Journal of Environment and Sociobiology

Banani Mandal ¹, Arunava Mukherjee ², Subrata Sarkar ³

Affiliations
1 Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri College, 30 Prince Anwar Shah Road, Kolkata-700033, IN
2 Kamarhati Sagore Dutt Free High School (H.S), Kolkata- 700058, IN
3 Department of Physics, Jadavpur University, 188 Raja S.C Mullick Road, Kolkata-700032, IN

Abstract

Pterocarpus santalinus Linn.f., commonly named as "Red sanders" and Rakta Chandana is one of the endemic and endangered plant species of Indian environment. This important bioresource is utilized in diverse way through out the world. This tree is precious due to its ethno medicinal utility. But industrialization, rapid urbanization, slow growth rate of the plant, unique floristic features, special geobotany and high demand of pigment production from the tree have created threats to the existence of this plant. In view of these as well as due to restricted and limited distribution of this plant species, it requires immediate attention for better conservation programme.

Keywords

Endemic, Indigenous, Ethno Medicinal, Pigment, Geobotany, Conservation.

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Banani Mandal ¹, Arunava Mukherjee ², Samir Banerjee ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri College, 30 Prince Anwar Shah Road, Kolkata - 700033, IN
2 Department of Zoology, Ramkrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Rahara - 743186, IN
3 Aquaculture Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, IN

Abstract

Ornamental fish farming is a new avenue in aquaculture in recent times as there is a growing demand of marine aquarium trade in the international market. Sundarbans is designated as the world's most potential nursery ground for fish juveniles. Carotenoids are the kind of pigment responsible for bright colouration of animals with potent antioxidant property. Like other animals, fishes are unable to synthesize carotenoids within their own body. Thus they depend on the dietary sources. Leaves of mangrove plants being rich in nutrients are great dietary supports for the estuarine fishes. Similarity in the distribution of different types of carotenoid pigments were found among the estuarine ornamental fishes and mangrove plants which focuses light on the association, dependency of estuarine fishes and mangrove plants. In the present study 67 ornamental finfish species were recorded from the mangrove zone of Indian Sundarbans.

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Banani Mandal ¹, Arunava Mukherjee ¹, Samir Banerjee ¹

Affiliations
1 Aquaculture Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta 35, Ballygaunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700019, IN

Abstract

A major input in terms of cost in aquaculture is feed and consequently, the aim of the most aquaculturist is to converting the feed into live fish with maximum efficiency and minimum cost. Though in many cases the feed supplied contains the optimal levels of ingredients, still the crucial factor is that it has to be consumed by the target species. If the feed is not readily consumed it would lead to wastage and poor feed conversion ratio (FCR) as well as pollution of the water body. To increase the acceptability or palatability of feeds and to reduce such pollutional problems, use of diet additives in fishery sector is relevant. Diet additives perform several functions. They act as nutritional supplements, colouring agents, flavouring agents, preservatives, moisture content controller, pH controller, physiocolgical activity controller, etc. Carotenoids are very commonly used as fish feed additives in different parts of the world. Carotenoids are a class of hydrocarbons and their oxygenated derivatives are characterized by a system of conjugated double bonds. Currently more than seven hundred carotenoids including their geometrical isomers are known. On the other hand, astaxanthin is a naturally occuring carotenoid pigment that has a unique antioxidant property. It is available from several biological species.

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Abhijit Mitra ¹, Arunava Mukherjee ², Banani Mandal ²

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Marine Science , University of Calcutta, IN
2 Dept. of Zoology , University of Calcutta, IN

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystem in coastal West Bengal has increased the fish productivity of the state as it acts as the nursery of finfish juveniles and cradle of several species of shellfish. In West Bengal shrimp farming is being practiced in most of the saline pockets of the state as the major livelihood programme. To sustain this aquaculture, tiger prawn seeds are procured from the coastal water, estuaries and mangrove creeks. The ischolar_main of this ecologically adverse practice is basically related to high demand for prawn seeds by the coastal shrimp culture farms and absence of tiger prawn hatchery in the entire state of West Bengal. During the collection of prawn seeds several nontarget species (juveniles of several finfish and shellfish, other than tiger prawn seeds ) are trapped in the net. thrown away and wasted. This may pose an adverse impact on the pelagic and demersal fish reservoir in ecosystem The present communication aims to highlight this aspect at Junput located at East Midnapur district in West Bengal. From this area 37 species of finfish juveniles have been recorded, which are thrown ashore and wasted during the wild tiger prawn seed collections.

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Arunava Mukherjee ¹, Banani Mandal ¹, Abhijit Mitra ², Kakoli Banerjee ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35, B. C. Road, Kolkata 700 019, IN
2 Department of Marine Science, University of Calcutta, 35, B.C.Road, Kolkatn 700 019, IN
3 Tiger and Wild Life Programme, WWF-India Secretariat, Tiger and Wildlife Programme, Canning Field Office, 24 Paraganas (South), West Bengal 743 329, IN

Abstract

Culture of Penaeus monodon occupies a dominating sector in Indian brackish water aquaculture and proper feed is the most important criteria in getting beneficial returns from shrimp culture. To evaluate the efficiency of feed, mixed with specially formulated plant feed additives with respect to shrimp growth, survival, production, feed conversion ratio and pond environment, experimental monoculture of Penaeus monodon (with stocking density 5 nos./m²), was carried out in two different islands (Chotomollakhali and Bali) of Indian Sundarbans. The shrimps were harvested at the end of 93 days and a production of 823.61 kg/ha and 952.20 kg/ha was obtained in the islands Chotomollakhali and Bali respectively.

Keywords

Additives, Monoculture, Growth, Production, Penaeus Monodon..

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Banani Mandal ¹, Arundhati Ganguly ¹, Arunava Mukherjee ², Debabrata Shome ²

Affiliations
1 Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri College, 30 Prince Anwar Shah Road, Kolkata-700033, IN
2 Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Rahara, Kolkata-700118, IN

Abstract

Avenue trees are planted in urban areas for various purposes including tree shade, climate stabilization, heat absorption, beautification, etc., and especially for greenery sources. This research was aimed to assess and analyze the status of avenue trees irrespective of plant species present at footpaths of Prince Anwar Shah Road, Kolkata. Various physical characteristics of trees as well as footpath along the main road, their distribution and correlations are discussed in the present communication.

Keywords

Avenue Trees, Urban Areas, Footpath, Correlations.

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Arundhati Ganguly ¹, Banani Mandal ¹, Arunava Mukherjee ²

Affiliations
1 Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri College, 30 Prince Anwar Shah Road, Kolkata-700033, IN
2 Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Rahara, Kolkata-700118, IN

Abstract

Avenue trees in urban areas are very important concern in view of infrastructural development with ever-increasing population and diminishing forest areas for commercial uses and degrading quality of urban living. Trees are very useful to improve the quality of ambient environment by sequestrating carbon, supporting biodiversity, accumulating dust and controlling the elevated temperature in urban areas mostly in summer days. Besides the aesthetic value, variety and distribution of roadside trees also indicate the environmental health of urban living. The present study aimed to estimate the avenue tree species diversity, their abundance and distribution in two selected roads of south Kolkata, i.e., Rasbehari Avenue and Prince Anwar Shah Road. A total of 65 species of avenue trees belonging to 23 families were recorded from the study area. Result showed that carbon sequestration potentiality varied due to the difference in distribution of abundant avenue tree species of two selected roads. Native and key stone tree species showed better efficiency in accumulating dust particles based on their leaf morphology. Bird nests and their supporting avenue trees were significantly positively correlated showing nesting preferences for native trees.

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Aritra Bhattacharya ¹, Arijit Saha ¹, Supriya Chakraborty ¹, Kishor Lal Das ¹, Samir Sardar ¹, Banani Mandal ², Arunava Mukherjee ¹

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Zoology, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Kolkata-700118, IN
2 Dept. of Zoology, Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri College, Kolkata-700033, IN

Abstract

Butterflies are the second largest pollinators after bees and also the most prominent biodiversity indicator as well. The present work was concentrated to understand whether the temporal variations occur among the butterfly species in a suburban area where small scale social foresting are usually done in every year. The study was conducted in different seasons (winter, summer and monsoon) as well as in different months under a specific season. The data were taken through instantaneous sampling method during the day hours only. Total 50 species of butterflies were recorded under five taxonomic families and among them various forms of a single species has also been identified. It was seen that the number of species belonging to different families fluctuates in different seasons, though the deviations among various families and three respective seasons were not significant (p > 0.05). Between the winter and summer months, 21 species were common for both seasons, whereas 7 species were observed as new for each of the season. In monsoon period species richness was 39 but out of which 12 were new in respect to the months of previous season. Common Bush Brown was hardly seen during winter while it was more frequently sighted during the monsoon. The sighting of Plains Cupid increased when Zamia furfuracea sprouted new leaves. Since a connection exists between butterflies and their resources, i.e., nectar and host plants, we can keep an eye on suburban forestry by monitoring butterflies.

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Banani Mandal ¹, Arunava Mukherjee ², Arundhati Ganguly ¹

Affiliations
1 Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri College, 30 Prince Anwar Shah Road, Kolkata-700033, IN
2 Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Rahara, Kolkata-700118, IN

Abstract

A drastic change in the consumption of food products has been observed among the people of India from the last decade. Globalization has induced a change in food choice to the common people of India and made people fascinated for junk food, fast food, preserved and ready to eat products. This changed food trend along with modern lifestyle and exposure to various pollutants is resulting in expanding various chronic to fatal diseases like heart attack, endocrinological disorder (diabetes, thyroid), gynecological problem and cancer, etc. To stay healthy, regular consumption of freshly available fruits is necessary as they are the source of antioxidants which can fight against several free radicals. So, it is earnest to know the antioxidant property of the various types of fruits. After biochemical screening of total phenolic content, flavonoid, vitamin C and carotenoids it was found that fruits like Indian gooseberry and guava are very rich for above nutritional quality. The necessary carotenoids like α-carotene, canthaxanthine and retinol₂ were found to be present in mango, papaya and Indian gooseberry. From market survey it was also found that these fruits are largely grown in our country and therefore comparatively cheaper than the other fascinating fruits. So these fruits can be the essential part of regular diet to the marginal people of our country.

Keywords

Fruits, Antioxidant, Phenolic Content, Flavonoid, Vitamin C, Carotenoids, Nutritional Quality, Survey.

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Banani Mandal ¹, Arunava Mukherjee ², Samir Banerjee ³

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Zoology, Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri College, 30 Prince Anwar Shah Road, Kolkata- 700033, IN
2 Kamarhati Sagore Dutt Free High School (H.S), Kolkata-700058, IN
3 Aquaculture Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, IN

Abstract

Freshwater fish distribution and diversity status of Murshidabad district, West Bengal was studied from January, 2010 to December, 2010. We documented 66 fish species under 49 genera, 29 families and 8 orders during the study period from different perennial ponds, beels and rivers which are geographically located within or flow through the Murshidabad district. This district being a transitional zone between the North Bengal and south Bengal region, the study would help in the preparation of district-wise and zone-wise database of icthyofauna at the state level and in the implementation of conservation practices through the Government and various Non- Government Organizations.

Keywords

Diversity, Perennial, Transitional, Database, Icthyofauna, Conservation.

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Banani Mandal ¹, Arunava Mukherjee ², Arundhati Ganguly ³

Affiliations
1 Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri College, 30 Prince Anwar Shah Road, Kolkata-700033, IN
2 Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Rahara, Kolkata-7000118, IN
3 Ashutosh College, 92, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Road, Kolkata-700026, IN

Abstract

Bright colouration is one of the important quality attributes of the ornamental fish for consumer acceptability. Supplementation of feed enriched with turmeric powder expressed better growth and colouration in Red Molly, Poecilia latipinna. Reproductive fitness was observed morphologically in the batch of red molly where turmeric powder was used as feed additive. Turmeric powder produced after boiling and sun drying showed better overall results than shade dried non boiled version due to its smooth texture, and apparently increased its acceptability to the fishes. Red molly fish batch which received metanil yellow as synthetic pigment expressed some kind of morphological abnormality.

Keywords

Colouration, Red Molly, Turmeric Powder, Sun and Shade Drying, Metanil Yellow.

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Arunava Mukherjee ¹, Shrayan Bhattacharjee ², Samya Karan ³, Subrata Sarkar ⁴, Banani Mandal ⁵

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Zoology,Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Rahara, Kolkata-700118, West Bengal, IN
2 Dept. of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata-700019, West Bengal, IN
3 Dept. of Environmental Science, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, West Bengal-721102, IN
4 Dept. of Physics, Jadavpur University, 188 Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Kolkata-700032, West Bengal, IN
5 Dept. of Zoology, Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri College, 30 Prince Anwar Shah Road, Kolkata-700033, West Bengal, IN

Abstract

Indigenous fish, Labeo bata were provided with acute as well as chronic exposure of copper nanoparticle of two different size forms i.e., 25 nm and 60-80 nm. Reduction in specific growth rate (SGR), alterations in hematological and biochemical assay of fish and changed morphology were prominent after chronic exposure of variable size and concentration of copper nanoparticles. Modification in the carbohydrate and protein profile induced by copper nanoparticles might be considered as suitable biomarkers of fish health. Size reduction of metallic nanoparticle was found to be very crucial factor for imparting toxicity to aquatic organisms rather than their concentration. Structural deformity in the caudal region was manifested due to increased bioavailability of small sized (25 nm) nanoparticles through intramuscular application.

Keywords

Labeo bata, Copper nanoparticles, Acute and chronic exposure, SGR, Bioavailability.

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