Investigations on the Distribution Characteristics of Heavy Metals in Squid (Loligo spp.) in Relation to Levels in Food Fishes from the West Coast of India with a Perspective on Seafood Safety

The present study entitled "Investigations on the Distribution Characteristics of Heavy Metals in Squid (Loligo spp.) in Relation to Levels in Food Fishes from the West Coast of India with a Perspective on Seafood Safety"attempts to establish the base line data on metal levels in squids along the west coast of India. The study is of great relevance in the present context when utmost importance is being given for producing wholesome seafoods especially in the export market with a perspective on seafood safety.The thesis presents a comprehensive account of the base line data on important heavy metals, viz., Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn Cr and Ni in the edible and non-edible body components of the most abundant Loligo species, viz., L. duvauceli caught along the west coast of India.

Meiobenthos of Cochin backwaters in relation to macrobenthos and environmental parameters

Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, Cochin University of Science and Technology

lncidence of enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus in relation to the microbial safety of seafood

A detailed study was made on the microbial quality, with special reference to food safety, of the fish and fishery products in the retail trade in Cochin and around. Also, farmed molluscan shellfishes like mussels and oysters were investigated for the microbial quality including the presence of pathogenic bacteria. Special stress has been given to monitor the incidence of coagulase positive as well as coagulase negative Staphylococcus in these products and their relative incidence have been recorded.In the next part, the investigation was centered mainly on toxigenic S.aureus. This is because among the Gram positive toxigenic bacteria, the Saureus with potential to produce thermostable enterotoxins are more relavent in food safety conceming seafoods in comparison with the Gram-negative pathogens like Salmonella and V.cholerae.The incidence, toxigenic potential and conditions of toxin production by S.aureus have been investigated in detail. An attempt has also been made to relate the toxigenisis with the presence of the concerned toxigenic genes in the genomes of S. aureus strains.

Studies on the littoral processes in relation to stability of beaches around Cchin

The coastal and nearshore areas have played vital role in the trade and economic development of coastal nations since ancient times. In recent years, the demands for utilization of these areas have increased for purposes of navigation, setting up of offshore structures for oil industry, exploitation of the available fishery and mineral resources, and to provide recreational facilities along the coast as a part of the coastal zone management. It is in this context the studies on nearshore processes receive greater priorities. Stability of beaches is controlled by the interaction of various physical parameters such as winds, waves, currents, tides and the nature and constituents of the beaches. The results of studies carried out by the author on the dynamical effects of these environmental parameters on the shoreline processes along the beaches around Cochin are presented in this thesis. The section of the coast investigated is about 57 km of shore from Azhikode to Anthakaranazhi situated on the central Kerala coast. Four regions namely Narakkal, Malipuram, Fort Cochin and Anthakaranazhi were chosen for detailed study

Circulation in the indian ocean in relation to the monsoon circulation of the atmosphere

The present thesis is an attempt by the researcher to Investigate the surface circulation of the Indian Ocean, north of 2095 in relation to the atmospheric circulation over the ocean. The aim is achieved by working out the circu1ation pattern and correlating it with the computed wind stress and its vorticity. The month wise surface circulation is arrived by drawing the streamlines, using freshand method with superimposed isotache. The zonal ad meridional componance of the wind stress and the curl of the wind stress are computed for each month over 2° latitude longitude quadrangle from the bulk aerodynamic formula, using a computer program. The data for drawing the surface circu1ation and for computing the wind stress and its curl have come from the Dutch Atlas.

Hydrometeorological Studies of Kerala state in relation to the Western Ghats

Study of Kerala State in relation to the western Ghats, using The present thesis envisages a hydrometeorological various statistical techniques and the water balance concepts first developed by Thornthwaite. The first chapter of the thesis gives general introduction where the purpose and scope of the study have been given. Chapter II discusses the importance of hydrometeorological studies in general and of water balance in particular, in planning for the overall development of any region. Chapter III consists of the presentation of various geographical features of Kerala. An introduction to the physiography of the western Ghats and detailed hydroclimatic studies of the Western Ghats region which includes analysis of rainfall and the study of water balance elements form Chapter IV. In Chapter V, a detailed hydrometeorological study of Kerala State is made. Discussion of the results of the study and suggestions for optimum utilization of the available water resources for the overall development of the western Ghats region in general and Kerala in particular are made in Chapter VI.

Some Aspects Of Phytoplankton Blooms In Relation To Pelagic Fishes

The present study was undertaken to observe the phytoplankton (distones,dinoflageliates,and blue green algae) blooms occurring along the south west coast of India at various seasons from February 1982 to august 1984.The centers selected for collection and observation were off Quilon, off Alleppey ,off Calicut. A total number of 25 phytoplankton blooms were studied. Characterisation of phytoplankton blooms include observing the cell counts from the day of its appearance to its day of disappearance. The appearance ,duration and locality of the blooms were also noted

Studies On Oxygen Minimum Layer In The Arabian Sea In Relation To The Oceanic Circulation

The thesis is divided into six chapters, with Further subdivisions.’ Chapter one has two sections. Section one deals with a general introduction, and section two,with the material and treatment of data For the present investigation. The second chapter concerns with the distribution of oxyty in the oxygen minimum layer and its topography during the southwest and northeast monsoons. The distribution of oxyty at various isanosteric surfaces within which the oxygen minimum layer lies during southwest and northeast monsoons and their topographies Form chapter three. In the fourth chapter the Flow pattern and its influence on the oxygen minimum layer are discussed. The fifth chapter presents the scatter diagrams of oxyty against temperature at the various isanosteric surfaces. The sixth chapter summarises the results of the investigation and presents the conclusions drawn therefrom

Studies On The Dynamics And Water Quality Of The Muvattupuzha River In Relation To Effluent Discharge

The present study aims at the investigation of the 1ysico—chemical features of a tropical tidal river viz. we Muvattupuzha river. This river is expected to receive Jderate to heavy pollution loads in years to come, from we lone industrial unit, already set up on its bank. ilike other rivers, the geographical disposition of this Lver attains unique importance as regards its dynamics for 3) availability of natural runoff water from catchment :eas, which becomes very heavy during the monsoon season 3) regular steady availability of tail race water from a /dro—electric power station throughout the yearThe study also aims at arriving at the balancing forces of inherent self~purification of the river verses pollution loads from the factory effluents. The investigation period falls ahead of actual pollution occurrence and so the ambient conditions for a period of nearly one-and-a—half years were investigated, the analyses of which providflz to formulate the inter-relations of parameters varying with seasons. Tracer experiments were carried out which revealed the dispersion and dilution characteristics of the river in the vicinity of effluent outfall. The studv covers the trial—cum-capacity production periods of the factory during which effluents of various strength and quantity were discharged into the river; a few computed values arQ’cjmpgrQdl ... with the observed values. The base data along with the profiles of Oxygen sag equation have been utilized fb develop a mathematical model of the river with regard to its water quality