 and 1889)

et al., 2008). It differs from the new species in many

[Figure. 5. B] of Karavannoor River of Kerala shows

meristic and morphometric characters (Table 2). In

distinct differences to the new species. In P. parrah, a

Puntius dorsalis a black spot present at the posterior

dark bluish line present along mid lateral line, which is

portion of the base of dorsal fin (vs. no black spot in the

more distinct in preserved state (vs. dark bluish line

1100

Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1093-1104

Plamoottil and Abraham, 2013 absent in fresh or preserved condition in the new

width of gape of mouth 19.0- 23.0 (vs. 23.0- 27.3), eyes

species), eyes golden (vs. greenish blue), pectoral,

not visible from below the ventral side (vs. eyes

ventral and anal tinged with yellow (vs. pectoral and anal

protruding above the surface of head and distinctly seen

light green to hyaline, ventral hyaline to white), dorsal

from below ventral side), mouth not protrusible (vs.

and caudal are dusky (vs. dorsal and caudal are green), 8

mouth fairly protruding), no black band present outer to

pre dorsal scales (vs. 9), 6 pre pelvic scales (vs. 5), 14

operculum (vs. a black band present outer to operculum),

pre anal scales (vs. 10-12), dorsal fin originate just over

no black blotch in front of occiput (vs. a black blotch

ventral fin (vs. dorsal fin originate a little behind ventral

present in front of occiput) and no black spots present in

origin), caudal spot diffused (vs. caudal spot deep black),

the middle of dorsal fin (vs. a row of distinct black spots

smaller head (25.6- 26.0 % of SL vs. 26.4- 31.1 % of

present in the middle of dorsal fin).

SL), greater head depth at occiput, 84.2- 89.5 % of HL

The new species can also be easily distinguished

(vs. 68.2- 80.0 % of HL), longer anal fin base (12.0- 15.4

from Puntius madhusoodani [Figure.5. D] described by

% of SL vs. 8.8- 11.1), longer caudal peduncle (19.1-

Kumar et al., (2011) from Manimala River. In

21.2 % of SL vs. 16.3- 17.8) and greater distance

P. madhusoodani, 4 scales present between dorsal fin

between ventral to vent (23.0- 25.6 % of SL vs. 19.1-

and lateral line (vs. 4Â˝- 5Â˝ scales in the new species),

22.8). Above all, in the present species, just in front of

dorsal side dusky black (vs. dorsal side greenish), dorsal

occiput a black blotch present, in the middle of which is

fin with seven branched rays (vs. dorsal fin with eight

a small elongated depression, a black band present outer

branched rays), ventral fin with two unbranched and

to operculum, 2-3 broken lines on mid lateral side, a row

eight branched rays (vs. ventral fin with one unbranched

of elongated green dots on dorsal fin and a row of

and eight branched rays), anal with two unbranched and

distinct black spots present in the middle of the anal

six branched rays (vs. anal fin with three unbranched and

which are all absent in P. parrah.

five branched rays), branched rays of dorsal and anal

Puntius viridis sp. nov resembles Puntius chola

rays black (vs. branched rays of dorsal and anal not

(Hamilton) [Figure. 5. C] of Gangetic plains in having a

black), absence of spots except at caudal base (vs.

blotch on caudal base, possession of a single pair of

presence of spots other than on caudal base such as a

maxillary barbels and in the number of ventral fin rays

black blotch just in front of occiput, a thin dark band

(Hamilton, 1822; McClelland, 1839; Nath & Dey, 2000);

present outer to operculum and a row of green dots

however, the new species shows differences to P. chola

present in the middle of dorsal fin), mouth sub terminal

in a number of characters. In P. chola anal fin has seven

(vs. mouth terminal), pelvic fin slightly posterior to

rays (vs. eight rays in new species), no scale like

dorsal origin (vs. pelvic origin just in front of dorsal

appendants above ventral fins (vs. an axillary ventral

origin), body depth at dorsal origin 34.5- 36.2 (vs. 31.5-

scale present), a slight ridge present along the middle of

33.8) and length of anal 19.2- 21.5 (vs. 14.8- 18.9) in

lower jaw (vs. no ridge along the middle of lower jaw),

percent of standard length.

arch of the back rising abruptly from the nape to the base

Puntius sophore (Hamilton), [Figure. 5. E]

of the dorsal (vs. arch of back rising gradually from the

described

nape to the base of dorsal), a dark mark present along the

similarities

base of anterior dorsal ray (vs. dark mark absent ), lateral

morphometric features (Misra, 1962; Rema devi, 1992;

line scales are 26- 28 (vs. 25- 26), pre anal scales 12- 13

Datta & Srivastava, 1988; Talwar and Jhingran, 1991;

(vs. 10-12), circum peduncular scales 11- 12 (vs. 9-10),

Jayaram, 2010). In P. sophore, a black spot present at

Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1093-1104

from to

Gangetic present

provinces species

shows meristic

many and

1101

Plamoottil and Abraham, 2013 the root of the dorsal fin (vs. black spot absent at the root

west of Pondicherry, ZSI/F 2801, coll. A.G.K. Menon;

of dorsal fin in the new species), barbels absent (vs. one

16.02. 1996, 2 examples, 52- 53 mm SL, Sethumadai

pair of maxillaries present), a faint band present on the

canal, Indira Gandhi Wild Life sanctuary, Tamil nadu,

lateral side (vs. lateral band absent), no black band

ZSI/SRC/F 4954, coll. M.B. Reghunathan; undated, 1

present outer to operculum (vs. a black band present

example, Madras, ZSI/F 2730, coll. Francis Day;

outer to operculum), no black blotch in front of occiput

undated, 1 example, 53 mm SL, Tunga River at

(vs. a black blotch present in front of occiput , in the

Shimoga, ZSI/F 12320/1, coll. H.S. Rao; undated, 5

middle of which a small elongated depression), no black

examples, 55- 62 mm SL, Cauvery River, Coorg,

spots present in the middle of dorsal fin (vs. a row of

Karnataka, ZSI/F 12319/1, coll. C.R. Narayan Rao;

distinct black spots present in the middle of dorsal fin),

Puntius parrah: 10.01. 2012, 4 examples, 65.5-

body depth at dorsal origin 36.2- 37.3 (vs. 31.5- 33.8),

78.0

SL,

Arattupuzha,

pre anal length 71.2- 72.2 (vs. 72.3- 76.6), length of

Iringalakuda, Kerala, ZSI FF 4934, coll. Mathews

pelvic fin 20.7- 22.0 (vs. 17.3- 20.3) and distance from

Plamoottil; 15.12.1994; 1 example, 60 mm SL, Kuruva

pelvic to anal fin 25.8- 27.6 (vs. 23.8- 25.0) all in percent

Island,

of SL; head depth at occiput 80.3- 86.7 in % of HL (vs.

Radhakrishnan; 24.03.1997, 1 example, 44 mm SL,

68.2- 80.0) and eye diameter 34.7- 36.0 in % of HL (vs.

Parambikulam WLS, ZSI/WGRC/IR/10696, coll. K. C.

26.1- 31.6).

Gopi; 10.8.2001, 2 examples, 100.0- 103.0

Wayanad,

Karavannoor

ZSI/WGRC/IR/742,

River,

coll.

mm SL,

Achankoil River, UOK/AQB/F/ 102, coll. Bijukumar; undated, 1 example, Kariavannoor River, Kerala, ZSI/F

CONCLUSION Puntius viridis is a barb usually caught along

2718 Syntype, coll. Francis Day; 08.05. 1977, 6

with Puntius mahecola and Dawkinsia filamentosa. It is

examples, 71 mm- 94 mm SL, Cauvery River at

an edible fish can usually be collected by small- meshed

Chunchinagatte, ZSI/SRC Uncat, coll. K. C. Jayaram.

gill nets. They show similarities with Puntius parrah

Puntius chola: 08.11.1939, 1 example, 41.5 mm

and P. madhusoodani of Kerala, P. dorsalis of Madras

SL, Soni Gaon Bheel, Lokpa, Batipara, Assam, ZSI/F

and Puntius chola of northern parts of India. They can

2203, coll. S.L. Hora; 1963, 1 example, 54 mm SL,

be easily identified from their congeners in having a

Sukla Talai, Jhalwar, Rajasthan, ZSI/F 4009/2, coll. N.

black band formed of dark spots present outer to

Majumdar & R.N. Bhargava; 18.03.1958, 2 examples,

operculum and a row of distinct black spots present on

32.5- 55 mm SL, Raxanal, Bihar, ZSI/F/2804/2, coll.

the middle of dorsal fin. They have also a less deep

Keval Singh; 3 examples, 50- 62 mm SL, Rajastan,

head. It is expected that further research works may

ZSI/F/4379/2, coll. Birla college, Pilani; 1 example, 71

unveil its more biological aspects.

mm SL, Mahanadi Irrigation Canal, Rudri, Orissa, ZSI/F

Comparative material

13082/1, coll. H.S. Rao.

Puntius dorsalis: 27.10.95, 1 example, 62 mm SL,

Thunakadavu

dam,

Parambikulam

wild

life

Puntius madhusoodani: 17.11.2010, Holotype, 91.43mm SL, Manimala River, near Thirumoolapuram,

sanctuary, Kerala, ZSI/WGRC/IR 8466, coll. P.M.

Thiruvalla,

Sureshan, identified by K. C. Gopi; 23.2.2000, 2

Krishnakumar; 17. 11. 2010, 3 examples, 67.6 -

examples, 56- 63 mm SL, Pampa River at Parumala,

80.91mm SL, Manimala River, near Thirumoolapuram,

Kerala, ZSI/WGRC/IR/10379, coll. K. C. Gopi; 11.02.

Thiruvalla, Pattanamthitta District, CRG-SAC 457 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 459

58; 1 example, 53 mm SL, Usteri tank, 7 miles north

paratypes, coll. K. Krishnakumar and Benno Pereira.

1102

Kerala,

CRG-SAC

456,

coll.

Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1093-1104

Plamoottil and Abraham, 2013 Puntius sophore: 10.05.2012, 2 examples, 58- 59

Jayaram KC. 1991. Revision of the genus Puntius

mm SL, Serrampore, River Ganges, Kolkata, ZSI FF

Hamilton from the Indian region. Records of Zoological

4938, Coll. Mathews Plamoottil;

Survey of India, Occasional Paper No. 135, 178.

20.06. 1963, 4

examples, 62.5- 70.0 mm SL, Sukla Talai, Jhalawar, Rajasthan, ZSI/F 4008/2, coll. N. Majumdar & R. N. Bhargava; 24.10.1939, 1 example, 40 mm SL, Siwane

Jayaram KC. 2002. Fundamentals of Fish Taxonomy. Narendra Publishing House, Delhi. 53-65.

River, east of Hazaribagh Barthi Road, ZSI/F 13827,

Jayaram KC. The Freshwater fishes of the Indian

H.S. Rao; 22.06.1963, 4 examples, 66- 102 mm SL,

region. Narendra Publishing House, Delhi.; 118-134.

Gadhuli Talai, Shergarh, Rajasthan, ZSI/F 4023, SE Rajastan Survey of ZSI; 30.06.1983, 4 examples, 58.067.5 mm SL, Talbi, N. of Bimmal Railway station, ZSI/F 4029/2, S. E. Rajasthan Survey of ZSI.

Jerdon TC. 2010. On the freshwater fishes of southern India. Madras Journal of Literature and Science, 15 (2): 302- 346. Kumar KK, Pereira FGB and Radhakrishnan KV.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

2011. Puntius madhusoodani (Teleosti: Cyprinidae), a

First author acknowledges the University Grants Commission

India

for

sanctioning

Faculty

Development Programme to undergo research. Both the authors acknowledge the Principal, St. Thomas College, Kozhencherry for providing the facilities.

new species of barb from Manimala River, Kerala, South India. Biosystematica, 5 (2); 31- 37. McClelland J. Indian Cyprinidae. 1839. Cosmo Publications, New Delhi, 246. Misra KS. 1962. An aid to the identification of the

REFERENCES

common commercial fishes of India & Pakistan.

Datta MJS, Srivastava MP. 1998. Natural history of

Records of Indian Museum, 57(1-4): 320.

fishes and systematics of fresh water fishes of India. Narendra Publishing House, Delhi, 178-196. Day F. 1865. The Fishes of Malabar. Bernard Quaritch, London., 208-211.

Nath P, Dey SC.

2000. Fish and fisheries of North

Eastern India (Arunachal Pradesh). Narendra Publishing House, Delhi, 39-43. Pethiyagoda

Silva

Maduwage

and

Day F. 1878. The fishes of India: being a natural history

Meegaskumbura M. 2008. Puntius kelumi, a new

of the fishes known to inhabit the seas and fresh waters

species of cyprinid fish from Sri Lanka (Teleostei:

of India, Burma, and Ceylon. William Dawson & Sons,

Cyprinidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters,

London, 556-574.

19 (3): 201- 214.

Day F. 1889. Fauna of British India including Ceylon

Pethiyagoda R, Meegaskumbura M and Maduwage

and Burma. Fishes. I, Taylor and Francis, London, 209-

K. 2012. A synopsis of the South Asian fishes referred to

334.

Puntius (Pisces: Cyprinidae). Ichthyological Exploration

Hamilton F. 1822. An account of fishes found in the

of Freshwaters, 23 (1): 69-95.

River Ganges and its branches. Edinburgh Hurst,

Pethiyagoda R.

Robinson & Co, London, 312-389.

generic name for Dravidia (Teleostei: Cyprinidae).

Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1093-1104

2013. Haludaria, a replacement

1103

Plamoottil and Abraham, 2013 Zootaxa, 3646 (2): 199. Remadevi K. 1993. On a small collection of fish from Javadi hills, North Arcot district, Tamil Nadu. Records of Zoological Survey of India.; 91(3-4): 353-360. Talwar PK, Jhingran A. 1991. Inland fishes of India and adjacent countries. Oxford and IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd, Delhi, 250-286.

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1104

Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1093-1104

Journal of Research in Biology

An International Scientific Research Journal

Original Research

Journal of Research in Biology

A new species of Agathoxylon Hartig from the Sriperumbudur formation, Tamil Nadu, India Authors: Kumarasamy D.

Institution: Department of Botany, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India.

Abstract: Sriperumbudur Formation is one of the Upper Gondwana rock Formations found along the Palar basin, Tamil Nadu, India. The rock units found in this Formation are arenaceous and argillaceous, consists of green shales, clays and sandstones with limestone intercalations. These shales contain animal and plant remains of Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous age. The present work is about a piece of petrified secondary wood of conifer having affinity with Araucariaceae. Based on the anatomical characters the present wood is identified as a new species of Agathoxylon Hartig.

Corresponding author: Kumarasamy D.

Keywords: Agathoxylon, Sriperumbudur Formation, Upp. Jurassic-Low Cretaceous.

Email:

Article Citation: Kumarasamy D. A new species of Agathoxylon Hartig from the Sriperumbudur formation, Tamil Nadu, India.

Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1105-1110 Dates: Web Address:

http://jresearchbiology.com/ documents/RA0377.pdf. Journal of Research in Biology An International Scientific Research Journal

Received: 14 Aug 2013

Accepted: 21 Sep 2013

Published: 18 Jan 2014

1105-1110 | JRB | 2013 | Vol 3 | No 7

www.jresearchbiology.com

Kumarasamy, 2013 INTRODUCTION

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The out crops of sedimentary rocks exposed in

The present observation is about a piece of petrified

patches all along the eastern shoreline of Indian

secondary wood (SPR/VK/52) collected from Vallakottai, a

Peninsula starting from Cuttack in Orissa to Sivagangin

village near Sriperumbudur (Formation named after this

Tamil Nadu are collectively referred to as the East Coast

town). The specimen was sectioned using rock cutting

Gondwanas. These exposures occur along the Mahanadhi

and grinding machine. Thin sections (TS, TLS and RLS)

basin, the Krishna-Godavari basin, the Palar basin and

were prepared and observed under light microscope.

the Cauvery basin. The upper Gondwana exposures

Photomicrographs were prepared using Olympus digital

found along the Palar basin are divided into the lower

camera attached with Olympus microscope.

Sriperumbudur Formation and the upper Satyavedu

Agathoxylon aptiana sp. nov.

Formation. Equivalent to these two Formations there is a

Holotype

: Specimen-SPR/VK/52

marine

Slides

: SPR/VK/52/1, 2, 3 and 4

Type locality

: Vallakottai

Formation

known

Avadi

Formation

(Kumaraguru,1991). The Upper Gondwana rocks exposed near

Stratigraphic horizon : Sriperumbudur Formation, Upper

Sriperumbudur are part of a large Sriperumbudur Formation found along the Palar basin (Kumarasamy and

Jurassic-Early Cretaceous Etymology

: Named

after

the

probable

Jeyasingh, 1995). The rock units found in this formation

age (Aptian) of the sediment

are arenaceous and argillaceous, consist of green shales,

from where the specimen was

clays and sandstones with limestone intercalations.

picked up.

These shales contain both marine animal and

Description (Fig. 1-a,b,c,d and e)

plant remains of Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous age.

The study is based on a single piece of

These fossilferous shales are covered by the recent

decorticated pycnoxylic wood, measuring 5 cm long and

lateritic and alluvial Formations.

4 cm wide. The specimen is impregnated with ferrous

Plant fossils found in this Formation includes

compounds. Growth rings distinct, almost straight,

impressions of leaves of petridophytes and gymnosperms

almost equal, 600-710 mm (26-33 cells) wide. All

and

Many

growth rings have more of early wood than late wood

publications came out regarding the fossils found in this

(four rows of tracheids in average). Tracheids are

Formation, they are Feistmantel, 1879; Seward and

regularly arranged in radial rows. Transition from early

Sahni, 1920; Sahni, 1928 and 1931; Suryanarayana, 1953

wood to late wood gradual. No reaction wood and false

and 1954; Ramanujam and Srisailam, 1974; Ramanujam

ring. Early wood tracheids 2.0-3.3 mm long, radially

and Varma, 1977 and 1981; Varma, 1983 and 1984;

15-50 µm (average 24.7 µm) wide, rectangular to

Varma

and

circular. Radial wall pits mostly uniseriate, in some

Kumarasamy, 1994a, 1994b and 1995; Kumarasamy and

places it is biseriate, alternate; pits bordered, circular,

Jeyasingh, 1995, 2004 and 2007. The present work is

contiguous, 12.5 µm in size. Aperture elliptic, crossed,

about the observation of a new species of Agathoxylon,

6.25 µm long and 2.5 µm wide. Tracheids per mm2

from this Formation.

are 1599. Late wood tracheids 10.0-23.7 µm (average

petrifield

and

woods

Ramanujam,

gymnosperms.

1984;

Jeyasingh

11.1 µm) in radial diameter. Rays uniseriate, a few are partially biseriate,

1-19 (average

6) cells high,

homocellular, cells 22.3 µm long and 17.5 µm wide. 1106

Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1105-1110

Kumarasamy, 2013

100μm

50μm

100μm

5μm

Fig. 1. Agathoxylon aptiana. a) transverse section showing growth ring, b) tangential longitudinal section showing uniseriate rays, c) radial longitudinal section showing alternate pitting, d) tracheid radial wall pits showing crossed apertures and e) gross field pits. Both tangential and horizontal walls are smooth. Radial

The present wood shows alternate, uni-biseriate

wall pits 3-9, circular, bordered, 7.5 µm wide, tightly

pits (araucarioid pitting) on the radial wall of the

packed. Aperture circular, ray cells spanning 2½-3

tracheids, uniseriate rays, and 3-9 pits per cross field.

tracheids, end walls vertical. Vertical parenchyma, resin

These characters indicate that the present wood having

tracheids or resin canals are completely absent.

affinity with Araucariaceae.

Diagnosis Wood pycnoxylic, growth rings distinct. Only radial wall of the tracheids are pitted. Radial wall pits uni-biseriate,

alternate,

contiguous,

circular

with

DISCUSSION There are sixteen morphogenera of fossil plants have araucarian affinity. They are Agathoxylon Hartig,

elliptical crossed apertures, cross field pits 3-9, circular

Araucariopsis

and contiguous. Rays simple, uniseriate, 1-19 cells high;

Schimper,

xylem parenchyma and resin tracheids are absent.

Baieroxylon Greguss, Cedroxylon Kraus in Schimper,

Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1105-1110

Caspary,

Araucarites

Araucarioxylon Endlicher

Sensu

Kraus

Goppert,

1107

Kumarasamy, 2013 Cordaioxylon

Lignier,

Cordaioxylon

Lignier,

coromandelianum Sahni (1931), M. thirumangalense

Cormaraucarioxylon Lignier, Dadoxylon Endlicher,

Suryanarayana

Dammaroxylon Schultze-Motel, Palaeoxylon Brongniart,

Suryanarayana (1954), Araucarioxylon rajivii Jeyasingh

Peuce

Witham,

and Kumarasamy (1994a), A. giftii Jeyasingh and

Platyspiroxylon Greguss, Simplicioxylon Andreanzsky.

Kumarasamy (1994a), A. mosurense Jeyasingh and

Among these names Araucarioxylon and Dadoxylon are

Kumarasamy (1995), Cupressinoxylon gondwanensis

considered to be invalid names. Agathoxylon Hartig is

Kumarasamy and Jeyasingh (2004) and Sahnioxylon

the earliest validly published name that can be used to

savitrii Kumarasamy and Jeyasingh (2007) have been

name fossil woods with an Araucarioxylon-type anatomy

reported from this formation. Apart from these petrified

(Philippe, 1993 and 2011)

woods, many impression fossils of petridophytes and

Lindley

and

Hutton,

Pinites

So far, there are three species Araucarioxylon r e p or t e d A. rajivii

fr om

this

f or m a t i on

n am el y

(Jeyasingh and Kumarasamy (1994a)),

(1953),

Dadoxylon

rajmahalense

gymnosperms were reported from this Formation (Jeyasingh and Kumarasamy, 1994b; Kumarasamy and Jeyasingh, 1995).

A. giftii (Jeyasingh and Kumarasamy (1994a)) and

Recently a species of Agathoxylon was also

A. mosurense (Jeyasingh and Kumarasamy (1995)). The

reported from this Formation (Kumarasamy, 2013). This

present fossil wood differ from A. rajivii in having

species (Agathoxylon gondwanensis) differs from the

3-9 cross field pits, whereas in the latter wood there are

present species in having one pit per cross field and long

1-2 cross field pits per field, similarly in A. giftii the

xylem rays (1-39 cells high).

cross field pits are 1-3. In A. mosurense the rays are

In general the overall climate during the

1-3 seriate, where as in the present wood the rays are

deposition of the sedimentary rocks in the Palar basin

exclusively uniseriate.

should have been warm, humid and uniform. This is

The present specimen superficially resembles

indicated by the abundance of cycodophyte foliage in

Araucarioxylon bikanerense reported by Harsh and

these sediments. However, there must have been yearly,

Sharma (1988) from the tertiary deposits of Rajasthan

seasonal variations as evident from the distinct growth

and A. agathioides reported by Krausel and Jain (1964)

rings found in all the secondary wood pieces coming

from the Rajmahal hills. But the present specimen differs

from this formation. Most of the wood pieces show ‘C’

from A. bikanerense in having uniseriate pits on the

type growth-rings (as per Creber and Chaloner, 1984) in

radial walls of the tracheids, whereas in A. bikanerense

which the early wood is more than the late wood and the

the radial wall pits upto triseriate. A. agathioides differs

transition from the early wood to late wood is gradual.

from the present specimen is having frequent resin

These features indicate that the climate of this region was

tracheids but in the present specimen there are no resin

almost uniform through the growing season except at its

tracheids at all.

close.

In the presence of biseriate radial wall pits with elliptical, crossed apertures, 3-9 cross field pits per field

REFERENCES

and the complete absence of xylem parenchyma and

Creber GT and Chaloner WG. 1984. Influence of

resin tracheids, the present specimen stands apart from

environmental factors on the wood structure of living

all other species, so it is assigned to a new species.

and fossil trees. Bot. Rev., 50(4): 357–448.

So far, many species of fossil conifer woods reported from this formation viz. Cupressinoxylon 1108

Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1105-1110

Kumarasamy, 2013 Feistmantel O. 1879. The fossil flora of the Upper

Kumarasamy

Gondwana: Outliers on the Madras coast. Mem. geol.

Sahnioxylon

Surv. India, Palaeont. indica. Ser., 2, 1(4): 191–224.

Sriperumbudur

Harsh R and Sharma BD. 1988.

Araucarioxylon

Philippe

Rajasthan, India. Phytomorphology, 38: 111-115.

tracheidoxyles

Kumarasamy D. 1994a.

(Sahni)

Bose

Formation,

and

DEP. 2007. Sah

Tamil

from

Nadu,

the

India.

Phytomorphology, 57: 5–12.

bikanerense sp. nov. from the Tertiary of Bikaner,

Jeyasingh DEP and

D and Jeyasingh

1993. Nomenclature generique des fossiles

Mesozoiques

Champs

araucarioides. Taxon., 42(1):74-80.

Araucarioxylon from the Sriperumbudur Formation,

Philippe M. 2011. How many species of Araucarioxylon?

Upper Gondwana, Tamil Nadu, India. Geophytology, 24

Palevol. Fasicule. 10( 2-3): 201-208.

(1): 43–48.

Ramanujam CGK and Srisailam K. 1974. Palynology

Jeyasingh

DEP

Occurrence

and

Kumarasamy

Pityospermum

Nathorst

1994b. in

the

Sriperumbudur Formation, Tamil Nadu. Curr. Sci., 67 (5): 305.

of the carbonaceous shales from a bore hole at Kattavakkam near Conjeevaram, Tamil Nadu, India. Pollen et Spores, 16(1), 67–102. Ramanujam

CGK

and

Varma

YNR.

1977.

Jeyasingh DEP and Kumarasamy D. 1995. An unusual

Palynological evidence for the age of Sriperumbudur

pycnoxylic wood from a new Upper Gondwana locality

beds encountered in a bore hole at Orikkai near

in Tamil Nadu, India. Rev. Palaeobot. Palynol.,

Conjeevaram, Tamil Nadu. J. Geol. Soc. India, 18(8):

85(3-4): 341-350.

429–435.

Kräusel R and Jain KP. 1964. New fossil coniferous

Ramanujam CGK and

woods

spores from the Upper Gondwana deposits of Palar basin,

from

the

Rajmahal

hills,

Bihar,

India.

Varma YNR. 1981. Hillate

Palaeobotanist, 12(1): 59–67.

Tamil Nadu. Palaeobotanist, 28-29, 308–315.

Kumaraguru P. 1991. Stratigraphic drilling in palar

Sahni B. 1928. Revision of Indian fossil plants: part I –

Basin, Tamil Nadu.Rec.geol.Surv.Ind.,124(5):139-143.

Coniferals (a. Impressions and Incrustations). Mem. geol.

Kumarasamy D. 2013. A fossil araucarian wood from

Surv. India, Palaeont, indica n. ser., 11: 1–49.

the Sriperumbudur formation, Tamil Nadu, India. Inter.

Sahni B. 1931. Revision of Indian fossil plants: part II –

J. Plant Animal Environ. Sci., 3(1): 50–55.

Coniferals (b. Petrifactions). Mem. geol. Surv. india,

Kumarasamy D and Jeyasingh DEP. 1995. Some

Palaeont. Indica n. ser., 11: 51–124.

fossil pteridophytic foliage from the Sriperumbudur

Seward AC and Sahni B. 1920. Indian Gondwana

Formation,

plants: a revision. Mem. geol. Surv. India, Palaeont.

Tamil

Nadu,

India.

Phytomorphology,

45 (3 and 4): 175–183.

indica n. ser., 7(1): 1–41.

Kumarasamy D and Jeyasingh DEP. 2004. A new

Suryanarayana

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Cupressinoxylon

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Kumarasamy, 2013 Suryanarayana K. 1954. Fossil plants from the Jurassic rocks of the Madras coast, India. Palaeobotanist, 3: 87– 90. Varma

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Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1105-1110

Journal of Research in Biology

An International Scientific Research Journal

Original Research

Journal of Research in Biology

An assessment of bioactive compounds and antioxidants in some tropical legumes, seeds, fruits and spices Authors: ABSTRACT: Dilworth LL*, Brown KJ, Objective: Wright RJ, Oliver MS and The main objective of this research was to assess bioactive compounds, Asemota HN. antioxidant potential and mineral concentration of commonly consumed foods as well as underutilized ones for improved health and food security. Methods: Twelve food samples were assessed for minerals, flavonoids, IP6, total polyphenols and antioxidant activity. IP6 was determined by anion exchange chromatography while flavonoids, polyophenols, minerals and antioxidant activity were determined by standard methods. Results: The highest concentrations of IP6 were recorded in legumes and corn while appreciable levels were also found in golden apple and sorrel samples. The highest concentrations of flavonoids and total polyphenols were found in nonleguminaceaous samples. Pimento and ginger samples recorded highest antioxidant Institution: activity (p<0.05) with values comparable to the standard ascorbic acid while pumpkin Department of Basic seeds and onion samples recorded lowest antioxidant activities. Mineral Medical Sciences, concentrations varied with the samples of pimento, golden apple and sorrel having University of the West highest calcium concentrations. Sorrel, ginger and pimento recorded highest iron Indies, Mona campus. concentrations, while zinc levels were as highest in both hulled and unhulled pumpkin seed samples. Okra samples recorded the highest copper concentrations. Conclusion: Food samples analysed are rich in minerals, bioactive compounds and antioxidants hence their increased exploitation for nutraceutical and nutritional benefits are advocated. Data from this study argues well for increased production and consumption of rarely consumed pumpkin and jackfruit seeds in light of their nutritional profile and antioxidant activity. Most samples assessed are valuable in supplementing nutrient-poor diets. Corresponding author: Dilworth LL.

Keywords: Antioxidants, bioactive compounds, spices, legumes, seeds

Email Id:

Article Citation: Dilworth LL, Brown KJ, Wright RJ, Oliver MS and Asemota HN. An assessment of bioactive compounds and antioxidants in some tropical legumes, seeds, fruits and spices. Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1182-1194

Web Address:

http://jresearchbiology.com/ documents/RA0420.pdf.

Dates: Received: 31 Jan 2014

Accepted: 17 Feb 2014

Published: 28 Feb 2014

1182-1194 | JRB | 2014 | Vol 3 | No 7

www.jresearchbiology.com

Dilworth et al., 2014 INTRODUCTION

jackfruit seeds, pigeon peas, broad beans, kidney beans

In light of concerns regarding food security and

as well as golden apple (Hanson et al., 2014; Swami

quality, there is great interest in ascertaining the

et al., 2012; Kalogeropoulos et al., 2013; Islam et al.,

nutritional benefits of foods commonly consumed

2013). Some of these foods are commonly consumed and

throughout the tropics. Functional food researchers

are reported to have a myriad of health benefits while

generally agree that in addition to macronutrients, it is

others are not commonly consumed but are easily

also important to assess minerals as well as levels of

available and also have health promoting properties

bioactive compounds that may contribute to the overall

which should be explored. The health benefits and

quality and health benefits of foods consumed by a wide

reported underutilization of some samples along with the

cross section of people in different geographical

potential economic benefits of their incorporation into

locations. To that effect, assessing the antioxidant

mainstream consumption prompted research interest in

activities of food samples is also important as it indicates

the food samples selected.

their ability to counteract the effects of free radicals. Free

Since antioxidants are shown to significantly

radicals are independently existing atoms or molecules

delay or prevent the oxidation of easily oxidizable

that have one or more unpaired electrons (Williams

substances, there is now an increased interest in the role

et al., 2006). They are generated daily in living systems

of natural antioxidants from different food sources.

arising from the metabolic processes that form a part of

Inositol hexakisphosphate or IP6 (also known as phytic

normal aerobic metabolism (Saha et al., 2008). The

acid or phytate when in salt form), is also thought to play

increased incidences of many diseases including cell

a role in antioxidant activity of cells. IP6 is the principal

tumours, type II diabetes mellitus and coronary heart

storage form of phosphorus in many plant tissues,

diseases are attributed to the effects of highly active free

especially bran and seeds, where it exhibits antioxidant

radicals (Marinova et al., 2005; Olajire et al., 2011).

properties via chelation of hydroxyl radicals (Graf and

Throughout the Caribbean, there are many food

Eaton, 1990; Johnson et al., 2000). IP6 concentrations in

crops which are believed to possess therapeutic

most of the food samples previously mentioned are not

properties. These beliefs are largely based on tradition

known and therefore warrant investigation.

and have resulted in increased interest in the area of

Minerals are an important contributor to the

ethnopharmacology. It is now theorized that traditional

nutritional value of foods as they play significant roles in

medicine has immense value and the therapeutic

many essential metabolic processes. They are important

properties of foods may be due in part to the presence of

in cognitive development, function as enzyme cofactors,

bioactive compounds (Sreeramulu et al., 2013). The

and play important roles in structural and epithelial

development of an industry from this knowledge is

integrity among numerous other functions. Reduced

considered an important contributor to economic growth

levels and bioavailability of minerals is thought to be a

in the tropics (Dilworth et al., 2013). Some of the foods

major health challenge in developing countries. There is

of interest are spices and condiments including pimento,

however, a paucity of information regarding overall

ginger, onions, okra and sorrel that are reported to

antioxidant properties and health benefits of many

possess important health benefits (Rubio et al., 2013;

commonly eaten foods. In light of the current boom in

Kaefer and Milner, 2008; Tsai et al., 2014; PĂŠrez-

the nutraceutical industry, it is important to assess their

Gregorio et al., 2014). Other foods of interest include

antioxidant

legumes and seeds including corn, pumpkin seeds,

contribute to their marketability. This will also enhance

1183

properties

since

this

will

positively

Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1182-1194

Dilworth et al., 2014 the commercial viability of the region since specific

METHODS

foods and their value added products can be marketed for

Determination of Minerals

economic development.

The minerals calcium, copper, zinc and iron were

This study was geared at assessing the nutritional

determined by standard methods (AOAC, 2005). A

value of foods delivered to the market for consumption

specified amount of ground sample was completely

by the local population, since the average consumer

ashed followed by acid digestion and dilution with

purchases food from the market and not directly from the

deionized water. Samples were read using a Unicam 939

farm. Checks were done to ensure that all samples were

atomic absorption spectrophotometer equipped with

delivered to the market directly from the farm within

background correction and cathode lamps. Accuracy of

three days or less since older samples may have reduced

the analytical method was confirmed through a series of

bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity owing to

certified analyses on reference materials. Appropriate

improper

spikes were added to specific samples for recovery

storage.

This

research

was

aimed

ascertaining antioxidant properties, bioactive compounds

determinations.

and mineral concentration of commonly consumed foods

Total phenol

while assessing some other uncommon foods for

Total phenol levels were determined by a

incorporation into mainstream consumption or for use as

modification of the Folin-Ciocalteu assay method as

nutraceuticals.

described by Sun et al., (2006) and Prasad et al., (2010). Following methanol extraction, 0.5 mL of Folin reagent

METHODOLOGY

was added to samples and then Na2CO3 was also added.

MATERIALS:

Samples were vortexed and incubated, diluted with

Chemicals and Reagents were purchased from

deionized water, centrifuged and absorbance read at

Sigma-Aldrich Co. (MO, USA).

725 nm. A standard curve for gallic acid was done based

Samples

on a similar procedure as outlined above. Extrapolations

A wide variety of commonly eaten foods

for total polyphenol concentration were then carried out

including tuber crops, fruits, vegetables, condiments and

from the curve and values given as mean Âą SD mg gallic

spices were selected for analyses. They were as follows:

acid equivalents/mL.

Kidney

DPPH radical scavenging activity:

bean

(Phaseolus

vulgaris),

Butter

bean

(Phaseolus lunatus), Pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan), Okra

DPPH

radical

scavenging

activity

was

(Hibiscus esculentus), golden apple (Spondias dulcis),

determined by slight modifications of methods outlined

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), Sorrel (Hibiscus

by Matkowski et al., (2008), Veeru et al., (2009) and

sabdariffa), Onion (Allium cepa), Ginger (Zingiber

Hasan et al., (2006). Plant extracts were double extracted

officinale), Pimento (Pimenta dioica) and Corn (Zea

with methanol for 24 hours then rotor evaporated to

mays). Samples were collected from the main market in

dryness and the DPPH assay was carried out to

the city of Kingston, Jamaica, then taken to the

determine the concentration of each extract required to

laboratory, washed and oven dried to a constant weight.

cause 50% inhibition. Samples were read at 517 nm

Samples were then crushed in a General electric motor

against a pure methanol blank in duplicates and

and industrial system laboratory mill with the mesh size

the percentage inhibition was determined according to

of 0.2 mm and stored frozen for further use.

the equation below. IC50 values were determined from

Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1182-1194

the

graph

the

percentage

inhibition 1184

Dilworth et al., 2014 against extract concentration.

IP6 Assessment of IP6 was done by a method

abs of control – abs of sample % inhibition =

x 100 abs control

previously described by Siddhuraju and Becker (2001). It involved a colorimetric method in addition to ion exchange purification. Duplicate ground samples were

Flavonoids Total flavonoid content was assessed by the

stirred with HCl at room temperature followed by

aluminum chloride colorimetric assay as previously

centrifugation. Aliquots were diluted with distilled water

reported (Marinova et al., 2005). An aliquot of the

and the pH was adjusted to 6. The diluted extract was

methanolic extract was centrifugated and added to

quantitatively transferred to a column with anioinic

deionized water, sodium nitrateand aluminium chloride.

exchange resin. Inorganic phosphate was eluted with 0.1

Sodium hydroxide was then added and the volume made

M NaCl while IP6 was eluted with 1M NaCl and

up to 10 mL with deionized water. Solutions were mixed

collected. The purified extract, standards and water were

thoroughly and the absorbance was read at 510 nm

added to the modified Wade reagent. It was vortexed for

against a reagent blank. Total flavonoid content was

5 seconds and the absorbance was read immediately at

expressed as catechin equivalents (CE)/100 g dry mass.

500 nm.

Table 1.0: IP6, Flavoniods and total phenolics in legumes, seeds and spices Samples

IP6 (µg/g)

Flavonoids (CE/100 mg)

Total phenolics (mg/100 g)

kidney bean

2750.20 ± 9.02a

145.21 ± 5.03d

16.38 ± 1.40 a

broad bean

1466.67 ± 15.15ab

90.61 ± 20.21d

5.61 ± 1.79d

Pigeon peas

2483.67 ± 13.21a

119.91 ± 2.09d

11.63 ± 0.72 a

462.50 ± 62.51c

105.65 ± 34.07d

22.38 ± 1.73ab

Pimento

1183.33 ± 16.66bc

2685.68 ± 15.30a

2.87 ± 0.17d

Pumpkin seeds (h)

2558.21 ± 18.67a

60.93 ± 3.21d

8.23 ± 3.41d

Pumpkin seeds (u)

2554.67 ± 20.59a

95.64 ± 24.55d

21.32 ± 1.57 ab

Corn

2025.52 ± 75.83a

50.11 ± 2.54d

80.21 ± 2.14c

Okra

700.21 ± 17.21c

595.91 ± 85.53c

27.95 ± 2.67b

Sorrel

1520.83 ± 23.52d

1665.64 ± 18.81b

5.30 ± 1.30b

Jackfruit seeds

Onion

941.66 ± 16.67bc

85.86 ± 5.34d

36.72 ± 1.29b

Ginger

441.67 ± 25.25c

470.86 ± 50.34c

87.99 ± 4.05c

1945.83 ± 20.83ab

325.66 ± 35.35c

28.25 ± 1.70b

Golden apple

Values in the same column with different letter subscripts are significantly different p<0.05. Values are expressed as mean ± SEM. 1185

Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1182-1194

Dilworth et al., 2014 had lower IP6 compared to leguminaceous crops, they

Statistical analyses Data were finally expressed as means ± SEM.

still had appreciable levels that can be exploited for

Analysis of variance was used to ascertain differences

anticarcinogenic and antioxidant properties. Other spices

among different samples by using the Statistical package

including ginger, onion and okra recorded low IP6

for

concentrations.

the

social

sciences

software

version

16.0.

Differences among means were assessed by the

It is important to assess ways in which food

Duncan’s multiple range test where significance was

samples with high IP6 concentrations can be exploited

confirmed by a cutoff p value <0.05, (Sokal and Rohlf,

since this bioactive compound is shown to be effective in

1969).

reducing the incidences and complications of numerous metabolic disorders including hyperlipidaemias, diabetes

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

mellitus and some cancers (Lee et al., 2007; Lehtihet

IP6

et al., 2004; Kumar et al., 2010; Vucenik and Since IP6 is found mostly in the aleurone layer of

Shamsuddin, 2006). While increased consumption of

cereals and grains we would expect highest levels in

these foods are encouraged, purified extracts can also be

grain and seed samples. This was generally observed in

prepared and marketed for their reported health benefits

the samples of kidney beans (2750.20 ± 9.02 µg/g),

Table 2.0: Free radical scavenging activity of methanolic extracts of legumes seeds and spices

pigeon peas (2483.67 ± 13.21 µg/g), broad bean (1466.67 ± 15.15 µg/g), pumpkin seeds (2558.21 ± 18.67

Samples

µg/g) and corn (2025.52 ± 75.83 µg/g) with significantly Ascorbic acid higher IP6 concentration compared to other samples Kidney bean (Table 1). Golden apple also recorded similar IP6 content (1945.83 ± 20.83 µg/g) but this was unexpected as Broad Bean

% DPPH Inhibition* IC50 (mg/mL) 97.42 ± 0.41a

0.018

50.85 ± 0.13b

0.781

9.21 ± 2.60c

8.976

9.17 ± 0.86c

5.413

Jackfruit seeds

21.01 ± 0.55d

2.052

Pimento

95.54 ± 0.18a

0.021

Tropical regions. Its high IP6 levels therefore warrant Pumpkin seeds (u)

4.67 ± 0.11c

8.844

further investigations since this research suggests that Pumpkin seeds (h) high IP6 concentrations may be found in the parts of Okra foods other than seeds. Jackfruit seeds recorded lower IP concentrations than other seed samples and this was Sorrel

4.63 ± 0.42c

7.618

23.51 ± 4.30d

2.385

59.52 ± 0.87 b

0.391

8.67 ± 0.44 c

5.779

Ginger

92.16 ± 0.52a

0.050

Corn

28.68 ± 0.15d

1.410

19.93 ± 0.23d

1.779

analyses were carried out on the fruit itself and not on the Pigeon Peas seed portion. This is of significance as golden apple (referred to as Jew plum in some countries), is one of the most commonly consumed fruits in the Pacific and

unexpected. Bioavailability of minerals from this food Onion source may therefore be higher than that of other seed foods, since IP6 may act as a divalent mineral chelator especially in low mineral nutrient states. This need to be

further explored since food quality is adversely affected Golden apple by low mineral bioavailabity. Pimento and sorrel are

The % DPPH inhibition represents the mean ± SD. IC50 values were calculated based on duplicate analysis of each plant sample. and for preparing various drinks. While these samples versatile foods as they are used as condiments, spices

Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1182-1194

1186

Dilworth et al., 2014 as nutraceuticals. This assessment of IP6 in a wide

DPPH inhibition. Pimento and ginger samples (with

variety of beans, seeds condiments and fruits provides us

values of 95.54 ± 0.18 % and 92.16 ± 0.52 % inhibition)

with new knowledge from which further studies can be

recorded significantly increased antioxidant activity

carried out. This work indicates immense potential for

compared to other samples with IC50 values comparable

increased crop production along with preparation and

to the ascorbic acid standard (table 2). This observation

promotion of beneficial nutraceutical products.

is corroborated by other studies (Padmakumari et al.,

It was observed thatfor some samples, IP6

2011; Ghasemzadeh et al., 2011). These two food

concentration deviated widely from other reported

samples along with others are used widely in various

values. Differences may however be due to variations in

traditional preparations as treatment for various ailments

the assessment methods used since some methods may

including cancers and inflammatory diseases (Tsai et al.,

measure all phosphate containing compounds within the

2005; Marzouk et al., 2007). Data on flavonoid content

sample

of similar foods from the literature is sparse, however

resulting

the

overestimation

IP6

concentrations.

foods with high flavonoid content are reported to have

Bioactive compounds and Antioxidant activity

antioxidant

and

anti-inflammatory

properties

and

The DPPH assay is used as an indication of the

contribute positively to cardiovascular health (Verena

free radical scavenging activity of various samples and

et al., 2006). The ability of ginger and pimento to reduce

as such may identify potentially beneficial antioxidant

inflammation, among other health benefits may therefore

components. It measures the ability of the extracts to

be due in part to the high levels of flavonoids (which

donate an H ion to DPPH effectively for reducing it.

contribute to total polyphenolic compounds) and other

Screening foods for bioactive compounds may lead to

phytochemicals

the discovery of highly active compounds with

antioxidant status and reported therapeutic benefits.

significant

health

benefits.

that

contribute

their

overall

Secondary metabolites

Samples of corn and ginger had significantly

including flavonoids, IP6 and total phenolics contribute

higher phenolic content than other samples assessed with

to overall antioxidant activity which was assessed by

values of 80.21 ± 2.14 mg/100 g and 87.99 ± 4.05

Fig 1. Calcium concentration in legumes, seeds and spices. Columns with different assigned letter superscripts are significantly different, (P<0.05). Six sample replicates were used to assess significant difference among groups. 1187

Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1182-1194

Dilworth et al., 2014 mg/100 g respectively, while appreciable levels of

water extraction. The resulting solution which has a deep

polyphenols were also recorded for samples of onion

red colour is reported to be high in nutrients and

(36.72 ± 1.29 mg/100 g), okra (27.95 ± 2.67 mg/100 g)

antioxidants and has hypolipidaemic properties (Ochani

and golden apple (28.25± 1.70 mg/100 g) (Table 1). We

and D'Mello, 2009; Bako et al., 2009). Other research

therefore theorize that other compounds in addition to

also suggest a role for sorrel in modulating blood

polyphenols may be contributing to antioxidant activity

pressure in hypertensive patients, with flavonoids and

of some samples since some samples with high

other phytochemicals thought to be the beneficial

polyphenol concentrations did not show high antioxidant

compounds in this regard (McKay et al., 2010). Our

activities. High values for DPPH inhibition were also

results show appreciable antioxidant activity and IP6 in

obtained for kidney bean and sorrel samples suggesting

sorrel samples with only pimento samples having higher

that extracts from these foods are high in antioxidants.

flavonoid concentrations. Further studies should be

This research suggests that these food samples in

conducted and geared at identifying the specific

addition to ginger and pimento, may be useful in

compound or compounds responsible for the reported

lowering the incidences of some inflammatory diseases

health benefits in this food sample. This data argues well

since foods that display high antioxidant are shown to be

for continued consumption and study of pimento, ginger

beneficial in this regard (Wang et al., 2010; Ramadan

and sorrel with the aim of correlating therapeutic benefits

et al., 2011).

based on traditional knowledge with scientific data.

In light of these results, other plant preparations

Minerals

with similar therapeutic benefits should be assessed for

Pimento samples displayed significantly higher

overall antioxidant activity with the aim of producing

calcium concentrations than other samples assessed with

nutraceutically beneficial and commercially viable

8055.31 ± 347.60 mg/Kg as shown in Figure 1. Data

proprietary preparations. Sorrel for example, matures

from the literature on mineral content of this spice is

during the winter months and the calyces of the flower

sparse, however this research indicates that with such

are traditionally used to prepare a drink following hot

high calcium concentrations, pimento seeds are an

Fig 2. Iron concentration in legumes, seeds and spices. Columns with different assigned letter superscripts are significantly different, (P<0.05). Six sample replicates were used to assess significant difference among groups.

Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1182-1194

1188

Dilworth et al., 2014 explorable source of dietary calcium. This may prove

calcium sources, increased intake of these high calcium

important especially in aging populations in which

foods identified by this study is recommended. Overall,

calcium availability and assimilation is a problem.

this research shows that in addition to having high

Golden apple samples have displayed high calcium

antioxidant activity, sorrel and pimento samples are also

levels with a value of 2236.48 Âą 140.91 mg/Kg, however

good sources of calcium. Increased utilization of these

the literature reports higher calcium concentrations for

foods to supplement the diet will therefore contribute

sorrel compared to our data (Glew et al., 2010). Little

significantly to satisfy the recommended daily allowance

data is available from the literature on mineral content of

of 100 mg for calcium.

golden apple samples however the level of minerals

Samples of sorrel, ginger and pimento had

present in this fruit makes it a prime candidate for further

significantly higher iron content than all other samples

studies. All other samples recorded calcium values of

analysed with pimento samples recording the highest

less than 1000 mg/Kg. Calcium, copper and iron content

concentrations (Figure 2). Appreciable levels of iron

of jackfruit seeds are lower than recorded elsewhere,

were also found in the samples of kidney bean, broad

however higher levels of zinc were found in samples

bean and hulled pumpkin seeds. The values recorded for

from this study compared to another recent study (Ocloo

iron content of pimento were notably higher than

et al., 2010).

recorded elsewhere, indicating that levels of these

Calcium is important for skeletal development and integrity while also playing key roles in muscle function and transmission

minerals vary with geographical location and cultivation methods (Aberoumand, 2011).

of neuronal impulses.

Iron is an essential micronutrient with adequate

Adequate intake is therefore recommended throughout

levels needed for preventing anaemia. It also has

life. Reduced calcium intake is of special concern in

important functions in cellular redox reactions. As a

vulnerable populations including the young, the elderly

result foods with high levels of this mineral are therefore

and in populations with below average food intake. In

highly desirable. High iron content of some samples

addition to supplementing the diet with traditional

analysed make them prime candidates for micronutrient

Fig 3. Copper concentration in legumes, seeds and spices. Columns with different assigned letter superscripts are significantly different, (P<0.05). Six sample replicates were used to assess significant difference among groups.

1189

Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1182-1194

Dilworth et al., 2014 supplementation especially in mineral deficient diets. In

2003). Our research shows that pumpkin seeds are an

this regard sorrel was shown to be an important

excellent source of this micronutrient (43.23 ± 0.62 mg/

micronutrient source as its addition to cakes as

Kg) with significantly higher concentration than other

supplements improved

samples

calcium and iron

content

significantly (Almana, 2001).

assessed

(Figure

4).

This

bears

some

significance as in many countries, pumpkin seeds are not

In addition to high iron concentrations in sorrel

normally consumed but are instead discarded. This work

(of 64.29 ± 1.06 mg/Kg), ginger (62.84 ± 1.19 mg/Kg),

therefore adds to the growing body of advocating

and pimento samples (75.25 ± 11.68 mg/Kg), we

arguments for increased promotion and processing of

theorize that iron from these samples may also be readily

pumpkin seeds, thereby making them suitable for wide

available for metabolism owing to relatively low levels

scale consumption. The high zinc content of pumpkin

of mineral chelating agents in these samples compared to

seeds may also be a reason for its reported positive

legumes and seeds. Further studies assessing in vitro

effects on prostate health, since adequate zinc is required

bioavailability of iron are however needed since not all

for normal prostate functioning and reduced incidences

forms of iron present in foods are available for

of prostate cancer–specific mortality (Epstein et al.,

absorption and utilization by the body. This was

2011). Pigeon peas, jackfruit seeds, okra and sorrel

highlighted in previous studies where low iron

samples also had high levels of zinc and may also be

bioavailability was observed in some tuber samples with

useful in this regard. Jackfruit seeds are also not

high overall iron content (Dilworth et al., 2007).

normally consumed but can be made edible after

Zinc has many important functions including maintenance

epithelial

structures,

cooking. Seeds from both pumpkin and jackfruit samples

neuronal

which are not normally consumed should therefore be

development and immune cell functioning (Haase and

promoted for their high zinc content. These are dynamic

Rink, 2009). It is therefore important that adequate

food samples which can be prepared as snacks,

amounts are ingested since zinc deficiency is thought to

appetizers or as ingredients in baked products.

be a widespread but under reported problem (Prasad,

Fig 4. Zinc concentration in legumes, seeds and spices. Columns with different assigned letter superscripts are significantly different, (P<0.05). Six sample replicates were used to assess significant difference among groups.

Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1182-1194

1190

Dilworth et al., 2014 The highest copper concentrations were observed

CONCLUSIONS

in okra samples with values of 9.09 Âą 1.57 mg/Kg

This research shows that some food samples

(Figure 3). There were no significant variations in copper

derived from tropical and temperate plants are high in

levels in approximately 50% of samples analyzed

essential minerals and bioactive compounds. Some

however, the levels found in corn, onion and ginger

samples displayed high antioxidant activities which may

samples were significantly lower than all other samples

be a contributory factor to their reported therapeutic

analysed. Copper is important for electron transport and

benefits as seen by their extensive use in traditional and

oxygen transportation and serve as a catalyst to

homeopathic medicine. This work indicates that these

numerous enzymes, therefore, intake of a small amount

foods should be promoted for their health benefits while

is indicated (RDA of 1.5-3 mg).

Most of the food

further research should be geared at developing

samples analysed are therefore good sources of dietary

nutraceutical products from them. This work also

copper.

provides evidence for increased production, preparation Although zinc and copper are important from a

and consumption of some underutilized highly nutritious

nutritional and biochemical standpoint, national food

food samples including jackfruit and pumpkin seeds in

surveys have revealed marginal to moderately low

order to supplement general or otherwise nutrient poor

contents of both nutrients in the typical American diet

diets. Since preserved samples were used in this study,

(Ma and Betts, 2000). From a health perspective, this is

further comparative work should be carried out with

significant since there is a direct correlation between the

farm fresh samples.

dietary Zn/Cu ratio and incidence of cardiovascular diseases (Cabrera et al., 2003). Supplementing the diet

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

with foods having sufficient zinc and copper should

The authors are grateful to the Postgraduate

therefore contribute significantly to the nutritional

Research and Publications committee at UWI Mona for

efficacy of the typical diet and may lead to reduced

providing financial support for this research. Authors are

incidences of cardiovascular diseases.

also indebted to Sannette Hall for her editorial input.

This research which provides information on mineral contents and other nutritional properties of food samples consumed frequently and infrequently, argues

DECLARATION : The authors declare no conflict of interest.

well for their increased consumption. The results of this study bears significance for the food industry, that some

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An Anthocyanin-rich extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1182-1194

1194

Journal of Research in Biology

An International Scientific Research Journal

Original Research

Journal of Research in Biology

Characterization of silica nanoporous structures of freshwater diatom frustules Authors: Dharitri Borgohain and Bhaben Tanti*.

Institution: Department of Botany, Gauhati University, Guwahati - 781014, Assam, India.

ABSTRACT: A phytoplanktonic unicellular alga known as diatoms belonging to the class Bacillariophyceae, possess a distinct, highly ornamented siliceous cell wall consisting of two overlapping halves. Diatoms are found both in marine and freshwater environment and also in moist habitats. A study was designed to assess and examine the morphology of diatoms in Chapanala and Jiajuri, two silica rich sites in Nagaon district of Assam as reported by Geological Survey of India. Samples were collected from aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats of the study sites and immediately transferred to Diatom specific Media. The samples were then subjected to acid wash treatment for detailed microscopic observations. Nanoporous structures of freshwater diatom frustules have been well characterized through extensive SEM analysis. The prominent forms include - Pinnularia sp., Navicula sp., Achnanthidium sp., Nitzschia sp. and Eunotia sp. The SEM micrographs very clearly showed the presence of fine nanostructure pores, the valve view and distinct raphe of the diatoms. In the present study, the sizes of nanoporous silica were found in the range of ~60-170 nm under SEM observations, suggesting the potentiality to use the diatoms in various nanotechnological applications.

Corresponding author: Bhaben Tanti.

Keywords: Freshwater diatom, Frustule, Silica, SEM, Geological Survey of India.

Email Id:

Article Citation: Dharitri Borgohain and Bhaben Tanti. Characterization of silica nanoporous structures of freshwater diatom frustules. Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1195-1200

Web Address:

http://jresearchbiology.com/ documents/RA0411.pdf.

Dates: Received: 07 Jan 2014

Accepted: 29 Jan 2014

Published: 28 Feb 2014

1195-1200 | JRB | 2014 | Vol 3 | No 7

www.jresearchbiology.com

Borgohain and Tanti, 2013 0.373 km2 and possible reserve is 3.5 million tones

INTRODUCTION Diatoms areeukaryotic, unicellular or colonial

(Borgohain and Tanti, 2014). No any extensive

microalgae inhabiting a wide variety of habitats. Diatoms

investigation has been carried out to characterize the

are microscopic, sizes ranging from 2µm to 2mm and

diatom from these silica rich areas.

species are classified mostly by the shapes and patterns of their hard silica parts. The most characteristic feature

MATERIALS AND METHODS

of diatoms is their cell wall or exoskeleton which is built

Cell collection and culture

up of amorphous silica. These extremely diverse group

Water and semi-aquatic soil samples were

of phytoplankton form the basis of many aquatic food

collected from the sampling sites, Chapanala and Jiajuri

chains, and are thought to be responsible for upto 25% of

on the basis of habitat stratification (Fig.1). The collected

the world’s net primary productivity. The frustules

samples were then transferred in the DM (Diatom

possess intricate nanoscale features such as pores, ridges,

Medium) proposed by Beakes et al., (1988). The medium

areoles, spikes and spines imbedded within the periodic

was standardized with slight modification and the

two-dimensional pore arrays. They are the only

composition of stock (per 200ml) includes- Ca(NO3)2.

organisms known to possess genetic ability to mineralize

4H2O – 4g, KH2PO4– 2.48 g, MgSO4.7H2O - 5 g,

amorphous silica into complex structures. Diatoms are

NaHCO3 – 3.18 g, EDTAFeNa – 0.45g, EDTANa2 –

particularly attractive for nanotechnology because they

0.45g, H3BO3 – 0.496g, MnCl2.4H2O – 0.278g, (NH4)

build

6Mo7O24.4H2O – 0.20g, Cyanocobalamine - 0.008g,

nanopattern directly in 3D form (Round et al.,1990).

Thiamine HCl – 0.008g, Biotin – 0.008g and

Biomineralize silica cell walls confer the diatoms diverse

Na2SiO3.9H2O – 22.8g (Borgohain and Tanti, 2014).

their

highly

symmetric

skeletons

with

and impressive exoskeletal architecture (Montsant et al.,

The cultures were kept in a Bio Chemical

2005; Bozarth et al., 2009). The diversity of the silica

Oxygen (BOD) incubator where cultures were allowed to

structures on the diatom cell walls appears to be quite

grow at 3K light and 18-20° C under 50 µMol photons

significant and extends possibilities for their use in nano-

m-2sec-1 on a 14:10 hr L : D (Complete light : Dark)

fabrication of a multitude of devices having wide ranging

cycle (Fluorescent light, FL40S : D National) and were

applications in biochemical analyses, microsensors,

growing in an exponential phase for 20-22 days. Pure

computing and telecommunications, optical devices,

cultures of diatoms were preserved and maintained on

microrobotics,

DM liquid medium and transferred to fresh medium at a

micro

batteries

etc.

(Gordon

and

Parkinson, 2005).

regular interval of 1 month (Gurung et al., 2012; 2013).

Silica sand deposits have been reported by the

Preparation of diatom frustule for microscopic study

Geological Survey of India (GSI) in the Jiajuri and

The diatom cells were cleaned by acid to remove

Chapanala region of Nagaon district of Assam

the organic matrix present external to the cell wall (Hasle

’ ’’

’’

(Borpuzari, 2012). Jiajuri hill (26° 18 0 to 26° 19’ 0 N

and Fryxell, 1970). The cleaned frustule valves were

latitude and 92° 52’ 55’’ to 92° 54’ 15’’ E longitude)

then stored in ethanol to avoid contamination and

covers an area of 2.9 km and the possible friable

bacterial growth. The structural morphology of the

quartzite is about 7.4 million tones. The friable quartzite

cleaned diatom frustules were examined by Scanning

deposits of Jiajuri occurs on plateau with undulating

Electron Microscope JEOL JSM – 6360. The cleaned

’

frustules were partly mounted on brass stubs and coated

topography. Chapanala is bounded by latitude 26° 20 ’

’’

10’’ N and longitude 92° 51 30 E, covering an area of 1196

Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1195-1200

Borgohain and Tanti, 2013

Fig.1. Map showing the sampling sites (Source: www.mapsofindia.com). with gold for SEM analysis and digital images were

Order: Naviculales

taken using the system.

Family: Pinnulariaceae Genus: Pinnularia

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION SEM analysis

Fig. 2. showed that valves are linear to linearlanceolate with obtusely rounded, subrostrate apices.

The ultra-structure and morphology of nano-

Striae chambered and with abrupt transition. The

porous silica frustules of the freshwater diatoms were

external proximal raphe ends dilated, bent slightly.

investigated from the silica rich sites- Chapanala and

Length of the valve ranges from 30-48Îźm and width

Jiajuri of Nagaon district of Assam. The structural

ranges from 5.5-7.5Îźm. From the SEM images, the

morphology of the acid treated cleaned frustules were

diatom was identified as Pinnularia sp. having the

examined by SEM and the images along with their

silicon pore sizes of ~81nm.

nanopore sizes are described.

Order: Bacillariales

Class: Bacillariophyceae

Family: Naviculaceae

Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1195-1200

1197

Borgohain and Tanti, 2013

Figure 2. SEM micrographs of Pinnulariainterrupta(A) Full view (B) detail surface of the valve showing Genus: Navicula

diatom was identified to be Achnanthidium sp. having

Fig. 3. showed a scanning electron micrograph

silica nanoporous structure of frustule of ~140-160nm.

(SEM) where, it was observed that the frustules of the

Order: Bacillariales

diatom was rhombic-lanceolate with cuneate apices.

Family: Bacillariaceae

Length of the valve ranges from 75.5-90μm and width

Genus: Nitzschia

ranges from 17-20μm. From the SEM images, the diatom

Fig. 5. revealed that the valves are lanceolate

was identified to be Navicula sp. The silica nanopores of

with sides parallel and tapering rapidly at the poles,

this diatom species showed ~63nm in size.

terminating with subcapitate apices. Striae barely visible.

Order: Achnanthales

Length of the valve ranges from 12-42μm and width

Family: Achnanthaceae

ranges from 3.5-4.5μm. From the SEM images, the

Genus: Achnanthidium

diatom was identified as Nitzschia sp. having the silicon

Fig. 4. showed that frustules are monoraphid,

pore sizes of ~60-65 nm.

valves are linear-lanceolate with slightly capitate ends.

Order: Bacillariales

Striae usually uniseriate and radiate throughout both

Family: Eunotiaceae

valves. Length of the valve ranges from 6-21μm and

Genus: Eunotia

width ranges from 1.5-3μm. From the SEM images, the

Figure 3. SEM micrographs of Naviculabacillum (A) Full view (B) detail surface of the valve showing pores.

1198

Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1195-1200

Borgohain and Tanti, 2013

Figure 4. SEM micrographs of Achnanthidiumminutissumum (A) Full view (B) detail surface of the valve showing pores.

Fig. 6. revealed that the valves are arched

patterns and structures at the nano to millimetre scale. In

slightly, the dorsal margin convex and narrowing

this study, we observed very exciting results in case of

towards the ends and ventral margin concave. Striae

Pinnularia, Navicula and Nitzschia species where their

radiate at apices. Length of the valve ranges from

nanoporous silica sizes are less than 100 nm.

21-90Îźm and width ranges from 5.6-7.2Îźm. From the

Nanoporous silica with less â&#x2030;¤ 100 is considered as

SEM images, the diatom was identified to be Eunotia sp.

excellent materials for wide range of applications in IT

which revealed ~150-170 nm of pore sizes.

based industries.

Further, as these particles are

biologically generated, so they are most stable, costCONCLUSION

effective and eco-friendly. The two other diatoms

Inspite of immense potentiality of diatoms in

namely, Achnanthidium and Eunotia are also showing

nanoengineering and technology, no any proper scientific

considerable range of nanoporous silica of ~ 150 nm

exploration and exploitation of the freshwater diatoms

over their frustules. Their varied geometries and

has been carried out from North-Eastern part of India.

nanopore sizes offer a wide range of attributes for

Silica rich soil has a distinctive type of ecological habitat

exploitation in nanotechnology based industries. The

supporting specific types of diatoms with different type

highly ordered 3D porous silica nanostructures hold a

of features. Diatom frustules display a diversity of

promising vicinity for the biological fabrication of

Figure 5. SEM micrographs of Nitzschiapalea (A) Full view (B) detail surface of the valve showing pores. Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1195-1200

1199

Borgohain and Tanti, 2013

Figure 6. SEM micrographs of Eunotiasubarcuatioides (A) Full view (B) detail surface of the valve showing pores.

nanostructured devices and materials from these silica

and Nanotechnology. 5: 35-40.

rich sites. For that, more characterization is needed for

Gurung L, Tanti B, Buragohain AK and Borah SP. 2012. Studies on the freshwater diatom diversity in Deepar Beel, Assam, India. J Assam Sci Soc., 53(2): 1-6.

confirmation and authentication. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The author would like to acknowledge UGCSAP (Special Assistance Programme) for providing financial assistance in the form of Basic Scientific Research (BSR) fellowship to carryout the work. REFERENCES Beakes GW, Canter HM and Jaworski GHM. 1988. Zoospore ultrastructure of Zygorhizidium affluens and Z. planktonicum, two chytrids parasitizing the diatom Asterionella formosa. Canadian J Bot.,66(6): 1054-1067. Borgohain D and Tanti B. 2014. Diversity of freshwater diatoms from few silica rich habitats of Assam, India. J. Res. Bio., 4(1): 1162-1173. Borgohain D and Tanti B. 2014. Seasonal variations of freshwater diatoms in the silica rich soils of Assam. J. Res. Plant Sci., 3(1): 242-248. Borpuzari P. 2012. Ministry to exploit silica reserves in N-E. The Financial Express, 20 March. Bozarth A, Maier UG and Zauner S. 2009. Diatoms in biotechnology: modern tools and applications. App Microbiol Biotechnol., 82(2): 195-201. Gordon R and Parkinson J. 2005. Potential roles for diatomists in nanotechnology. Journal of Nanoscience 1200

Gurung L, Buragohain AK, Borah SP and Tanti B. 2013. Freshwater diatom diversity in Deepor Beel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a Ramsar site. J. Res. Plant Sci., 2(2):182-191. Hasle GR and Fryxell GA. 1970. Diatoms: cleaning and mounting for light and electron microscopy. Transactions of the Americans Microscopical Society. 89 (4): 469-474. Montsant A, Aheshwari U, Bowler C. and Lopez PJ. 2005.Diatomics: towards diatom functional genomics. Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. 5: 5-14. Round FE, Crawford RM and Mann DG. 1990. The Diatoms: Biology and Morphology of the Genera, Cambridge University Press. p. 747.

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Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1195-1200

Journal of Research in Biology

An International Scientific Research Journal

Original Research

Journal of Research in Biology

Saprobic status and Bioindicators of the river Sutlej Authors: Sharma C1 and Uday Bhan Singh 2.

Institution: 1. Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160 014, India. 2. Laboratory of Algal Biology and Diversity, Department of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160 014, India.

ABSTRACT: Saprobic status and bioindicators of river Sutlej was conducted at (S1) Ropar Headworks, (S2) downstream after the confluence with BudhaNallah, (S3) Harike before the confluence with river Beas, (S4) Harike before the confluence with river Beas. Water samples were collected on the monthly basis for two consecutive years (November, 2009-October, 2011), on the basis of saprobic classification given by Sladecek (1973), (S 1 ) could be categorized as oligosaprobic, (S 2 ) as polysaprobic, (S 3 ) as mesosaprobic, and (S 4 ) as meso-polysaprobic. Data on the Palmer's Algal Index values revealed that S2 and S4 were grossly polluted, S1 was least polluted, whereas in S3, there were chances of medium degree of organic pollution. Bioindicator organism may have higher frequency index and they are major peak forming organisms at different stations and in different seasons. The results also indicate that the bioindicator species may also behave as peak forming organisms and their abundant depends upon diverse parameters.

Corresponding author: Uday Bhan Singh.

Keywords: Saprobity, Bioindicators, River Sutlej, Palmer's Algal Index, BOD

Email Id:

Article Citation: Sharma C and Uday Bhan Singh. Saprobic status and Bioindicators of the river Sutlej. Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1201-1208

Web Address:

http://jresearchbiology.com/ documents/RA0413.pdf.

Dates: Received: 10 Dec 2013

Accepted: 15 Jan 2014

Published: 14 Mar 2014

1201-1208 | JRB | 2014 | Vol 3 | No 7

www.jresearchbiology.com

Sharma and Singh, 2014 Kinnaur district, the Sutlej enters Punjab near

INTRODUCTION Planktons are very sensitive to the change in

Nangal, moves on to plains at Ropar, passes

the environment they inhabit. Any change in the

through district Ludhiana. Four stations (S 1 , S2 , S3

habitat in terms of tolerance, abundance, diversity

and S4 ) were set up on the river to collect water

and dominance leads to the change in the plankton

samples.

communities (Verma et al., 2012; Sharma et al., 2013;

S1 : River Sutlej at Ropar Headworks: This is

Jindal et al., 2013). Biological assessment has

located at Ropar Headworks (lat. 30°59'N; long.

emerged as a valuable alternative for aquatic

76°31' 12"E; alt. 272m above m.s.l.) in Punjab.

ecosystems assessments; since planktonic species

S2 :

River

Sutlej

downstream

after

the

are cosmopolitan in distribution and inhabiting

confluence with Budha Nallah:

biological communities show the integrated effects

downstream S 1 , where Budha Nallah joins river

of the environment including water chemistry

Sutlej at village Wallipur (lat. 30°58'N; long. 75°

(Singh et al., 2013a; Thakur et al., 2013; Singh and

37'49"E; alt. 228 above m.s.l.).

Sharma, 2014). Trivedy (1988) concluded the use of

S3 :

River

Sutlej

It is 95 km

upstream

before

the

phytoplanktons for assessing the degree of pollution

confluence with East Bein: This is located at

village Lohian before the confluence of East Bein

chlorophyllous

with river Sutlej (lat. 31°07'N; long. 75°06'58"E;

different

microalgae

water

are

diverse

bodies. group

Phytoplankton of

microorganisms with simple nutritional requirements, be they

eukaryotes

S4 : River Sutlej at Harike before the

prokaryotes e.g. cyanobacteria (Singh and Ahluwalia,

confluence with river Beas: It is downstream S 3

2013). Nowadays, macrophytes are also considered as

after the confluence of East Bein with river Sutlej

indicators of water quality (Singh et al., 2013b,c). The

and before the confluence of river Beas (lat. 31°

change

08'N; long. 74°59' 13"E; alt. 211m above m.s.l.).

instance,

en vir onmental

phytoplankton zooplankton

(for

community communities

green

algae)

alt. 209m above m.s.l.).

conditi ons

further which

affects also

and the

respond

MATERIALS AND METHODS

quickly to changes in environmental quality.

The collections were made monthly for a

The use of bioindicators to evaluate trophic state

period of two year i.e. November 2009 -October

of water bodies, have often been neglected in the contrast

2011.

to physical and chemical methods for analysis of water

Physico-chemical analysis:

(Thadeus and Lekinson, 2010). In

the

present

Physico-chemical parameters of the water

investigation, the pollution load of river Sutlej was

were analyzed according to the standard methods

assessed on basis of bioindicators and saprobic

given in Trivedy and Goel (1986) and APHA

assessment.

(2005).

STUDY AREA

Biological analysis:

The prosperities of Punjab are based on its

(i) Collection:

river system. The river Sutlej is the easternmost and

For the collection of biota 100 L of water

longest river of Punjab. It originates near the

was sieved through a ring type bolting silk net (24

Mansarowar Lake in Tibet. It flows west through

meshes mm –2 ), fitted with a wide mounted glass

deep Himalayan valleys entering India in the

bottle. The samples collected were preserved in 4%

1202

Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1201-1208

Sharma and Singh, 2014 formaldehyde solution on the spot for the counting

and reported that higher values of BOD (140-242

of plankton. For living study and identification of

ppm), and lower values of DO (0.01-3.40 ppm),

the biota, separate water sample was collected in

alkalinity (253-337 ppm) were due to mixture of

the similar manner.

industrial effluents in the river. Kumar et al.,

(ii) Identification:

(2009) assessed the pollution status of river Ganga

The books consulted for the identification of phyto-

and

zooplankton

are:

Smith

at Kanpur. They reported that due to dumping of

(1950),

huge quantity of sewage and industrial effluents

Edmondson (1959), Hynes (1960), Pennak (1978)

directly into the river, serious degradation in water

and Kudo (1986).

quality with DO reducing to zero level and other

(iii) Counting of plankton:

chemical parameters including BOD and COD load

Counting of plankton was done with the help

increasing sharply were resulted. Thakur et al.,

of „Sedgwick-Rafter counting cell‟ as per the

(2013) used Palmer's “Algal Species Pollution Index”

procedure given in Wetzel and Likens (2000).

for rating water quality of three lakes of Himachal

(iv) Saprobic status:

Pradesh.

Saprobic condition in the different stretches

The monthly fluctuations in the values of

of the river Sutlej was determined on the basis of

BOD 5 and Palmer's Algal Index have been given in

BOD 5 (organic pollution load) and by the use of

Table 1. Monthly average value of BOD (mg L -1 ) was

Palmer's Algal Index (Palmer, 1969).

1.49 ± 0.74 (0.41-2.7), 31.18 ± 06.33 (21.13-40.12), 3.17 ± 0.97 (1.95-4.92) and 21.00 ± 4.29 (15.31-

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Saprobic condition in the different stretches

28.33) in 2009-10, and 1.54 ± 0.59 (0.35-2.48),

of the river Sutlej was determined on the basis of

22.42 ± 3.92 (16.16-30.15), 2.43 ± 0.81 (1.2-3.65)

BOD 5 (organic pollution load) and by the use of

and 19.17 ± 3.55 (15.2-25.41) in 2010-11 at S 1 , S2 ,

Palmer's

S3 and S4 respectively.

Algal

Index

(Palmer,

1969).

authenticate the relation between saprobes and bio

On the basis of saprobic classification

indicators, we dealt them separately.

given by Sladecek (1973), Ropar Headworks (S 1 )

Saprobic status in the different stretches of the

could be categorized as oligosaprobic, River Sutlej

river Sutlej

at village Wallipur (S 2 ) after the confluence of

Sanghu et al., (1987) studied the impact of

Budha Nallah as polysaprobic, at village Lohian

various human activities on the water quality of

before the confluence of East Bein with river

river Ganga at Garhmukteshwar. They reported

Sutlej

–1

(S 3 )

mesosaprobic,

and

after

the

high value of BOD (9.15 mg L ), indicats pollution

confluence of East Bein with river Sutlej (S 4 ) as

stress in the river. Bhatnagar and Garg (1998)

meso-polysaprobic.

studied the interrelationship of plankton population

The monthly average value of Palmer's

and water quality of river Ghaggar (Sirsa in

Algal Index was 7 ± 1.37 (5-9), 19 ± 5.63 (13-30),

Haryana) and concluded that among all the factors

10 ± 4.33 (4–17) and 15 ± 2.99 (11–20) in 2009-10,

DO and BOD appeared to be more important in

and 5 ± 2.18 (1–8), 19 ± 4.16 (10–24), 8 ± 4.29 (3–

effecting the biotic populations. Kaur and Saxena

16) and 18 ± 5.20 (10–27) in 2010-11 at S 1 , S2 , S3

(2002) made water pollution studies of river Sutlej

and S4 respectively. Data on the Palmer's Algal

Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1201-1208

1203

Sharma and Singh, 2014 Index values revealed that S 2 and S4 was grossly

acerosum (FI 0.54), Spirogyra sp. (FI 0.71),

polluted, S1 least polluted, whereas S 3 , there were

Ulothrix sp. (FI 0.50) and Cladophora glomerata

chances of medium degree of organic pollution.

(FI 0.42). Euglenophyceae were Euglena viridis

Bioindicators

(FI 0.58), Phacus pleuronectus (FI 0.88) and

Bio-indicators approach, using the responses

Lepocynclis ovum (FI 0.50). Cyanophyceae were

of organisms to evaluate trophic state, have often

Oscillatoria princeps (FI 0.79), Anabaena sp., (FI

been neglected in favour of physical and chemical

0.50) Arthrospira jenneri (FI 0.58) and Spirulina

analysis of water (Thadeus and Lekinson, 2010;

gomontii (FI 0.71).

Thakur et al., 2013). Keeping this in view, present

At S3 , diatoms were Navicula cryptocephala

study was conducted on bioindicators of river

(FI 0.38), Cymbella sp. (FI 0.0.54), Navicula

Sutlej.

cryptocephala (FI 0.42), Gomphonema gracile (FI

abundance

the and

basis

presence,

frequency of

absence,

appearance

and

0.42) and Syndera ulna (FI 0.38). Chlorococcales

disappearance, the following organisms could be

were

designated as bioindictors of saprobic status.

s. dimorphous (FI 0.63) and Pediastrum tetras (FI

Frequency index of peak forming Phytoplankton

0.63). Volvocales were Chlamydomonas (FI 0.38),

at different stations of river Sutlej

Chlorogonium sp., (FI 0.63) and Eudorina sp. (FI

At S1 , diatoms were mainly constituted by forms

Cymbella

affinis

(FI

0.50)

and

Scenedesmus

quadricauda

(FI

0.42),

0.75). Zygnematales were Closterium acerosum (FI 0.92), Cladophora glomerata (FI 0.42), Spirogyra

Fragilaria sp. (FI 0.75), Pinnularia sp. (FI 0.75),

sp.

Navicula sp. (FI 0.92) and Amphora pediculus (FI

Euglenophyceae were Euglena acus (FI 0.63),

0.54).

Lepocinclis sp. (FI 0.50), Phacus pleuronectus (FI

Scenedesmus

0.83) and Trachelomonas sp. (FI 0.38). Blue-greens

abundans (FI 1). Volvocales were Chlamydomonas

were Oscillatoria princeps (FI 0.88), Microsystis

sp. (FI 0.75) and Gonium pectorale (FI 0.79).

sp. (FI 0.46) and Spirulina gomontii (FI 0.63).

Chlorococcales

Pediastrum

simplex

(FI

was

represented

0.92),

(FI

0.58)

and

Zygnema

sp.

(FI

0.50).

Zygnematales were Cosmarium sp. (FI 0.46) and

At S4 , diatoms were Cymbella ventricosa (FI

Hydrodictyon sp. (FI 0.46). Euglenophyceae were

0.58), Syndera ulna (FI 0.50), Navicula cuspidata

Trachelomonas lacustris (FI 0.33), Euglena tuba

(FI 0.58) and Melosira varians (FI 0.54), Diatoma

(FI 0.83) and

Phacus longicauda (FI 0.50).

vulgare (FI 0.50) and Navicula cryptocephala

Cyanophyceae were Oscillatoria subbrevis (FI

(FI 0.50). Chlorococcales were Ankistrodesmus

1.00), Calothrix sp. (FI 0.42) and Microcystis sp.

falcatus (FI 0.50), Chlorella vulgaris (FI 0.58),

(FI 0.75).

Scenedesmus

At S2 , diatoms were Synedra ulna (FI 0.79),

quadricauda

(FI

0.58)

and

Pediastrum tetras (FI 0.71). Volvocales were

Achnanthes sp. (FI 0.67), Navicula cuspidata (FI

Chlorogonium

0.79) and Nitzschia palea (FI 0.46). Chlorococcales

elegans (FI 0.46) and Pleudorina sp. (FI 0.38).

were constituted by species like Ankistrodesmus

Zygnematales were Closterium acerosum (FI 0.50),

falcatus (FI 0.88), Chlorella vulgaris (FI 0.67) and

Cladophora glomerata (FI 0.50), Stigeoclonium

Scenedesmus quadricauda (FI 0.79). Volvocales

tenue (FI 0.38), Spirogyra sp. (FI 0.54) and

were Eudorina elegans (FI 0.75) and Pandorina

Ulothrix

sp. (FI 0.29). Euglenophyceae were

morum (FI 0.54). Zygnematales were Closterium

Euglena

acus

1204

elongatum

(FI

0.67),

0.71),

Eudorina

Lepocynclis

ovum

Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1201-1208

1.00 0.96 8.00 8.00 25.41 17.42 20.00 24.00 2.64 2.13 17.00 16.00 17.88 15.55 20.00 27.00

Oct.

(FI 0.50), Phacus pleuronectus (FI 0.58) and Trachelomonas sp. (FI 0.38). Blue-green algae were

1.45 1.63 8.00 4.00 28.22 19.43 24.00 22.00 3.13 2.94 16.00 15.00 19.63 16.43 18.00 24.00

Sep.

Oscillatoria princeps (FI 0.67), Phormidium sp. (FI 0.38) and Spirulina gomontii (FI 0.42).

2.30 1.84 8.00 1.00 38.34 21.73 10.00 10.00 3.86 2.76 15.00 9.00 22.46 19.31 14.00 14.00 2.03 2.00 7.00 7.00 36.22 24.72 16.00 21.00 4.12 3.32 10.00 7.00 25.14 22.12 16.00 19.00 2.70 2.13 7.00 7.00 40.12 26.43 30.00 24.00 4.92 3.34 11.00 7.00 28.33 25.41 13.00 19.00 2.41 2.48 7.00 7.00 34.41 30.15 24.00 23.00 4.23 3.65 11.00 7.00 26.44 24.11 16.00 15.00 1.66 1.86 7.00 7.00 38.73 23.00 22.00 21.00 3.66 2.75 11.00 13.00 24.21 22.37 15.00 14.00 1.35 1.67 9.00 7.00 31.44 25.41 19.00 19.00 2.81 2.20 11.00 9.00 20.83 19.46 20.00 22.00 1.21 1.40 9.00 4.00 29.82 20.72 14.00 20.00 2.46 1.83 6.00 4.00 18.94 17.89 16.00 21.00

Feb.

Mar.

Apr.

May.

Jun.

Jul.

Aug.

Frequency index of peak forming Zooplankton at different stations of river Sutlej At S1 , Protozoa were Coleps sp. (FI 0.50), Colpoda sp. (FI 0.50) and Vorticella sp. (FI 0.67) and Actinophrys sp. (FI 0.46). Rotifera were A nurae op si s

0.85 1.24 5.00 4.00 25.65 18.43 13.00 15.00 2.24 1.65 4.00 4.00 16.63 16.21 11.00 10.00

Jan.

s p.

(FI

0. 50),

B rac hi onu s

quadridentatus (FI 0.46), B. forficula (FI 0.75), Monostyla sp. (FI 0.33) and Notholca sp. (FI 0.54). Copepods

were

Diaptomus leuckarti

Cyclops

gracilis (FI

0.75)

viridis

(FI

0.58),

and

nauplii

(FI

0.83),

Mesocyclops (FI

1.00).

Cladocerans were Daphnia sp. (FI 0.75), Moina brachiata (FI 0.58) and Diaphanosoma sarsi (FI 0.63). At

S2,

Protozoa

were

Colpidium

sp.

(FI 0.63), Epistylis sp. (FI 0.63) and Aspidisca sp.

0.62 0.98 5.00 4.00 21.13 16.16. 16.00 17.00 1.95 1.44 5.00 3.00 15.31 15.20 11.00 11.00 0.41 0.35 9.00 8.00 24.72 19.23 22.00 23.00 2.03 1.20 6.00 6.00 16.24 16.05 14.00 18.00

Rotaria

brightwelli (FI 0.67), Epiphanes senta (FI 0.67) and rotatoria

(FI

0.50).

Copepoda

were

Cyclops strenus (FI 0.63), Mesocyclops leuckarti (FI 0.63) and nauplii (FI 0.96). Cladocerans were Daphnia

pulex

(FI

0.79)

and

Chydorus

sp.

(FI 0.79).

Biochemical oxygen demand (mg L–1)

At S3 , Protozoa were Colpoda sp. (FI 0.54), Stylonychia sp. (FI 0.67), Vorticella convallaria (FI 0.75) and Colpidium sp. (FI 0.92). Rotifera Palmer‟s Algal Index

were

Palmer‟s Algal Index

Biochemical oxygen demand (mg L–1)

Palmer‟s Algal Index S2

Palmer‟s Algal Index S1

Biochemical oxygen demand (mg L–1)

2009-10 2010-11 2009-10 2010-11 2009-10 2010-11 2009-10 2010-11 2009-10 2010-11 2009-10 2010-11 2009-10 2010-11 2009-10 2010-11

(FI 0.42), B. calyciflorus (FI 0.71), Asplanchna

Biochemical oxygen demand (mg L–1)

Index

Year

Nov.

Dec.

(FI 0.46). Rotifera were Brachionus angularis

Station

Table: 1 Monthly fluctuations in the biochemical oxygen demand and Palmer's algal index at different stations during November 2009 to October 2011

Sharma and Singh, 2014

Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1201-1208

Brachionus calyciflorus

quadridentatus (FI

0.71)

and

(FI

0.67),

Asplanchna

brightwelli (FI 0.58). Copepoda were Cyclops leuckarti (FI 0.67), Mesocyclops leuckarti (FI 0.58) and nauplii (FI 0.92). Cladocerans were Daphnia sp. (FI 0.67) and Moina brachiata (FI 0.50). At S4 , Protozoa were Stylonychia sp. (FI 0.58), Epistylis sp. (FI 0.67) and Colpidium sp. (FI 1205

Sharma and Singh, 2014 0.71). Rotifera were Brachionus angularis (FI 0.54),

calyciflorus

(FI

Asplanchna

Based on our results, it has been concluded that

brightwelli (FI 0.71), Filinia longiseta (FI 0.50)

there is a visionable correlation between saprobity and

and Rotaria rotatoria (FI 0.38). Copepoda were

bioindicators, which is further strengthened by frequency

Cyclops brevcornis (FI 0.75), Cyclops strenuus (FI

index. But, it is not mandatory that abundant species may

0.58) Mesocyclops leuckarti (FI 0.83) and nauplii

act as indicator or any indicator organism should be the

(FI 0.83). Cladocerans were Daphnia pulex (FI

peak forming species. This baseline data clearly explains

0.67) and Moina brachiata (FI 0.46).

that, station (S1) could be categorized as oligosaprobic,

0.50),

CONCLUSION

the

basis

presence,

abundance

and

frequency of

absence,

appearance

and

(S2) as polysaprobic, (S3) as mesosaprobic, and (S4) as meso-polysaprobic.

But

these

findings

are

not

disappearance, the following organisms could be

appropriate to make a concrete conclusion and it need

designated as bioindictors of saprobic status.

more time and diverse parameters along with their

Oligosaprobic- Phytoplankton:

correlations to make an authenticate results, and this is

Anomoenes sp., Amphora sp., Asterionella

now open for further studies.

sp., Ceratium sp., Cymbella affinis, Closterium sp., Dinobryon

sp.,

Peridinium

Euastrum sp., Meridion

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors are thankful to the Chairperson,

subbrevis, Pediastrum simplex, Phacus longicauda,

Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh,

Polybotrya

for providing necessary research facilities. One of the

gracilis, sp.,

sp.,

Oscillatoria

Synura

sp.,

Sorastrum

Scenedesmus

Tetraedron

Trachelomonas

l acust rix .

Actinophrys

Anuraeopsis

sp.,

abundance,

minimum

and

authors (Uday Bhan Singh) thankfully acknowledges the

Zooplankt on:

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New

sp.,

Bosmina

Delhi, for providing financial assistance in the form of

longirostris, Coleps sp., Cyclops bicuspidatus,

Junior Research Fellowship and Senior Research

Diaptomus gracilis, Daphnia sp., Difflugia sp.,

Fellowship.

Keratella procurva, K. tropica, Notholca sp. and Vorticella sp.

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Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 3(7): 1201-1208

Guidelines for Authors

The article should be addressed to "The Editor". Submission of an article implies that it has never been published in any other journals and if accepted, it will not be publi shed elsewhere. All papers are first reviewed by the editor. Papers found lacking will not be considered. Others will be sent for a detailed peer-review process. Journal Manuscript Format The manuscript should be typed in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Times new Romanâ&#x20AC;? font with font size 11 and 1.5 line spacing. The page size should be strictly A4. All images should be in JPEG format. The article is to be submitted should accompany a covering letter with name and complete address (including Telephone Number and e-mail ID) of the author/s. The completed article should be sent to submit@jresearchbiology.com Title The title should briefly identify the subject and indicate the purpose of the document. The title should supply enough information for the reader to make a reliable decision on probable interest. Do not use all caps; instead use caps only at the first word of the title and/or at scientific names, abbreviations etc., Center the authors' initials and last names directly below the title. Abstract The abstract should include a hypothesis or rationale for the work, a brief description of the methods, a summary of the results, and a conclusion: The abstract should be less than 250 words. Do not include literature citations or references to tables, figures or equations. Keywords A short list of keywords or phrases should be included immediately after the abstract as index words. Choose keywords that reflect the content of your article. Note that words in the title are not searchable as keywords unless they are also included in the keyword list. Body of the Article The introductory section of the text should include a brief statement of why the research was conducted. It should also define the problem and present objectives along with a plan of development of the subject matter. The introductory section also usually includes a brief survey of the relevant literature on the topic. Materials and Methods Provide sufficient detail so that the work may be repeated. Do not give details of methods described in readily available sou rces. Instead, refer to the source and describe any modification. Figures that illustrate test apparatus and tables of treatment parameters or equipment specifications are appropriate here. Results and Discussion This section describes the solution to the problem stated in the introductory section. Use figures and tables to visually supplement the presentation of your results. The text must refer explicitly to all visuals, and you must interpret the visual elements to emphasize the evidence on which your conclusions are based. Do not omit important negative results. In addition, relate your findings to previous findings by identifying how and why there are differences and where there is agreement. Speculation is encouraged, but it must be identified. Conclusion This is a summary of your results. In this section, state any conclusions that can be drawn from your data. You may also include suggestions for future research. The conclusion may be a subsection of the Results and Discussion section, or it may be a separate section. Data or statements cited in your conclusion must have been stated previously in the article. Do not introduce new information in the conclusion. Acknowledgement Acknowledgements are optional. Use them to thank individuals or organizations that provided assistance in materials, expertise, or financing. The acknowledgements will appear at the end of the text and should be limited to one or two sentences. References All sources cited in the text must be listed in the References, and all documents listed in the References must be cited in the text. Accuracy of citation is the author's responsibility.

Reference Style References should be cited in the text in the form (Author et al, 1987) and listed in alphabetical order at the end of the article as follows: Schernewski G, Neumann T. The trophic state of the Baltic Sea a century ago: a model simulation study. J Mar Sys., 2005;53:109â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 124. Kaufman PD, Cseke LJ, Warber S, Duke JA and Brielman HL. Natural Products from plants. CRC press, Bocaralon, Florida. 1999; 15-16. Kala CP. Ecology and Conservation of alphine meadows in the valley of flowers national park, Garhwal Himalaya. Ph.D Thesis, Dehradun: Forest Research Institute, 1998; 75-76. http://www.ethnobiomed.com/content/pdf/1746-4269-1-11.pdf. Appendix Use an appendix for material that is too long to include in the text of the article. Manuscript Charges Journal of Research in Biology is an International Research Journal. This Journal provides immediate access to all published full-text articles to interested readers from all around the world. The availability of the authorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paper makes the scientific community to understand and develop an impact in the concerned research field. It also increases the chance of more citations of the published work, which in turn can be translated into more recognition of research. This journal also accelerates research and knowledge building worldwide. Publishing an article in Journal of Research in Biology requires payment of the manuscript processing charges, once the manuscript is accepted for publication. The payment is to be made by one of the authors, their university/organization, or funding entity. The manuscript processing charges are fixed so as to allow publishers to recover manuscript processing expenses and the cost of making the full-text available on the Internet to all interested researchers. For Indians The charges for submission of a Research article is Rs 2100, up to 8 pages and for more pages, each page costs Rs 250. For Foreign nationals The charges for submission of a Research article is USD 100, up to 8 pages and for more pages, each page costs 15 USD. Copyright Authors who publish in Journal of Research in Biology retain the copyright of their work which allows the unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction of an article in any medium, provided that the original work is properly cited. If you have any queries kindly contact us at contact@jresearchbiology.com