Renjith, K R; Dr.Chandramohanakumar, N(Cochin University of Science and Technology, December , 2006)
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Abstract:
The amplified human role in shaping natural processes makes it imperative to understand the interactions between abiotic and biotic processes, whcih pertain particularly to the most dyanamic aboitic factor,water. The assessment of environmental parameters is indispensable for the sustainable management of the aqutic system .The conscious harnessing and pampering to protect the characteristics of the ecosystems is the of the day.This thesis attempts to characterize the chemical dynamacity of a tropical estury in relation to the bio, geo and physical processes and thereby to propose a management scheme for its sustainability. Micro speciation is used as a tool for this.
Bijoy, Nandan S(The University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand, November 4, 2008)
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Abstract:
The South West (S.W.) coast of India is blessed with a series of wetland systems popularly
referred to as backwaters covering a total area of 46128.94 ha. These backwaters are
internationally renowned for their aesthetic and scientific values including being a repository
for several species fish and shell fishes. This is more significant in that three wetlands
(Vembanad, Sasthamcotta and Ashtamudi) have recently been designated as Ramsar sites of
international importance. Thirty major backwaters forming the crux of the coastal wetlands
form an abode for over 200 resident or migratory fish and shellfish species. The fishing
activities in these water bodies provide the livelihood to about 200,000 fishers and also provide
full-time employment to over 50,000 fishermen. This paper describes the changes on the
environmental and biodiversity status of selected wetlands, during 1994-2005 period. The pH
was generally near neutral to alkaline in range. The salinity values indicated mixohaline
condition ranging from 5.20-32.38 ppt. in the 12 wetlands. The productivity values were
generally low in most of the wetlands during the study, where the gross production varied
from 0.22 gC/m3/day in Kadinamkulam to 1.10 gC/m3/day in the Kayamkulam. The diversity
of plankton and benthos was more during the pre-monsoon compared to the monsoon and
post-monsoon periods in most of the wetlands. The diversity of plankton and benthos was
more during the pre-monsoon compared to the monsoon and post-monsoon periods in most of
the wetlands. The average fish yield per ha. varied from 246 kg. in Valapattanam to 2747.3 kg.
in Azhikode wetland. Retting of coconut husk in most of the wetlands led to acidic pH
conditions with anoxia resulting in the production of high amounts of sulphide, coupled with
high carbon dioxide values leading to drastic reduction in the incidence and abundance of
plankton, benthic fauna and the fishery resources. The major fish species recorded from the
investigation were Etroplus suratensis, E. maculatus, Channa marulius, Labeo dussumieri, Puntius
sp. Lutianus argentimaculatus, Mystus sp., Tachysurus sp. and Hemiramphus sp. The majority of
these backwaters are highly stressed, especially during the pre monsoon period when the
retting activity is at its peak. The study has clearly reflected that a more restrained and cautious
approach is needed to manage and preserve the unique backwater ecosystems of South-west
India
Description:
Proceedings of the Conserv-Vision Conference, University of Waikato, 2-4 July 2007
Remani,K N; Dr.Unnithan, R V(Cochin University of Science and Technology, February 14, 1979)
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Abstract:
Considerable number of factories and related establishments forming an industrial complex are located in the upper reaches of the estuary from Varapuzha about 10km from cochin barmouth to Alwaye while lower down are the retting grounds at Vaduthala and nearby places at about 5km from the barmouth. Muncipal wastes from the city population of over 5 lakhs effluents and solid waste from several fish processing factories and other land washings around Willington island reach the estuary move near its lower reaches close to the barmouth. Cochin estuary is the biggest in the state providing water front for the largest number of industries from the small retting grounds of Vaduthala to the huge fertilizer factories of Udyogamandal and receiving the highest quantity of town sewage and land drainage. The estuary contributes itself as nursery ground for shrimps and related fishery as well. Study of this estuary therefore contributes to a typical environment as regards to pollution problems in the tropics and hence the scope of the present investigation
Description:
Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
Regional Centre
National Institute of Oceanography