Geochemistry of core sediment from antarctic region

Southern Ocean (SO) is the fourth largest Ocean comprising the southern portions of the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. Sediment core sample (660 34’S and 580 40’E)was collected onboard O.R.V Sagar Nidhi from January to March 2010 in the Fourth Southern Ocean expedition cruise launched by the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research, Goa . Sedimentary records from this area reveal the sensitivity and climatic variability’s of the region over a large time scale. Organic matter (OM) and textural behaviour of the samples were analyzed and processed concurrently. Distribution of OM, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Protein, Lipid and Carbohydrate along with the trace metal was highlighted. Textural variation was in the array of Sand >Clay >Silt. Sand content ranges from 30.29% to 80.11%. The order of relative distribution of OM was Lipid >Protein > TOC > Carbohydrate. The average concentrations of TOC, Protein, Lipid and Carbohydrate were 2.2 mg/g, 1.2 mg/g, 3.3 mg/g and 1.1mg/g respectively. Protein to carbohydrate ratio and lipid to carbohydrate ratio were also encountered to understand the respective freshness and nutritional quality of the sediments. Trace metal distribution showed the average concentration was maximum for Mn and minimum for Co.

Changes in Protein, Carbohydrate and lipid content of cashew kernels during storage under two humidity conditions

The changes occuring to cashew kernels during storage at two humidity levels - 80% to 20% with respect to organoleptic characteristics, protein content, carbohydrate content, oil content, iodine and peroxide values were studied. From the present study it is concluded that organoleptic characteristics of cashew kernels deteriorates with increase in humidity. Decrease in protein and carbohydrate content of stored cashew kernel is dependent on humidity. Humidity increased oxidative rancidification.

The influence of organophosphorus pesticide-methylparathion on protein, lipid metabolism and detoxifying enzymes in rohu (Labeo rohita)

Methylparathion (MP) is an organophosphorus insecticide used world wide in agriculture due to its high activity against a broad spectrum of insect pests. The aim of the study is to understand the effect of methylparathion on the lipid peroxidation, detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes namely catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione Stransferase (GST), total reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPO), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and disease diagnostic marker enzymes in liver, sarcoplasmic (SP) and myofirbirllar (MF) proteins in muscles, lipids and histopathlogical changes in various organs of Labeo rohita of size 75 i 6g at lethal and sublethal level of exposure. The probit analysis showed that the lethal concentration (LC 50%) for 24, 48, 72 and 96h were 15.5mg/L, 12.3mg/L, 11.4mg/L and 10.2mg/L respectively which is much higher compared to the LC50 for juvenile fish. The LPO level and GST activity increased five folds and two folds respectively on exposure to methylparathion at 10.2 mg/L and the level of the enzymes increased, on sub lethal exposure beyond 0.25mg/L. AChE activity was inhibited by 74% at a concentration of 1.8mg/L and 90% at 5.4mg/L. The disease diagnostic marker enzymes AST, ALT, ALP and LDH increased by about 2, 3 ,3 and 2 folds respectively at pesticide concentration of 10.2mg/L when compared to control. On sub lethal exposure, however the enzymes did not show any significant changes up to 0.5mg/L. At a concentration of 10.2 mg/L, there was a three fold increase in myofibrillar proteins while the increase in sarcoplasmic protein was above 1.5 fold. On sub lethal exposure, significant alteration was noticed up to 30 days up to 1mg/L of methylparathion concentration. Further exposure up to 45 days increased sarcoplasmic proteins (upto 0.5mg/L). ln the case of myofibrillar proteins, noticeable changes were observed at 1mg/L concentration right from 15th day. The cholesterol content in brain tissues increased by about 27% at methylparathion concentration of 5.4 mglL. However at 0.25mg/L sub lethal concentration, no significant alteration was observed in enzyme activity, muscle proteins, lipids and histopathology of the tissues. The results suggest that methylparathion has the potential to induce oxidative stress in fish, and that liver, muscle and brains are more sensitive organs of Labeo rohita, with poor antioxidant potentials at higher concentrations of the pesticide. The various parameters studied in this investigation can also be used as biomarkers of methylparathion exposure.