Phytoplankton Pigment Signatures as a Biomarker in a Tropical Estuary

We are in the cutting edge of a new era of development without leaving any promises to next generation. But the scale and size of the problem are only partially blamed. The juggernaut of Globalisation has trampled upon whatever little hope we might have had making a quick transition to a less energy ��� intensive world. ���Environment friendliness begins at home���. Our quest for productivity and profitability should progress simultaneous with our cooperative responsibility of leaving behind a clean and green earth for the generation to come. Climate change is the most pressing global environmental challenge being faced by humanity, with the quest for better productivity for our fragile ecosystem. It is too late to rely solely on reduction in Green house gas emissions to mitigate climate change although this is undoubtedly crucial. Coastal belts are more prone to these devastating impacts and its protection is an intensive filed of research. The present study describes how the colourful Carotenoids and Chlorophylls can be used in rapid hand on tool in conjunction with molecular biology to open sources and it also explores the fate of organic matter in the aquatic system and underlying sediments.

Formation of anoxia and denitrification in the bottom waters of a tropical estuary, southwest coast of India

Hydrographic characteristics of the southwest coast of India and its adjoining Cochin backwaters (CBW) were studied during the summer monsoon period. Anomalous formation of anoxia and denitrification were observed in the bottom layers of CBW, which 5 have not been previously reported elsewhere in any tropical estuarine systems. The prevalent upwelling in the Arabian Sea (AS) brought cool, high saline, oxygen deficient and nutrient-rich waters towards the coastal zone and bottom layers of CBW during the high tide. High freshwater discharge in the surface layers brought high amount of nutrients and makes the CBW system highly productive. Intrusion of AS waters seems 10 to be stronger towards the upstream end ( 15 km), than had been previously reported, as a consequence of the lowering of river discharges and deepening of channels in the estuary. Time series measurements in the lower reaches of CBW indicated a low mixing zone with increased stratification, 3 h after the high tide (highest high tide) and high variation in vertical mixing during the spring and neap phases. The upwelled waters 15 (O2 40 ��M) intruded into the estuary was found to lose more oxygen during the neap phase (suboxic O2 4 ��M) than spring phase (hypoxic O2 10 ��M). Increased stratification coupled with low ventilation and presence of high organic matter have resulted in an anoxic condition (O2 = 0), 2���6 km away from barmouth of the estuary and leads to the formation of hydrogen sulphide. The reduction of nitrate and formation of nitrite 20 within the oxygen deficient waters indicated strong denitrification intensity in the estuary. The expansion of oxygen deficient zone, denitrification and formation of hydrogen sulphide may lead to a destruction of biodiversity and an increase of green house gas emissions from this region

Significance of soil microorganisms with special reference to climate change

There are a large number of agronomic-ecological interactions that occur in a world with increasing levels of CO2, higher temperatures and a more variable climate. Climate change and the associated severe problems will alter soil microbial populations and diversity. Soils supply many atmospheric green house gases by performing as sources or sinks. The most important of these gases include CH4, CO2 and N2O. Most of the green house gases production and consumption processes in soil are probably due to microorganisms. There is strong inquisitiveness to store carbon (C) in soils to balance global climate change. Microorganisms are vital to C sequestration by mediating putrefaction and controlling the paneling of plant residue-C between CO2 respiration losses or storage in semi-permanent soil-C pools. Microbial population groups and utility can be manipulated or distorted in the course of disturbance and C inputs to either support or edge the retention of C. Fungi play a significant role in decomposition and appear to produce organic matter that is more recalcitrant and favor long-term C storage and thus are key functional group to focus on in developing C sequestration systems. Plant residue chemistry can influence microbial communities and C loss or flow into soil C pools. Therefore, as research takings to maximize C sequestration for agricultural and forest ecosystems - moreover plant biomass production, similar studies should be conducted on microbial communities that considers the environmental situations