Hydrological studies of Matatilla Reservoir, Uttar Pradesh

Matatilla Reservoir, located in semi arid region, (Lat. 25 degree 15'N and Long. 78 degree 23'E) has an area (at FRL) of 13,893 ha, volume and shore development 0.663 and 1.65, shoreline 73.6 km. Volume and shore development indicate that greater part of the reservoir is shallow, which is a favourable point for fish productivity. Temperature and dissolved oxygen gradually decreased with the increase in depth. Carbon dioxide was absent from the surface but invariably present in the bottom (3.6 ppm) pH remained alkaline (7.2-8.4 ppm) throughout the year. Alkalinity, chloride, calcium, magnesium, hardness and priductivity was maximum in pre-monsoon and minimum in monsoon except for calcium and manganesium in post-monsoon. Phosphate, nitrogen and ammonical nitrogen were found in traces. These variations may be due to influx and outflow of water and use of reservoir water for multipurpose activities.

Physical soil characteristics of waterlogged and saline lands of five districts of Haryana, India

Physical characteristics of waterlogged and saline soils of five districts, namely Rohtak, Faridabad, Gurgaon, Sonipat and Jhajjar, of Haryana were studied to evaluate the aquaculture potential. The soil samples from 76 sites were procured and analysed for pH, electrical conductivity, soil particles and water retention capacity, since the knowledge of these parameters is essential for the preliminary evaluation of a site for aqua-farming. Six soil types were identified and clay-loam was observed to be the maximum at 45 (59.21%) sites, followed by silty-clay loam at 14 (18.42%), sandy-clay loam at six (7.89%), silty-loam at four (5.26%), sandy-loam at four (5.26%) and loam at three (3.94%) sites. The pH of soil indicated moderate to high alkaline conditions ranging between 8.01and 9.00 at 53 (69.73%) sites, 9.01 and 10.00 at 17 (22.36%) sites, and low between 7.01 and 8.00 at six (7.89%) sites. The electrical conductivity was found to range between <1 and 10 mmho cmˉ¹ with the value of <1.0 mmho cmˉ¹ at 36 (47.36%) sites. The water retention capacity was observed mostly to be moderate. The paper describes the interrelationship between these parameters with reference to the suitability for aqua-farming.

Standardization of polyphosphate treatment for tiny prawns (Parapenaeopsis stylifera) with special reference to its rehydration capacity and organoleptic quality

In the present study, an attempt was made to explore the benefits of polyphosphate for enhancement of dried prawn (Parapenaeopsis stylifera) quality commercially known as "sode" in Maharashtra coast. Dip treatment in polyphosphate solution at different concentrations (viz., 3, 5, 7 and 10%) was given to pealed and no deveined P. stylifera for different durations (viz., 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 min). Treated prawns were dried and subjected to rehydration capacity test and organoleptic evaluation. Among the different treatments, rehydration capacity was found to increase with the increased duration and concentration of treatment. Tiny prawns treated with sodium tripolyphosphate solution at the rate of 5% concentration for 5 minutes showed an increase in pH from acidic to alkaline, and had better quality with respect to rehydration capacity and textural attributes as compared to other concentrations and durations of polyphosphate treatment.

蓝藻应答高 pH 胁迫的亚细胞蛋白质组学研究

蓝藻是迄今地球上发现的最古老、分布最广和最具多样性的光合自养原核生物，其细胞结构简单，具有类似于植物的光合作用，是研究光合作用及其它代谢过程重要的模式生物。由于这类生物起源于远古前寒武纪，但至今依然繁多，在极端寒冷的南北极冰湖和近于沸腾温度的温泉，以及高盐、强碱的极端环境中均有存在,它们在漫长的进化过程中如何应对灾难性环境、针对随时可能遭遇的不同胁迫环境因子形成了怎样的分子适应机制，是近年来倍受关注但仍未诠释的问题之一。由于蓝藻与高等植物叶绿体在进化上密切相关，搞清楚这类生物适应不同胁迫环境因子的分子基础及其作用机制，对从进化的角度理解光合生物与环境相互作用、通过同源性发现作物抗逆育种新靶标，有重要的理论和实践意义。 逆境应答蛋白的表达是细胞对逆境胁迫的主要适应机制之一。在特定的逆境条件下，细胞通常会表达一组蛋白质，用于识别与传递环境胁迫信号、稳定细胞内环境、消除并修复逆境造成的损伤等。因此，逆境应答蛋白的系统鉴定和功能确认，是揭示逆境条件下细胞代谢网络及抗逆性分子机制的关键。单细胞模式蓝藻基因组序列的确定，极大地推动了蓝藻细胞蛋白质组成模式研究，也为系统发掘蓝藻逆境应答蛋白、理解和揭示分子适应机制提供了新的切入点。Synechocystis 6803是第一个完成基因组测序的放氧光合模式生物。由于其具有易培养、可转化、对环境条件变化反应快等优点，以该藻种为材料所展开的逆境应答特别是盐胁迫蛋白质组研究方面已经取得了重要的进展，而对高pH胁迫的蛋白质组研究还鲜有报道。因此，本论文以Synechocystis 6803为材料，从分离纯化的亚细胞组分入手，采用蛋白质组学研究手段，对蓝藻细胞应答高pH胁迫的蛋白质代谢网络进行探讨。利用蔗糖密度离心和水溶性两相分离法相结合的方法，分别获得了对照（pH7.5）和处理（pH11）细胞的质膜、外膜和类囊体膜，并分别构建了包括可溶性蛋白和膜组分的一维和二维蛋白质凝胶电泳图谱。分析结果表明，高pH胁迫下质膜和可溶性蛋白蛋白组分的变化较外膜和类囊体膜蛋白组分更为明显。在考马斯亮兰染色胶上共发现有近110个蛋白点上调或下调表达，其中有82个蛋白点来源于质膜。对质膜蛋白进行的差异荧光标记双向电泳（2-D DIGE）分析结果与考马斯亮兰染色结果基本一致。对质膜上的82个蛋白点进行胶内消化和MALDI-TOF和MALDI-TOF/TOF质谱鉴定，得到了39个不同基因产物，其中25个是上调蛋白，14个是下调蛋白。在这些发生变化的蛋白中，近1/3是ABC型转运蛋白，如3个磷转运蛋白（Sll0679，Sll0683，Sll0684）均在高pH胁迫下明显上调。其它高pH响应蛋白包括参与光合作用（PsaF，Sll0819；CpcA，Sll1578）、呼吸作用（CoxB，Sll0813）以及细胞分裂过程的蛋白（MinD，Sll0289）。还有LexA repressor (Sll1626)和Guanylyl cyclase(Cya2，Sll0646)等起调控作用的蛋白质。此外发现8个高pH胁迫响应蛋白为功能未知的新蛋白。生物信息学预测结果显示，在已鉴定的质膜响应蛋白中有17个蛋白具有信号肽。6个蛋白为具有跨膜域的膜蛋白，其中的3个膜蛋白是首次被证明定位于质膜上，且其表达与高pH胁迫有关。这些研究结果对从分子水平理解蓝藻细胞主动应对高pH胁迫、维护细胞内pH相对稳定机制有重要启示。

Results of the Austrian-Ceylonese hydrobiological mission 1970 of the 1st Zoological Institute of the University of Vienna (Austria) and the Department of Zoology of the University of Ceylon Vidyalankara Campus, Kelaniya. Pt. 12. Contributions to the ecology of the larvae of some Odonata from Ceylon

The Austrian-Ceylonese hydrobiological mission studied 38 biotopes; 28 of which contain Odonata. From the Zygoptera the Calopterydoidea seem to be the dominant form (22 habitats), while the Coenagrionoidea are scarcer (11 habitats). The most frequent species was Euphaea splendens (Epallagidae - 16 habitats) followed by Vestolis apicalis nigrescens (Calopterygidae, 8 habitats) and Neurobasis chinensis (Calopterygidae, 6 habitats). From the Anisoptera Zygonyx ceylanica (Libellulidae: Zygonictinae) was the dominant form (8 habitats), but some Libellulinae remain undescribed. The number of species varied greatly between different biotopes. The biotopes containing Odonata are small brooks, in which the pH was mostly on the limit between acid and alkaline reaction. They are fast running waters, situated in most cases on lower or middle elevations, only three species being found in higher elevations (1800-2000 m). Adaptations to fast currents and other factors are described.

Ecology of Shakla heel (Brahmanbaria), Bangladesh

The bed Shakla, comprising an average area of 75.0 ha is located in the northeastern region (Brahmanbaria district) of Bangladesh. The study was carried out to assess the ecological aspects of bed ecosystem. Surface run-off and increase inflow of rain water from the upper stretch during monsoon cause inundation and resumption of connection between beel and parent rivers. The range of dissolved oxygen (DO) content ( 4.5-8.9 mg/L) was found congenial for aquatic life. pH was in the alkaline range (7.3-8.5) and free C02 was reletavely high. Lower values of total hardness and total alkalinity indicated less nutrients in the beel water. A wide variation (1.4-27.2 x 103 ceHs/L) in the standing crop of total plankton was recorded during study period of which phytoplankton alone contributed about 90%. Phytoplankton diversity in the beel represented by three groups viz. Chlorophyceae, Myxophyceae and Bacillariophyceae in order of abundance. A total of 52 fish species belonging to 36 genera, 20 families and 1 species of prawn were identified so far from the beel. About l3 types of fishing method were found in operation. Seine nets (moshari berja, ghono berjal) and gill net (current jal) were identified as detrimental gear killing juveniles of different species during post spawning period. Kua fishing was also found harmful due to dewatering nature. A total of 11 species belonging to 11 genera and 10 families of aquatic weeds were identified from the beet The eggs of Macrobrachium Jamarrei were identified into the Najas najas vegetation during April-September.

ISOLATION AND PROPERTIES OF A BLOOD-COAGULATION FACTOR-X ACTIVATOR FROM THE VENOM OF KING COBRA (OPHIOPHAGUS HANNAH)

A specific blood coagulation factor X activator was purified from the venom of Ophiophagus hannah by gel filtration and two steps of FPLC Mono-Q column ion-exchange chromatography. It showed a single protein band both in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and alkaline polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The mol. wt was estimated to be 62,000 in non-reducing conditions and 64,500 in reducing conditions by SDS-PAGE. The isoelectric point was found to be pH 5.6. The enzyme had weak amidolytic activities toward CBS 65-25, but it showed no activities on S-2266, S-2302, thrombin substrate S-2238, plasmin substrate S-2251 or factor Xa substrate S-2222. It had no arginine esterase activity toward substrate benzoylarginine ethylester (BAEE). The enzyme activated factor X in vitro and the effect was absolutely Ca2+ dependent, with a Hill coefficient of 6.83. It could not activate prothrombin nor had any effect on fibrinogen and thus appeared to act specifically on factor X. The procoagulant activity of the enzyme was almost completely inhibited by serine protease inhibitors like PMSF, TPCK and soybean trypsin inhibitor; partially inhibited by L-cysteine. Metal chelator EDTA did not inhibit its procoagulant activity. These results suggest that the factor X activator from O. hannah venom is a serine protease.

Chemical changes in skin mucin as an index of early stages of spoilage in fish

Results of a preliminary investigation on the overall chemical nature of fish skin mucin in lung fish, Clarias batrachus, with special reference to water soluble low molecular weight compounds, are presented. Changes observed during room temperature spoilage have been studied with a view to present a new approach towards the assessment of freshness in fish inspection. pH of the mucin was distinctly alkaline (8.2) and remained unchanged during spoilage. Much of the nitrogen was found to be present in the glycoprotein fraction. Free amino acids and purine bases were present in appreciable quantities in the aqueous extracts which registered a significant increase after 10 hrs. Post-mortem increase in total solids was accompanied by a slight rise in protein nitrogen which may indicate tissue breakdown. Increase in TVN was also observed to occur earlier in the outside mucin as compared to the inside muscle. Presence of free sugars or sialic acid could not be confirmed nor was there any indication of cholesterol and lipoid material as stated in earlier literature.

Response of extract release volume to the variations in pH and microbial load during spoilage of fish at refrigeration temperature

This report briefly describes the microbial status and storage properties of fish raised under composite fish culture in sewage fed ponds.

Effect of organophosphate, diazinon on some immunophysiological, haematological and histological variable of Rutilus frisii kutum (Kamensky,1901)

The acute toxicity and effects of diazinon on some haematological parameters of kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum, Kamensky, 1901) weighing 613.33 g±157.06 g were studied under static water quality conditions at 15°C ± 2ºC in winter and spring 2009. The effective physical and chemical parameters of water were pH= 7-8.2, dh= 300mg/L (caco3), DO= 7 ppm and T= 15°C±2ºC. The first test was primarily to determine the effects of acute toxicity (LC5096 h) of the agricultural toxicant diazinon (emulsion 60%) on kutum male brood stocks. For this purpose, 4 treatments were used to test toxicity; each treatment was repeated in 3 tanks with 9 fish per treatment and with 180 litres water capacity. After obtaining the final results, the information was analysed statistically with Probit version 1.5 (USEPA, 1985), and we determined the LC10, LC50 and LC90 values at 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours and 96 hours; the maximum allowable concentration value (LC5096 h divided by 10) (TRC, 1984); and the degree of toxicity. The second stage of testing consists of four treatments: LC0= 0 as experimental treatment, treatment A with a concentration of LC1= 0.107 mg/L, treatment B with concentration of LC5= 0.157 mg/L, treatment C with concentration of MAC value= 0.04 mg/L. Male brood stocks of kutum were treated with these concentrations for 45 days. Experiments were carried out under static conditions based on the standard TRC, 1984 method over 45 days. Our results show that long-term exposure to diazinon causes a decrease in the erythrocyte count (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), leucocyte count (WBC), lymphocyte, testosterone, iron (Fe), sodium (Na), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and cholinesterase (CHeS). In addition, diazinon also causes an increase in prolymphocyte, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and adrenaline (P<0.05). There are no significant effects on monocyte, eosinophil, magnesium (Mg), chloride (Cl), glucose (BS), urea (BUN), uric acid (U.A), triglyceride (TG), calcium (Ca), albumin (Alb), total protein (TP), cortisol, noradrenaline and high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in kutum male brood stocks (P>0.05). Pathology results showed toxin diazinon no effect on average weight and fish body length, the average weight of heart, brain, spleen, liver, kidney and liver index but caueses decrease of gonad weigth and gonad index and also, cause complications of tissue necrosis, vascular congestion, inflammation in the liver, a sharp reduction in the number of glomeruli, necrosis, vascular congestion and haemorage in the kidney, capsule thickening and fibrosis, atrophy, vascular congestion, macrophages release increased, increasing sediment Hemosiderine and thickening of artery walls in the spleen, atrophy, fibrosis and necrosis in testis , vascular congestion, increased distance between the myocardium and fibrous string in heart and neuronal loss, vascular congestion and edema in the brain of kutum male brood stocks.

Reproductive physiology of ribbon fish (Trichiurus lepturus)

The ribbon fishes ‘of the family Trichiuridac are represented as one of the most important food resources in Indian ocean. High density of the dominant species of ribbon fish (Trichiurus lepturus) in Oman sea and the 'Tillable catch in last yeas (more than 7000 tones per year) makes a trust area for studing their population biolog and stock assessment. As our knowledge on reproductive biology of this species has an important role on their fisheries management, as well as conservation of this stock from decline or over fishing, this research was held to determine some aspects of reproductive physiology of ribbon fish and the effects of environmental factors in gonadal cycle. The goals of the present thesis is to determine some aspects of reproductive physiology such as gonadosomatic index (GSI) , hepatosomatic index (HSI), condition factor (Ko, fecundity, sex ratio, size at first maturity, size at maturity (LM5O) and their relative hormonal & biochemical fluctuations. In this regards annual variation of sex hormones ic. estradiol 17-B, progestron, cortisol, testostrone and gonadotropins FSH (GTH-I) , LH (GTH-ll)I were measured ; gonadal histological studies were done by light & electron micrography. The research was carried out from April 1995 to January 19% in Ras Nleidani in the north part of Oman sea, and the environmental factors such as temperature, salinity, oxygen, rainfall and pH were measured. The effects of these parameters on reproductive cycle and hormonal fluctuationswere discussed by using correlation and principle component analysis (PCA). Female Ribbon fish reproductive strategy shows the same paterns of nonguarder marine teleosts. T. lepturus has more than one spawning season (existance of egges in different size in each month) and therfore it must have asynchronous ovaries and belong to continious spawners. GSI and HSI are good evidences for this type of reproductive patern. The testis of the lobular type , which is typical of most teleosts , is composed of numerous lobules which are separated from each other by a thin layer of fibrous connective tissue. GSI fluctuations revealed prolong- spawning time in males. There is significant increase in 17-13 estradiol. progestrone , cortisol and gonadotropins with maturity and prespawning period of female T lepturus. Plasma concentration of E2 and GTH II incresaed along with water temperature increasing (3300).. Spawning was observed from Nov. 1995 to Apr. 1996 in this species. Progestrone increased significantly with increasing rainfall in this season (P<0.01). Plasma cortisol levels increased with maturation and vitelpgenesis and also with the peak of spawning. From lenght-weight frequency and size distribution in each age groups and also minimum size at first maturity (52a cm) it would he concluded that T. lepturus must be matured at 2 years of age. Serum cholestrol and triglicerides significantly increased when maturation occured in this species. The relationship between alkaline phosphatase activity and hormonal fluctuations with maturity and vitelogenesis were discussed. Proximate compostion (muscle) shows significant variation with spawning period and maturity. Absolute individual fecundity (17420-159150) increased with body length and weight. Ultrastructural observations show dramatic variation in cell membrane (0ocyte membrane), yolk vesicles and, nucleolus dispersal in relation to maturity stages. fluctuations of gonadal hormones were discused in relation with vitelogenesis. Testosterone increased in males from Nov: to Mar. due to environmental impacts and spawning time. Sex ratio in different depth (10-40 m ,80-110 m) shows significnt differences in this ratio for two depths. In 10-40 m depth female shows dominant abundance to male in each months that may be due to their reproductive migration behaviour. The effects of temperature photoperiod and rainfall to maturity and spawning were discussed. According to -pawning period of T. leptunts in our sampling area it could be suggested that ribbon fish fi,theries must be restricted in the peak of spawning seasons (Feb. to Mar.) and in the spawning grounds (under 40 m depths). Other suggestions for population conservation have been mentioned.

Report of the baseline survey undertaken on the Chinese cage site in Napoleon Gulf, Northern Lake Victoria, 12 March 2012

The government of the People's Republic of China through a 2007 agreement with the Government of the Republic of Uganda, has establishment of an Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center (ATDC). The first phase covering the building of aquaculture infrastructure at Kajjansi ARDC is complete and the second operation phase has started in which facilities for cage culture have been set up in the Napoleon gulf, northern Lake Victoria near Jinja. The cage facility is aimed at boosting fish farming within the lake as a diversification to the traditional pond fish culture technology. NaFIRRI scientists as well as Chinese experts undertook a baseline survey in the chosen cage site on 12 March 2012. The survey covered determination of water depth, water transparency, measurement of selected physical-chemical parameters (temperature,dissolved oxygen, conductivity and pH; determination of the nutrient status and study of algae, invertebrate and fish communities at the site. Materials and methodologies used in the survey were based on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of NaFIRRI. The study area was divided into three study sites. Site 1 (upstream) was at 8.9 metre depth while site 2 (proposed cage site) and site 3 (downstream) were 6 and 4.3 metres deep respectively. Water transparency was lowest at site 1 (1.58 m) and highest at site 3 (1.64 m). Dissolved oxygen at the three sites ranged from 6.0 to 8 mg/I. Water temperature profiles fluctuated within narrow limits between 26.5 and 27.5 DC. Measurements of pH were between 7 (neutral) and 8 (alkaline) while electrical conductivity was between 98 and 101 uS/em. These observed physical-chemical parameters at the study site were considered suitable for cage fish rearing purposes. Nitrite-nitrogen levels varied within narrow limits from 0.043 to 0.0453 mgtl. Similarly, Ammonia-nitrogen varied between 0.015 and 0.0185 mg/1. Soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) level was highest at site 3 (O.012mgll) compared to that at sites 1 and 2 (0.009mgll). Total suspended solids (TSS) were higher at site 1 (83.3mgll), thereafter decreasing to lower levels at sites 2 (24.8mgtl) and 3 (19.8mgl) respectively. The nutrient level results observed here all fall below the maximum permissible limits by NEMA and therefore the site is recommended for cage culture The algal community was constituted by four major groups: Blue greens,Greens, Cryptophytes, and Diatoms with blue greens as the common and dominant group. High algal biomass (19944961 ugtL) of the dominant blue green algae was observed at site 1 compared site 2 and 3 (58655.2 & 27487. 7 ugtL) respectively. Occurrence of toxicin producing algae: microsytis and cylindrospermopsis in the proposed cage area was considered to be of not much significance as their concentrations were below harmful levels. However, monitoring their presence, biomass and seasonality will be critical in order to follow when and where they occur and at what time of the year for ease of management of the cages

PH-dependent leaching behaviour and other performance properties of cement-treated mixed contaminated soil

Portland cement has been widely used for stabilisation/solidification (S/S) treatment of contaminated soils. However, there is a dearth of literature on pH-dependent leaching of contaminants from cement-treated soils. This study investigates the leachability of Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) from a mixed contaminated soil. A sandy soil was spiked with 3000 mg/kg each of Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn, and 10,000 mg/kg of diesel, and treated with ordinary Portland cement (CEM I). Four different binder dosages, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% (m/m) and different water contents ranging from 13%-19% dry weight were used in order to find a safe operating envelope for the treatment process. The pH-dependent leaching behaviour of the treated soil was monitored over an 84-day period using a 3-point acid neutralisation capacity (ANC) test. The monolithic leaching test was also conducted. Geotechnical properties such as unconfined compressive strength (UCS), hydraulic conductivity and porosity were assessed over time. The treated soils recorded lower leachate concentrations of Ni and Zn compared to the untreated soil at the same pH depending on binder dosage. The binder had problems with Pb stabilisation and TPH leachability was independent of pH and binder dosage. The hydraulic conductivity of the mixes was generally of the order, 10-8 m/sec, while the porosity ranged from 26%-44%. The results of selected performance properties are compared with regulatory limits and the range of operating variables that lead to acceptable performance described. © 2012 The Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences.