Phase Transitions of Trace Metals in the Aquatic Environment of Kuttanad, Kerala

This thesis is a modest attempt in assessing the trace metal levels and their behavior in the aquatic environment of Kuttanad, an aquatic system that is severely affected by man’s intervention on natural processes, by study seriously evaluating the levels of trace metals in dissolved and particulate phases and also in the different chemical fractions of the sediments. Understanding of the distributions, variations and transfer processes of trace metals in different environmental phases in the backwaters of Kuttanad is vital for the assessment of the water pollution problems and study the ecology of the area which contributes 20% of the rice production in the State of Kerala. Kuttand is a low-lying, shallow bay formed as a result of geological uplift. The major economic activity is agriculture involving 40% of the population. About 1.5% of the people are engaged in aquaculture. The trace metal distribution in the Kuttand backwaters is considerably influenced by the tropical features of the location and by human activities including agricultural activities and construction of salinity barrier. In this study an attempt is made to differentiate the metals in the sediment into exchangeable, reducible and resistant fractions in the sediments.

Phase Transitions Of Trace Metals In The Aquatic Environment Of Kuttanad, Kerala

Environmental persistence, fate and interactive effects with living organisms - beneficial or toxic - of trace elements are directly related to the physico-chemical forms in which they occur. Knowledge on the association of trace metals with different environmental compartments in an aquatic system are, therefore, essential for monitoring the trace metal pollution as well as transport, fate and bio-geochemical cycles of trace metals. This thesis is a modest attempt in assessing the trace metal levels and their behaviour in the aquatic environment of Kuttanad, an aquatic system that is severely affected by man's intervention on natural processes, by seriously evaluating the levels of trace metals in dissolved and particulate phases and also in the different chemical fractions of the sediments.

Women Entrepreneurship In the Industrial Manufacturing Sector of Kerala

This study was on women's industries programme in Kerala, to assess the involvement of manpower in this field and to analyse the difficulties and problems faced by the women entrepreneurs which impede the growth and smooth functioning of units. It was supported by the views of 275 women entrepreneurs of Kerala. Census method was adopted and only 58 per cent of units responded by supplying necessary details. Details were collected from these: units through mailed questionnaires designed for the purpose. The study highlights the profile of workers in the women's industrial units, but the profile of the entrepreneurs is neglected. Problems faced by women entrepreneurs are analysed under the following major heads viz., capital, raw materials, marketing, competition from other units and availability of power. But the conclusions drawn from the survey are not on proper empirical support. It also includes suggestions of entrepreneurs. The major findings of the study are as follows : Nearly 82 per cent of the women's industrial units are functioning throughout the year. Proprietory concerns and co—operative societies are the popular ones. Majority of the units are running on profit. Women's units are still in their infancy and so the problems faced by them are many. The characteristics of having other business or sister concerns is lacking among women entrepreneurs. Nearly 94 per cent of the employees are permanent. About four-fifth (81%) of the workers are full time employees. Only a very small proportion of the employees (1%) get a reasonable income that is above Rs.50O per month. The workers are very young and 63 per cent workers have no experience at all.