- Professor, School of Biosciences, Priyadarshini Hills PO, Athirampuzha, Kottayam-686560
- 919446119626
Ray JG
Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, School of Bioscience, Faculty Member
- My research areas include Ecology and Ecotechnology . Humans as managers of the earth are often using the earthly sys... moreMy research areas include Ecology and Ecotechnology . Humans as managers of the earth are often using the earthly system without the required ecological skill (use with skill is proper management), which ultimately is the cause of the current environmental plight.
Therefore, we need to view all our activities in an environmental context, in relation to life (ecological) and need to apply our knowledge in an environment friendly way.
I study ecology of algae and symbiotic fungi (Mycorrhiza and other endophytic fungi in plants) in relation to physico-chemical parameters of soils and water from where they are identified.
Such knowledge of fungi/algae are further tried as Eco-technological tools, either as a bio-fertilizer in sustainable soil management or as bio-energy or nutraceutical resourceedit - Research Guide in Bioscience/Plant Science, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, KCSTE Major Project (26.6 lakhs): Collection, identification and screening of green algae from bloomed water bodies of Kerala for quality of lipid (2015-2018) edit
The present report is a general assessment of the level of nutrient and toxic heavy metals as an impact of "chemicalized" cultivation practices for decades in banana fields in the three south Indian states, Kerala, Karnataka,... more
The present report is a general assessment of the level of nutrient and toxic heavy metals as an impact of "chemicalized" cultivation practices for decades in banana fields in the three south Indian states, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamilnadu. The major objective was to critically analyze the status of metallic content in green revolution fields, where chemical fertilizers or plant protective chemicals remain the major source of heavy metal contaminants. Since soil series being a soil taxonomic category that includes slightly variant soils of similar origin and common parent materials, the 286 field samples of the broad south Indian region were further grouped into composite samples representing 47 different soil series for limiting the sample analysis. The quantitative assessment of ten metals done in these soils using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer included Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, and Co. The amount of Cu observed in many fields was higher than all the ...
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The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are significant fertility-promoting microbes in soils. They enable soil fertility, soil-health and boost crop productivity. There are generalist and specialist groups among AMF in natural soils.... more
The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are significant fertility-promoting microbes in soils. They enable soil fertility, soil-health and boost crop productivity. There are generalist and specialist groups among AMF in natural soils. Optimized use of specific AMF concerning crops and soils can improve agricultural sustainability. Thus, AMF is becoming an inevitable biological tool for improving crop productivity and soil health. Especially in the context of chemicalized agriculture undermining the sustainability of food security, safety, and human and ecosystem health, alternative agricultural means have become inevitable. Therefore, AMF has become essential in nature-friendly, organic agriculture. Of such farm fields, natural biological activity is enhanced to sustain soil fertility. Crops show increased innate immunity against pests and diseases in many such systems. Moreover, ecosystems remain healthy, and the soil is teeming with life in such farms. The primary goal of the revie...
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Research Interests: Agronomy, Biology, Cyanobacteria, Ecology, Wetland, and 4 moreSpecies Richness, Seedling, Paddy Field, and Panicle
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Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are effective natural alternatives to assist plants in improving crop productivity and immunity against pests and diseases. However, a comprehensive idea of the variables under which they show optimum... more
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are effective natural alternatives to assist plants in improving crop productivity and immunity against pests and diseases. However, a comprehensive idea of the variables under which they show optimum activity, especially concerning particular soil, climate, geography, and crop characteristics, has yet to be adequately standardized. Since paddy is the staple food for half of the world’s population, such standardization is highly significant globally. Research concerning determinants affecting AMF functioning in rice is limited. However, the identified variables include external variables such as abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors and internal variables such as plant and AMF characteristics. Among the abiotic factors, edaphic factors like soil pH, phosphorus availability, and soil moisture significantly affect AMF functioning in rice. In addition, anthropogenic influences such as land use patterns, flooding, and fertilizer regimes also affec...
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Evidence from Mars of what may be algae, thrombolites, microbialites, microbial mats, stromatolites, and ooids is summarized. Also briefly discussed is evidence of chlorophyll, seasonal fluctuations in atmospheric oxygen, and what may be... more
Evidence from Mars of what may be algae, thrombolites, microbialites, microbial mats, stromatolites, and ooids is summarized. Also briefly discussed is evidence of chlorophyll, seasonal fluctuations in atmospheric oxygen, and what may be photosynthesis-oxygen gas vents adjacent to specimens resembling algae and lichens. The possible presence of calcium carbonate and calcium oxalate is also summarized the latter of which might be produced by lichens: an algae-fungi symbiotic organism that Joseph et al. (2021) believe are attached to rocks on Mars.
Research Interests: Astrobiology and Algae
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Toxic heavy metals such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) are systemic toxicants that are hazardous to human health. However, as these elements are increasing in the environment due to fast urbanization, industrialization, and... more
Toxic heavy metals such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) are systemic toxicants that are hazardous to human health. However, as these elements are increasing in the environment due to fast urbanization, industrialization, and chemicalized agricultural activities, accumulation of the same in human body anywhere in the world is quite interesting to global assessment of environment quality. In this connection, random examination of blood samples of human population in Kerala, South India, was carried out to assess the threat of heavy metal contamination to humans in this part of the globe, especially in relation to the amount of such metals in food and other environmental samples. Except pure vegetarians, people of Kerala consume rice as the staple food with a lot of fish. Therefore, the amount of these three heavy metals in drinking water, fish, rice, and paddy soils was done. Heavy metals in the blood were examined in relation to age, gender, and dietary habits such as fr...
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Biological approach to synthesis of metal nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extract is a highly relevant and recent theme in nanotechnological research. Phytosynthesized AgNPs have better inhibitory and antimicrobial effects compared to... more
Biological approach to synthesis of metal nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extract is a highly relevant and recent theme in nanotechnological research. Phytosynthesized AgNPs have better inhibitory and antimicrobial effects compared to aqueous leaf extract and silver nitrate. In the present investigation crystalline silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with size of 10nm have been successfully synthesized using aqueous leaf extract (AQLE) of Ziziphus oenoplia (L.) Mill., which act as both reducing as well as capping agent. The particles were characterized using UV Visible spectroscopy, HRTEM-EDAX, XRD, FT-IR and DLS. An evaluation of the anti bacterial activity was carried out using Agar well diffusion method and MIC determination against four bacterial strains, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi; the AgNPs exhibited quite high antibacterial activity. Furthermore, bactericidal studies with TEM at different time intervals after AgNPs treatment...
Research Interests: Chemistry, Kinetics, Nanotechnology, Medicine, Nuclear Chemistry, and 15 moreMetal Nanoparticles, Silver, Escherichia coli, Temperature, Antibacterial activity, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Plant extracts, Phytosynthesis of Nanoparticles, Silver Nanoparticle, Silver Nitrate, Aqueous Solution, Lysis, Biochemistry and cell biology, Plant Leaves, and Ziziphus
This assessment of ecology and diversity of Diatoms in Kuttanadu, is continuation of the previous publications of Green-algae and Blue-green-algae of the same region; all the three investigations were carried out simultaneously. The... more
This assessment of ecology and diversity of Diatoms in Kuttanadu, is continuation of the previous publications of Green-algae and Blue-green-algae of the same region; all the three investigations were carried out simultaneously. The unique Kuttanadu wetlands (90°17'N to 90°40'N; 760°19'E to 760°33'E), a well known ‘Rice bowl’ of Kerala, spread over 53,639 hectares, is located in Alapuzha District of Kerala, India. This wetland was once known for its high biodiversity, but currently severely affected by intensive green-revolution activities of past few decades. Main objective of the present report is to explain the diversity and ecological status of Diatoms in relation to the environment conditions currently existing in the region. Duration of the study was from December 2009 to October 2010. Soil samples of three different soil-types in two different crop-seasons, at two diverse crop-growth-stages are analyzed and compared. Altogether 120 composite soil samples rando...
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Among the diverse new generation biomass yielding species, green algae are the most promising organisms. Compared to biomass production of other organisms, production of algae is less laborious, quite fast, and more economical. Moreover,... more
Among the diverse new generation biomass yielding species, green algae are the most promising organisms. Compared to biomass production of other organisms, production of algae is less laborious, quite fast, and more economical. Moreover, eutrophicated waters get naturally purified in the cultivation process of algae. Algal biomass from monoculture of specific species, which are rich in carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, is considered a good source of diverse bio-products and feed-stock for food, feeds and bio-fuels. Quantity and quality of algal biomass for specific products depend on the species and strains as well as environmental conditions of cultivation. In this connection, biomass productivity and oil-yield of a local strain of Chlorococcum humicola (Nageli) Rabenhorst was assessed in Bold’s Basal Medium. Long-term storage capacity of the alga was tried by entrapping the algal cells in sodium alginate beads, which showed viability up to 14 months. Estimation of total carbohyd...
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Influences of three different vegetations (forests, teak plantation, and rubber plantation) on certain soil fertility parameters of Oxic Dystrustepts in the Western Ghats of southern India are compared. Soil samples collected from 10... more
Influences of three different vegetations (forests, teak plantation, and rubber plantation) on certain soil fertility parameters of Oxic Dystrustepts in the Western Ghats of southern India are compared. Soil samples collected from 10 different sites under each of the three vegetations in different seasons are analyzed. Soil sampling and physicochemical analyses were carried out as per standard methods. Significant variation
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Algal bloom of eutrophic freshwaters is important from different aspects of sustainable developmental perspectives. Apart from the identification of the algal species which multiply fast in response to eutrophication, phytoplankton... more
Algal bloom of eutrophic freshwaters is important from different aspects of sustainable developmental perspectives. Apart from the identification of the algal species which multiply fast in response to eutrophication, phytoplankton studies concerning water quality parameters of eutrophic waters help environment inventory of such fast-growing algal species. The knowledge of specific environment requirements of fast-growing algae is highly significant in the control of toxic algal blooming and industrial utilization of non-toxic species in phycoremediation or as new bioresources for fuel, food or feeds. In this context, seasonal dynamics of the phytoplankton community in seven different kinds of eutrophic waters from 66 representative locations of Kerala, South India, was measured in two seasons. Altogether, 297 algal species belonging to 8 phyla, 11 classes and 26 orders were observed in the waters. Ecology and diversity of algal communities concerning physicochemical water quality parameters were compared, which enabled assessment of the ecological amplitude of several specific dominant species common to eutrophic waters in Kerala. The crucial roles of dissolved oxygen ( p < 0.05), total Kjeldahl nitrogen ( p < 0.01), and ammoniacal nitrogen ( p < 0.05) in causing algal blooms are assessed using correlation analysis. The principal component analysis extracted the entire water quality parameters into five groups of components acting towards the cause of algal blooms. Overall, the investigation has generated relevant new information of several hitherto uninvestigated fast-growing non-toxic algal species such as Kirchneriella lunaris , Ankistrodesmus falcatus , Radiococcus nimbatus , Coelastrum microporum and Scenedesmus dimorphus , which are industrially useful and can contribute to ecotechnological innovations essential for sustainable development.
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The velamen roots are quite extensively growing and profusely branched organ of adaptation in epiphytic orchids. The endophytic-fungi in such roots are believed to have growth-promoting influence, especially on the roots itself. However,... more
The velamen roots are quite extensively growing and profusely branched organ of adaptation in epiphytic orchids. The endophytic-fungi in such roots are believed to have growth-promoting influence, especially on the roots itself. However, an application of the same in the cultivation of the ornamental orchids is not yet sufficiently tried. The present report deals with the growth promoting effects of endophytic fungi of the velamen roots of a wild epiphytic orchid Acampe praemorsa on an ornamental orchid, Dendrobium sp. The five endophytic fungal species, Trichoderma asperellum, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma atroviride, Endomelanconiopsis endophytica and Diaporthe eucalyptorum isolated from the velamen roots of the epiphytic orchid, A. praemorsa were found to be potent producers of the hormone indole-3-acetic-acid (IAA). The endophytic fungi were identified by morphological and molecular methods. The nucleotide sequences of the identified strains were deposited in the GenBank. T...
The velamen roots in epiphytic orchids are rather complex, and their environmental role remains poorly understood. Fungal associates are known in the velamen roots of tropical orchids, but the magnitude of their diversity in particular... more
The velamen roots in epiphytic orchids are rather complex, and their environmental role remains poorly understood. Fungal associates are known in the velamen roots of tropical orchids, but the magnitude of their diversity in particular species remains unknown. The primary aim of this work was to explore endophytic fungal species associated with the velamen roots of three tropical epiphytic orchids. Velamen roots were collected from 30 plants of Rhynchostylis retusa and 25 plants each of Epidendrum radicans and Oncidium sphacelatum. Endophytic fungi were isolated from 2160 segments. Twenty species of velamen-root-associated fungal endophytes were separated with a culture technique. The isolated strains were grouped into morphotypes, subsequently identified morphologically and by means of ITS DNA barcoding. Ascomycota were the dominant group with 18 species. Trichoderma cf. asperellum, Endomelanconiopsis endophytica, Trichoderma cf. atroviride and Lasiodiplodia theobromae were the mos...
Research Interests: Microbiology and Biology
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ABSTRACT The objective of the study was to examine the growth, accumulation and biochemical responses in Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., at increasing levels of nickel in soil after 30 days of treatment. Accumulation of nickel in different... more
ABSTRACT
The objective of the study was to examine the growth, accumulation
and biochemical responses in Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., at increasing
levels of nickel in soil after 30 days of treatment. Accumulation of
nickel in different parts of the plant was found in a concentrationdependent
manner, and the uptake was significantly higher in roots
than in shoots. Lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in the
metal-exposed plant, compared with the control. The plant exhibited a
significant decrease in its pigment content at Ni treatment levels from
100 mg/kg onwards. Compared with the control, a significant increase
was observed in the metal exposed plant in its non-enzymatic antioxidants
such as proline, flavonoid and phenolic compounds, as well
as in the activity of enzymatic antioxidants like superoxide dismutase,
catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase. The present
study revealed the mechanism adopted by E. prostrata in alleviating
nickel-induced oxidative damage. Transmission electron microscopy
(TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) provided
supporting evidence for the uptake of heavy metals, localisation and
binding or interaction of nickel in the leaf. Thus, the plant appears to
have the potential as a tolerant nickel phytoremediator species for
application in decontamination of moderately polluted soils.
The objective of the study was to examine the growth, accumulation
and biochemical responses in Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., at increasing
levels of nickel in soil after 30 days of treatment. Accumulation of
nickel in different parts of the plant was found in a concentrationdependent
manner, and the uptake was significantly higher in roots
than in shoots. Lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in the
metal-exposed plant, compared with the control. The plant exhibited a
significant decrease in its pigment content at Ni treatment levels from
100 mg/kg onwards. Compared with the control, a significant increase
was observed in the metal exposed plant in its non-enzymatic antioxidants
such as proline, flavonoid and phenolic compounds, as well
as in the activity of enzymatic antioxidants like superoxide dismutase,
catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase. The present
study revealed the mechanism adopted by E. prostrata in alleviating
nickel-induced oxidative damage. Transmission electron microscopy
(TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) provided
supporting evidence for the uptake of heavy metals, localisation and
binding or interaction of nickel in the leaf. Thus, the plant appears to
have the potential as a tolerant nickel phytoremediator species for
application in decontamination of moderately polluted soils.
People of Asian countries are very much conscious about complexion. This desire is exploited with advertisements of fairness creams in both the print and visual media which allure youngsters with promises of desired results. Skin... more
People of Asian countries are very much conscious about complexion. This desire is exploited with advertisements of fairness creams in both the print and visual media which allure youngsters with promises of desired results. Skin lightening products occupy 61% of dermatological market in India. Cosmetics are supposed to be safe and healthy, but research reports on their toxicities are available. Heavy metals are added intentionally or unintentionally to cosmetics, the presence of which, the consumers are mostly unaware of. Arsenic, lead and mercury are top among hazardous systemic toxicants, which induce toxicity even at low levels of exposure. In this connection a survey was conducted among college students and working women regarding the usage of fairness creams, which revealed that use of fairness creams, is common. As per the information gathered, four most commonly used brands of fairness creams in Kerala, India, were analysed for arsenic, lead and mercury by ICP-MS. Although not in high levels, these were present in varying amounts in the four most commonly used brands of fairness creams. Analysis revealed the importance in choosing cosmetics with caution and to minimize the usage as far as possible. Subjects: Toxicology; Public Health Policy and Practice
Biological approach to synthesis of metal nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extract is a highly relevant and recent theme in nanotechnological research. Phytosynthesized AgNPs have better inhibitory and antimicrobial effects compared to... more
Biological approach to synthesis of metal nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extract is a highly relevant and
recent theme in nanotechnological research. Phytosynthesized AgNPs have better inhibitory and
antimicrobial effects compared to aqueous leaf extract and silver nitrate. In the present investigation
crystalline silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with size of 10nm have been successfully synthesized using
aqueous leaf extract (AQLE) of Ziziphus oenoplia (L.)Mill., which act as both reducing as well as capping
agent. The particles were characterized using UV Visible spectroscopy, HRTEM-EDAX, XRD, FT-IR and
DLS. An evaluation of the anti bacterial activity was carried out using Agar well diffusion method and
MIC determination against four bacterial strains, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi; the AgNPs exhibited quite high antibacterial activity. Furthermore,
bactericidal studies with TEM at different time intervals after AgNPs treatment showed the presence of
AgNPs near cell membrane of bacteria at about 30 minutes exposure and the bacterial-lysis was found
completed at 24hrs. This gave an insight on the mechanism of bacterial-lysis by direct damage to the cell
membrane.
recent theme in nanotechnological research. Phytosynthesized AgNPs have better inhibitory and
antimicrobial effects compared to aqueous leaf extract and silver nitrate. In the present investigation
crystalline silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with size of 10nm have been successfully synthesized using
aqueous leaf extract (AQLE) of Ziziphus oenoplia (L.)Mill., which act as both reducing as well as capping
agent. The particles were characterized using UV Visible spectroscopy, HRTEM-EDAX, XRD, FT-IR and
DLS. An evaluation of the anti bacterial activity was carried out using Agar well diffusion method and
MIC determination against four bacterial strains, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi; the AgNPs exhibited quite high antibacterial activity. Furthermore,
bactericidal studies with TEM at different time intervals after AgNPs treatment showed the presence of
AgNPs near cell membrane of bacteria at about 30 minutes exposure and the bacterial-lysis was found
completed at 24hrs. This gave an insight on the mechanism of bacterial-lysis by direct damage to the cell
membrane.
Research Interests:
Better strains of green algae of desirable biomass yield and oil characteristics are important to algal-based bio-industries. Biomass-yield per unit time, oil productivity per unit biomass, chemical characteristics of oil, nutritional... more
Better strains of green algae of desirable biomass yield and oil characteristics are important to algal-based bio-industries. Biomass-yield per unit time, oil productivity per unit biomass, chemical characteristics of oil, nutritional significance and biofuel potentials of the oil of eight different common freshwater-blooming green-algae are compared. Preliminary screening for lipid richness was carried out using Sudan-black lipid staining method. Selected algae were
cultured in Bold’s Basal Medium under uniform laboratory condition for 30 days. Fatty acid profiling was done by GCMS and the preliminary biodiesel feasibility was confirmed by FTIR. Percentage composition of omega-3, omega-6 and omega-7 group of fatty acids was used to
assess the nutritional value of the oil. Algal biomass yield of the eight species varied from 35.4 % to 201.6% mg/L/Day. The biomass-yield and oil productivity of Keratococcus bicaudatus is reported for the first time, which is quite comparable to Botryococcus spp., one of the universally well known species in this regard. Another species Monoraphidium obtusum is observed to contain good quantity of omega-3 fatty acids (13.18 %). The oil of the different species of algae showed 6.06 % to 82.14 % saturated fatty acids, 1.14 % to 25.92 % monounsaturated fatty acids and 0.79% to 41.26 % polyunsaturated fatty acids. Since C14 to
C18 fatty acids are considered as the feed-stock for quality based biodiesel, presence of such fatty acids in the oil of all these algae is a preliminary indication for biodiesel feasibility of the same, further confirmed by FTIR of its methyl esters.
cultured in Bold’s Basal Medium under uniform laboratory condition for 30 days. Fatty acid profiling was done by GCMS and the preliminary biodiesel feasibility was confirmed by FTIR. Percentage composition of omega-3, omega-6 and omega-7 group of fatty acids was used to
assess the nutritional value of the oil. Algal biomass yield of the eight species varied from 35.4 % to 201.6% mg/L/Day. The biomass-yield and oil productivity of Keratococcus bicaudatus is reported for the first time, which is quite comparable to Botryococcus spp., one of the universally well known species in this regard. Another species Monoraphidium obtusum is observed to contain good quantity of omega-3 fatty acids (13.18 %). The oil of the different species of algae showed 6.06 % to 82.14 % saturated fatty acids, 1.14 % to 25.92 % monounsaturated fatty acids and 0.79% to 41.26 % polyunsaturated fatty acids. Since C14 to
C18 fatty acids are considered as the feed-stock for quality based biodiesel, presence of such fatty acids in the oil of all these algae is a preliminary indication for biodiesel feasibility of the same, further confirmed by FTIR of its methyl esters.
Research Interests:
The southwestern Ghats region of the Indian Peninsula is unique for its extant endemic rainforest flora supported by high rainfall throughout the year. The record of tropical rainforest corresponding to the dynamic series of Pleistocene... more
The southwestern Ghats region of the Indian Peninsula is unique for its extant endemic rainforest flora
supported by high rainfall throughout the year. The record of tropical rainforest corresponding to the
dynamic series of Pleistocene interglacial/glacial cycles is poorly known from peninsular India. This
communication discusses the palynological study of organic matter (OM) deposits (>40 ka BP) in two
well sections (Chaganachery, Kerala) from the Indian Peninsula (west coast). A rich archive of tropical
rainforest pollen/spores and marine dinoflagellate cysts indicates anoxic fluvio-marine/estuarine
depositional environments during warmer climates with an intensified Asian monsoon. The geochemical
fingerprinting of glass shards indicates the presence of Youngest Toba ash of w74 ka from northern
Sumatra, and therefore establishes a time-controlled stratigraphy. Thus, the depositional time period of
the OM is related to the sea level highstand of Marine Isotopic Stage 5.1 (w80 ka) which was the host to
the YTT shards. The Late Quaternary pollen/spores diversity suggests that the modern climatic conditions
in the southwestern Ghats have facilitated the conservation of moist evergreen rainforest and dry/moist
deciduous forest. The pollen grains show its lineage with the extant flora and some of the fossil pollen
recorded during the mesic Tertiary period from the Indian peninsula. Thus, it appears that the tropical
rainforest survived here as ‘Plant Refugia’ in xeric (glacial) Quaternary periods, perhaps as riparian
vegetation, and was rejuvenated during the Holocene as modern extant flora
supported by high rainfall throughout the year. The record of tropical rainforest corresponding to the
dynamic series of Pleistocene interglacial/glacial cycles is poorly known from peninsular India. This
communication discusses the palynological study of organic matter (OM) deposits (>40 ka BP) in two
well sections (Chaganachery, Kerala) from the Indian Peninsula (west coast). A rich archive of tropical
rainforest pollen/spores and marine dinoflagellate cysts indicates anoxic fluvio-marine/estuarine
depositional environments during warmer climates with an intensified Asian monsoon. The geochemical
fingerprinting of glass shards indicates the presence of Youngest Toba ash of w74 ka from northern
Sumatra, and therefore establishes a time-controlled stratigraphy. Thus, the depositional time period of
the OM is related to the sea level highstand of Marine Isotopic Stage 5.1 (w80 ka) which was the host to
the YTT shards. The Late Quaternary pollen/spores diversity suggests that the modern climatic conditions
in the southwestern Ghats have facilitated the conservation of moist evergreen rainforest and dry/moist
deciduous forest. The pollen grains show its lineage with the extant flora and some of the fossil pollen
recorded during the mesic Tertiary period from the Indian peninsula. Thus, it appears that the tropical
rainforest survived here as ‘Plant Refugia’ in xeric (glacial) Quaternary periods, perhaps as riparian
vegetation, and was rejuvenated during the Holocene as modern extant flora
Research Interests:
Phytoremediation potential of roadside plants in terms of zinc accumulation in relation to its amount in soils is investigated
Research Interests:
Lead contamination in roadside soil is a global phenomenon, but Lead accumulation in roadside herbs is least reported. Lead accumulating species are rare; the success of phytoremediation of Lead contaminated soils depends on the discovery... more
Lead contamination in roadside soil is a global phenomenon, but Lead
accumulation in roadside herbs is least reported. Lead accumulating species
are rare; the success of phytoremediation of Lead contaminated soils depends
on the discovery of new Lead hyper accumulators. In this context, Lead in the
shoots and roots of about nineteen tolerant roadside herbs growing in soils
close to one meter margin from the tar-edge of two busy roadsides in Kerala in
South India was examined. Soil and plant samples were collected for two
years from different sites differing in the degree of contamination. Lead in the
shoots of all plant species and also in the roots of grasses, and in the soils
where the plants grew was assessed, compared and statistically analyzed. The
roadside soils were found moderately Lead contaminated. All the species were
found accumulating Lead in shoots or roots in significantly different amounts.
Positive correlations were found between Lead in plants and that in the
different soils where they grew and in some of the species, the correlations
were very strong. Lead in the shoots of Pilea microphylla (L.) Liebm., and that
in the roots of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., was found in quantities higher
than the quantity of the metal in the soil.
Key words: Roadside Contamination; Pb; Roadside Plants; Tolerant/Hypertolerant species; Metal Excluder / Accumulator / Hyper-accumulator; Phytoremediation
accumulation in roadside herbs is least reported. Lead accumulating species
are rare; the success of phytoremediation of Lead contaminated soils depends
on the discovery of new Lead hyper accumulators. In this context, Lead in the
shoots and roots of about nineteen tolerant roadside herbs growing in soils
close to one meter margin from the tar-edge of two busy roadsides in Kerala in
South India was examined. Soil and plant samples were collected for two
years from different sites differing in the degree of contamination. Lead in the
shoots of all plant species and also in the roots of grasses, and in the soils
where the plants grew was assessed, compared and statistically analyzed. The
roadside soils were found moderately Lead contaminated. All the species were
found accumulating Lead in shoots or roots in significantly different amounts.
Positive correlations were found between Lead in plants and that in the
different soils where they grew and in some of the species, the correlations
were very strong. Lead in the shoots of Pilea microphylla (L.) Liebm., and that
in the roots of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., was found in quantities higher
than the quantity of the metal in the soil.
Key words: Roadside Contamination; Pb; Roadside Plants; Tolerant/Hypertolerant species; Metal Excluder / Accumulator / Hyper-accumulator; Phytoremediation
Research Interests:
Root CEC of fresh roots of thirty species of wild grasses at the stage of flowering in relation to soil and plant shoot mineral content such as Calcium, Potassium and Sodium, and also soil pH were examined and the interrelationships were... more
Root CEC of fresh roots of thirty species of wild grasses at the stage of flowering in relation to
soil and plant shoot mineral content such as Calcium, Potassium and Sodium, and also soil pH were
examined and the interrelationships were worked out. The aim was to assess the environmental
relationships of root CEC to examine whether it is a species specific inherent quality or is
environment controlled property. The grasses examined were found to have species specific root CEC
ranging from 2.68 to 13. 74 and the general average root CEC of these grasses was found to be7.
Species specific nature of root CEC was found relevant. It became clear that root CEC of plants is not
a completely environmentally controlled property. Compared to temperate grasses, the very low root
CEC noted in these tropical grasses may be considered as a significant biological factor beneficial to
their survival in the nutrient poor soils. Interrelationship found between root CEC, soil pH and shoot
mineral content suggested the need of more intensive experimental studies towards establishing CEC
as one of the significant root characteristics determining the degree of competition and successful
survival of species in their natural environment.
Keywords: root cation exchange capacity, tropical wild grasses, mineral accumulation,
calcium, potassium, Sodium.
soil and plant shoot mineral content such as Calcium, Potassium and Sodium, and also soil pH were
examined and the interrelationships were worked out. The aim was to assess the environmental
relationships of root CEC to examine whether it is a species specific inherent quality or is
environment controlled property. The grasses examined were found to have species specific root CEC
ranging from 2.68 to 13. 74 and the general average root CEC of these grasses was found to be7.
Species specific nature of root CEC was found relevant. It became clear that root CEC of plants is not
a completely environmentally controlled property. Compared to temperate grasses, the very low root
CEC noted in these tropical grasses may be considered as a significant biological factor beneficial to
their survival in the nutrient poor soils. Interrelationship found between root CEC, soil pH and shoot
mineral content suggested the need of more intensive experimental studies towards establishing CEC
as one of the significant root characteristics determining the degree of competition and successful
survival of species in their natural environment.
Keywords: root cation exchange capacity, tropical wild grasses, mineral accumulation,
calcium, potassium, Sodium.
Research Interests:
Nickel (Ni) is a common metal found in high quantities on roadsides. Systematic, two year investigations of 110 km roadsides of two traffic-dense roads of Kerala, South India, were carried out to assess the degree of accumulation of the... more
Nickel (Ni) is a common metal found in high quantities on roadsides. Systematic, two year
investigations of 110 km roadsides of two traffic-dense roads of Kerala, South India, were carried out
to assess the degree of accumulation of the metal in plants growing on these roadsides in relation to
the amount of Ni in soils. Ni contamination of about 12 to 30 mg kg-1 observed on these roadside soils
is quite moderate, but the metal accumulation in most of the plant shoots were found quite higher than
that in natural vegetations. It was quite interesting to note that, of the 19 plants examined, all except
Chloris brbata Sw., accumulated Ni in their shoots much higher than that in the soils around them. In
Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., a very fast growing tropical species with significantly high aboveground
biomass, Ni content of shoot was 48.2 mg kg-1, about three times the amount of Ni in the soils.
Overall assessment was that the contaminated roadsides of biodiversity rich tropics are significant
places to find out species of high resilience to physico-chemical disturbance including heavy metals.
Such investigations are significant to the preliminary identification of the metal accumulating
potentials of many species.
Key words: nickel, soil, plants, roadsides.
investigations of 110 km roadsides of two traffic-dense roads of Kerala, South India, were carried out
to assess the degree of accumulation of the metal in plants growing on these roadsides in relation to
the amount of Ni in soils. Ni contamination of about 12 to 30 mg kg-1 observed on these roadside soils
is quite moderate, but the metal accumulation in most of the plant shoots were found quite higher than
that in natural vegetations. It was quite interesting to note that, of the 19 plants examined, all except
Chloris brbata Sw., accumulated Ni in their shoots much higher than that in the soils around them. In
Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., a very fast growing tropical species with significantly high aboveground
biomass, Ni content of shoot was 48.2 mg kg-1, about three times the amount of Ni in the soils.
Overall assessment was that the contaminated roadsides of biodiversity rich tropics are significant
places to find out species of high resilience to physico-chemical disturbance including heavy metals.
Such investigations are significant to the preliminary identification of the metal accumulating
potentials of many species.
Key words: nickel, soil, plants, roadsides.
Research Interests:
Green-algae of Tropical
Oxic Dystrustepts Soils in Relation to Different
Soil Parameters and Vegetation are described
Oxic Dystrustepts Soils in Relation to Different
Soil Parameters and Vegetation are described
Research Interests:
Three-year monitoring of the pollution status of a commercially exploited tropical freshwater reservoir, Periyar Lake, Thekkady, Kerala, India situated central to a world famous wildlife sanctuary, the Periyar Tiger Reserve included... more
Three-year monitoring of the pollution status of a commercially exploited tropical freshwater
reservoir, Periyar Lake, Thekkady, Kerala, India situated central to a world famous wildlife sanctuary,
the Periyar Tiger Reserve included monthly assessment of nitrate nitrogen, Kjeldal nitrogen,
inorganic phosphorus, silica; primary and secondary production, biochemical oxygen demand,
chemical oxygen demand, oil and grease, maximum probable number of Coliform bacteria, count of
Escherichia coli, pesticide and heavy metal content in the waters. For convenient and systematic
studies six permanent sampling stations were fixed in the Lake in accordance with differences in
degrees of human interactions within different parts of the Lake. In spite of the increasing
anthropogenic influences, the nutrient concentration and primary productivity in the hundred years
over artificial Lake remained quite normal in most part of it during the entire period of study, owing
to its undisturbed watershed. This suggested the setting up of wildlife sanctuaries around reservoirs as
effective watershed management method of commercially exploited lake systems in tropics in
general. However, statistically significant fluctuations in certain quality parameters at certain
locations and the high amount of oil content found in the lake, suggested the need of careful
management and proper monitoring of such systems. Oil spill from motor boats in the lake was found
extended throughout the Lake, even up to the core of the sanctuary area. Coliform bacteria count was
high at all stations during most of the seasons.
Key words: Periyar Lake, Nutrients, primary production, pollution, oil and grease, seasonal changes.
reservoir, Periyar Lake, Thekkady, Kerala, India situated central to a world famous wildlife sanctuary,
the Periyar Tiger Reserve included monthly assessment of nitrate nitrogen, Kjeldal nitrogen,
inorganic phosphorus, silica; primary and secondary production, biochemical oxygen demand,
chemical oxygen demand, oil and grease, maximum probable number of Coliform bacteria, count of
Escherichia coli, pesticide and heavy metal content in the waters. For convenient and systematic
studies six permanent sampling stations were fixed in the Lake in accordance with differences in
degrees of human interactions within different parts of the Lake. In spite of the increasing
anthropogenic influences, the nutrient concentration and primary productivity in the hundred years
over artificial Lake remained quite normal in most part of it during the entire period of study, owing
to its undisturbed watershed. This suggested the setting up of wildlife sanctuaries around reservoirs as
effective watershed management method of commercially exploited lake systems in tropics in
general. However, statistically significant fluctuations in certain quality parameters at certain
locations and the high amount of oil content found in the lake, suggested the need of careful
management and proper monitoring of such systems. Oil spill from motor boats in the lake was found
extended throughout the Lake, even up to the core of the sanctuary area. Coliform bacteria count was
high at all stations during most of the seasons.
Key words: Periyar Lake, Nutrients, primary production, pollution, oil and grease, seasonal changes.