Kaila Kesavan's research while affiliated with Annamalai University and other places

The concentration of (Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, Zn) were analyzed in sediment, shell and tissue of the mollusc Meretrix meretrix, Crassostrea madrasensis and Cerithidea cingulata from two stations of Uppanar Estuary, Southeast coast of India. The concentrations of the heavy metals analyzed exhibited variations in sediments, tissue and shell of the study animal from all the two stations. Zn and Cu concentration were below the alarming level. In the present study Mg content was found to be higher in shell and tissue. The Fe content was found to be higher in sediment in both the stations, but it was the second highest metal to be recorded in shell and tissue. Cd and Co was minimum accumulated of all the metals estimated in sediment and animal whereas Mg was recorded maximum (548.3±5) in C. cingulata shell. Whereas all the metals analysed were within the safety level. The Combined correlation of both the stations between the sediment vs. sediment, tissue vs. tissue, shell vs. shell were positively correlated and significant at P <0.001 and P <0.05 level. Continuous contribution of pollutant due to human activities, Industries may have a significant contribution of these metals in all the stations. As suggested by many reported studies found in the literature, regular biomonitoring of heavy metal concentrations at these sites is needed since Meretrix meretrix, Crassostrea madrasensis is a popular commercial bivalve in India. RESUMEN Se analizaron las concentraciones de Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, Zn en sedimentos y en conchas y tejidos de los molus-cos Meretrix meretrix, Crassostrea madrasensis y Cerithidea cingulata en dos estaciones de muestreo del estuario del río Uppanar, en el sudeste de la costa de la India. Las concentraciones de los metales pesados analizados mostraron diferencias en los dos puntos de muestreo tanto en sedimentos como en conchas y tejidos. Las concentraciones de Zn y Cu estuvieron por debajo de niveles considerados alarmantes. El contenido de Mg en el presente estudio fue alto en conchas y tejidos. El contenido de Fe fue muy alto en los sedimentos en ambas estaciones, siendo el segundo metal en concentración en las conchas y tejidos. Los niveles de Cd y Co fueron mínimos tanto en sedimentos como en muestras animales y la concentración máxima fue la de Mg (548,3 ± 5) en conchas de C. cingulata. Todos los metales analizados estuvieron dentro del nivel de seguridad. La correlación combinada de ambas estaciones analizando sedimento contra sedimento, tejido contra tejido, concha frente a concha mostraron correlaciones positivas con significación a nivel P <0,001 y P <0,05. Las actividades industriales pueden contribuir significativamente a los valores encontrado. Según lo sugerido por muchos estudios reportados en la literatura, la biomonitorización regular de las concentraciones de metales pesados en estos sitios es necesaria dado que tanto Meretrix meretrix como Crassostrea madrasensis son bivalvos comerciales populares en la India.

The concentration of (Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, Zn) were analyzed in sediment, shell and tissue of the molluscs Meretrix meretrix, Crassostrea madrasensis and Cerithidea cingulata from two stations of Uppanar Estuary, Southeast coast of India. The concentrations of the heavy metals analyzed exhibited variations in sediments, tissue and shell of the study animal from all the two stations. Zn and Cu concentration was below the alarming level. In the present study Mg content was found to be higher in shell and tissue. The Fe content was found to be higher in sediment in both the stations, but it was the second highest metal to be recorded in shell and tissue. Cd and Co was minimum accumulated of all the metals estimated in sediment and animal whereas Mg was recorded maximum (548.3±5) in C. cingulata shell. Whereas all the metals analysed were within the safety level. The Combined correlation of both the stations between the sediment vs. sediment, tissue vs. tissue, shell vs. shell were positively correlated and significant at P <0.001 and P <0.05 level. Continuous contribution of pollutant due to human activities, Industries may have a significant contribution of these metals in all the Stations. As suggested by many reported studies found in the literature, regular biomonitoring of heavy metal concentra-tions at these sites is needed since Meretrix meretrix, Crassostrea madrasensis is a popular commercial bivalve in India. RESUMEN Se analizaron las concentraciones de Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, Zn en sedimentos y en conchas y tejidos de los molus-cos Meretrix meretrix, Crassostrea madrasensis y Cerithidea cingulata en dos estaciones de muestreo del estuario del río Uppanar, en el sudeste de la costa de la India. Las concentraciones de los metales pesados analizados mostraron diferencias en los dos puntos de muestreo tanto en sedimentos como en conchas y tejidos. Las concentraciones de Zn y Cu estuvieron por debajo de niveles considerados alarmantes. El contenido de Mg en el presente estudio fue alto en conchas y tejidos. El contenido de Fe fue muy alto en los sedimentos en ambas estaciones, siendo el segundo metal en concentración en las conchas y tejidos. Los niveles de Cd y Co fueron mínimos tanto en sedimentos como en muestras animales y la concentración máxima fue la de Mg (548,3 ± 5) en conchas de C. cingulata. Todos los metales analizados estuvieron dentro del nivel de seguridad. La correlación combinada de ambas estaciones analizando sedimento contra sedimento, tejido contra tejido, concha frente a concha mostraron correlaciones positivas con significación a nivel P <0,001 y P <0,05. Las actividades industriales pueden contribuir significativamente a los valores encontrado. Según lo sugerido por muchos estudios reportados en la literatura, la biomonitorización regular de las concentraciones de metales pesados en estos sitios es necesaria dado que tanto Meretrix meretrix como Crassostrea madrasensis son bivalvos comerciales populares en la India.

Molluscs are delicious and protein rich food among the sea foods. The gastropods in the coastline could form an important source of food, raw material for village industries, indigenous medicine, etc., and it is widely used as a cheaper food source for coastal area people. Due to the importance and abundance of the commercial gastropod species, Babylonia zeylanica that commonly occur in intertidal areas of Indian coasts; this study investigates the nutritive value of B. zeylanica. Identification and quantification of B. zeylanica were done by using standard methodology. The results of the present study provides not only the information about the composition but also recommended the consumption of this whelk B. zeylanica since they are rich in minerals, vitamins,. It could also be added that the consumption of marine gastropod is a nutritional assurance to millions of malnourished hungry people. The malnutrition problem in our country can be overcome by effective utilization of nutrient rich molluscan seafood. Overall, B. zeylanica was similar or superior to other marine shellfish and hence B. zeylanica could be utilized as an alternative meat source in human diet.

The concentration of (Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, Zn) were analyzed in sediments, shells and tissues of the molluscs Meretrix meretrix, Crassostrea madrasensis and Cerithidea cingulata from two stations of Uppanar Estuary, southeast coast of India. The concentrations of the heavy metals analyzed exhibited variations in sediments, tissues and shells of the study animal from all the two stations. Zn and Cu concentration were below the alarming level. In the present study Mg content was found to be higher in shell and tissue. The Fe content was found to be higher in sediment in both the stations, but it was the second highest metal recorded in shell and tissue. Cd and Co was minimum accumulated of all the metals estimated in sediment and animal whereas Mg was recorded maximum (548.3 ± 5) in C. cingulata shell. All the metals analysed were within the safety level. The combined correlation of both the stations between the sediment vs. sediment, tissue vs. tissue, shell vs. shell were positively correlated and significant at P < 0.001 and P < 0.05 level. In addition to continuous contribution of pollutants due to human activities, industries may have a significant contribution of these metals in all the stations. As suggested by many reported studies found in the literature, regular biomonitoring of heavy metal concentrations at these sites is needed since Meretrix meretrix, Crassostrea madrasensis are a popular commercial bivalve in India.

Objective To obtain the morphometric characters and to determine the length-weight relationship for the sailfish captured off from Parangipettai, Tamil Nadu, Southeast coast of India.Methods Samples of the sailfish were collected from the landing centre of this region during July 2010 to June 2011 using longline, gillnet and handline through commercial vessels. Salient morphometric and meristic characters were also measured (cm).ResultsThe total length recorded in the present study was ranged between 92 and 385 cm (mean 244.30±15.08). The I dorsal fin base was varied from 18 to 145 cm (mean 98.40±3.21); I dorsal ray fin height from1.4 to 21 cm (mean 10.30±0.30); last ray fin length from 0.9 to 16 cm (mean 8.30±0.05) and the highest ray length from 28.2 to 126 cm (mean 85.60±2.15). The linear regression analysis was also executed to study the length-weight relationship; the ‘r’ value for the sailfish from this region was found to be 0.986 6 and the regression equation Log W = −5.4431 L 3.007.Conclusions In the present study, the slope value (b) was in the expected ‘3’ that indicates a fish becomes more slender as it increases in length. Further the slope value which is greater than 3 denoting stoutness or allometric growth. However, deviation from isometric growth is often observed, as most fish change their body shape as they grow.

Objective To estimate levels of the heavy metals such as Fe, Al, Mg, Mn, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr and Ni in sediment, shell and soft tissues of the mangrove gastropod Nerta crepidularia (N. crepidularia) in mangroves at Vellar estuary, Southeast coast of India for the period of January 2007 to December 2007 covering four seasons.Methods To estimate the trace metal content, samples were digested (1g) with conc. HNO3 and conc. HClO4 as 4:1 and analysed by Optical Emission Spectrophotometer (Optima 2100DV).ResultsThe order of accumulation was Fe> Al> Mg> Mn> Cd> Cu> Cr> Zn> Ni> Pb. The variation in the accumulation of metals in sediment was due to their geographical location. The degree of accumulation of trace metals in the animal tissues was as follows: Fe> Al> Mg> Mn> Cd> Cu> Cr> Zn> Ni> Pb. The higher concentrations of metals in the monsoon season could be due to the heavy inflow of freshwater, which brought lot of effluents from irrigation channels and municipal drainage. The results of ANOVA showed a positive significant relationship between sediment and tissues in their metal concentration. Shells also had some practical advantages, the shell size and weight along with the age are important factors which determined bioaccumulation. The concentrations of Fe, Cd, Ni and Pb in shells were found to be 88.54-176.46, 0.34-0.76, 2.44-14.58, 0-0.22 μg/g, respectively.Conclusions Since N. crepidularia accumulates high concentrations of heavy metals, in general, than the ambient environment and Cu & Mn, in particular, it may be used as a biomonitor of certain heavy metals in mangrove environment.

This research was designed to evaluate the mercury concentration in sediment, shell and tissue of the molluscs Meretrix meretrix, Crassostrea madrasensis and Cerithidea cingulata from two stations of Uppanar Estuary, Southeast coast of India. The concentration of mercury analyzed exhibited not much variation in sediment, tissue and shell of the study animal from all the 2stations. Mercury levels ranged from 1.2 to 1.8 µg/g dry weight in sediment samples and from 0.6 to 3.4 ppm in the shell and tissue of the molluscs. Even though no high levels of Hg were determined in the sediment and organisms, possible hazard may occur in the future depending on the agricultural and industrial development in this area. As suggested by many reported studies found in the literature, regular biomonitoring of the mercury concentration at these sites is needed since Meretrix meretrix, Crassostrea madrasensis is a popular commercial bivalve in India.

The intensity of heavy metals (Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb) were estimated in sediment, shell and tissue of the molluscs Cerithidea cingulata, Crassostrea madrasensis and Meretrix meretrix from two stations of Vellar Estuary, Southeast coast of India. The concentrations of the heavy metals analyzed exhibited variations in sediments, tissue and shell of the study animal from the 2 stations. Zn and Cu concentration were below the alarming level, whereas Mg (274.0±12) content was higher in shell and tissue. The Fe (416.6±1.7) content was higher in sediment in Station 1, but it was the second highest metal to be recorded in sediment, shell and tissue. To understand the background concentration the level of these metals were studied in the sediment. Cd and Co were minimum accumulated in all the metals estimated in sediment and animal whereas Mg was maximum in sediment. Similarly all the metals analysed were within the safety level. The combined correlation of both the stations between the sediment verses. sediment, tissue verses. tissue, shell verses. Shells were positively correlated and significant at P<0.001 and P < 0.05 level. The result revealed that continuous input of pollutant due to human activities, industries might have a significant contribution of these metals in all the stations.

The marine biodiversity of the south-east coast of India is rich and varied. This article deals with the availability of molluscs from the trash fish from the Cuddalore coast, Tamilnadu, south-east coast of India, viz., Mudasalodai (11°29′N 79°46′E) and Cuddalore (11°42′N 79°46′E) landing centres. A survey has been done to estimate the composition of molluscs from October 2007 to September 2008. About 250 trawlers from Cuddalore and 200 trawlers from Mudasalodai were engaged in fishing activity every day up to a depth of 30–80 m. A total of 59 species belonging to 35 genera from 25 families were recorded at Station 1 and 57 species belonging to 32 genera from 24 families were identified at Station 2. The most diverse families were Muricidae, Conidae, Arcidae and Veneridae at both stations. The Shannon diversity index of gastropods varied from 2.27 to 4.71 and bivalves varied from 1.82 to 2.52, the species richness of gastropods varied from 2.75 to 6.27 and bivalves varied from 1.42 to 1.75. The species evenness in the gastropods was between 0.58–0.90 and 0.57–0.74 in gastropods and bivalves respectively. Seasonal contribution of gastropods attained maximum in pre-monsoon and minimum during the summer at both stations. At Station 1 bivalves attained maximum in pre-monsoon and minimum was recorded during monsoon. Seasonal contribution of bivalves at Station 2 was high in post-monsoon and minimum in the summer.

The objective of the present study is to determine the accumulation of heavy metals in five of the most commercially important fishes caught in the Parangipettai coastal waters and analyzed for the (Fe, Mn, Mg, Ni) concentrations in the muscles. The results revealed that the Mn and Fe concentrations were the highest; followed by Mg and Ni being the lowest in the all five species of fish tissue. The muscle concentrations of Mn<Fe<Mg<Ni ranged from14ppm respectively. A significant species-specific difference was not found. The Pomadasys maculates contained higher muscle concentrations of Fe, Mn and Mg than the other species of fishes. However, the Ambassis commersoni contained the highest concentrations of Mn and medium concentration of most of the metals. The accumulation of most of the metals followed the ratio as Pomadasys maculates < Anchoviella commersonii < Ambassis commersoni < Upeneus vittatus <Lutjanus adetii. As these fishes are extensively used for human consumption, this finding shows that these metals are all within the limits and therefore no public health problem would be raised in the consumption of the fishes.