Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Comparative growth analysis of cumin plants (Cuminum cyminum L.) treated with glycerol and talc based phosphate solubilizing bacterial consortia
Get PDFCumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is a versatile annual herb cultivated in the Middle East, India, China, and Tunisia. The seeds of this plant are primarily used in cooking as common food additives and traditional medicines to treat hypolipidemia, cancer and diabetes. However, cumin plants have poor germination and weak establishment rate, particularly under drought stress. The present study aimed to examine the growth promotion potential of cumin plants treated with talc and glycerol-based phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) consortia. Four efficient PSB were isolated from the rhizosphere of Calotropis procera and Solanum lycopersicum and identified through 16S rRNA sequencing as Pseudomonas nitritireducens MF351819, Klebsiella pneumoniae MF351845, Erwinia sp. MF351846 and Pantoea dispersa MF351847. In a nursery experiment on cumin (Cuminum cyminum) plants, 15 treatments of single, dual, triple and quadruple combinations of four PSB isolates were formulated on glycerol and talcum powder-based bacteriological carriers. The 100-day pot experiment was initiated during the winter of 2016 (the last week of October) containing loamy sand soil of Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat. The formulations were applied to pot soil containing seven-day-old cumin seedlings. With glycerol-based PSB inoculations, the P14 treatment containing a consortium of K. pneumoniae MF351845, Erwinia sp. MF351846, and P. dispersa MF351847 provided the highest per plant seed yield of 0.19 g. With talc-based PSB inoculations, the P11 treatment containing a consortium of K. pneumoniae MF351845, Erwinia sp. MF351846, and P. nitritireducens MF351919 produced the highest per-plant cumin seed yield of 0.42 g. Overall, talc-based PSB consortial treatments improved height, dry weight, 100 seed weight and yield of the cumin plant
Assessment of water footprint for a few major crops in Banas River Basin of Rajasthan
Get PDFWater security is essential for socio-economic development, ecosystem management, and environmental sustainability. An improved understanding of the relationships between water demand and supply is needed to mitigate the impacts of diminishing water resources. The present study aimed to assess the crop water footprint of sixteen major crops in the basin namely, bajra/ pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), cotton (Gossypium herbaceum L.), gram/chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), guar/cluster beans (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.), jowar/ sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), lentil/ masoor (Lens culinaris L.), maize (Zea mays L.), mungbean (Vigna radiata L.), rapeseed & mustard (Brassica napus L.), rice/paddy (Oryza sativa L.), sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), soybean (Glycine max L.), urad/ black gram (Vigna mungo L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was estimated during 2008-2020 in the Banas river basin of Rajasthan. The average annual water footprint of crop production varied from 11365.8-23131.5 MCM/yr (Mean 19254.5 MCM/yr) during the study period. Wheat, bajra, maize, rapeseed & mustard make up 67.4 % of the total average annual water footprint of crop production. The blue water footprint of crop production was 3942.1 MCM/yr, with wheat, rapeseed & mustard accounting for almost 87.0 % of the average annual blue water footprint. Blue, green and grey water footprints comprised 20.8, 69.7 and 9.5 % of the total WF of crop production in the basin, respectively. This assessment can play a significant role in developing better policies for properly managing water footprints for sustainable crop production in the basin
Ameliorative effect of Panax quinquefolius on sodium arsenite induced toxicity in Charles Foster rats
Get PDFAn estimated 70 million population are exposed to arsenic poisoning in India in the 2020. The present study is aimed to develop the antidote for arsenic-induced toxicity in Charles Foster rats. A total of n=18 rats (12 weeks old) of an average weight of 160 ± 20 g were used for the study. The study group included three groups, n=6 control (Group I: Untreated ) and n= 12 (group II) treated with sodium arsenite orally at the dose of 8mg/Kg b.w daily for 6 months. The n= 6 animals were dissected and the rest n=6 (Group III) was administered orally with Panax quinquefolius (Ginseng) root ethanolic extract at 300mg/Kg body weight per day for 8 weeks. All the animals were sacrificed after the completion of their respective doses and their blood samples were taken for haematological and biochemical evaluation, while the vital tissues such as liver and kidneys for the histopathological study. The study revealed significant fluctuation (p<0.0001/p<0.001/p<0.05) in the haematological parameters viz. leukocyte count, haemoglobin, red blood cell count, haematocrit percentage, MCV, MCH and MCHC and biochemical parameters such as SGPT, SGOT, ALP, bilirubin, urea, uric acid, creatinine and lipid peroxidation in arsenic-treated groups. There was a significant reduction (p<0.0001/p<0.001/p<0.05) in the levels of haematological and biochemical parameters after the administration of ginseng extract. Similarly, the histopathological study revealed a high magnitude of degeneration in the hepatocytes and nephrocytes after the treatment of arsenic, but after the administration of ginseng extract, there was significant restoration at the cellular level. Thus, the root extract of P. quinquefolius possessed significant ameliorative properties against arsenic-induced toxicity in rats
Antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and anticancer properties of biofabricated nanoparticles derived from animal source
Get PDFGreen science has been witnessed in the advancement with nanobiotechnology enriched with nature-associated biogenesis of nanoparticles over the last three decades. Noble elements, including gold and silver, are the most promising developing trend in nanotechnology for designing bioengineering materials that might be used as modern diagnostic instruments and tools to combat major diseases. Silver and gold nanoparticles possess strong antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic and anticancer properties that enable the development of new processes with enhanced and target-specific actions. Siver and gold nanoparticles were synthesized using Prawn Head Extract (PHE) and characterized in a previous study. The objective of the present work was to investigate the antioxidant, cytotoxicity and anticancer activity of biosynthesized nanoparticles. The antioxidant properties were analysed by the DPPH(2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) assay, and the IC50 values were 1020 μg/mL for silver nanoparticles and 649 μg/mL for gold nanoparticles. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the vero cell line and anticancer activity in a human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) were determined using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. The cytotoxicity assay revealed IC50 values of approximately 118.75 and 93.75 μg/mL in silver and gold nanoparticles, respectively. The anticancer activity in the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 showed IC50 values of approximately 93.75 and 46.8 μg/mL in silver and gold nanoparticles, respectively. The MTT assay, microscopic examination and DNA fragmentation assays confirmed morphological changes, membrane damage, cell shrinkage and mortality. Conclusively, the study revealed dose-dependently promising effects and can be further exploited in the field of biomedicine as a potential source with a standardized protocol for application
Wound healing activity of methanolic extract of Turbinella pyrum from Gulf of Mannar, India
Get PDFMolluscs are a promising source of bioactive substances and are virtually untapped resources of novel compounds. Many novel metabolites with potent pharmacological properties have been discovered in marine organisms in recent years. The present study aimed to investigate the wound healing activity of a methanolic extract of the marine gastropod Turbinella pyrum using an excision and incision wound model. To determine the minimum lethal dose, acute oral toxicity studies were performed as per the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. Excision and incision wound models were used to evaluate the wound healing activity of the methanolic extract of T. pyrum by preparing a simple ointment base BP at different concentrations using five groups of Wistar albino rats. Group I (control) received a topical application of the simple ointment BP. Group II (Standard) was treated with topical application of 5% framycetin sulphate cream, and Groups III, IV and V were treated with 5%, 10% and 15% methanolic extracts of T. pyrum. Student\u27s t test was used to analyse the results obtained from the present study, and P<0.05 was considered significant. In the incision wound model, the epithelialization period was also found to be highly significant (P<0.05) in group V (10.77%) when compared to the standard (12.69%). In the excision wound model, the epithelialization period was also found to be highly significant (P<0.05) in group IV (13.17%) and group V (11.38%) when compared to that of the standard (Group II) (14.56%).This finding justifies that the methanolic extract of T. pyrum has properties that render it capable of promoting accelerated wound-healing activity.
Population structure and diversity of the periphyton community in the glacier-fed stream Balkhila at Siron from Garhwal Himalaya
Get PDFThe stream Balkhila is a glacier-fed and originates at higher altitudes from the Lal Mati glacier, flows through the famous Mandal valley of Garhwal Himalaya and finally merges with the Alaknanda River in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The present study aimed to assess the population structure, density and diversity of the periphyton community along with some detrimental ecological parameters in the glacier fed stream Balkhila for a period of two years on a monthly basis from November 2018 to October 2020. The stream Balkhila was represented by 17 periphytic genera belonging to 3 classes, namely, Bacillariophyceae, Chlorohyceae and Cyanophyceae. The class Bacillariophyceae was represented by 10 periphytic genera (Cymbella, Navicula, Fragilaria, Nitzschia, Ampohora, Diatoma, Synedra, Tabellaria, Cocconeis and Meridion), and Chlorophyceae (green algae) was represented by 6 algal genera (Chlorella, Ulothrix, Zygnema, Oedogomium, Spirogyra and Stigeoclonium). The class Myxophyceae was represented by a single genus (Phormidium). The maximum periphytic density (individuals/cm2) was found to be 316.7±7.1 x 103 in January, and the minimum density (12.5±3.5 x 103) was recorded in August. The SIMPLER test indicated 18.58% dissimilarity of periphytic communities between the two years of study. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index values were high (2.358 and 2.388) in December and January and minimum (0.2484 and 0.3534) in July and August during the first and second years of the study, respectively. Multivariate canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) suggested that most of the periphytic genera were closely associated with the winter season (December, January and February). The various ecological parameters of our study indicated that the Balkhila stream is a conducive habitat for periphyton communities
Fungal biosorption of the heavy metals chromium(VI) and nickel from industrial effluent-contaminated soil
Get PDFHeavy metals are ubiquitous contaminants that have accompanied man since the earliest ancient times, and unlike other environmental pollutants, they are chemical elements that man does not create or destroy. In the present study, the aim was to determine the biosorption potential of heavy metal-tolerant fungi that were isolated from compost soil samples contaminated by industrial effluents. The isolation was performed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) media supplemented with heavy metals. Chromium-Cr(VI) and nickel-Ni. The most dominant fungal species were found to be Penicillium spp. This fungus was screened for its ability to tolerate heavy metals by the plate diffusion and broth method and was highly tolerant to fungal species. The fungi were assessed for their ability to remove heavy metals from the culture media, and the culture conditions for the fungus were experimentally optimized. The isolated Penicillium species was found to show maximum growth at 35°C with media pH 6 for an incubation period of 168 hours. The isolate was able to tolerate 60-70 ppm concentrations of heavy metals under normal conditions. The ability of the isolate to take up metal was very effective, as after 96 hrs of incubation, it was capable of removing approximately 93.8% of Cr(VI) and 95.6% of Ni from the culture media, and complete uptake was observed after a 144 hr incubation period. The molecular characterization revealed the only isolate to be Penicillium rubens (Accession no. LC536286). The morphological characteristics of this fungus make it capable of biosorption of heavy metals, imparting its bioremediation potential and economic importance.
Phytoremedial effect of Asparagus racemosus on sodium arsenite-induced toxicity in Charles Foster rats
Get PDFArsenic poisoning has recently resulted in significant health problems in the exposed population. In India, the Indo-Gangetic plains are the region where the arsenic threat has increased. In Bihar, it is estimated that 10 million people are exposed to arsenic poisoning. The present study aims to develop a novel drug as an antidote against arsenic-induced toxicity in rats. In the present study, arsenic in sodium arsenite at a dose of 8 mg/kg body weight per day was induced (Group-II) in Charles Foster rats at 2 or 6 months to observe chronic exposure. In the arsenic pretreated group (Group-III), Asparagus racemosus was administered at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight per day for 8 weeks. Normal control group (Group I) was taken without any treatment. After completion of the entire experiment, the animals were sacrificed, and their blood samples were obtained for hematological and biochemical evaluation. At the same time, vital tissues, such as the liver and kidney, were fixed in preservatives for the histopathological study. The study showed that the hematological levels, such as RBC, WBC, platelet counts and hemoglobin percentage, were significantly restored by administering A. racemosus (Group-III), against the arsenic-exposed group. Furthermore, biochemical parameters such as SGPT, SGOT, ALP, bilirubin, urea, uric acid and creatinine were significantly recovered (p<0.05) against arsenic-induced toxicity. The histopathological study also showed remarkable restoration in hepatocytes and nephrocytes by A. racemosus against arsenic-induced toxicity. Therefore, it can be concluded from the entire study that A. racemosus has a significant antidote effect against arsenic-induced toxicity.
Documentation of gill net operation and major fish landings at Andaman Islands, India, during 2014 - 2018
Get PDFThree decades before, the gillnet was the major gear in Andaman and Nicobar Islands(ANI), India, because of the less expensive and simple method of operation with non-motorised small dinghies or without craft. Earlier, the gillnet landing was 39% of the total landings and a further report said 27%, which indicated the decrease in gillnet landings. The present study was carried out from 2014 to 2018 at four main fish landing centers (FLCs) Junglighat, Dignabad, Guptapara and Wandoor of ANI to investigate the present status of major gillnet landings. Altogether 1097 visits were carried out at all FLCs and 63.1% of visits occurred at Junglighat. The total landings of all FLCs were 3880.6 tons, of which 98.6% were recorded at Junglighat. The total gillnet landings were 330.4tons, of which Driftnet covered 82.1%, followed by bottom plastic(9.8%) and bottom nylon(8%) gillnets. Significant landings (P<0.0001) of Scombridae family were recorded through Drift gillnet (182.47tons) compared to other families. The family of Carangidae(7.71tons) and Clupeidae(16.54tons) were recorded dominantly through bottom plastic and bottom nylon gillnets, respectively. The gillnetters explored 31 fishing grounds in the South, Middle, North and Little Andamans sectors. The significant (P<0.0001) fish catch was recorded from the South Andaman sector. A total of 17 validation experiments carried out in each Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) and Non-PFZ by using PFZ advisories indicated a significant(P<0.0001) catch from PFZ(3.5:1). There was a decline of 18.5% in the landings of gillnet than earlier studies. It is suggested that the fishermen may follow the PFZ forecast for a better catch. The gillnet fishing to be promoted to under-exploited pelagic fishes of these islands will benefit the gillnetters
Modelling of wetting patterns for surface drip irrigation in dense clay soil
Get PDFThe proportion of agricultural water consumption is continuously decreasing due to increased competition for water resources by urban, industrial, and agricultural users. Drip irrigation is more efficient in terms of water and energy utilization. These considerations are critical in view of the ongoing struggle for water resources among various consumers due to water scarcity. Some of the most critical criteria in the effective design and maintenance of drip irrigation systems are the shape and size of the volume of wet soil beneath the emitter. Hence several statistical models were constructed in this research to estimate the dimensions of wetting patterns, which are critical for designing an optimal drip irrigation system. The Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), coefficient of correlation (CC), and root mean square error (RMSE) criteria were used to assess the models\u27 performance. The results showed that the Polynomial model was the most accurate for horizontal advance, with 0.94, 0.93, and 1.33 (cm) values for CC, NSE, and RMSE, respectively. For vertical advance, the logarithmic model showed 0.96, 0.96, and 0.72 (cm) values for CC, NSE, and RMSE. Thus, in the absence of a wetting pattern and under identical conditions, these models can be utilized to generate synthetic horizontal and vertical advances data.