Aniptodera indica,a new species of mangrove inhabiting ascomycete from west coast of India

On decomposing mangrove leaves and woods collected from west coast of India, a new species of Aniptodera was encountered. Aniptodera indica sp. nov. differs from other members of the genus, as the ascospores possess single polar appendage. This new species is described, illustrated and compared with closely resembling species: Aniptodera chesapeakensis and A. juncicola.     

On the occurrence of a double parasitism (copepod and isopod) on the anchovy fish in India

A double parasitism (isopod and copepod) on anchovy fish, Stolephorus commersonii Lacepede, 1803 was recorded from Parangipettai (India) coastal waters during June, 2004. This is the first report from this region and the infestation is discussed in relation to environmental parameters in this short communication.     

Impact of malathion on the biochemical parameters of gobiid fish, Glossogobius giuris (Ham)

There is a dearth of information regarding the changes in heart muscle metabolites induced by pesticides. In the present study, the gobiid fish, Glossogobius giuris, was exposed to sub lethal concentrations of (0.05, 0.25 and 0.5 ppm) organophosphorus pesticide, malathion for short duration (24 to 96 hr). The cardiac muscles showed maximum depletion of glycogen and cholesterol content during 72 and 96 hr after treatment with 0.5 ppm malathion. Whereas a slight fluctuation of protein and glycogen content was observed in low concentration (0.05 ppm) of malathion. The levels of protein showed a significant decrease at high concentration (0.5 ppm) when treated for longer duration (96 hr). The present study reports metabolic dysfunction in response to malathion toxicity in the fish.     

Brevetoxins in sharks and rays (Chondrichthyes, Elasmobranchii) from Florida coastal waters

In October 2000, a mass mortality of blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) and Atlantic sharpnose sharks (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae) in northwest Florida occurred in conjunction with a Karenia brevis red tide bloom. Before this incident, no information existed on red tide-induced shark mortalities or baseline brevetoxin levels in sharks and rays from red tide-endemic areas. We report here that brevetoxin accumulation in live and red tide-killed elasmobranchs is common during K. brevis blooms and non-bloom periods. Strong relationships were found between the frequency of red tide blooms and the average brevetoxin concentrations in elasmobranch tissues. The presence of brevetoxins in Atlantic coast sharks in the absence of documented K. brevis blooms may suggest that blooms are occurring in areas that are not well monitored. Although red tide-related shark mortalities are rarely observed, the presence of brevetoxins in shark embryos raises questions about the effects these toxins may have on the reproductive success of sharks.     

Isolation and characterisation of cadmium-resistant bacteria from an industrially polluted coastal ecosystem on the southeast coast of India

A total of 35 bacterial strains were isolated from the industrially polluted Cuddalore coast, on the southeast coast of India. Of these, 17 strains were cadmium resistant and the remainder were sensitive. Six strains (C-1, C-8, C-10, C-12, C-14 and N-1) were selected based on high levels of cadmium tolerance (>150 mg L^?1) and were termed highly cadmium-resistant bacteria (HCRB). These HCRB were identified on the basis of morphological, biochemical and partial sequencing of their 16S rRNA genes. The antibiotic-susceptibility patterns and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of different metals (Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Zn²⁺) against each HCRB were determined. Among the isolates, C-14 showed high degrees of metal and antibiotic resistance compared with other HCRB. Growth rates of HCRB at two different Cd²⁺ concentrations (50 and 100 mg L^?1) and under different metal conditions (Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺) were also investigated. HCRB growth rates were lower in the metal-treated condition than in the untreated condition. Isolates C-14 and N-1 removed>80% of Cd²⁺ from cadmium-treated broth. However, isolate C-14 removed 92.3% of Cd²⁺ compared with 86.5% for isolate N-1. Bacteria showing residual growth rates under metal stress conditions might be useful in metal removal applications under growing conditions.     

Infestation dynamics of gnathiid isopod juveniles parasitic on the coral-reef fish Hemigymnus melapterus (Labridae)

The dynamics of infestation by parasitic juveniles of gnathiid isopods were investigated at Lizard Island in the summer of 1997/1998 to determine when, and at what rate, they infest fishes. Variation in gnathiid abundance on wild-caught fish (Hemigymnus melapterus) between dawn and sunset was examined, and unparasitized H. melapterus in cages were exposed to gnathiids in the field for 4 h (8 h for fish sampled at 06:00 h) at five different times of the day and night (10:00, 14:00, 18:00, 22:00, 06:00 hrs) on three reefs. To control for any potential effect of the cleaner-fish Labroides dimidiatus, which consumes large numbers of gnathiids each day, sampling was carried out on reefs from which all cleaner-fish had been removed. Gnathiid abundance decreased during the day. Standardized abundance per wild-caught fish was 1.9 times higher at dawn than at sunset. Gnathiids successfully infested fish in cages. Sixty-one percent of the fish in cages were infested with ≥1 gnathiids, with 51% of the fish having between 1 and 4 gnathiids after 4 h exposure. Gnathiids infested fish both day and night. The log₁₀ (abundance +1) of gnathiids per caged fish varied significantly between time periods, with higher gnathiid numbers on fish sampled at 18:00, 22:00, and 06:00 hrs than on fish sampled at 10:00 and 14:00 hrs. In contrast to gnathiid abundance on wild-caught fish, the number of gnathiids on caged fish sampled at sunset was as high as that at dawn. The estimated mean (SE) cumulative number of gnathiids per caged fish [mean size = 13.7 cm (±0.25)] per day was 7.8 (1.1); this is similar to the estimated mean number of 7.3 gnathiids on similar-sized wild-caught fish at 6:00 hrs. The high infestation rate of gnathiids on caged fish in the late afternoon contrasted with the low numbers on wild-caught fish at this time, suggesting that factors other than infestation behaviour may be responsible for the low numbers of gnathiids on wild-caught fish in the afternoon. Received: 19 August 1998 / Accepted: 1 June 1999     

Third-stage larva shifts host fish from teleost to elasmobranch in the temporary parasitic isopod, Gnathia trimaculata (Crustacea; Gnathiidae)

The life cycle of the fish ectoparasitic isopod Gnathia trimaculata is described based on both field samplings and laboratory observations. Species identification of the larvae was based on morphological observation and supported by molecular analysis. As the results of field samplings in several sites of southwestern and central Japan (24–34°N, 124–139°E) from 2005–2011, approximately 900 third-stage larvae of G. trimaculata were found on 25 elasmobranch species, and 220 first- and second-stage larvae were found on three teleost species. No third-stage larvae were found on the teleosts, and the larvae of younger stages never infested elasmobranchs. Therefore, G. trimaculata is supposed to shift its host from teleosts to elasmobranchs as it develops. We discuss the developmental periods, life span, distribution, and predation risk of the present species compared with other gnathiid species.     

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Octopus vulgaris from coastal waters of Alexandria (Eastern Mediterranean)

Heavy metal concentrations (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) were determined in various tissues (hepatopancreas, branchial hearts, salivary gland, gills, genital tract, mantle, arms and skin) of Octopus vulgaris collected from three different contaminated sites in front of Alexandria (Egypt) during 2000. All collected tissues displayed high enrichment factors when compared to ambient levels. Heavy metal concentrations in most tissues displayed significant differences among sites, sizes and sex. This study suggests that hepatopancreas, and to a lesser extent branchial hearts, are better indicators of chronic Cu, Fe, Zn and Cd contamination than edible tissues. The enrichment factor (EF) for heavy metals in the hepatopancreas and in edible tissues allowed discriminating our samples into three main groups; (1) EF?>?55 (Cu), (2) EF ranging from 15 to 7.5 (Fe, Cd and Zn) and (3) EF?相似文献   

The accumulation levels of heavy metals (Ni,Cr, Sr, & Ag) in marine algae from southwest coast of India

In the context of use of marine algae as biological indicators of heavy metal pollution in coastal waters, six species of marine algae collected from the southwest coast of India were analysed for the levels of heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Sr, and Ag). Interspecies and interclass variations were determined on a spatial and temporal scale. The metal contents varied in the ranges, Ni: 0.20–21.06?µg?g^?1 (mean?=?10.13?µg?g^?1), Cr: non-detectable level (ND)–37.18?µg?g^?1 (mean?=?13.86?µg?g^?1), Sr: 2.19–103.90?µg?g^?1 (mean =?29.40?µg?g^?1), and Ag: ND–6.39?µg?g^?1 (mean?=?1.80?µg?g^?1). Ni and Cr contents were of similar magnitude to those reported for algae from polluted areas.     

Winter mortality, growth, and behavior of young-of-the-year of four coastal fishes in New Jersey (USA) waters

Winter mortality has been hypothesized to select for large body size in young-of-the-year (YOY) fishes, yet substantiation of winter mortality and its cause(s) are available for few estuarine or marine species. We examined seasonal length distributions of wild populations of four common marine species, black sea bass (Centropristis striata), tautog (Tautoga onitis), cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus), and smallmouth flounder (Etropus microstomus), and mortality (i.e., frequency of death), growth, and behavior of their YOY in the laboratory at ambient winter temperatures (mean 7°C, range 2-13°C) during a 135-day period (December 1992 through mid-April 1993) to establish potential causes of their mortality in the field. Young-of-the-year black sea bass experienced 100% mortality when water temperatures decreased to 2-3°C in February, emphasizing the importance of winter emigration from estuaries in this southern species. The low mortality of two labrid species, YOY tautog (14%) and YOY cunner (3%), was consistent with their northern distribution and year-round occurrence in estuarine and nearshore coastal waters. Laboratory mortality of YOY smallmouth flounder (33%) was higher for small (<35 mm total length) fish, suggesting that this small species may experience high winter mortality in estuaries and nearshore coastal waters. Seasonal differences in fish length result potentially from several mechanisms (e.g., mortality and/or migration) that are difficult to assess, but our laboratory experiments suggest that seasonal temperature changes cause size-specific mortality of YOY smallmouth flounder and offshore migration of YOY black sea bass.     

The annual reproductive cycles of Uca annulipes,Portunus pelagicus and Metapenaeus affinis (Decapoda: Crustacea) from the South-west coast of India

Employing the gonad index method, the reproductive cycles of three decapod crustaceans, Uca annulipes (Latreille), Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus) and Metapenaeus affinis (Milne-Edwards) have been studied. In these crustaceans breeding is not continuous all the year round, but extends over several months of the year with distinct peak periods of gonadal activity. The male and female reproductive cycles are not concurrent. The peak of the reproductive cycle of males occurs slightly earlier in the breeding season than that of females. These studies indicate the possibility of production of successive broods of eggs during the same breeding season. In these species, the low saline conditions of the monsoon period are unfavourable for breeding. The medium and high saline conditions during the post-monsoon and pre-monsoon months, respectively, with plenty of planktonic food for the larvae, seem to be the favourable periods for breeding activity.     

Heavy metal concentration in water,sediment, and tissues of fish species (Heteropneustis fossilis and Puntius ticto) from Kali River,India

The river Kali has been one of the major recipients of industrial effluents in the Muzaffarnagar district of western Uttar Pradesh. The present studies revealed the occurrence and bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, Mn) in riverine water, sediment, and muscles of two fish species, Heteropneustis fossilis and Puntius ticto. Data showed that the order of occurrence of heavy metals was Pb > Zn > Mn > Cr > Cd in river water, Mn > Zn > Pb > Cr > Cd in sediment, Zn > Mn > Cr > Cd > Pb in Puntius ticto and Cr > Zn > Mn > Cd > Pb in Heteropneustis fossilis. Results indicate that the concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Zn in river water, Pb, Zn, and Mn in sediment, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn concentration in muscles of Puntius ticto and Cr, Pb, and Zn concentration in in muscles of Heteropneustis fossilis are higher than the permissible standard limits. The presence of heavy metals contributed to toxicity in different organs of fish in River Kali. The bioaccumulation of heavy metals in different biotic organisms in river ecosystem may have adverse consequences on humans and livestock.     

Importance of picocyanobacteria biomass (unicellular,blue-green algae) in the phytoplankton population of the coastal waters off Japan

Picocyanobacteria, which specifically excited the phycobilin pigments by green light, were numerically counted under an epifluorescence microscope in the Kuroshio and the Oyashio between 1 and 9 July 1983, and in coastal waters between 10 and 12 August 1983 off Japan. The fluorescence, and the various morphological and chemical characters of the picocyanobacteria were evaluated by using monospecific strains isolated from the study area. Plasma volume determined on the epifluorescence microscopic photographs was converted into cellular organic carbon using a relation obtained from the isolates. Percentages of the picocyanobacteria biomass in terms of cellular carbon ranged between 8.3 to 79.4% of the total picophytoplankton (<3 m), and between 4.7 to 46.4% of the total phytoplankton. The larger percentages of the picocyanobacteria occurred consistently in low chlorophyll waters.     

Effect of cypermethrin on breeding performances of a freshwater fish,Labeo rohita (Hamilton)

Abstract

Concentrations of the related elements calcium, strontium, barium, and lead were determined in soil extract, consumer stomach contents, and consumers in lead polluted and unpolluted areas. Discrimination against the nonessential metals relative to the nutritious metal calcium, as the metals were transferred through a trophic pathway was determined. Discrimination of metals varied systematically as a function of degree of nonessential element similarity to calcium. The existence of systematic trends of discrimination may facilitate the assessment of natural levels of some toxic elements (e.g. lead) in organisms.     

Influence of human activity and monsoon dynamics on spatial and temporal hydrochemistry in tropical coastal waters (Sanya Bay,South China Sea)

Human activities and oceanic influences like mixing and/or upwelling define the hydrochemical and biological characteristics of coastal regions. In Sanya Bay, northern South China Sea, the balance between these two influences on spatial and temporal scales is poorly understood. The influence from human activities was due to discharge from Sanya River, whereas the most important marine influence was related to seasonal changes in hydrodynamics. Spatial differences (p<0.05) in total nitrogen (TN) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) were observed. Seasonal differences were observed for temperature and nutrients. Human activities are the dominant factor influemcing hydrochemistry in the inner bay. This region exhibited the maximum influence of discharge from Saya River as estimated by higher nutrient levels. Oceanic influences like upwelling and mixing caused by monsoons are the dominant factors influencing hydrochemistry in the central and outer bay. Both human activities and oceanic influences play important roles in coastal ecosystems in Sanya Bay. This study has defined these characteristics so that better management policies can be enacted.     

Effect of marble dust on plants around Vishwakarma Industrial Area (VKIA) in Jaipur, India

The paper describes the effect of marble dust on plants in and around Vishwakarma Industrial Area (VKIA) Jaipur, Rajasthan (India). Trees species growing in and around VKIA area were selected and various morphological characteristics were studied such as leaf area dry weight ratio (LADWR), Dust retaining capacity (DRC) and Chlorophyll content. In the study the effects of marble dust on selected tree species was observed. LADWR was recorded maximunm 217.90 cm2 g(-1) dry wt. in Polyalthia longifolia in VKIA and minimum 98.74 cm2 g(-1) dry wt. in Ficus religiosa in Nindar whereas The DRC was observed maximum 178.51 mg cm(-2) in Azadirachta indica in VKIA as well as minimum recorded 66.41 mg cm(-2) in Thevetie pervvianain in Vidyadher Nagar. However the Total Chlorophyll Content was also determined and it was found maximum in Bougainvillea i.e. 2.949 mg g(-1) (fresh wt.) in VKIA whereas minimum for Nindar i.e. 0.784 mg g(-1) (fresh wt.) in Ficus religiosa.     

Differences in embryo production between sympatric species of mysids (family Mysidae) in the shallow coastal waters off Vancouver Island, BC

The ecological importance of mysid (Crustacea: Mysidacea) populations in coastal food webs is not well understood. Although the 10 or more species of epibenthic mysids found in Clayoquot Sound, BC, Canada, form the primary prey resource for seasonally abundant gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), little is known about their life history. Here, Holmesmysis sculpta dominates multi-species swarms, however there are several potential routes to this state, one of which is higher embryo production. Reproductive capacity is key to the resiliency of local mysid populations and species diversity, in this study I compare one aspect, brood size for the four most commonly found species, H. sculpta, Neomysis rayii, Exacanthomysis davisi, and Columbiaemysis ignota. The number of embryos per brood was found to vary significantly between species; however, individual length is a stronger determinant of brood size. Here, I report previously unknown life history attributes of coastal mysid species, with important consequences for community structure and local marine food webs.     

Effect of pesticides carbaryl and phorate on serum cholesterol level in fish,Clarias batrachus (Linn)

Freshwater edible catfish Clarias batrachus (Linn.) was treated with sublethal concentration of two different groups of pesticides- carbaryl, a carbamate and phorate, an organophosphate for 24 ,72 ,120 and 168 h. The disorders of lipid metabolism were observed in serum. Cholesterol levels in the serum decreased significantly throughout the exposure period with both the pesticides. These results indicate one significant manifestation of the toxic response from the fish under the stress of pesticide exposure.     

Effect on benthic communities of a major input of organic matter and other pollutants (coast off Barcelona,Western Mediterranean)

Benthic communities on soft bottoms off Barcelona, at and around two main pollution sources, the mouth of the Besòs River and the outlet of the submarine pipeline draining wastewater and organic sludges from the wastewater treatment plant of Sant Adrià del Besòs, have been studied. Samples were obtained with a Van Veen grab from 36 stations covering a 100 km² grid, between 10 and 70 m in depth. The effect of both pollution sources is clearly seen both at the species (the following macrofauna groups have been studied: Polychaeta, Mollusca, Echinodermata and Crustacea Decapoda) and community levels. The distribution of species and individuals numbers, species diversity and a pollution index, and of some selected (indicator) polychaeta species, all clearly define the degree of environmental degradation and the extent of the areas under the influence of the organic pollution.