Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Targeted and non-targeted analysis of organic compounds of moderate polarity in water using liquid chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry in all ion mode with particular reference to analysis of pesticides
Get PDFWe have developed a novel yet efficient method for the multi residue analysis of organic compounds of diverse polarities in water using Liquid Chromatography-Time of Flight mass spectrometry (LC-MS-TOF) equipped with a jet stream Electrospray ionization (ESI) source. Use of three different fragmentor voltages (low, medium and high) enabled the qualitative and quantitative analysis of a diverse range of targeted organic compounds in environmental waters. No prior optimization of compounds being quantified was required, the limiting factors were ionization behaviour of compounds under conditions of ESI and good chromatography. Same data file could be subjected to repeated post-run data analysis to figure out the presence of non-targeted compounds, including designer drugs if any. The technique has been illustrated with reference to a group of pesticides having diverse chromatographic and ionization behaviours. The optimized Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) followed by method validation yielded a robust yet simple quantitative method for a group of fourteen pesticides. We were able to achieve quantitation at 10 ng/L or lower depending upon ionization behaviour of substrates against the usual regulatory requirement of 1000 ng/L. The method was used for targeted and non-targeted detection of pesticides in Nueces estuary waters, TX, USA, and several untargeted pesticides, pharmaceuticals and personal care products were identified
Antibacterial activity assessment of petroleum ether and methanolic extracts of Achyranthes aspera Linn (Amaranthaceae)
Get PDFAchyranthus aspera is a common weed and known for various medicinal properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antibacterial activities of different concentrations of methanolic and petroleum-ether leaf extracts of A. aspera against three gram-positive bacteria (Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus mitis) and six gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi A (MTCC-3220), Shigella flexneri). The phytochemical screening of the leaf extract of the herb indicated the presence of flavonoides, tannins, saponins, polyphenolic compounds, alkaloids and glycosides. The methanolic extract at the highest concentration of 10 mg/ml showed prominent antibacterial activity in two gram-negative bacteria, i.e. K. pneumoniae and E. coli with 22 mm zone of inhibition and one gram-positive bacterium i.e. M. luteus with 19 mm zone of inhibition. The methanolic extract at 0.0781mg/ml concentration showed least antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria produced a zone of inhibition between 10 to 12 mm while petroleum ether extract of same concentration had moderate antibacterial activity against S. flexneri (15 mm zone of inhibition). It can be concluded that novel compounds like flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloid, and polyphenolic compounds in A. aspera leaves have potent antimicrobial property
Effect of repeated atrazine and pendimethalin application on their bound residues in long term fertilized soil of semi-arid tropic region in India
Get PDFRepeated and long term application of same herbicides forms bound residues in soil and becomes point source of pollution over a period of time and harms the soil microorganisms. Among the different herbicides, the atrazine and pendimethalin is widely and repeatedly used molecule in maize and sunflower cultivation for weed control, respectively. Hence the present study was undertaken to investigate the bound residue of the applied herbicides in soil under long term fertilized condition with varied nutrient sources since 1909 in North-Western agro-climatic zone of Tamil Nadu under the semi-arid tropic region of India. Soil samples were collected at the time of maize and sunflower harvest and analysed for the bound fraction of atrazine and pendimethalin compounds respectively. The results showed that the repeated application of these herbicides at recommended dose formed a considerable amount of non-extractable bound residues in soil. While the bound fraction of parent atrazine was found below detectable limit, pendimethalin was at a quantifiable level in the soil irrespective of fertilization sources. However the bound form of atrazine metabolites, namely Des ethyl Deisopropyl atrazine (DEDIA) and Hydroxy atrazine (HA) was extracted from the maize cultivated soil. Bound forms of HA (4.34%) and DEDIA (3.43%) and pendimethalin (3.14%)to the applied quantity were witnessed at a higher amount in control plot than the fertilized plots. The omission of any one major nutrient recorded elevated DEDIA bound form than the HA fraction. The non-extractable bound residues of both the herbicides were detected at different proportions according to the herbicide nature, sources of fertilization and the crops cultivated in the soil. The fraction of bound form of atrazine metabolites was detected at higher level than the pendimethalin in soil. The present study revealed that the bound residues of atrazine, its metabolites and pendimethalin can be mineralized into the soil solution and bio-augmented over a period of time under the conditions of repeated application. Hence the remobilization of bound residues of these herbicides must be considered while gauging the environmental hazard and effect on non-target organisms
A review on integrated approach for the management of weeds in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)
Get PDFCowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is the most important leguminous crop raised as pulse as well as a vegetable crop in India. The slow initial growth and wider spacing necessitate weed control in the early stages of crop growth. The critical period of crop weed competition in cowpea was 20 to 30 DAS. Season-long crop weed competition resulted in a yield reduction of 40 to 90 per cent in cowpea depending on the intensity of weed infestation, weed flora, season, location, and the climatic condition prevailed. Mulching, manual weeding and stale seedbed are the different cultural methods which can be adopted for weed control in cowpea. Chemical method of weed control is the cheapest and economically viable option for weed control in cowpea. Both Pre-emergence herbicides viz., pendimethalin, diclosulam and imazethapyr and post-emergence herbicides viz., imazethapyr, quizalofop-p-ethyl can be used for weed control in cowpea. Studies revealed that pre-emergence application of herbicide (imazethapyr/pendimethalin or diclosulam) followed by manual weeding or post-emergence application of herbicides (quizalofop-p-ethyl or imazethapyr) or mulching followed by post-emergence application of herbicides (quizalofop-p-ethyl or imazethapyr) were found to be more effective for the broad-spectrum weed control in cowpea. The integrated approach of weed control has resulted in a higher yield, net returns and B: C ratio in cowpea
Optimization of pulping method for extraction of pulp from ripe persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) and its stability during storage
Get PDFPersimmon fruit (Diospyros kaki L.) is a highly nutritious fruit with bestowed antioxidant properties. But due to its perishable nature, it is produced for a very shorter period of time. Preservation of fruit in the form of pulp acts as a suitable method to provide availability of the fruit throughout the year. The main objective of this investigation was to develop persimmon pulp from the cold and hot pulping method and to assess the best preservation method for storage. Among six different treatments in cold pulping method (T1 to T3 x 2), treatment T2 (10 % water) and among 18 different treatment in hot pulping method (T1 to T9 x 2), treatment T5 (10 % water + 10 minutes cooking time) using fruit with peel was selected on the basis of nutritional and sensory attributes. Further, the pulp was preserved via heat and chemical methods. Among six different treatments, T5 (Pulp + pasteurization + 1000 ppm potassium metabisulphite (KMS) in glass bottles) was found to be best in the type of pulp. This treatment was able to retain the maximum amount of ascorbic acid (13.733 and 8.043 mg/100 g), ?-carotene (173 and 86 µg/100 g) and total phenols (3.093 and 2.873 mg/100 g), respectively during storage of 6 months. Hence, it can be suggested from the study that nutritionally rich persimmon pulp can be prepared with better storage stability which can be used by both small and large scale industries at a lower cost of production
Population dynamics of Cacopsylla sp. (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Psyllidae), pest insect of Prunus africana (Rosaceae), medicinal plant species in Cameroon
Get PDFPrunus africana is threatened in Cameroon by xylophagous and sap-sucking pest as Cacopsylla sp. This last causes deformations of the young leaves and buds and the plant end up losing all its leaves. Effective control of phytophagous pests requires a thorough understanding of their seasonal population dynamics. The objective of this work carried out on 150 young plants of P. africana in the nursery in Dschang, was to study the population dynamics of Cacopsylla sp. and the impact of climatic factors on the population. From January 2006 to December 2007, monthly collections of larvae, males and females of Cacopsylla sp. were carried out. The results showed, in 2006, three peaks (March, August and December) and two peaks in 2007 (March and August) with larvae. The fluctuation of males\u27 population showed five peaks with two peaks in 2006 (March and December) and three peaks in 2007 (March, June and December) while in females\u27 population, four peaks with two peaks in 2006 (March and December) and two peaks in 2007 (March and November). The annual numerical variation of Cacopsylla sp. individual is statistically correlated with variation of precipitations and the insolation. The precipitations have a negative effect on the numerical variation of males (r=-0.430, p<0.0360) and females (r=-0,434, p<0.0336) of Cacopsylla sp. The insolation has a positive effect on the numerical variation of males (r=0.732, p<0.0000002), females (r=0.653, p<0.000523) and the total individuals (r=0.601, p<0.00197) of Cacopsylla sp. With the larvae, the correlation was negative and non-significant. This work showed that March and December were better indicated to engage the fight against Cacopsylla sp. in Dschang
Soil degradation in Kerala state and a case study on socio-economic impact due to flood in its Idukki district
Get PDFLand degradation is the reduction of the biological or economic productivity of cropland, pasture, forest, and woodlands of which soil degradation is the major contributor. The present study was undertaken to understand the type and degree of major type of soil degradation, viz soil erosion and acidity in Kerala and to study the socio-economic impact of the flood on individual households in Idukki district during 2018. Random sampling was undertaken with a total sample of 180 households from different occupational background for the case study. Various studies conducted in pre-flood period revealed that in Kerala, 94.7 % of the total geographical area were acidic and 71.28 % were eroded, whereas in Idukki 96.3 % of the total geographical area is acidic and 80 % were eroded. United Nations post-disaster need assessment report has estimated a total economic loss of Rs.31,000 crores in Kerala due to flood. Agricultural sector (Rs 3646 crores), fisheries (Rs 93.72 crores), forestry (Rs 9.55 crores), infrastructure, power, housing and tourism sector (Rs 2000 crores) also suffered economic losses post-flood in Kerala. The case study in Idukki district revealed that average damage cost of individuals due to flood with different occupational status was Rs.13.36 lakhs with relative damage cost of 364 %. As farmers are reluctant to undertake soil conservation activities due to high labour costs and capital-intensive plantation crops, public investment has to be strengthened conservation of natural resources of flood-affected areas of Kerala
A proposal for a protocol for prevention and control of Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Get PDFCoronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is an extremely infectious disease and has already infected almost three million persons in more than two hundred countries. Based on our current knowledge of this virus and in absence of a vaccine, this article is an attempt to propose out of box ways to prevent and control COVID-19 virus, using linear lipid molecules such as sodium stearate (a major component of ordinary bar soap) or lipid esters for hand sanitization, mouth wash, gargling, steam inhaling and as lungs inhaler along with zinc and copper to trap and inactivate COVID-19. Sunbathing will boost desperately needed good immune system. The ancient Indian techniques of Yoga (Developing inherent power in a balanced manner), Pranayama (Retention and Extension of the breath), Jal-Neti (Nasal irrigation by saline water) and Havan (Holy fire ritual) may also help in controlling this epidemic (COVID-19) of gargantuan proportions by helping the immune system
A report on the occurrence of Bangana dero (Hamilton, 1822) from Deepor beel (Ramsar site no. 1207), Brahmaputra valley, Assam
Get PDFDeepor beel (Latitude: 26°05?26??N to 26°09?26?? N; Longitude: 90°36\u27 E to 90°41?25?? E) located in Kamrup district, Assam is a large (water spread area of 589 ha) natural wetland and a Ramsar site of international importance (Site number 1207 declared in 2002) having enormous biological and environmental importance. The wetland receives water from surface run-off as well as from two hill streams (Basistha and Kalamoni) and drains into River Brahmaputra, through a small rivulet (Khanajan). The beel supports a number of endemic endangered and threatened animals and plants that are included under IUCN red-list. Past studies indicated the occurrence of 67 fin-fish species in the beel. In a recent survey conducted by us, the beel Bangana dero (Synonyms: Cyprinus dero/ Labeo dero), a cyprinid fish, was collected for the first time from the beel. We collected as many as 28 specimens of B. dero from the beel during October 2016. The total length of the reported specimens ranged from 8.77 - 10.14 cm and weight ranged from 6.74 - 10.61 g. The length-weight relationship of the species was worked out as W = 0.074*L2.103. B. dero reportedly inhabits upland rivers, torrential hill-streams; adults migrate to warm downstream regions during the winter season (December-February). Thus, the occurrence of this species in Deepor beel indicates its possible downstream migration from one or both the feeder rivers (Basistha and Kalamoni) or migration from Brahmaputra River through its connecting channel. 
Population dynamics and management of two cichlid species in the Shatt Al-Arab River, Iraq
Get PDFCichlids are invasive fish to Iraqi waters and became well established and prevailing in different waters. Despite that, there is no stock assessment study conducted for these fish. So, growth, mortality, recruitment and yield-per-recruit of two cichlid’s species; Coptodon zillii and Oreochromis aureus from the Shatt Al-Arab River, Iraq were evaluated from November 2015 to October 2016 using the FiSAT software. A total of 1285 C. zillii (2.9-24.0 cm TL) and 1353 O. aureus (4.5-25.0 cm TL) were examined. Length-weight relationships were derived, indicating allometric growth for both species. The growth parameters (L?, K, Rn, to and ?) obtained for C. zillii were 25.5 cm, 0.320, 0.212, -0.793 and 2.318, respectively, while for O. aureus were 27.8, 0.490, 0.214, -0.271 and 2.578, respectively. The annual rate of total mortality (Z), fishing (F) and natural (M) for C. zillii was found to be 1.51, 0.84 and 0.68 respectively, and for O. aureus 2.49, 1.08 and 1.41, respectively. The present exploitation rates (Epresent) for C. zillii and O. aureus were computed to be 0.454 and 0.57, respectively. Lengths at first capture (LC) were 12.97 cm for C. zillii and 13.25 cm for O. aureus. The peaks of recruitment of C. zillii and O. aureus were from February to May and May to July, respectively. The Epresent for C. zillii and O. aureus were below the biological target reference points (F0.1 and Fmax), indicating that these species were not overexploited. For management purposes, more yields could be obtained by an increase in the fishing activities on cichlids