Interaction of physico-chemical parameters with Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index based on phytoplankton diversity in coastal water of Diu, India

Phytoplankton acts as carbon sinks due to photosynthetic efficacy and their diversity is expressed by SWDI (Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index), which depends on water quality parameters. The coastal water of Diu was studied for three seasons, and the relationship between different parameters and SWDI was established. Subsequently, an attempt was made to build up a prediction model of SWDI based on multilayer perceptron Artificial neural network (ANN) using the R programme. Analysis shows interrelationship between the water quality parameters and phytoplankton diversity is same in linear principal component analysis (PCA) and neural network model. Variations of different parameters depend on seasonal changes. The ANN model shows that ammonia and phosphate are key parameters that influence the SWDI of phytoplankton. Seasonal variation in SWDI is related to variation in water quality parameters, as explained by both ANN and PCA. Hence, the ANN model can be an important tool for coastal environmental interaction study.

Evaluation of a synbiotic formulation for water remediation in a shrimp pond

In recent years, the use of probiotic bacteria has attracted the interest of the marine shrimp farming industry. However, there are certain limitations pertaining to the practical application of many commercially available probiotics. Here, a thoroughly screened optimal consortium of three indigenous sulfur probiotics was tested for antibiotic susceptibility and was found to be safe, with each culture being sensitive to all the tested antibiotics. Further, de-potash vinasse (DPV), an environmental hazard, was tested for its prebiotic potential, and its 1% (w/v) concentration was found to be effective for long-term viability (> 66 days) of the probiotic cultures and safe for Artemia. The synbiotic formulation was tested first in a lab-scale microcosm setup successfully and subsequently tried on a shrimp farm; it was observed that the product was congruent to the efficiency of a commercial probiotic regarding almost all physicochemical parameters, sulfide, nitrate-N, nitrite-N, phytoplankton sustenance, Pseudomonas count, coliform count, and heterotrophic count. In addition, it was significantly efficient in maintaining pH, reducing ammonia-N and phosphate-P, Vibrio and Aeromonas count, and a net increase in the yield of shrimp biomass by 625 kg, thus proving to be a better alternative than one of the already available remediation methods.

Identification and determination of optimum growth condition with respect to selected environmental parameters for open sea cultivation of Gracillaria edulis in Andaman water

Gracilaria edulis is one of India's most widely cultivated seaweeds. Pilot scale cultivation of Gracilaria edulis was initiated at Andaman, India for the first time. In the present study attempt has been made to identify how different water quality parameters influence the growth. Total 11 physicochemical parameters and 9 microbiological parameters, as well as chlorophyll and zooplankton, phytoplankton parameters were studied for two different seasons to evaluate which parameters influence seaweed growth. Six (nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, silicate, chlorophyll, photosynthetic active radiation) have a positive impact on seaweed growth, while some of the bacterial species showed negative impact. Lowess 3D curve fit model showed pH range from 7.59 to 7.82, N/P ratio of 2.046, rainfall 23.85-24 mm, and Photosynthetic active radiation of 376.6 W/m² are optimum for Gracillaria growth. This model can be applied to future mass culture.

Molecularly Imprinted Affinity Membrane: A Review

A molecularly imprinted affinity membrane (MIAM) can perform separation with high selectivity due to its unique molecular recognition introduced from the molecular-printing technique. In this way, a MIAM is able to separate a specific or targeted molecule from a mixture. In addition, it is possible to achieve high selectivity while maintaining membrane permeability. Various methods have been developed to produce a MIAM with high selectivity and productivity, with their respective advantages and disadvantages. In this paper, the MIAM is reviewed comprehensively, from the fundamentals of the affinity membrane to its applications. First, the development of a MIAM and various preparation methods are presented. Then, applications of MIAMs in sensor, metal ion separation, and organic compound separation are discussed. The last part of the review discusses the outlook of MIAMs for future development.