Journal of Research in Biology - Volume 3 Issue 7

Journal of Research in Biology Print: 2231 6280;
ISSN No: Online: 2231- 6299.

An International Scientific Research Journal
Original Research
Puntius viridis (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae),

a new fish species from Kerala, India
Authors: ABSTRACT:
Journal of Research in Biology
Mathews Plamoottil and

Nelson P. Abraham. Taxonomic analysis of eight specimens of a cyprinid fish collected from
Manimala River, Kerala, India revealed that they present several morphological
differences from their congeners. The new species, Puntius viridis, is diagnosed by a
combination of the following characters: eyes clearly visible from below ventral side;
Institution:
head depth lesser; one row of prominent elongated black spots on the middle of
1. Government College,
Chavara, Kollam Dt, Kerala. dorsal fin; a black band formed of dark spots present outer to operculum. 25-26
Pin code: 691583. lateral line scales; 4- 5 scales between lateral line and dorsal fin; moderate scales
on the breast region
2. St.Thomas College,
Kozhencherry, Kerala.
Keywords:
Fish, New species, Puntius parrah, Manimala River, Kallumkal.
Corresponding author: http://zoobank.org / urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F091CFE1-4510-419E-89B4-EBE147BFD9D6

Mathews Plamoottil. http://zoobank.org / urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:7569C0D4-1236-473F-AE67-541C6A4C9A10
Email Id: Article Citation:

Mathews Plamoottil and Nelson P. Abraham.
Puntius viridis (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae), a new fish species from Kerala, India.
Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1093-1104
Dates:
Web Address: Received: 14 Aug 2013 Accepted: 02 Dec 2013 Published: 18 Jan 2014
http://jresearchbiology.com/
documents/RA0376.pdf. This article is governed by the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/
licenses/by/2.0), which gives permission for unrestricted use, non-commercial, distribution and
reproduction in all medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
1093-1104| JRB | 2013 | Vol 3 | No 7

An International
Scientific Research Journal www.jresearchbiology.com
Plamoottil and Abraham, 2013
INTRODUCTION practices. In the table values of holotype as percentages

The tropical Asian cyprinid genus Puntius are given first, then ranges (holotype + paratypes) as
contains 120 valid species (Pethiyagoda et al., 2012). percentages followed by their mean values. Body depth
The genus as currently known (Pethiyagoda et al., 2012) and body width were measured both at dorsal-fin origin
is characterized by the absence of rostral barbels, last and anus, vertically from dorsal-fin origin to belly, and
unbranched dorsal fin ray smooth, dorsal fin with 3-4 from anus to dorsum, respectively.
unbranched and eight branched rays, anal fin with three Abbreviations
unbranched and five branched rays, lateral line complete ZSI/WGRC/IR-Identified Register, Zoological
with 22- 28 pored scales, presence of free uroneural, Survey of India, Western Ghats Regional Centre,
simple and acuminate gill rakers and presence of a post- Kozhikode; ZSI/SRC-Zoological Survey of India,
epiphysial fontanelle. Southern Regional Centre, Chennai; ZSI- Zoological
Jayaram (1991) revised the fishes of the genus Survey of India, Kolkata; UOK/AQB- University of
Puntius from the Indian region. He classified different Kerala, Department of Aquatic Biology, Kariavattom,
species of Puntius into 10 groups with 14 complexes. Thiruvananthapuram; CRG-SAC- Conservation
But it is now understood that five lineages are present Research Group, St. Alberts College, Kochi; STC/DOZ-
within South Asian genus Puntius, which are recognized St. Thomas College, Kozhencherry, Department of
as distinct genera namely Puntius, Systomus, Dawkinsia, Zoology; BDD- Body Depth at Dorsal origin; BDA-
Haludaria and Pethia.( (Pethiyagoda et al., 2012; Body Depth at Anal origin; BWD- Body Width at Dorsal
Pethiyagoda, 2013); of these Puntius and Dawkinsia are origin; BWA- Body Width at Anal origin; PROD-Pre
the common cyprinid fishes of the country. In Kerala Occipital Distance; D-OD- Distance from Occiput to
different species of Puntius preponderate in number than Dorsal fin origin; LCP- Length of Caudal Peduncle; DCP
any other scaled fresh water fishes. - Depth of Caudal Peduncle; DP-PL- Distance from
Since the presently described specimens from Pectoral fin to Pelvic fin; DPL-A- Distance from Pelvic
Manimala River did not have rostral barbels, possession fin to Anal fin; DA-C- Distance from Anal fin to Caudal
of smooth last unbranched dorsal ray and was similar in fin; DAV- Distance from Anal to Vent; DVV- Distance
morphology to the genus Puntius (sensu stricto), the from Ventral to Vent; LMB- Length of Maxillary
authors compared the specimens with comparative Barbels; LLS- Lateral Line Scales; PDS- Pre Dorsal
materials of the currently known species in that genus Scales; PRPLS- Pre Pelvic Scales; PRAS- Pre Anal
and found that the new species differs in enough Scales; CPS- Circum Peduncular Scales; LL/D- Scales
characters to distinguish it from other similar fishes of Between Lateral Line and Dorsal fin; LL/V- Scales
the genus. So it is described here as a new species between Lateral Line and Ventral fin; LL/A- Scales
Puntius viridis. The descriptions are based on eight between Lateral Line and Anal fin; L/TR- Lateral
specimens collected from main stream of Manimala Transverse Scales; D- Dorsal fin; P- Pectoral fin; V-
River at Kallumkal. Ventral fin; A- Anal fin; C- Caudal fin; HT- Holotype;
PT- Paratype.
MATERIALS AND METHODS Puntius viridis, sp. nov.,
Fishes were collected using cast nets and http://zoobank.org / urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:7569C0D4-
preserved in 10% formalin. Methods used are those of 1236-473F-AE67-541C6A4C9A10
Jayaram (2002) and measurements follow standard (Figures 1-4, 5. F & Tables 1 & 2)
1094 Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1093-1104
Type materials examined RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Holotype Diagnosis:
ZSI/ WGRC/IR/2382, 81 mm SL, Kallumkal, Puntius viridis can be differentiated from
Manimala River, Kerala, India, 9200N, 76300E, P. dorsalis in having a terminal mouth (vs. sub terminal
collected by Mathews Plamoottil, 21.08.2011. mouth), a comparatively short snout (22.7- 31.8 vs. 31.8
Paratypes - 37.1 in % of HL), LL/V 3 (vs. 2) and caudal fin
ZSI FF 4932, 2 examples, 63- 74 mm SL, with 18- 19 rays (vs.17). The new species differs from
Manimala River at Kallumkal, Kerala, India, collected Puntius sophore in having 10- 12 pre anal scales (vs. 13
by Mathews Plamoottil, 10. 10. 2012. pre anal scales in P. sophore), 3 scales between lateral
ZSI/ WGRC/ IR/2383, 5 examples, 72- 76 mm SL, line and anal fin (vs. 4), a black band present outer to
Kallumkal, Manimala River, Kerala, India, coll. operculum (vs. black band absent), a black blotch present
Mathews Plamoottil, 21.08.2011. in front of occiput (vs. black blotch absent) and absence
of spot on the base of dorsal fin (vs. black spot present at
the base of dorsal fin), body depth at dorsal origin 31.5-
Figure 1: Puntius viridis, sp. nov, (fresh specimen), Paratype, 76 mm SL, ZSI/WGRC/IR/2383.
Figure 2: Puntius viridis, sp. nov, (preserved in formalin), Holotype, 81 mm SL, ZSI/ WGRC/IR/2382.
Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1093-1104 1095

Figure 3: Dorsal fin of Puntius viridis Figure 4: Head region of Puntius viridis
33.8 in % of SL (vs. 36.2- 37.3), eye diameter 26.1- 31.6 down very slightly goes straight to snout tip; post dorsal
in % of HL (vs. 34.7- 36.0) and head depth 68.2- 80.0 in region slightly concave. Eyes situated considerably
% of HL (vs. 80.3- 86.7). The new species differs from behind and above the angle of jaws, protruding above the
Puntius parrah in having nine pre dorsal scales (vs. 8 in surface of head and distinctly visible from below the
P. parrah), a deep black caudal spot (vs. diffused caudal ventral side; inter orbital region slightly convex; nostrils
spot), green dorsal and caudal fin (vs. dusky dorsal and situated nearer to eyes than to snout tip and covered by a
caudal fin), longer head, 26.4- 31.1 % of SL (vs. 25.6- flap originating from the anterior end; jaws equal, upper
26.0), shorter caudal peduncle, 16.3- 17.8 % of SL (vs. jaw broader than lower jaw; tip of upper jaw a little
19.1- 21.2) and shorter head depth (68.2-80.0 vs. 84.2- bulging and so can be easily demarcated from the rest of
89.5 % of HL); the new species differs from Puntius it; barbels one pair maxillaries only, shorter than orbit,
madhusoodani in having 4- 5 scales between lateral feeble and never reach the eyes or nostrils; mouth
line and dorsal fin (vs. 4 scales), 8 branched rays in terminal, slightly upturned and protruding; width of gape
dorsal fin (vs. 7), 5 branched rays in anal fin (vs. 6), a of mouth shorter than inter narial distance; operculum
deep black caudal spot (vs. diffused caudal spot) and rigid and moderately hard.
lesser body depth at dorsal fin origin (31.5- 33.8 vs. 34.5 Dorsal fin originates considerably behind the
- 36.2); the new species can be differentiated from pectoral tip and a little behind the ventral origin, upper
Puntius chola in having 8 anal fin rays (vs. 7 in P. margin fairly concave, first ray very minute, soft and
chola), 10-12 pre anal scales (vs. 12-13), 9- 10 seemingly absent, commonly fused to second ray which
circumpeduncular scales (vs. 11- 12), protrusible mouth is slightly osseous, soft, tip a little filamentous, form a
(vs. non- protrusible mouth) and a row of black spots little less than and above 1/3 of the third ray; third ray
present in the middle of dorsal fin (vs. absent). osseous but not much strong, tip filamentous, inner
Description: margin slightly roughened but not serrated. Last dorsal
General body shape and appearance is shown in ray branched to root and so considered as one. Pectoral
Figures 1- 4. Morphometric data as in Table 1 and tip just reaches or reach nearer to ventral origin; its upper
meristic counts as in Table 2. Body laterally margin convex. Ventral originates just in front of dorsal
compressed; dorsal and ventral profiles convex; region origin and a little behind pectoral tip; its tip never
from dorsal front to occiput a little bent, after sinking reaching anal origin, but only reaching the vent; upper
Figure 5: General body shape and appearance of Puntius viridis and relative species.
Puntius dorsalis ZSI/F 2730 (coll. Francis Day) B. P. parrah ZSI/F 2718 (coll. Francis Day) C.P.
chola ZSI/F 2804 D. P. madhusoodani Paratype CRG-SAC 457 E. Puntius sophore ZSI/F 13827 F.
P. viridis Holotype, SL, ZSI/ WGRC/IR/2382.
margin of ventral fin convex; two scales present on either Coloration:

side of base of ventral, one above the other, of this the Fresh specimens:
upper one soft and delicate, lower one more fleshy, form Dorsal and dorso lateral sides green to silvery
2 of the length of ventral. Anal roughly rectangular, green; ventro lateral sides silvery green; eyes greenish
upper margin fairly concave, originates a little in front of blue; a prominent yellowish green rectangular spot on
dorsal tip, considerably behind the ventral tip and a little opercle; a black band formed of dark spots present outer
behind anal opening; its tip never reach caudal base; no to operculum; a black blotch present just in front of
prominent ridge on the base of anal; considerable occiput, in the middle of it present a small elongated
distance in between anal fin origin and vent; first anal depression; dorsal and caudal fins light green, pectoral
ray small; unbranched rays are slightly osseous; last anal and anal light green to hyaline, distal end of anal black;
ray not divided to root. Caudal lobes equal. ventral hyaline to white. A row of distinct black spots
Scales relatively large, not easily deciduous and present on the middle of dorsal fin; a deep black caudal
clearly countable; scales on the breast region moderate. blotch present well behind anal tip on 20-22 or 21-23 or
Lateral line passes through lower half of the body and 23-25 scales; 2- 3 rows of mid lateral scales have dark
fairly distinct throughout. spots at its base, so appear to have 2-3 broken lines on
mid lateral side.

Table 1: Morphometric characters of Puntius viridis and its relative species from Kerala
Puntius viridis sp. ov.

SL.N0. Characters Mean SD P. parrah P. madhusoodani
HT Range HT+PT ZSI/F2718,4934 CRG/SAC 456- 459
(n=8) (n=5) (n=4)
1 Total length (mm) 103.0 91.2 -103.0 96.5 4.04 86.5 - 102.0 90.5 - 118.3
2 Standard Length (mm) 81.0 72.0 - 81.0 74.9 3.26 65.5 - 78.0 67.6 - 91.4
% SL
3 Head length 28.4 26.4 - 31.1 28.7 1.75 25.6 - 26.0 27.5 - 29.5
4 Head depth 22.2 19.7 - 22.9 21.6 1.13 21.6 - 24.0 20.7- 23.1
5 Head width 16.7 15.8 - 17.8 17.1 0.45 15.4 - 17.6 15.0 - 16.7
6 BDD 33.3 31.5 - 33.8 32.9 0.94 32.1 - 33.1 34.5 - 36.2
7 BDA 22.2 21.1 - 23.9 22.6 0.98 23.7 - 24.4 22.1 - 23.7
8 BWD 18.5 16.2 - 19.1 17.7 1.16 17.3 - 19.7 17.6 - 19.1
9 BWA 12.3 10.8 - 13.2 12.2 0.88 13.4 - 15.2 11.7 - 14.5
10 PROD 19.1 18.9 - 23.0 20.9 1.22 20.5 - 24.3 18.9 - 22.9
11 D-OD 30.6 30.4 - 31.7 30.9 0.31 24.3 - 29.8 29.0 - 32.9
12 Pre-dorsal length 50.6 48.2 - 54.8 52.2 1.61 50.0 - 52.1 49.3 - 50.6
13 Post-dorsal length 50.6 48.2 - 54.8 52.2 1.61 48.7 - 53.5 50.2 - 58.6
14 Pre-pectoral length 27.2 25.8 - 29.7 28.3 0.92 27.0 - 28.2 26.2 - 28.9
15 Pre-pelvic length 49.4 47.9 - 50.0 49.0 0.73 47.2 - 51.3 46.5 - 50.3
16 Pre-anal length 72.2 72.2 - 76.6 73.3 1.68 70.3 - 74.4 67.6 - 74.3
17 Length of dorsal fin 23.5 22.4 - 26.5 24.2 1.58 22.1 - 24.4 25.2 - 28.7
18 Length of pectoral fin 17.3 16.7 - 19.7 18.5 1.19 17.6 - 19.8 17.7 - 19.1
19 Length of pelvic fin 17.3 17.3 - 20.3 19.0 1.13 20.3 - 21.4 20.7 - 21.1
20 Length of anal fin 14.8 14.8 - 18.9 17.4 1.58 13.3 - 16.8 19.2 - 21.5
21 Length of caudal fin 29.5 29.3 - 30.0 29.6 0.20 28.4 - 32.1 24.8 - 27.0
22 Length of base of dorsal fin 18.5 17.6 - 19.2 18.5 0.60 18.0 - 21.0 19.0 - 20.0
23 Length of base of anal fin 9.8 9.8 - 11.1 10.7 0.43 12.0 - 15.4 9.0 - 12.0
24 Length of base of pectoral fin 4.3 4.1 - 5.3 4.5 0.48 3.3 - 4.2 3.7 - 4.1
25 Length of base of pelvic fin 5.2 5.0 - 6.9 5.9 0.77 4.2 - 5.4 6.0 - 7.1

26 Length of base of caudal 13.6 13.5 - 14.2 13.8 0.34 12.2 - 14.1 12.4 - 13.8
27 Length of caudal peduncle 17.3 16.3 - 17.8 17.0 0.62 19.1 - 21.2 12.6 - 17.5
28 Depth of caudal peduncle 13.6 13.5 - 14.5 13.8 0.37 12.9 - 13.5 12.8 - 14.6
29 LCP/DCP 78.6 77.0 - 88.0 81.2 3.20 63.6 - 74.3 73.1 - 84.6
30 Width of caudal peduncle 7.4 5.5 - 7.4 6.5 0.77 4.1 - 5.4 6.2 - 6.6
31 DP- PL 21.0 21.0 - 21.6 21.4 0.20 20.4 - 20.9 22.8 - 25.0
32 DPL-A 24.2 23.8 - 25.0 24.3 0.60 24.3 - 26.8 25.0 - 28.9
33 DA-C 26.0 25.9 - 27.5 26.6 0.51 27.7 - 29.6 25.5 - 27.0
34 DAV 3.7 2.6 - 4.1 3.2 0.61 _ 4.8 - 6.6
35 DVV 22.8 19.1 - 22.8 21.2 1.29 23.0 - 25.6 22.4 - 23.4
% HL
36 Head depth 78.3 68.2 - 80.0 74.3 4.26 84.2 - 89.5 95.0 - 100.0
37 Head width 58.7 56.5 - 63.2 59.8 2.52 60.0 - 68.4 55.0 - 61.9
38 Eye diameter 30.4 26.1 - 31.6 29.6 2.07 32.5 - 36.8 27.5 - 33.3
39 Inter orbital width 39.1 31.6 - 40.9 37.5 3.37 42.1 - 42.5 37.5 - 41.9
40 Inter narial width 28.3 23.9 - 28.9 26.8 1.95 23.5 - 30.0 25.0 - 28.6
41 Snout length 30.4 22.7 - 31.8 29.1 3.39 26.3 - 30.0 28.6 - 30.0
Width of gape of mouth

42 26.1 23.0 - 27.3 25.5 1.53 28.9 - 30.0 25.0 - 27.6
43 LMB 17.4 13.0 - 21.1 17.8 3.69 15.0 - 17.6 14.3 - 15.0
Preserved specimens: deposits. The depth and width of the channel at

Dorsal and upper lateral sides blackish green, Kallumkal ranges from 1 to 10 and 30 to 85 m
lower lateral and ventral sides whitish yellow; spot on respectively. The reach has a bank height of 1 to 2 m
the operculum becomes brownish black colored; a from the general water level. Riparian vegetation is
greenish line present above the ventral origin to caudal moderate. Dominant flora include Bambusa bambos,
spot which is distinct in some specimens in preserved B. vulgaris, Hibiscus tiliaceus and Ochreinauclea
condition; pectoral, pelvic and anal becomes hyaline, missionis. The other species include Thespesia populnea,
dorsal and caudal become dirty black, base of caudal Artocarpus heterophyllus, Areca catechu, Anacardium
turns to black. occidentale, Aporosa lindleyana and Ficus exasperata.
Distribution: Cynodon dactylon and Cymbopogon flexuosus are major
Puntius viridis sp. nov is presently known only grass species in this area. Rasbora daniconius,
from Manimala River, Kerala, India. Osteobrama bakeri, Amblypharyngodon microlepis,
Habitat: Dawkinsia filamentosa, Haludaria fasciatus, Puntius
Manimala River at Kallumkal the type locality of parrah, Systomus subnasutus, Pethia ticto,
P. viridis is blanketed by mud dominant sediments. Sand Gonoproktopterus kurali, Catla catla, Labeo rohita,
occurs as discrete patches within the mud dominant Labeo dussumieri, Cirrhinus mrigala, C. cirrhosus,

Table 2: Meristic Counts of Puntius viridis sp.nov and its relative species
Puntius viridis (n=8) P.parrah ZSI/ P. madhusoodani P. chola P. dorsalis ZSI/ P. sophore ZSI/
SL Counts
Holotype Range F2718, STC/ CRG/SAC 456- 459 ZSI/F2203, F2730,ZSI/ F13827, STC/
No
DOZ 20 (n=5) STC/DOZ 21(n=6) 4009(n=2) SRC4954 (n=3) DOZ 22 (n=3)
Scale Counts
LLS
1 25 25 - 26 25 25 - 26 26 - 28 25 - 26 25
PDS
2 9 9 8 9 9 9 9
PRPLS
3 5 5 6 6 5- 6 5 -6 5
PRAS
4 11 10 - 12 14 14 12 - 13 11 - 13 13
CPS
5 10 9 - 10 10 10 11 - 12 9 - 10 10
LL/D
6 4 4 - 5 5 4 4 - 5 4 -5 5
LL/V
7 3 3 3 3 3 - 3 2 3
LL/A
8 3 3 3 3 3 3 4
L/TR
9 5 / 3 5 -5 /3 5/4 5 / 3 5 / 4 5 / 2 5 / 4
Fin Ray Counts

D
10 iii , 8 iii , 8 iii , 8 iii , 7 iii , 8 iii , 8 iii , 8
P
11 i , 14 i , 14 i , 14 i , 14 i , 13-16 i , 14-15 i , 13-14
V
12 i, 8 i , 8 i , 8 ii , 8 i, 8 i , 7 i, 8
A
13 iii , 5 iii , 5 ii , 5 ii , 6 iii , 5 iii , 5 iii , 5
C
14 18 18 - 19 19 19 19 17 18
Horabagrus brachysoma, H. melanosoma Mystus present species), mouth sub terminal (vs. mouth
indicus, Wallago attu etc are some of the co- occurring terminal), dorsal fin inserted nearer to caudal fin base
species. than tip of snout (vs. dorsal fin inserted in the middle
Etymology: between snout tip and caudal base), 2 scales present in
Species name comes from the Latin word viridis between lateral line and pelvic fin (vs. 3 scales ),
meaning green, an adjective, given here in reference to caudal fin with 17 rays (vs. 18 or 19 caudal rays) and
greenish colored body and fins of the new species. snout length 31.8-37.1 (vs. 22.7- 31.8) in percent of head
Comparisons: length, dorsal fin inserted in front of ventral (vs. dorsal
Puntius viridis is related to Puntius parrah, originates a little behind ventral fin) and black spots
P. madhusoodani, P. dorsalis, P. chola and P. sophore absent in the middle of dorsal fin (vs. one row of
(Figure 5). Puntius dorsalis (Jerdon, 1849) [Figure.5 A] prominent elongated black spots present on the middle of
was described from the fresh water bodies of Madras dorsal fin).
(Jayaram, 1991; Talwar & Jhingran, 1991; Pethiyagoda Puntius parrah Day (1865, 1878 and 1889)
et al., 2008). It differs from the new species in many [Figure. 5. B] of Karavannoor River of Kerala shows
meristic and morphometric characters (Table 2). In distinct differences to the new species. In P. parrah, a
Puntius dorsalis a black spot present at the posterior dark bluish line present along mid lateral line, which is
portion of the base of dorsal fin (vs. no black spot in the more distinct in preserved state (vs. dark bluish line

absent in fresh or preserved condition in the new width of gape of mouth 19.0- 23.0 (vs. 23.0- 27.3), eyes
species), eyes golden (vs. greenish blue), pectoral, not visible from below the ventral side (vs. eyes
ventral and anal tinged with yellow (vs. pectoral and anal protruding above the surface of head and distinctly seen
light green to hyaline, ventral hyaline to white), dorsal from below ventral side), mouth not protrusible (vs.
and caudal are dusky (vs. dorsal and caudal are green), 8 mouth fairly protruding), no black band present outer to
pre dorsal scales (vs. 9), 6 pre pelvic scales (vs. 5), 14 operculum (vs. a black band present outer to operculum),
pre anal scales (vs. 10-12), dorsal fin originate just over no black blotch in front of occiput (vs. a black blotch
ventral fin (vs. dorsal fin originate a little behind ventral present in front of occiput) and no black spots present in
origin), caudal spot diffused (vs. caudal spot deep black), the middle of dorsal fin (vs. a row of distinct black spots
smaller head (25.6- 26.0 % of SL vs. 26.4- 31.1 % of present in the middle of dorsal fin).
SL), greater head depth at occiput, 84.2- 89.5 % of HL The new species can also be easily distinguished
(vs. 68.2- 80.0 % of HL), longer anal fin base (12.0- 15.4 from Puntius madhusoodani [Figure.5. D] described by
% of SL vs. 8.8- 11.1), longer caudal peduncle (19.1- Kumar et al., (2011) from Manimala River. In
21.2 % of SL vs. 16.3- 17.8) and greater distance P. madhusoodani, 4 scales present between dorsal fin
between ventral to vent (23.0- 25.6 % of SL vs. 19.1- and lateral line (vs. 4- 5 scales in the new species),
22.8). Above all, in the present species, just in front of dorsal side dusky black (vs. dorsal side greenish), dorsal
occiput a black blotch present, in the middle of which is fin with seven branched rays (vs. dorsal fin with eight
a small elongated depression, a black band present outer branched rays), ventral fin with two unbranched and
to operculum, 2-3 broken lines on mid lateral side, a row eight branched rays (vs. ventral fin with one unbranched
of elongated green dots on dorsal fin and a row of and eight branched rays), anal with two unbranched and
distinct black spots present in the middle of the anal six branched rays (vs. anal fin with three unbranched and
which are all absent in P. parrah. five branched rays), branched rays of dorsal and anal
Puntius viridis sp. nov resembles Puntius chola rays black (vs. branched rays of dorsal and anal not
(Hamilton) [Figure. 5. C] of Gangetic plains in having a black), absence of spots except at caudal base (vs.
blotch on caudal base, possession of a single pair of presence of spots other than on caudal base such as a
maxillary barbels and in the number of ventral fin rays black blotch just in front of occiput, a thin dark band
(Hamilton, 1822; McClelland, 1839; Nath & Dey, 2000); present outer to operculum and a row of green dots
however, the new species shows differences to P. chola present in the middle of dorsal fin), mouth sub terminal
in a number of characters. In P. chola anal fin has seven (vs. mouth terminal), pelvic fin slightly posterior to
rays (vs. eight rays in new species), no scale like dorsal origin (vs. pelvic origin just in front of dorsal
appendants above ventral fins (vs. an axillary ventral origin), body depth at dorsal origin 34.5- 36.2 (vs. 31.5-
scale present), a slight ridge present along the middle of 33.8) and length of anal 19.2- 21.5 (vs. 14.8- 18.9) in
lower jaw (vs. no ridge along the middle of lower jaw), percent of standard length.
arch of the back rising abruptly from the nape to the base Puntius sophore (Hamilton), [Figure. 5. E]
of the dorsal (vs. arch of back rising gradually from the described from Gangetic provinces shows many
nape to the base of dorsal), a dark mark present along the similarities to present species in meristic and
base of anterior dorsal ray (vs. dark mark absent ), lateral morphometric features (Misra, 1962; Rema devi, 1992;
line scales are 26- 28 (vs. 25- 26), pre anal scales 12- 13 Datta & Srivastava, 1988; Talwar and Jhingran, 1991;
(vs. 10-12), circum peduncular scales 11- 12 (vs. 9-10), Jayaram, 2010). In P. sophore, a black spot present at

the root of the dorsal fin (vs. black spot absent at the root west of Pondicherry, ZSI/F 2801, coll. A.G.K. Menon;
of dorsal fin in the new species), barbels absent (vs. one 16.02. 1996, 2 examples, 52- 53 mm SL, Sethumadai
pair of maxillaries present), a faint band present on the canal, Indira Gandhi Wild Life sanctuary, Tamil nadu,
lateral side (vs. lateral band absent), no black band ZSI/SRC/F 4954, coll. M.B. Reghunathan; undated, 1
present outer to operculum (vs. a black band present example, Madras, ZSI/F 2730, coll. Francis Day;
outer to operculum), no black blotch in front of occiput undated, 1 example, 53 mm SL, Tunga River at
(vs. a black blotch present in front of occiput , in the Shimoga, ZSI/F 12320/1, coll. H.S. Rao; undated, 5
middle of which a small elongated depression), no black examples, 55- 62 mm SL, Cauvery River, Coorg,
spots present in the middle of dorsal fin (vs. a row of Karnataka, ZSI/F 12319/1, coll. C.R. Narayan Rao;
distinct black spots present in the middle of dorsal fin), Puntius parrah: 10.01. 2012, 4 examples, 65.5-
body depth at dorsal origin 36.2- 37.3 (vs. 31.5- 33.8), 78.0 mm SL, Arattupuzha, Karavannoor River,
pre anal length 71.2- 72.2 (vs. 72.3- 76.6), length of Iringalakuda, Kerala, ZSI FF 4934, coll. Mathews
pelvic fin 20.7- 22.0 (vs. 17.3- 20.3) and distance from Plamoottil; 15.12.1994; 1 example, 60 mm SL, Kuruva
pelvic to anal fin 25.8- 27.6 (vs. 23.8- 25.0) all in percent Island, Wayanad, ZSI/WGRC/IR/742, coll. C.
of SL; head depth at occiput 80.3- 86.7 in % of HL (vs. Radhakrishnan; 24.03.1997, 1 example, 44 mm SL,
68.2- 80.0) and eye diameter 34.7- 36.0 in % of HL (vs. Parambikulam WLS, ZSI/WGRC/IR/10696, coll. K. C.
26.1- 31.6). Gopi; 10.8.2001, 2 examples, 100.0- 103.0 mm SL,
Achankoil River, UOK/AQB/F/ 102, coll. Bijukumar;
CONCLUSION undated, 1 example, Kariavannoor River, Kerala, ZSI/F
Puntius viridis is a barb usually caught along 2718 Syntype, coll. Francis Day; 08.05. 1977, 6
with Puntius mahecola and Dawkinsia filamentosa. It is examples, 71 mm- 94 mm SL, Cauvery River at
an edible fish can usually be collected by small- meshed Chunchinagatte, ZSI/SRC Uncat, coll. K. C. Jayaram.
gill nets. They show similarities with Puntius parrah Puntius chola: 08.11.1939, 1 example, 41.5 mm
and P. madhusoodani of Kerala, P. dorsalis of Madras SL, Soni Gaon Bheel, Lokpa, Batipara, Assam, ZSI/F
and Puntius chola of northern parts of India. They can 2203, coll. S.L. Hora; 1963, 1 example, 54 mm SL,
be easily identified from their congeners in having a Sukla Talai, Jhalwar, Rajasthan, ZSI/F 4009/2, coll. N.
black band formed of dark spots present outer to Majumdar & R.N. Bhargava; 18.03.1958, 2 examples,
operculum and a row of distinct black spots present on 32.5- 55 mm SL, Raxanal, Bihar, ZSI/F/2804/2, coll.
the middle of dorsal fin. They have also a less deep Keval Singh; 3 examples, 50- 62 mm SL, Rajastan,
head. It is expected that further research works may ZSI/F/4379/2, coll. Birla college, Pilani; 1 example, 71
unveil its more biological aspects. mm SL, Mahanadi Irrigation Canal, Rudri, Orissa, ZSI/F
Comparative material 13082/1, coll. H.S. Rao.
Puntius dorsalis: 27.10.95, 1 example, 62 mm Puntius madhusoodani: 17.11.2010, Holotype,
SL, Thunakadavu dam, Parambikulam wild life 91.43mm SL, Manimala River, near Thirumoolapuram,
sanctuary, Kerala, ZSI/WGRC/IR 8466, coll. P.M. Thiruvalla, Kerala, CRG-SAC 456, coll. K.
Sureshan, identified by K. C. Gopi; 23.2.2000, 2 Krishnakumar; 17. 11. 2010, 3 examples, 67.6 -
examples, 56- 63 mm SL, Pampa River at Parumala, 80.91mm SL, Manimala River, near Thirumoolapuram,
Kerala, ZSI/WGRC/IR/10379, coll. K. C. Gopi; 11.02. Thiruvalla, Pattanamthitta District, CRG-SAC 457 459
58; 1 example, 53 mm SL, Usteri tank, 7 miles north paratypes, coll. K. Krishnakumar and Benno Pereira.

Puntius sophore: 10.05.2012, 2 examples, 58- 59 Jayaram KC. 1991. Revision of the genus Puntius
mm SL, Serrampore, River Ganges, Kolkata, ZSI FF Hamilton from the Indian region. Records of Zoological
4938, Coll. Mathews Plamoottil; 20.06. 1963, 4 Survey of India, Occasional Paper No. 135, 178.
examples, 62.5- 70.0 mm SL, Sukla Talai, Jhalawar,
Jayaram KC. 2002. Fundamentals of Fish Taxonomy.
Rajasthan, ZSI/F 4008/2, coll. N. Majumdar & R. N.
Narendra Publishing House, Delhi. 53-65.
Bhargava; 24.10.1939, 1 example, 40 mm SL, Siwane
River, east of Hazaribagh Barthi Road, ZSI/F 13827, Jayaram KC. The Freshwater fishes of the Indian
H.S. Rao; 22.06.1963, 4 examples, 66- 102 mm SL, region. Narendra Publishing House, Delhi.; 118-134.
Gadhuli Talai, Shergarh, Rajasthan, ZSI/F 4023, SE
Jerdon TC. 2010. On the freshwater fishes of southern
Rajastan Survey of ZSI; 30.06.1983, 4 examples, 58.0-
India. Madras Journal of Literature and Science, 15 (2):
67.5 mm SL, Talbi, N. of Bimmal Railway station, ZSI/F
302- 346.
4029/2, S. E. Rajasthan Survey of ZSI.
Kumar KK, Pereira FGB and Radhakrishnan KV.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 2011. Puntius madhusoodani (Teleosti: Cyprinidae), a
First author acknowledges the University Grants new species of barb from Manimala River, Kerala, South
Commission of India for sanctioning Faculty India. Biosystematica, 5 (2); 31- 37.
Development Programme to undergo research. Both the
McClelland J. Indian Cyprinidae. 1839. Cosmo
authors acknowledge the Principal, St. Thomas College,
Publications, New Delhi, 246.
Kozhencherry for providing the facilities.
Misra KS. 1962. An aid to the identification of the
REFERENCES common commercial fishes of India & Pakistan.
Datta MJS, Srivastava MP. 1998. Natural history of Records of Indian Museum, 57(1-4): 320.
fishes and systematics of fresh water fishes of India.
Nath P, Dey SC. 2000. Fish and fisheries of North
Narendra Publishing House, Delhi, 178-196.
Eastern India (Arunachal Pradesh). Narendra Publishing
Day F. 1865. The Fishes of Malabar. Bernard Quaritch, House, Delhi, 39-43.
London., 208-211.
Pethiyagoda R, Silva A, Maduwage K and
Day F. 1878. The fishes of India: being a natural history Meegaskumbura M. 2008. Puntius kelumi, a new
of the fishes known to inhabit the seas and fresh waters species of cyprinid fish from Sri Lanka (Teleostei:
of India, Burma, and Ceylon. William Dawson & Sons, Cyprinidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters,
London, 556-574. 19 (3): 201- 214.
Day F. 1889. Fauna of British India including Ceylon Pethiyagoda R, Meegaskumbura M and Maduwage
and Burma. Fishes. I, Taylor and Francis, London, 209- K. 2012. A synopsis of the South Asian fishes referred to
334. Puntius (Pisces: Cyprinidae). Ichthyological Exploration
of Freshwaters, 23 (1): 69-95.
Hamilton F. 1822. An account of fishes found in the
River Ganges and its branches. Edinburgh Hurst, Pethiyagoda R. 2013. Haludaria, a replacement
Robinson & Co, London, 312-389. generic name for Dravidia (Teleostei: Cyprinidae).

Zootaxa, 3646 (2): 199.
Remadevi K. 1993. On a small collection of fish from

Javadi hills, North Arcot district, Tamil Nadu. Records
of Zoological Survey of India.; 91(3-4): 353-360.
Talwar PK, Jhingran A. 1991. Inland fishes of India

and adjacent countries. Oxford and IBH Publishing Co.
Pvt. Ltd, Delhi, 250-286.
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Journal of Research in Biology An International Scientific Research Journal
Original Research
A new species of Agathoxylon Hartig from the Sriperumbudur

formation, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Abstract:
Kumarasamy D.
Sriperumbudur Formation is one of the Upper Gondwana rock Formations
found along the Palar basin, Tamil Nadu, India. The rock units found in this Formation
are arenaceous and argillaceous, consists of green shales, clays and sandstones with
Institution: limestone intercalations. These shales contain animal and plant remains of Upper
Department of Botany, Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous age. The present work is about a piece of petrified
Annamalai University, secondary wood of conifer having affinity with Araucariaceae. Based on the
Annamalainagar 608 002,
anatomical characters the present wood is identified as a new species of Agathoxylon
Tamil Nadu, India.
Hartig.
Corresponding author: Keywords:

Kumarasamy D. Agathoxylon, Sriperumbudur Formation, Upp. Jurassic-Low Cretaceous.
Email: Article Citation:

Kumarasamy D.
A new species of Agathoxylon Hartig from the Sriperumbudur formation, Tamil Nadu, India.
Dates:
Received: 14 Aug 2013 Accepted: 21 Sep 2013 Published: 18 Jan 2014
Web Address:
http://jresearchbiology.com/ This article is governed by the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/
documents/RA0377.pdf. licenses/by/2.0), which gives permission for unrestricted use, non-commercial, distribution and
Journal of Research in Biology 1105-1110 | JRB | 2013 | Vol 3 | No 7
An International Scientific
Research Journal
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Kumarasamy, 2013
INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS

The out crops of sedimentary rocks exposed in The present observation is about a piece of petrified
patches all along the eastern shoreline of Indian secondary wood (SPR/VK/52) collected from Vallakottai, a
Peninsula starting from Cuttack in Orissa to Sivagangin village near Sriperumbudur (Formation named after this
Tamil Nadu are collectively referred to as the East Coast town). The specimen was sectioned using rock cutting
Gondwanas. These exposures occur along the Mahanadhi and grinding machine. Thin sections (TS, TLS and RLS)
basin, the Krishna-Godavari basin, the Palar basin and were prepared and observed under light microscope.
the Cauvery basin. The upper Gondwana exposures Photomicrographs were prepared using Olympus digital
found along the Palar basin are divided into the lower camera attached with Olympus microscope.
Sriperumbudur Formation and the upper Satyavedu Agathoxylon aptiana sp. nov.
Formation. Equivalent to these two Formations there is a Holotype : Specimen-SPR/VK/52
marine Formation known as Avadi Formation Slides : SPR/VK/52/1, 2, 3 and 4
(Kumaraguru,1991). Type locality : Vallakottai
The Upper Gondwana rocks exposed near Stratigraphic horizon : Sriperumbudur Formation, Upper
Sriperumbudur are part of a large Sriperumbudur Jurassic-Early Cretaceous
Formation found along the Palar basin (Kumarasamy and Etymology : Named after the probable
Jeyasingh, 1995). The rock units found in this formation age (Aptian) of the sediment
are arenaceous and argillaceous, consist of green shales, from where the specimen was
clays and sandstones with limestone intercalations. picked up.
These shales contain both marine animal and Description (Fig. 1-a,b,c,d and e)
plant remains of Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous age. The study is based on a single piece of
These fossilferous shales are covered by the recent decorticated pycnoxylic wood, measuring 5 cm long and
lateritic and alluvial Formations. 4 cm wide. The specimen is impregnated with ferrous
Plant fossils found in this Formation includes compounds. Growth rings distinct, almost straight,
impressions of leaves of petridophytes and gymnosperms almost equal, 600-710 mm (26-33 cells) wide. All
and petrifield woods of gymnosperms. Many growth rings have more of early wood than late wood
publications came out regarding the fossils found in this (four rows of tracheids in average). Tracheids are
Formation, they are Feistmantel, 1879; Seward and regularly arranged in radial rows. Transition from early
Sahni, 1920; Sahni, 1928 and 1931; Suryanarayana, 1953 wood to late wood gradual. No reaction wood and false
and 1954; Ramanujam and Srisailam, 1974; Ramanujam ring. Early wood tracheids 2.0-3.3 mm long, radially
and Varma, 1977 and 1981; Varma, 1983 and 1984; 15-50 m (average 24.7 m) wide, rectangular to
Varma and Ramanujam, 1984; Jeyasingh and circular. Radial wall pits mostly uniseriate, in some
Kumarasamy, 1994a, 1994b and 1995; Kumarasamy and places it is biseriate, alternate; pits bordered, circular,
Jeyasingh, 1995, 2004 and 2007. The present work is contiguous, 12.5 m in size. Aperture elliptic, crossed,
about the observation of a new species of Agathoxylon, 6.25 m long and 2.5 m wide. Tracheids per mm2
from this Formation. are 1599. Late wood tracheids 10.0-23.7 m (average
11.1 m) in radial diameter. Rays uniseriate, a few are
partially biseriate, 1-19 (average 6) cells high,
homocellular, cells 22.3 m long and 17.5 m wide.
Kumarasamy, 2013
100m a 100m b
50m c 5m d 5m e
Fig. 1. Agathoxylon aptiana. a) transverse section showing growth ring, b) tangential longitudinal section
showing uniseriate rays, c) radial longitudinal section showing alternate pitting, d) tracheid radial wall
pits showing crossed apertures and e) gross field pits.
Both tangential and horizontal walls are smooth. Radial The present wood shows alternate, uni-biseriate
wall pits 3-9, circular, bordered, 7.5 m wide, tightly pits (araucarioid pitting) on the radial wall of the
packed. Aperture circular, ray cells spanning 2-3 tracheids, uniseriate rays, and 3-9 pits per cross field.
tracheids, end walls vertical. Vertical parenchyma, resin These characters indicate that the present wood having
tracheids or resin canals are completely absent. affinity with Araucariaceae.
Diagnosis
Wood pycnoxylic, growth rings distinct. Only DISCUSSION
radial wall of the tracheids are pitted. Radial wall pits There are sixteen morphogenera of fossil plants
uni-biseriate, alternate, contiguous, circular with have araucarian affinity. They are Agathoxylon Hartig,
elliptical crossed apertures, cross field pits 3-9, circular Araucariopsis Caspary, Araucarioxylon Kraus in
and contiguous. Rays simple, uniseriate, 1-19 cells high; Schimper, Araucarites Endlicher Sensu Goppert,
xylem parenchyma and resin tracheids are absent. Baieroxylon Greguss, Cedroxylon Kraus in Schimper,

Kumarasamy, 2013
Cordaioxylon Lignier, Cordaioxylon Lignier, coromandelianum Sahni (1931), M. thirumangalense

Cormaraucarioxylon Lignier, Dadoxylon Endlicher, Suryanarayana (1953), Dadoxylon rajmahalense
Dammaroxylon Schultze-Motel, Palaeoxylon Brongniart, Suryanarayana (1954), Araucarioxylon rajivii Jeyasingh
Peuce Lindley and Hutton, Pinites Witham, and Kumarasamy (1994a), A. giftii Jeyasingh and
Platyspiroxylon Greguss, Simplicioxylon Andreanzsky. Kumarasamy (1994a), A. mosurense Jeyasingh and
Among these names Araucarioxylon and Dadoxylon are Kumarasamy (1995), Cupressinoxylon gondwanensis
considered to be invalid names. Agathoxylon Hartig is Kumarasamy and Jeyasingh (2004) and Sahnioxylon
the earliest validly published name that can be used to savitrii Kumarasamy and Jeyasingh (2007) have been
name fossil woods with an Araucarioxylon-type anatomy reported from this formation. Apart from these petrified
(Philippe, 1993 and 2011) woods, many impression fossils of petridophytes and
So far, there are three species Araucarioxylon gymnosperms were reported from this Formation
r e p or t e d fr om this f or m a t i on n am el y (Jeyasingh and Kumarasamy, 1994b; Kumarasamy and
A. rajivii (Jeyasingh and Kumarasamy (1994a)), Jeyasingh, 1995).
A. giftii (Jeyasingh and Kumarasamy (1994a)) and Recently a species of Agathoxylon was also
A. mosurense (Jeyasingh and Kumarasamy (1995)). The reported from this Formation (Kumarasamy, 2013). This
present fossil wood differ from A. rajivii in having species (Agathoxylon gondwanensis) differs from the
3-9 cross field pits, whereas in the latter wood there are present species in having one pit per cross field and long
1-2 cross field pits per field, similarly in A. giftii the xylem rays (1-39 cells high).
cross field pits are 1-3. In A. mosurense the rays are In general the overall climate during the
1-3 seriate, where as in the present wood the rays are deposition of the sedimentary rocks in the Palar basin
exclusively uniseriate. should have been warm, humid and uniform. This is
The present specimen superficially resembles indicated by the abundance of cycodophyte foliage in
Araucarioxylon bikanerense reported by Harsh and these sediments. However, there must have been yearly,
Sharma (1988) from the tertiary deposits of Rajasthan seasonal variations as evident from the distinct growth
and A. agathioides reported by Krausel and Jain (1964) rings found in all the secondary wood pieces coming
from the Rajmahal hills. But the present specimen differs from this formation. Most of the wood pieces show C
from A. bikanerense in having uniseriate pits on the type growth-rings (as per Creber and Chaloner, 1984) in
radial walls of the tracheids, whereas in A. bikanerense which the early wood is more than the late wood and the
the radial wall pits upto triseriate. A. agathioides differs transition from the early wood to late wood is gradual.
from the present specimen is having frequent resin These features indicate that the climate of this region was
tracheids but in the present specimen there are no resin almost uniform through the growing season except at its
tracheids at all. close.
In the presence of biseriate radial wall pits with
elliptical, crossed apertures, 3-9 cross field pits per field REFERENCES
and the complete absence of xylem parenchyma and Creber GT and Chaloner WG. 1984. Influence of
resin tracheids, the present specimen stands apart from environmental factors on the wood structure of living
all other species, so it is assigned to a new species. and fossil trees. Bot. Rev., 50(4): 357448.
So far, many species of fossil conifer woods
reported from this formation viz. Cupressinoxylon
Kumarasamy, 2013
Feistmantel O. 1879. The fossil flora of the Upper Kumarasamy D and Jeyasingh DEP. 2007.
Gondwana: Outliers on the Madras coast. Mem. geol. Sahnioxylon (Sahni) Bose and Sah from the
Surv. India, Palaeont. indica. Ser., 2, 1(4): 191224. Sriperumbudur Formation, Tamil Nadu, India.
Phytomorphology, 57: 512.
Harsh R and Sharma BD. 1988. Araucarioxylon
bikanerense sp. nov. from the Tertiary of Bikaner, Philippe M. 1993. Nomenclature generique des
Rajasthan, India. Phytomorphology, 38: 111-115. tracheidoxyles fossiles Mesozoiques a Champs
araucarioides. Taxon., 42(1):74-80.
Jeyasingh DEP and Kumarasamy D. 1994a.
Araucarioxylon from the Sriperumbudur Formation, Philippe M. 2011. How many species of Araucarioxylon?
Upper Gondwana, Tamil Nadu, India. Geophytology, 24 Palevol. Fasicule. 10( 2-3): 201-208.
(1): 4348.
Ramanujam CGK and Srisailam K. 1974. Palynology
Jeyasingh DEP and Kumarasamy D. 1994b. of the carbonaceous shales from a bore hole at
Occurrence of Pityospermum Nathorst in the Kattavakkam near Conjeevaram, Tamil Nadu, India.
Sriperumbudur Formation, Tamil Nadu. Curr. Sci., 67 Pollen et Spores, 16(1), 67102.
(5): 305.
Ramanujam CGK and Varma YNR. 1977.
Jeyasingh DEP and Kumarasamy D. 1995. An unusual Palynological evidence for the age of Sriperumbudur
pycnoxylic wood from a new Upper Gondwana locality beds encountered in a bore hole at Orikkai near
in Tamil Nadu, India. Rev. Palaeobot. Palynol., Conjeevaram, Tamil Nadu. J. Geol. Soc. India, 18(8):
85(3-4): 341-350. 429435.
Krusel R and Jain KP. 1964. New fossil coniferous Ramanujam CGK and Varma YNR. 1981. Hillate
woods from the Rajmahal hills, Bihar, India. spores from the Upper Gondwana deposits of Palar basin,
Palaeobotanist, 12(1): 5967. Tamil Nadu. Palaeobotanist, 28-29, 308315.
Kumaraguru P. 1991. Stratigraphic drilling in palar Sahni B. 1928. Revision of Indian fossil plants: part I
Basin, Tamil Nadu.Rec.geol.Surv.Ind.,124(5):139-143. Coniferals (a. Impressions and Incrustations). Mem. geol.
Surv. India, Palaeont, indica n. ser., 11: 149.
Kumarasamy D. 2013. A fossil araucarian wood from
the Sriperumbudur formation, Tamil Nadu, India. Inter. Sahni B. 1931. Revision of Indian fossil plants: part II
J. Plant Animal Environ. Sci., 3(1): 5055. Coniferals (b. Petrifactions). Mem. geol. Surv. india,
Palaeont. Indica n. ser., 11: 51124.
Kumarasamy D and Jeyasingh DEP. 1995. Some
fossil pteridophytic foliage from the Sriperumbudur Seward AC and Sahni B. 1920. Indian Gondwana
Formation, Tamil Nadu, India. Phytomorphology, plants: a revision. Mem. geol. Surv. India, Palaeont.
45 (3 and 4): 175183. indica n. ser., 7(1): 141.
Kumarasamy D and Jeyasingh DEP. 2004. A new Suryanarayana K. 1953. Mesembrioxylon

species of Cupressinoxylon Geppert from the tirumangalense, a new species from the Sriperumbudur
Sriperumbudur Formation, India. Phytomorphology, 54: group near Madras. J. Indian bot. Soc., 32(4): 159164.
97104.

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Suryanarayana K. 1954. Fossil plants from the Jurassic

rocks of the Madras coast, India. Palaeobotanist, 3: 87
90.
Varma YNR. 1983. Erlansonisporites potonie,

megaspores from the Sriperumbudur beds of Palar basin,
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Varma YNR. 1984. Gymnospermous palynomorphs

from the Upper Gondwana of India. Indian J. Bot., 7(2):
190197.
Varma YNR and Ramanujam CGK. 1984. Palynology

of some Upper Gondwana deposits of Palar basin,
Tamil Nadu, India. Palaeontographica B.
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Original Research
Population density of Indian giant squirrel Ratufa indica centralis (Ryley,

1913) in Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: ABSTRACT:
Raju Lal Gurjar1,
Amol .S. Kumbhar1*,
Jyotirmay Jena1, Information on population and distributional status of Indian giant squirrel
Jaya Kumar Yogesh1, Ratufa indica centralis is poorly known from central Indian hills. The species is
Chittaranjan Dave1, endemic to India and widely distributed in Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats and Central
Ramesh Pratap Singh2,
India. In this study using line transect distance sampling we estimated population
Ashok Mishra2.
density of giant squirrel in Satpura Tiger Reserve (STR), which is a major biosphere
Institution: reserve in central India that harbors wide variety of rare endemic and endangered
1. WWF - India, Nisha species. Density estimate with total effort of 276km line transect shows 5.5 ( 0.82)
Building, Near Forest squirrels/Km2. This study provides first baseline information on ecological density
Barrier, Katra, Mandla, estimate of Ratufa indica centralis in central Indian landscape. Reduction of
Madhya Pradesh, India. anthropogenic pressure should be the first priority for park managers in Satpura Tiger
reserve.
2. Field Director Office,
Satpura Tiger Reserve,
Hoshangabad, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Amol S. Kumbhar Central Indian landscape, Distance sampling, density estimation, Ratufa
indica centralis.

Raju Lal Gurjar, Amol S. Kumbhar, Jyotirmay Jena, Jaya Kumar Yogesh,
Chittaranjan Dave, Ramesh Pratap Singh and Ashok Mishra.
Population density of Indian giant squirrel Ratufa indica centralis (Ryley, 1913) in
Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Dates:
Web Address: Received: 08 Oct 2013 Accepted: 08 Nov 2013 Published: 25 Nov 2013
documents/RA0387.pdf.
This article is governed by the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/
1086-1092| JRB | 2013 | Vol 3 | No 7

An International
Gurjar et al., 2013
INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS

Habitat fragmentation is cited one of the major Study area
reason for the decrease in abundance of arboreal The Satpura Tiger Reserve (2219 - 22 30N
mammals and isolation of many species into small and 77 56 - 78 20E) covers an area of 1427.87 km2
population (Umapathy and Kumar, 2000). Indian Giant (Figure 1) in south east border of Madhya Pradesh state,
Squirrel Ratufa indica centralis is a maroon and buff it extends from east to west in the southern part of the
colour and is endemic to India with four sub-species. The district Hoshangabad in Satpura ranges of Central Indian
conservation status of Indian giant squirrel (IGS) is the landscape. The forest types of satpura tiger reserve
least concern category of IUCN, Appendix II of consist of southern moist mixed deciduous forest,
CITES and Schedule II (part II) of Indian Wildlife southern dry mixed deciduous forest and dry peninsulas
(Protection) Act 1972 (Molur et al., 2005). Giant Sal forest (Champion and Seth, 1968). The terrain of
squirrels occur across a wide range of natural forests. park is hilly and highly undulating, with dominated tree
They have been reported from moist deciduous, dry species such as Tectona grandis, Shorea robusta,
deciduous and riparian forests (Datta and Goyal, 1996; Buchanania latifolia, Terminalia arjuna, Emblica
Baskaran et al., 2011; Kanoje, 2008; Jathanna officinalis, Madhuca indica and Rauwolfia serpentina.
et al., 2008; Srinivas et al., 2008), old mature teak forests The faunal diversity comprises of major carnivore such
(Ramachandran, 1988) and teak-mixed forests (Kumara as Tiger (Panthera tigris), Leopard (Panthera pardus),
and Singh, 2006). Habitat fragmentation is one of the Dhole (Cuon alpines) and other small carnivores
major threats which influence giant squirrel population including Jungle cat (Felis chaus), Palm civet
due to its arboreal nature. Throughout India several (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) as well as ungulates such
investigators already studied on population status of as Spotted deer (Axis axis), Sambar (Cervus unicolor),
Malabar giant squirrel in Western Ghats (Baskaran et al., Wild boar (Sus scrofa), Barking deer (Muntiacus
2011; Ramachandran, 1988; Ganesh and Davidar, 1999; muntjak), Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) and
Madhusudan and Karanth, 2002; Kumara and Singh, Common langur (Semnopithecus entellus). In satpura
2006; Jathanna et al., 2008; Ramesh et al., 2009; birds of prey like crested hawk eagle, black eagle and
Umapathy and Kumar, 2000). In central India though crested serpent eagle were major predators of Ratufa
there are studies available on ecobiology of Ratufa indica centralis (Datta, 1999; Kumbhar et al., 2012).
indica centralis (Datta, 1993, 1998, 1999; Datta and Also Mehta (1997) reported leopard attempted to prey on
Goyal, 1996; Kanoje, 2008; Kumbhar et al., 2012; giant squirrel.
Pradhan et al., 2012; Rout and Swain, 2006) but there is Sampling
no study available on status and population density of Line transect methodology was adopted
this species from central Indian landscape. (Buckland et al., 2001; Jathanna et al., 2008) and
In the current study we tried to estimate distance sampling methodology was used to estimate
population densities of Ratufa indica centralis by line population density of giant squirrel in our study area.
transect distance sampling (Jathanna et al., 2008) in Field sampling was carried out in the months of
Satpura Tiger Reserve of central India. It believes that December to February 2011 2012. Dur-ing this period
this kind of effort will help forest department to take 39 permanent transects were established in different
better management and conservation strategies. habitat types including riparian patches. Each transect
was surveyed thrice by well trained observer be-tween
Gurjar et al., 2013
Figure 1: Location of Satpura Tiger Reserve in India.
06000900 hr. Each transects differed in length, the total efforts of 276km. Analysis were done by fitting
average transect length was 2km to 4km. Every time the different detection functions to the observed data for the
species was detected group size, sighting distance and estimation of density. Based on minimum AIC value
angle of sighting were recorded. Sighting distances were (94.9), half normal with cosine proved to be the best fit
measured using lesser rangefinder and the angle of for giant squirrel data. As giant squirrel is a arboreal
sighting was recorded using a liquid filled compass. The species its visibility is very high when we compare it
field protocols were followed described in Jhala et al., with other terrestrial animals so detection in uniform
(2009). The density of Indian giant squirrel (IGS) was manner is normal, AIC value also supports the model
calculated using DISTANCE program version 6.0 (Laake selection. The encounter rate was 0.12 0.06/km
et al., 1994). The best model was selected on the basis of walked, IGS known to be a solitary animal, maximum
the lowest Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) (Burnham two individuals were recorded in a group and mean
et al., 1980; Buckland et al., 1993). group size was calculated as 1.2 0.6 in Satpura Tiger
Reserve.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Studies conducted elsewhere on Indian Giant
A total of 35 Giant squirrel sights comprising Squirrel (IGS) have shown different estimates of
42 individuals were recorded during the study period in population density (Table. 2). The variation in different

Gurjar et al., 2013
Detection Probability
Perpendicular distance in meters
Figure 2: Result of model fitted in the DISTANCE to estimate detection probability and effective
strip width of giant squirrel in Satpura Tiger Reserve.
estimates in different studies could be due to the different nesting (Kumbhar et al., 2012). Maximum IGS sightings
habitat types in the different study areas; also seasonal were recorded in riparian patches of churna, moist and
annual variation and observer differences put limits of dry deciduous forest of watch tower and semi-evergreen
comparison. The present study is the first attempt to forest of Nimghan to pachmarhi. A viable population is
provide baseline information on ecological density status one that maintains its genetic vigor and potential for
of Indian giant squirrel in Central Indian landscape evolutionary adaptation (Kumar et al., 2007), therefore
(Table. 1). IGS distribution in STR was observed in continuous monitoring of the population status of this
Terminalia arjuna, Madhuca longifolia and Tectona lesser-known mammal in central India should be given
grandis. These trees are mostly used for feeding and high conservation priority. Excessive amount of
Table 1: Population density and average group size of Indian Giant Squirrel
(density /Km2) estimated in Satpura Tiger Reserve.
Parameter Point Estimate Standard Error Percentage Coefficient 95% Confidence Interval
of variation
DS 4.786 0.66 13.83 3.62 6.31
E(S) 1.169 0.59 5.05 1.05 1.29
D 5.595 0.82 14.73 4.17 7.49
N 6.000 0.88 14.73 4.00 7.00
Note: DS- estimate average group size; E(S) estimate expected value of cluster size; D estimate of density of
animal; N estimate no. of animals in specified area; Chi-square value P 0.969.

Gurjar et al., 2013
Table 2: Density of Indian Giant Squirrel (individual/Km2) from other part of India.
Study site Density of IGS /Sqkm Authors

Anamalai Hills 11.4 - 64 Umapathy and Kumar 2000
Kudremukh NP 0.25 Madhusudan and Karanth 2002
Bandipur TR 2.36
Nalkeri 4.55
Sunkadakatte 4.86 Jathanna et al., 2008
Muthodi 10.19
Lakkavalli 12.25
2.9 Baskaran et al., 2011
Madumalai TR
1.6 Ramesh et al.,2009
Kalakad-Mudanthurai TR 1.7 Ramesh et al., 2012
Kakachi 1.42 Ganesh and Davidar 1999
12.4 Borges et al.,1999
Bhimashankar W Sanctuary
15.89 Mehta et al.,2012
poaching pressure and habitat fragmentation has been Madhya Pradesh for give permission to conduct
reported in Orissa (Pradhan et al., 2012) which can leads phase-IV monitoring of predators and their prey in
to population decline. We hope this baseline study will Satpura Tiger Reserve. We would like to acknowledge
encourage long-term study, which includes on nesting frontline staff of Satpura tiger reserve, Ratnesh and
breeding habits and resource availability of IGS Kamal Thakur for their extensive help in field work.
populations in Central Indian Forest. Further research
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Borges R. 1989. Resource heterogeneity and the
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General and CEO, WWF-India and Principal Chief
Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), Chief Wildlife Warden,

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Buckland ST, Anderson DR, Burnham KP and Laake Jathanna D, Kumar NS and Karanth KU. 2008.
JL. 1993. Distance Sampling: Estimating abundance of Measuring Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica)
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Buckland ST, Anderson DR, Burnham KP, Laake
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occupancy of the Indian giant squirrel Ratufa indica
(Erxleben) in KalakadMundanthurai Tiger Reserve,

Original Research
Characterization of silica nanoporous structures of

freshwater diatom frustules
Authors: ABSTRACT:
Dharitri Borgohain and

Bhaben Tanti*. A phytoplanktonic unicellular alga known as diatoms belonging to the class
Bacillariophyceae, possess a distinct, highly ornamented siliceous cell wall consisting
of two overlapping halves. Diatoms are found both in marine and freshwater
environment and also in moist habitats. A study was designed to assess and examine
the morphology of diatoms in Chapanala and Jiajuri, two silica rich sites in Nagaon
district of Assam as reported by Geological Survey of India. Samples were collected
from aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats of the study sites and immediately transferred
Institution: to Diatom specific Media. The samples were then subjected to acid wash treatment
Department of Botany, for detailed microscopic observations. Nanoporous structures of freshwater diatom
Gauhati University, frustules have been well characterized through extensive SEM analysis. The prominent
Guwahati - 781014, Assam, forms include - Pinnularia sp., Navicula sp., Achnanthidium sp., Nitzschia sp. and
India. Eunotia sp. The SEM micrographs very clearly showed the presence of fine
nanostructure pores, the valve view and distinct raphe of the diatoms. In the present
study, the sizes of nanoporous silica were found in the range of ~60-170 nm under
SEM observations, suggesting the potentiality to use the diatoms in various
nanotechnological applications.

Bhaben Tanti. Freshwater diatom, Frustule, Silica, SEM, Geological Survey of India.

Dharitri Borgohain and Bhaben Tanti.
Characterization of silica nanoporous structures of freshwater diatom frustules.
Web Address: Dates:
documents/RA0411.pdf. Received: 07 Jan 2014 Accepted: 29 Jan 2014 Published: 28 Feb 2014
1195-1200 | JRB | 2014 | Vol 3 | No 7

An International
Borgohain and Tanti, 2013
INTRODUCTION 0.373 km2 and possible reserve is 3.5 million tones

Diatoms areeukaryotic, unicellular or colonial (Borgohain and Tanti, 2014). No any extensive
microalgae inhabiting a wide variety of habitats. Diatoms investigation has been carried out to characterize the
are microscopic, sizes ranging from 2m to 2mm and diatom from these silica rich areas.
species are classified mostly by the shapes and patterns
of their hard silica parts. The most characteristic feature MATERIALS AND METHODS
of diatoms is their cell wall or exoskeleton which is built Cell collection and culture
up of amorphous silica. These extremely diverse group Water and semi-aquatic soil samples were
of phytoplankton form the basis of many aquatic food collected from the sampling sites, Chapanala and Jiajuri
chains, and are thought to be responsible for upto 25% of on the basis of habitat stratification (Fig.1). The collected
the worlds net primary productivity. The frustules samples were then transferred in the DM (Diatom
possess intricate nanoscale features such as pores, ridges, Medium) proposed by Beakes et al., (1988). The medium
areoles, spikes and spines imbedded within the periodic was standardized with slight modification and the
two-dimensional pore arrays. They are the only composition of stock (per 200ml) includes- Ca(NO3)2.
organisms known to possess genetic ability to mineralize 4H2O 4g, KH2PO4 2.48 g, MgSO4.7H2O - 5 g,
amorphous silica into complex structures. Diatoms are NaHCO3 3.18 g, EDTAFeNa 0.45g, EDTANa2
particularly attractive for nanotechnology because they 0.45g, H3BO3 0.496g, MnCl2.4H2O 0.278g, (NH4)
build their highly symmetric skeletons with a 6Mo7O24.4H2O 0.20g, Cyanocobalamine - 0.008g,
nanopattern directly in 3D form (Round et al.,1990). Thiamine HCl 0.008g, Biotin 0.008g and
Biomineralize silica cell walls confer the diatoms diverse Na2SiO3.9H2O 22.8g (Borgohain and Tanti, 2014).
and impressive exoskeletal architecture (Montsant et al., The cultures were kept in a Bio Chemical
2005; Bozarth et al., 2009). The diversity of the silica Oxygen (BOD) incubator where cultures were allowed to
structures on the diatom cell walls appears to be quite grow at 3K light and 18-20 C under 50 Mol photons
significant and extends possibilities for their use in nano- m-2sec-1 on a 14:10 hr L : D (Complete light : Dark)
fabrication of a multitude of devices having wide ranging cycle (Fluorescent light, FL40S : D National) and were
applications in biochemical analyses, microsensors, growing in an exponential phase for 20-22 days. Pure
computing and telecommunications, optical devices, cultures of diatoms were preserved and maintained on
microrobotics, micro batteries etc. (Gordon and DM liquid medium and transferred to fresh medium at a
Parkinson, 2005). regular interval of 1 month (Gurung et al., 2012; 2013).
Silica sand deposits have been reported by the Preparation of diatom frustule for microscopic study
Geological Survey of India (GSI) in the Jiajuri and The diatom cells were cleaned by acid to remove
Chapanala region of Nagaon district of Assam the organic matrix present external to the cell wall (Hasle

(Borpuzari, 2012). Jiajuri hill (26 18 0 to 26 19 0 N and Fryxell, 1970). The cleaned frustule valves were
latitude and 92 52 55 to 92 54 15 E longitude) then stored in ethanol to avoid contamination and
2
covers an area of 2.9 km and the possible friable bacterial growth. The structural morphology of the
quartzite is about 7.4 million tones. The friable quartzite cleaned diatom frustules were examined by Scanning
deposits of Jiajuri occurs on plateau with undulating Electron Microscope JEOL JSM 6360. The cleaned

topography. Chapanala is bounded by latitude 26 20 frustules were partly mounted on brass stubs and coated

10 N and longitude 92 51 30 E, covering an area of
Fig.1. Map showing the sampling sites (Source: www.mapsofindia.com).

with gold for SEM analysis and digital images were Order: Naviculales
taken using the system. Family: Pinnulariaceae
Genus: Pinnularia
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Fig. 2. showed that valves are linear to linear-
SEM analysis lanceolate with obtusely rounded, subrostrate apices.
The ultra-structure and morphology of nano- Striae chambered and with abrupt transition. The
porous silica frustules of the freshwater diatoms were external proximal raphe ends dilated, bent slightly.
investigated from the silica rich sites- Chapanala and Length of the valve ranges from 30-48m and width
Jiajuri of Nagaon district of Assam. The structural ranges from 5.5-7.5m. From the SEM images, the
morphology of the acid treated cleaned frustules were diatom was identified as Pinnularia sp. having the
examined by SEM and the images along with their silicon pore sizes of ~81nm.
nanopore sizes are described. Order: Bacillariales
Class: Bacillariophyceae Family: Naviculaceae

Figure 2. SEM micrographs of Pinnulariainterrupta(A) Full view (B) detail surface of the valve showing
Genus: Navicula diatom was identified to be Achnanthidium sp. having

Fig. 3. showed a scanning electron micrograph silica nanoporous structure of frustule of ~140-160nm.
(SEM) where, it was observed that the frustules of the Order: Bacillariales
diatom was rhombic-lanceolate with cuneate apices. Family: Bacillariaceae
Length of the valve ranges from 75.5-90m and width Genus: Nitzschia
ranges from 17-20m. From the SEM images, the diatom Fig. 5. revealed that the valves are lanceolate
was identified to be Navicula sp. The silica nanopores of with sides parallel and tapering rapidly at the poles,
this diatom species showed ~63nm in size. terminating with subcapitate apices. Striae barely visible.
Order: Achnanthales Length of the valve ranges from 12-42m and width
Family: Achnanthaceae ranges from 3.5-4.5m. From the SEM images, the
Genus: Achnanthidium diatom was identified as Nitzschia sp. having the silicon
Fig. 4. showed that frustules are monoraphid, pore sizes of ~60-65 nm.
valves are linear-lanceolate with slightly capitate ends. Order: Bacillariales
Striae usually uniseriate and radiate throughout both Family: Eunotiaceae
valves. Length of the valve ranges from 6-21m and Genus: Eunotia
width ranges from 1.5-3m. From the SEM images, the
A B
Figure 3. SEM micrographs of Naviculabacillum (A) Full view (B) detail surface of the valve showing pores.

A B
Figure 4. SEM micrographs of Achnanthidiumminutissumum (A) Full view (B) detail surface of the valve showing pores.
Fig. 6. revealed that the valves are arched patterns and structures at the nano to millimetre scale. In
slightly, the dorsal margin convex and narrowing this study, we observed very exciting results in case of
towards the ends and ventral margin concave. Striae Pinnularia, Navicula and Nitzschia species where their
radiate at apices. Length of the valve ranges from nanoporous silica sizes are less than 100 nm.
21-90m and width ranges from 5.6-7.2m. From the Nanoporous silica with less 100 is considered as
SEM images, the diatom was identified to be Eunotia sp. excellent materials for wide range of applications in IT
which revealed ~150-170 nm of pore sizes. based industries. Further, as these particles are
biologically generated, so they are most stable, cost-
CONCLUSION effective and eco-friendly. The two other diatoms
Inspite of immense potentiality of diatoms in namely, Achnanthidium and Eunotia are also showing
nanoengineering and technology, no any proper scientific considerable range of nanoporous silica of ~ 150 nm
exploration and exploitation of the freshwater diatoms over their frustules. Their varied geometries and
has been carried out from North-Eastern part of India. nanopore sizes offer a wide range of attributes for
Silica rich soil has a distinctive type of ecological habitat exploitation in nanotechnology based industries. The
supporting specific types of diatoms with different type highly ordered 3D porous silica nanostructures hold a
of features. Diatom frustules display a diversity of promising vicinity for the biological fabrication of
A B
Figure 5. SEM micrographs of Nitzschiapalea (A) Full view (B) detail surface of the valve showing pores.

A B
Figure 6. SEM micrographs of Eunotiasubarcuatioides (A) Full view (B) detail surface of the valve showing pores.
nanostructured devices and materials from these silica and Nanotechnology. 5: 35-40.
rich sites. For that, more characterization is needed for Gurung L, Tanti B, Buragohain AK and Borah SP.
confirmation and authentication. 2012. Studies on the freshwater diatom diversity in
Deepar Beel, Assam, India. J Assam Sci Soc., 53(2): 1-6.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Gurung L, Buragohain AK, Borah SP and Tanti B.
The author would like to acknowledge UGC- 2013. Freshwater diatom diversity in Deepor Beel a
SAP (Special Assistance Programme) for providing Ramsar site. J. Res. Plant Sci., 2(2):182-191.
financial assistance in the form of Basic Scientific Hasle GR and Fryxell GA. 1970. Diatoms: cleaning
Research (BSR) fellowship to carryout the work. and mounting for light and electron microscopy.
Transactions of the Americans Microscopical Society. 89
(4): 469-474.
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Borgohain D and Tanti B. 2014. Seasonal variations of Submit your articles online at www.jresearchbiology.com
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Original Research
Saprobic status and Bioindicators of the river Sutlej
Authors: ABSTRACT:
Sharma C1 and
Uday Bhan Singh 2. Saprobic status and bioindicators of river Sutlej was conducted at (S1) Ropar
Headworks, (S2) downstream after the confluence with BudhaNallah, (S3) Harike
before the confluence with river Beas, (S4) Harike before the confluence with river
Institution: Beas. Water samples were collected on the monthly basis for two consecutive years
1. Department of Zoology, (November, 2009-October, 2011), on the basis of saprobic classification given by
Panjab University, Sladecek (1973), (S 1 ) could be categorized as oligosaprobic, (S 2 ) as
Chandigarh-160 014, India. polysaprobic, (S 3 ) as mesosaprobic, and (S 4 ) as meso-polysaprobic. Data on the
Palmer's Algal Index values revealed that S2 and S4 were grossly polluted, S1 was least
2. Laboratory of Algal polluted, whereas in S3, there were chances of medium degree of organic pollution.
Biology and Diversity, Bioindicator organism may have higher frequency index and they are major peak
Department of Botany, forming organisms at different stations and in different seasons. The results also
Panjab University,
indicate that the bioindicator species may also behave as peak forming organisms and
Chandigarh-160 014, India.
their abundant depends upon diverse parameters.

Uday Bhan Singh. Saprobity, Bioindicators, River Sutlej, Palmer's Algal Index, BOD

Sharma C and Uday Bhan Singh.
Saprobic status and Bioindicators of the river Sutlej.
Web Address:
http://jresearchbiology.com/ Dates:
documents/RA0413.pdf. Received: 10 Dec 2013 Accepted: 15 Jan 2014 Published: 14 Mar 2014

1201-1208 | JRB | 2014 | Vol 3 | No 7

An International
Sharma and Singh, 2014
INTRODUCTION Kinnaur district, the Sutlej enters Punjab near

Planktons are very sensitive to the change in Nangal, moves on to plains at Ropar, passes
the environment they inhabit. Any change in the through district Ludhiana. Four stations (S 1 , S2 , S3
habitat in terms of tolerance, abundance, diversity and S4 ) were set up on the river to collect water
and dominance leads to the change in the plankton samples.
communities (Verma et al., 2012; Sharma et al., 2013; S1 : River Sutlej at Ropar Headworks: This is
Jindal et al., 2013). Biological assessment has located at Ropar Headworks (lat. 3059'N; long.
emerged as a valuable alternative for aquatic 7631' 12"E; alt. 272m above m.s.l.) in Punjab.
ecosystems assessments; since planktonic species S2 : River Sutlej downstream after the
are cosmopolitan in distribution and inhabiting confluence with Budha Nallah: It is 95 km
biological communities show the integrated effects downstream S 1 , where Budha Nallah joins river
of the environment including water chemistry Sutlej at village Wallipur (lat. 3058'N; long. 75
(Singh et al., 2013a; Thakur et al., 2013; Singh and 37'49"E; alt. 228 above m.s.l.).
Sharma, 2014). Trivedy (1988) concluded the use of S3 : River Sutlej upstream before the
phytoplanktons for assessing the degree of pollution confluence with East Bein: This is located at
of different water bodies. Phytoplankton or village Lohian before the confluence of East Bein
microalgae are diverse group of chlorophyllous with river Sutlej (lat. 3107'N; long. 7506'58"E;
microorganisms with simple nutritional requirements, be alt. 209m above m.s.l.).
they eukaryotes (for instance, green algae) or S4 : River Sutlej at Harike before the
prokaryotes e.g. cyanobacteria (Singh and Ahluwalia, confluence with river Beas: It is downstream S 3
2013). Nowadays, macrophytes are also considered as after the confluence of East Bein with river Sutlej
indicators of water quality (Singh et al., 2013b,c). The and before the confluence of river Beas (lat. 31
change in en vir onmental conditi ons and 08'N; long. 7459' 13"E; alt. 211m above m.s.l.).
phytoplankton community further affects the
zooplankton communities which also respond MATERIALS AND METHODS
quickly to changes in environmental quality. The collections were made monthly for a
The use of bioindicators to evaluate trophic state period of two year i.e. November 2009 -October
of water bodies, have often been neglected in the contrast 2011.
to physical and chemical methods for analysis of water Physico-chemical analysis:
(Thadeus and Lekinson, 2010). In the present Physico-chemical parameters of the water
investigation, the pollution load of river Sutlej was were analyzed according to the standard methods
assessed on basis of bioindicators and saprobic given in Trivedy and Goel (1986) and APHA
assessment. (2005).
STUDY AREA Biological analysis:
The prosperities of Punjab are based on its (i) Collection:
river system. The river Sutlej is the easternmost and For the collection of biota 100 L of water
longest river of Punjab. It originates near the was sieved through a ring type bolting silk net (24
Mansarowar Lake in Tibet. It flows west through meshes mm 2 ), fitted with a wide mounted glass
deep Himalayan valleys entering India in the bottle. The samples collected were preserved in 4%
formaldehyde solution on the spot for the counting and reported that higher values of BOD (140-242
of plankton. For living study and identification of ppm), and lower values of DO (0.01-3.40 ppm),
the biota, separate water sample was collected in alkalinity (253-337 ppm) were due to mixture of
the similar manner. industrial effluents in the river. Kumar et al.,
(ii) Identification: (2009) assessed the pollution status of river Ganga
The books consulted for the identification of at Kanpur. They reported that due to dumping of
phyto- and zooplankton are: Smith (1950), huge quantity of sewage and industrial effluents
Edmondson (1959), Hynes (1960), Pennak (1978) directly into the river, serious degradation in water
and Kudo (1986). quality with DO reducing to zero level and other
(iii) Counting of plankton: chemical parameters including BOD and COD load
Counting of plankton was done with the help increasing sharply were resulted. Thakur et al.,
of Sedgwick-Rafter counting cell as per the (2013) used Palmer's Algal Species Pollution Index
procedure given in Wetzel and Likens (2000). for rating water quality of three lakes of Himachal
(iv) Saprobic status: Pradesh.
Saprobic condition in the different stretches The monthly fluctuations in the values of
of the river Sutlej was determined on the basis of BOD 5 and Palmer's Algal Index have been given in
BOD 5 (organic pollution load) and by the use of Table 1.
Palmer's Algal Index (Palmer, 1969). Monthly average value of BOD (mg L -1 ) was
1.49 0.74 (0.41-2.7), 31.18 06.33 (21.13-40.12),
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 3.17 0.97 (1.95-4.92) and 21.00 4.29 (15.31-
Saprobic condition in the different stretches 28.33) in 2009-10, and 1.54 0.59 (0.35-2.48),
of the river Sutlej was determined on the basis of 22.42 3.92 (16.16-30.15), 2.43 0.81 (1.2-3.65)
BOD 5 (organic pollution load) and by the use of and 19.17 3.55 (15.2-25.41) in 2010-11 at S 1 , S2 ,
Palmer's Algal Index (Palmer, 1969). To S3 and S4 respectively.
authenticate the relation between saprobes and bio On the basis of saprobic classification
indicators, we dealt them separately. given by Sladecek (1973), Ropar Headworks (S 1 )
Saprobic status in the different stretches of the could be categorized as oligosaprobic, River Sutlej
river Sutlej at village Wallipur (S 2 ) after the confluence of
Sanghu et al., (1987) studied the impact of Budha Nallah as polysaprobic, at village Lohian
various human activities on the water quality of before the confluence of East Bein with river
river Ganga at Garhmukteshwar. They reported Sutlej (S 3 ) as mesosaprobic, and after the
1
high value of BOD (9.15 mg L ), indicats pollution confluence of East Bein with river Sutlej (S 4 ) as
stress in the river. Bhatnagar and Garg (1998) meso-polysaprobic.
studied the interrelationship of plankton population The monthly average value of Palmer's
and water quality of river Ghaggar (Sirsa in Algal Index was 7 1.37 (5-9), 19 5.63 (13-30),
Haryana) and concluded that among all the factors 10 4.33 (417) and 15 2.99 (1120) in 2009-10,
DO and BOD appeared to be more important in and 5 2.18 (18), 19 4.16 (1024), 8 4.29 (3
effecting the biotic populations. Kaur and Saxena 16) and 18 5.20 (1027) in 2010-11 at S 1 , S2 , S3
(2002) made water pollution studies of river Sutlej and S4 respectively. Data on the Palmer's Algal

Index values revealed that S 2 and S4 was grossly acerosum (FI 0.54), Spirogyra sp. (FI 0.71),
polluted, S1 least polluted, whereas S 3 , there were Ulothrix sp. (FI 0.50) and Cladophora glomerata
chances of medium degree of organic pollution. (FI 0.42). Euglenophyceae were Euglena viridis
Bioindicators (FI 0.58), Phacus pleuronectus (FI 0.88) and
Bio-indicators approach, using the responses Lepocynclis ovum (FI 0.50). Cyanophyceae were
of organisms to evaluate trophic state, have often Oscillatoria princeps (FI 0.79), Anabaena sp., (FI
been neglected in favour of physical and chemical 0.50) Arthrospira jenneri (FI 0.58) and Spirulina
analysis of water (Thadeus and Lekinson, 2010; gomontii (FI 0.71).
Thakur et al., 2013). Keeping this in view, present At S3 , diatoms were Navicula cryptocephala
study was conducted on bioindicators of river (FI 0.38), Cymbella sp. (FI 0.0.54), Navicula
Sutlej. On the basis of presence, absence, cryptocephala (FI 0.42), Gomphonema gracile (FI
abundance and frequency of appearance and 0.42) and Syndera ulna (FI 0.38). Chlorococcales
disappearance, the following organisms could be were Scenedesmus quadricauda (FI 0.42),
designated as bioindictors of saprobic status. s. dimorphous (FI 0.63) and Pediastrum tetras (FI
Frequency index of peak forming Phytoplankton 0.63). Volvocales were Chlamydomonas (FI 0.38),
at different stations of river Sutlej Chlorogonium sp., (FI 0.63) and Eudorina sp. (FI
At S1 , diatoms were mainly constituted by 0.75). Zygnematales were Closterium acerosum (FI
forms like Cymbella affinis (FI 0.50) and 0.92), Cladophora glomerata (FI 0.42), Spirogyra
Fragilaria sp. (FI 0.75), Pinnularia sp. (FI 0.75), sp. (FI 0.58) and Zygnema sp. (FI 0.50).
Navicula sp. (FI 0.92) and Amphora pediculus (FI Euglenophyceae were Euglena acus (FI 0.63),
0.54). Chlorococcales was represented by Lepocinclis sp. (FI 0.50), Phacus pleuronectus (FI
Pediastrum simplex (FI 0.92), Scenedesmus 0.83) and Trachelomonas sp. (FI 0.38). Blue-greens
abundans (FI 1). Volvocales were Chlamydomonas were Oscillatoria princeps (FI 0.88), Microsystis
sp. (FI 0.75) and Gonium pectorale (FI 0.79). sp. (FI 0.46) and Spirulina gomontii (FI 0.63).
Zygnematales were Cosmarium sp. (FI 0.46) and At S4 , diatoms were Cymbella ventricosa (FI
Hydrodictyon sp. (FI 0.46). Euglenophyceae were 0.58), Syndera ulna (FI 0.50), Navicula cuspidata
Trachelomonas lacustris (FI 0.33), Euglena tuba (FI 0.58) and Melosira varians (FI 0.54), Diatoma
(FI 0.83) and Phacus longicauda (FI 0.50). vulgare (FI 0.50) and Navicula cryptocephala
Cyanophyceae were Oscillatoria subbrevis (FI (FI 0.50). Chlorococcales were Ankistrodesmus
1.00), Calothrix sp. (FI 0.42) and Microcystis sp. falcatus (FI 0.50), Chlorella vulgaris (FI 0.58),
(FI 0.75). Scenedesmus quadricauda (FI 0.58) and
At S2 , diatoms were Synedra ulna (FI 0.79), Pediastrum tetras (FI 0.71). Volvocales were
Achnanthes sp. (FI 0.67), Navicula cuspidata (FI Chlorogonium elongatum (FI 0.71), Eudorina
0.79) and Nitzschia palea (FI 0.46). Chlorococcales elegans (FI 0.46) and Pleudorina sp. (FI 0.38).
were constituted by species like Ankistrodesmus Zygnematales were Closterium acerosum (FI 0.50),
falcatus (FI 0.88), Chlorella vulgaris (FI 0.67) and Cladophora glomerata (FI 0.50), Stigeoclonium
Scenedesmus quadricauda (FI 0.79). Volvocales tenue (FI 0.38), Spirogyra sp. (FI 0.54) and
were Eudorina elegans (FI 0.75) and Pandorina Ulothrix sp. (FI 0.29). Euglenophyceae were
morum (FI 0.54). Zygnematales were Closterium Euglena acus (FI 0.67), Lepocynclis ovum
(FI 0.50), Phacus pleuronectus (FI 0.58) and
1.00
0.96
8.00
8.00
25.41
17.42
20.00
24.00
2.64
2.13
17.00
16.00
17.88
15.55
20.00
27.00
Oct.
Table: 1 Monthly fluctuations in the biochemical oxygen demand and Palmer's algal index at different stations during November 2009 to October 2011
Trachelomonas sp. (FI 0.38). Blue-green algae were
1.45 Oscillatoria princeps (FI 0.67), Phormidium sp. (FI
1.63
8.00
4.00
28.22
19.43
24.00
22.00
3.13
2.94
16.00
15.00
19.63
16.43
18.00
24.00
Sep.
0.38) and Spirulina gomontii (FI 0.42).

Frequency index of peak forming Zooplankton
2.30
1.84
8.00
1.00
38.34
21.73
10.00
10.00
3.86
2.76
15.00
9.00
22.46
19.31
14.00
14.00
Aug.
at different stations of river Sutlej

At S1 , Protozoa were Coleps sp. (FI 0.50),
2.03
2.00
7.00
7.00
36.22
24.72
16.00
21.00
4.12
3.32
10.00
7.00
25.14
22.12
16.00
19.00
Jul.
Colpoda sp. (FI 0.50) and Vorticella sp. (FI 0.67)

and Actinophrys sp. (FI 0.46). Rotifera were
2.70
2.13
7.00
7.00
40.12
26.43
30.00
24.00
4.92
3.34
11.00
7.00
28.33
25.41
13.00
19.00
Jun.
A nurae op si s s p. (FI 0. 50), B rac hi onu s

quadridentatus (FI 0.46), B. forficula (FI 0.75),
2.41
2.48
7.00
7.00
34.41
30.15
24.00
23.00
4.23
3.65
11.00
7.00
26.44
24.11
16.00
15.00
May.
Monostyla sp. (FI 0.33) and Notholca sp. (FI 0.54).

Copepods were Cyclops viridis (FI 0.83),
1.66
1.86
7.00
7.00
38.73
23.00
22.00
21.00
3.66
2.75
11.00
13.00
24.21
22.37
15.00
14.00
Apr.
Diaptomus gracilis (FI 0.58), Mesocyclops

leuckarti (FI 0.75) and nauplii (FI 1.00).
1.35
1.67
9.00
7.00
31.44
25.41
19.00
19.00
2.81
2.20
11.00
9.00
20.83
19.46
20.00
22.00
Mar.
Cladocerans were Daphnia sp. (FI 0.75), Moina

brachiata (FI 0.58) and Diaphanosoma sarsi
1.21
1.40
9.00
4.00
29.82
20.72
14.00
20.00
2.46
1.83
6.00
4.00
18.94
17.89
16.00
21.00
Feb.
(FI 0.63).
At S2, Protozoa were Colpidium sp.
0.85
1.24
5.00
4.00
25.65
18.43
13.00
15.00
2.24
1.65
4.00
4.00
16.63
16.21
11.00
10.00
Jan.
(FI 0.63), Epistylis sp. (FI 0.63) and Aspidisca sp.

(FI 0.46). Rotifera were Brachionus angularis
16.16.
0.62
0.98
5.00
4.00
21.13
16.00
17.00
1.95
1.44
5.00
3.00
15.31
15.20
11.00
11.00
(FI 0.42), B. calyciflorus (FI 0.71), Asplanchna

Dec.
brightwelli (FI 0.67), Epiphanes senta (FI 0.67) and

Rotaria rotatoria (FI 0.50). Copepoda were
0.41
0.35
9.00
8.00
24.72
19.23
22.00
23.00
2.03
1.20
6.00
6.00
16.24
16.05
14.00
18.00
Nov.
Cyclops strenus (FI 0.63), Mesocyclops leuckarti

(FI 0.63) and nauplii (FI 0.96). Cladocerans were
2009-10
2010-11
2009-10
2010-11
2009-10
2010-11
2009-10
2010-11
2009-10
2010-11
2009-10
2010-11
2009-10
2010-11
2009-10
2010-11
Year
Daphnia pulex (FI 0.79) and Chydorus sp.

(FI 0.79).
At S3 , Protozoa were Colpoda sp. (FI 0.54),
Biochemical oxygen demand (mg L1)
Stylonychia sp. (FI 0.67), Vorticella convallaria

(FI 0.75) and Colpidium sp. (FI 0.92). Rotifera
were Brachionus quadridentatus (FI 0.67),
Index
Palmers Algal Index
Palmers Algal Index
Palmers Algal Index
Palmers Algal Index
B. calyciflorus (FI 0.71) and Asplanchna

brightwelli (FI 0.58). Copepoda were Cyclops
leuckarti (FI 0.67), Mesocyclops leuckarti (FI 0.58)
and nauplii (FI 0.92). Cladocerans were Daphnia
sp. (FI 0.67) and Moina brachiata (FI 0.50).
Station
At S4 , Protozoa were Stylonychia sp. (FI

S1
S2
S3
S4
0.58), Epistylis sp. (FI 0.67) and Colpidium sp. (FI

0.71). Rotifera were Brachionus angularis (FI CONCLUSION

0.54), B. calyciflorus (FI 0.50), Asplanchna Based on our results, it has been concluded that
brightwelli (FI 0.71), Filinia longiseta (FI 0.50) there is a visionable correlation between saprobity and
and Rotaria rotatoria (FI 0.38). Copepoda were bioindicators, which is further strengthened by frequency
Cyclops brevcornis (FI 0.75), Cyclops strenuus (FI index. But, it is not mandatory that abundant species may
0.58) Mesocyclops leuckarti (FI 0.83) and nauplii act as indicator or any indicator organism should be the
(FI 0.83). Cladocerans were Daphnia pulex (FI peak forming species. This baseline data clearly explains
0.67) and Moina brachiata (FI 0.46). that, station (S1) could be categorized as oligosaprobic,
On the basis of presence, absence, (S2) as polysaprobic, (S3) as mesosaprobic, and (S4) as
abundance and frequency of appearance and meso-polysaprobic. But these findings are not
disappearance, the following organisms could be appropriate to make a concrete conclusion and it need
designated as bioindictors of saprobic status. more time and diverse parameters along with their
Oligosaprobic- Phytoplankton: correlations to make an authenticate results, and this is
Anomoenes sp., Amphora sp., Asterionella now open for further studies.
sp., Ceratium sp., Cymbella affinis, Closterium sp.,
Dinobryon sp., Euastrum sp., Sorastrum sp., ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Peridinium sp., Meridion sp., Oscillatoria The authors are thankful to the Chairperson,
subbrevis, Pediastrum simplex, Phacus longicauda, Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh,
Polybotrya gracilis, Scenedesmus abundance, for providing necessary research facilities. One of the
Synura sp., Tetraedron minimum and authors (Uday Bhan Singh) thankfully acknowledges the
Trachelomonas l acust rix . Zooplankt on: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New
Actinophrys sp., Anuraeopsis sp., Bosmina Delhi, for providing financial assistance in the form of
longirostris, Coleps sp., Cyclops bicuspidatus, Junior Research Fellowship and Senior Research
Diaptomus gracilis, Daphnia sp., Difflugia sp., Fellowship.
Keratella procurva, K. tropica, Notholca sp. and
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Original Research
An assessment of bioactive compounds and antioxidants in some tropical

legumes, seeds, fruits and spices
Authors: ABSTRACT:
Dilworth LL*, Brown KJ, Objective:

Wright RJ, Oliver MS and The main objective of this research was to assess bioactive compounds,
Asemota HN. antioxidant potential and mineral concentration of commonly consumed foods as well
as underutilized ones for improved health and food security.
Methods:
Twelve food samples were assessed for minerals, flavonoids, IP6, total
polyphenols and antioxidant activity. IP6 was determined by anion exchange
chromatography while flavonoids, polyophenols, minerals and antioxidant activity
were determined by standard methods.
Results:
The highest concentrations of IP6 were recorded in legumes and corn while
appreciable levels were also found in golden apple and sorrel samples. The highest
concentrations of flavonoids and total polyphenols were found in non-
leguminaceaous samples. Pimento and ginger samples recorded highest antioxidant
Institution:
Department of Basic activity (p<0.05) with values comparable to the standard ascorbic acid while pumpkin
Medical Sciences, seeds and onion samples recorded lowest antioxidant activities. Mineral
University of the West concentrations varied with the samples of pimento, golden apple and sorrel having
Indies, Mona campus. highest calcium concentrations. Sorrel, ginger and pimento recorded highest iron
concentrations, while zinc levels were as highest in both hulled and unhulled pumpkin
seed samples. Okra samples recorded the highest copper concentrations.
Conclusion:
Food samples analysed are rich in minerals, bioactive compounds and
antioxidants hence their increased exploitation for nutraceutical and nutritional
benefits are advocated. Data from this study argues well for increased production and
consumption of rarely consumed pumpkin and jackfruit seeds in light of their
nutritional profile and antioxidant activity. Most samples assessed are valuable in
supplementing nutrient-poor diets.

Dilworth LL. Antioxidants, bioactive compounds, spices, legumes, seeds

Dilworth LL, Brown KJ, Wright RJ, Oliver MS and Asemota HN.
An assessment of bioactive compounds and antioxidants in some tropical legumes,
seeds, fruits and spices.
Web Address:
http://jresearchbiology.com/ Dates:
documents/RA0420.pdf. Received: 31 Jan 2014 Accepted: 17 Feb 2014 Published: 28 Feb 2014

1182-1194 | JRB | 2014 | Vol 3 | No 7

An International
Dilworth et al., 2014
INTRODUCTION jackfruit seeds, pigeon peas, broad beans, kidney beans

In light of concerns regarding food security and as well as golden apple (Hanson et al., 2014; Swami
quality, there is great interest in ascertaining the et al., 2012; Kalogeropoulos et al., 2013; Islam et al.,
nutritional benefits of foods commonly consumed 2013). Some of these foods are commonly consumed and
throughout the tropics. Functional food researchers are reported to have a myriad of health benefits while
generally agree that in addition to macronutrients, it is others are not commonly consumed but are easily
also important to assess minerals as well as levels of available and also have health promoting properties
bioactive compounds that may contribute to the overall which should be explored. The health benefits and
quality and health benefits of foods consumed by a wide reported underutilization of some samples along with the
cross section of people in different geographical potential economic benefits of their incorporation into
locations. To that effect, assessing the antioxidant mainstream consumption prompted research interest in
activities of food samples is also important as it indicates the food samples selected.
their ability to counteract the effects of free radicals. Free Since antioxidants are shown to significantly
radicals are independently existing atoms or molecules delay or prevent the oxidation of easily oxidizable
that have one or more unpaired electrons (Williams substances, there is now an increased interest in the role
et al., 2006). They are generated daily in living systems of natural antioxidants from different food sources.
arising from the metabolic processes that form a part of Inositol hexakisphosphate or IP6 (also known as phytic
normal aerobic metabolism (Saha et al., 2008). The acid or phytate when in salt form), is also thought to play
increased incidences of many diseases including cell a role in antioxidant activity of cells. IP6 is the principal
tumours, type II diabetes mellitus and coronary heart storage form of phosphorus in many plant tissues,
diseases are attributed to the effects of highly active free especially bran and seeds, where it exhibits antioxidant
radicals (Marinova et al., 2005; Olajire et al., 2011). properties via chelation of hydroxyl radicals (Graf and
Throughout the Caribbean, there are many food Eaton, 1990; Johnson et al., 2000). IP6 concentrations in
crops which are believed to possess therapeutic most of the food samples previously mentioned are not
properties. These beliefs are largely based on tradition known and therefore warrant investigation.
and have resulted in increased interest in the area of Minerals are an important contributor to the
ethnopharmacology. It is now theorized that traditional nutritional value of foods as they play significant roles in
medicine has immense value and the therapeutic many essential metabolic processes. They are important
properties of foods may be due in part to the presence of in cognitive development, function as enzyme cofactors,
bioactive compounds (Sreeramulu et al., 2013). The and play important roles in structural and epithelial
development of an industry from this knowledge is integrity among numerous other functions. Reduced
considered an important contributor to economic growth levels and bioavailability of minerals is thought to be a
in the tropics (Dilworth et al., 2013). Some of the foods major health challenge in developing countries. There is
of interest are spices and condiments including pimento, however, a paucity of information regarding overall
ginger, onions, okra and sorrel that are reported to antioxidant properties and health benefits of many
possess important health benefits (Rubio et al., 2013; commonly eaten foods. In light of the current boom in
Kaefer and Milner, 2008; Tsai et al., 2014; Prez- the nutraceutical industry, it is important to assess their
Gregorio et al., 2014). Other foods of interest include antioxidant properties since this will positively
legumes and seeds including corn, pumpkin seeds, contribute to their marketability. This will also enhance
the commercial viability of the region since specific METHODS

foods and their value added products can be marketed for Determination of Minerals
economic development. The minerals calcium, copper, zinc and iron were
This study was geared at assessing the nutritional determined by standard methods (AOAC, 2005). A
value of foods delivered to the market for consumption specified amount of ground sample was completely
by the local population, since the average consumer ashed followed by acid digestion and dilution with
purchases food from the market and not directly from the deionized water. Samples were read using a Unicam 939
farm. Checks were done to ensure that all samples were atomic absorption spectrophotometer equipped with
delivered to the market directly from the farm within background correction and cathode lamps. Accuracy of
three days or less since older samples may have reduced the analytical method was confirmed through a series of
bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity owing to certified analyses on reference materials. Appropriate
improper storage. This research was aimed at spikes were added to specific samples for recovery
ascertaining antioxidant properties, bioactive compounds determinations.
and mineral concentration of commonly consumed foods Total phenol
while assessing some other uncommon foods for Total phenol levels were determined by a
incorporation into mainstream consumption or for use as modification of the Folin-Ciocalteu assay method as
nutraceuticals. described by Sun et al., (2006) and Prasad et al., (2010).
Following methanol extraction, 0.5 mL of Folin reagent
METHODOLOGY was added to samples and then Na2CO3 was also added.
MATERIALS: Samples were vortexed and incubated, diluted with
Chemicals and Reagents were purchased from deionized water, centrifuged and absorbance read at
Sigma-Aldrich Co. (MO, USA). 725 nm. A standard curve for gallic acid was done based
Samples on a similar procedure as outlined above. Extrapolations
A wide variety of commonly eaten foods for total polyphenol concentration were then carried out
including tuber crops, fruits, vegetables, condiments and from the curve and values given as mean SD mg gallic
spices were selected for analyses. They were as follows: acid equivalents/mL.
Kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), Butter bean DPPH radical scavenging activity:
(Phaseolus lunatus), Pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan), Okra DPPH radical scavenging activity was
(Hibiscus esculentus), golden apple (Spondias dulcis), determined by slight modifications of methods outlined
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), Sorrel (Hibiscus by Matkowski et al., (2008), Veeru et al., (2009) and
sabdariffa), Onion (Allium cepa), Ginger (Zingiber Hasan et al., (2006). Plant extracts were double extracted
officinale), Pimento (Pimenta dioica) and Corn (Zea with methanol for 24 hours then rotor evaporated to
mays). Samples were collected from the main market in dryness and the DPPH assay was carried out to
the city of Kingston, Jamaica, then taken to the determine the concentration of each extract required to
laboratory, washed and oven dried to a constant weight. cause 50% inhibition. Samples were read at 517 nm
Samples were then crushed in a General electric motor against a pure methanol blank in duplicates and
and industrial system laboratory mill with the mesh size the percentage inhibition was determined according to
of 0.2 mm and stored frozen for further use. the equation below. IC50 values were determined
from the graph of the percentage inhibition

against extract concentration. IP6

abs of control abs of sample Assessment of IP6 was done by a method
% inhibition = x 100
previously described by Siddhuraju and Becker (2001). It
abs control
involved a colorimetric method in addition to ion
Flavonoids exchange purification. Duplicate ground samples were
Total flavonoid content was assessed by the stirred with HCl at room temperature followed by
aluminum chloride colorimetric assay as previously centrifugation. Aliquots were diluted with distilled water
reported (Marinova et al., 2005). An aliquot of the and the pH was adjusted to 6. The diluted extract was
methanolic extract was centrifugated and added to quantitatively transferred to a column with anioinic
deionized water, sodium nitrateand aluminium chloride. exchange resin. Inorganic phosphate was eluted with 0.1
Sodium hydroxide was then added and the volume made M NaCl while IP6 was eluted with 1M NaCl and
up to 10 mL with deionized water. Solutions were mixed collected. The purified extract, standards and water were
thoroughly and the absorbance was read at 510 nm added to the modified Wade reagent. It was vortexed for
against a reagent blank. Total flavonoid content was 5 seconds and the absorbance was read immediately at
expressed as catechin equivalents (CE)/100 g dry mass. 500 nm.
Table 1.0: IP6, Flavoniods and total phenolics in legumes, seeds and spices
Samples IP6 (g/g) Flavonoids (CE/100 mg) Total phenolics (mg/100 g)

kidney bean 2750.20 9.02a 145.21 5.03d 16.38 1.40 a
broad bean 1466.67 15.15ab 90.61 20.21d 5.61 1.79d
Pigeon peas 2483.67 13.21a 119.91 2.09d 11.63 0.72 a
Jackfruit seeds 462.50 62.51c 105.65 34.07d 22.38 1.73ab
Pimento 1183.33 16.66bc 2685.68 15.30a 2.87 0.17d
Pumpkin seeds (h) 2558.21 18.67a 60.93 3.21d 8.23 3.41d
Pumpkin seeds (u) 2554.67 20.59a 95.64 24.55d 21.32 1.57 ab
Corn 2025.52 75.83a 50.11 2.54d 80.21 2.14c
Okra 700.21 17.21c 595.91 85.53c 27.95 2.67b
Sorrel 1520.83 23.52d 1665.64 18.81b 5.30 1.30b
Onion 941.66 16.67bc 85.86 5.34d 36.72 1.29b
Ginger 441.67 25.25c 470.86 50.34c 87.99 4.05c
Golden apple 1945.83 20.83ab 325.66 35.35c 28.25 1.70b
Values in the same column with different letter subscripts are significantly different p<0.05. Values are
expressed as mean SEM.

Statistical analyses had lower IP6 compared to leguminaceous crops, they

Data were finally expressed as means SEM. still had appreciable levels that can be exploited for
Analysis of variance was used to ascertain differences anticarcinogenic and antioxidant properties. Other spices
among different samples by using the Statistical package including ginger, onion and okra recorded low IP6
for the social sciences software version 16.0. concentrations.
Differences among means were assessed by the It is important to assess ways in which food
Duncans multiple range test where significance was samples with high IP6 concentrations can be exploited
confirmed by a cutoff p value <0.05, (Sokal and Rohlf, since this bioactive compound is shown to be effective in
1969). reducing the incidences and complications of numerous
metabolic disorders including hyperlipidaemias, diabetes
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION mellitus and some cancers (Lee et al., 2007; Lehtihet
IP6 et al., 2004; Kumar et al., 2010; Vucenik and
Since IP6 is found mostly in the aleurone layer of Shamsuddin, 2006). While increased consumption of
cereals and grains we would expect highest levels in these foods are encouraged, purified extracts can also be
grain and seed samples. This was generally observed in prepared and marketed for their reported health benefits
the samples of kidney beans (2750.20 9.02 g/g), Table 2.0: Free radical scavenging activity of
pigeon peas (2483.67 13.21 g/g), broad bean methanolic extracts of legumes seeds and spices
(1466.67 15.15 g/g), pumpkin seeds (2558.21 18.67 Samples % DPPH Inhibition* IC50 (mg/mL)
g/g) and corn (2025.52 75.83 g/g) with significantly Ascorbic acid 97.42 0.41a 0.018
higher IP6 concentration compared to other samples
Kidney bean 50.85 0.13b 0.781
(Table 1). Golden apple also recorded similar IP6 content
(1945.83 20.83 g/g) but this was unexpected as Broad Bean 9.21 2.60c 8.976
analyses were carried out on the fruit itself and not on the Pigeon Peas 9.17 0.86c 5.413
seed portion. This is of significance as golden apple
Jackfruit seeds 21.01 0.55d 2.052
(referred to as Jew plum in some countries), is one of the
Pimento 95.54 0.18a 0.021
most commonly consumed fruits in the Pacific and
Tropical regions. Its high IP6 levels therefore warrant Pumpkin seeds (u) 4.67 0.11c 8.844
further investigations since this research suggests that Pumpkin seeds (h) 4.63 0.42c 7.618
high IP6 concentrations may be found in the parts of
Okra 23.51 4.30d 2.385
foods other than seeds. Jackfruit seeds recorded lower
IP concentrations than other seed samples and this was Sorrel 59.52 0.87 b 0.391
6
unexpected. Bioavailability of minerals from this food Onion 8.67 0.44 c 5.779
source may therefore be higher than that of other seed
Ginger 92.16 0.52a 0.050
foods, since IP6 may act as a divalent mineral chelator
Corn 28.68 0.15d 1.410
especially in low mineral nutrient states. This need to be
further explored since food quality is adversely affected Golden apple 19.93 0.23d 1.779
by low mineral bioavailabity. Pimento and sorrel are *
The % DPPH inhibition represents the mean SD.
versatile foods as they are used as condiments, spices +
IC50 values were calculated based on duplicate analysis
and for preparing various drinks. While these samples of each plant sample.

as nutraceuticals. This assessment of IP6 in a wide DPPH inhibition. Pimento and ginger samples (with
variety of beans, seeds condiments and fruits provides us values of 95.54 0.18 % and 92.16 0.52 % inhibition)
with new knowledge from which further studies can be recorded significantly increased antioxidant activity
carried out. This work indicates immense potential for compared to other samples with IC50 values comparable
increased crop production along with preparation and to the ascorbic acid standard (table 2). This observation
promotion of beneficial nutraceutical products. is corroborated by other studies (Padmakumari et al.,
It was observed thatfor some samples, IP6 2011; Ghasemzadeh et al., 2011). These two food
concentration deviated widely from other reported samples along with others are used widely in various
values. Differences may however be due to variations in traditional preparations as treatment for various ailments
the assessment methods used since some methods may including cancers and inflammatory diseases (Tsai et al.,
measure all phosphate containing compounds within the 2005; Marzouk et al., 2007). Data on flavonoid content
sample resulting in the overestimation of IP6 of similar foods from the literature is sparse, however
concentrations. foods with high flavonoid content are reported to have
Bioactive compounds and Antioxidant activity antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and
The DPPH assay is used as an indication of the contribute positively to cardiovascular health (Verena
free radical scavenging activity of various samples and et al., 2006). The ability of ginger and pimento to reduce
as such may identify potentially beneficial antioxidant inflammation, among other health benefits may therefore
components. It measures the ability of the extracts to be due in part to the high levels of flavonoids (which
+
donate an H ion to DPPH effectively for reducing it. contribute to total polyphenolic compounds) and other
Screening foods for bioactive compounds may lead to phytochemicals that contribute to their overall
the discovery of highly active compounds with antioxidant status and reported therapeutic benefits.
significant health benefits. Secondary metabolites Samples of corn and ginger had significantly
including flavonoids, IP6 and total phenolics contribute higher phenolic content than other samples assessed with
to overall antioxidant activity which was assessed by values of 80.21 2.14 mg/100 g and 87.99 4.05
Fig 1. Calcium concentration in legumes, seeds and spices.

Columns with different assigned letter superscripts are significantly
different, (P<0.05). Six sample replicates were used to assess significant
difference among groups.

mg/100 g respectively, while appreciable levels of water extraction. The resulting solution which has a deep
polyphenols were also recorded for samples of onion red colour is reported to be high in nutrients and
(36.72 1.29 mg/100 g), okra (27.95 2.67 mg/100 g) antioxidants and has hypolipidaemic properties (Ochani
and golden apple (28.25 1.70 mg/100 g) (Table 1). We and D'Mello, 2009; Bako et al., 2009). Other research
therefore theorize that other compounds in addition to also suggest a role for sorrel in modulating blood
polyphenols may be contributing to antioxidant activity pressure in hypertensive patients, with flavonoids and
of some samples since some samples with high other phytochemicals thought to be the beneficial
polyphenol concentrations did not show high antioxidant compounds in this regard (McKay et al., 2010). Our
activities. High values for DPPH inhibition were also results show appreciable antioxidant activity and IP6 in
obtained for kidney bean and sorrel samples suggesting sorrel samples with only pimento samples having higher
that extracts from these foods are high in antioxidants. flavonoid concentrations. Further studies should be
This research suggests that these food samples in conducted and geared at identifying the specific
addition to ginger and pimento, may be useful in compound or compounds responsible for the reported
lowering the incidences of some inflammatory diseases health benefits in this food sample. This data argues well
since foods that display high antioxidant are shown to be for continued consumption and study of pimento, ginger
beneficial in this regard (Wang et al., 2010; Ramadan and sorrel with the aim of correlating therapeutic benefits
et al., 2011). based on traditional knowledge with scientific data.
In light of these results, other plant preparations Minerals
with similar therapeutic benefits should be assessed for Pimento samples displayed significantly higher
overall antioxidant activity with the aim of producing calcium concentrations than other samples assessed with
nutraceutically beneficial and commercially viable 8055.31 347.60 mg/Kg as shown in Figure 1. Data
proprietary preparations. Sorrel for example, matures from the literature on mineral content of this spice is
during the winter months and the calyces of the flower sparse, however this research indicates that with such
are traditionally used to prepare a drink following hot high calcium concentrations, pimento seeds are an
Fig 2. Iron concentration in legumes, seeds and spices. Columns with

different assigned letter superscripts are significantly different, (P<0.05). Six
sample replicates were used to assess significant difference among groups.

explorable source of dietary calcium. This may prove calcium sources, increased intake of these high calcium
important especially in aging populations in which foods identified by this study is recommended. Overall,
calcium availability and assimilation is a problem. this research shows that in addition to having high
Golden apple samples have displayed high calcium antioxidant activity, sorrel and pimento samples are also
levels with a value of 2236.48 140.91 mg/Kg, however good sources of calcium. Increased utilization of these
the literature reports higher calcium concentrations for foods to supplement the diet will therefore contribute
sorrel compared to our data (Glew et al., 2010). Little significantly to satisfy the recommended daily allowance
data is available from the literature on mineral content of of 100 mg for calcium.
golden apple samples however the level of minerals Samples of sorrel, ginger and pimento had
present in this fruit makes it a prime candidate for further significantly higher iron content than all other samples
studies. All other samples recorded calcium values of analysed with pimento samples recording the highest
less than 1000 mg/Kg. Calcium, copper and iron content concentrations (Figure 2). Appreciable levels of iron
of jackfruit seeds are lower than recorded elsewhere, were also found in the samples of kidney bean, broad
however higher levels of zinc were found in samples bean and hulled pumpkin seeds. The values recorded for
from this study compared to another recent study (Ocloo iron content of pimento were notably higher than
et al., 2010). recorded elsewhere, indicating that levels of these
Calcium is important for skeletal development minerals vary with geographical location and cultivation
and integrity while also playing key roles in muscle methods (Aberoumand, 2011).
function and transmission of neuronal impulses. Iron is an essential micronutrient with adequate
Adequate intake is therefore recommended throughout levels needed for preventing anaemia. It also has
life. Reduced calcium intake is of special concern in important functions in cellular redox reactions. As a
vulnerable populations including the young, the elderly result foods with high levels of this mineral are therefore
and in populations with below average food intake. In highly desirable. High iron content of some samples
addition to supplementing the diet with traditional analysed make them prime candidates for micronutrient
Fig 3. Copper concentration in legumes, seeds and spices. Columns with


supplementation especially in mineral deficient diets. In 2003). Our research shows that pumpkin seeds are an
this regard sorrel was shown to be an important excellent source of this micronutrient (43.23 0.62 mg/
micronutrient source as its addition to cakes as Kg) with significantly higher concentration than other
supplements improved calcium and iron content samples assessed (Figure 4). This bears some
significantly (Almana, 2001). significance as in many countries, pumpkin seeds are not
In addition to high iron concentrations in sorrel normally consumed but are instead discarded. This work
(of 64.29 1.06 mg/Kg), ginger (62.84 1.19 mg/Kg), therefore adds to the growing body of advocating
and pimento samples (75.25 11.68 mg/Kg), we arguments for increased promotion and processing of
theorize that iron from these samples may also be readily pumpkin seeds, thereby making them suitable for wide
available for metabolism owing to relatively low levels scale consumption. The high zinc content of pumpkin
of mineral chelating agents in these samples compared to seeds may also be a reason for its reported positive
legumes and seeds. Further studies assessing in vitro effects on prostate health, since adequate zinc is required
bioavailability of iron are however needed since not all for normal prostate functioning and reduced incidences
forms of iron present in foods are available for of prostate cancerspecific mortality (Epstein et al.,
absorption and utilization by the body. This was 2011). Pigeon peas, jackfruit seeds, okra and sorrel
highlighted in previous studies where low iron samples also had high levels of zinc and may also be
bioavailability was observed in some tuber samples with useful in this regard. Jackfruit seeds are also not
high overall iron content (Dilworth et al., 2007). normally consumed but can be made edible after
Zinc has many important functions including cooking. Seeds from both pumpkin and jackfruit samples
maintenance of epithelial structures, neuronal which are not normally consumed should therefore be
development and immune cell functioning (Haase and promoted for their high zinc content. These are dynamic
Rink, 2009). It is therefore important that adequate food samples which can be prepared as snacks,
amounts are ingested since zinc deficiency is thought to appetizers or as ingredients in baked products.
be a widespread but under reported problem (Prasad,
Fig 4. Zinc concentration in legumes, seeds and spices. Columns with


The highest copper concentrations were observed CONCLUSIONS

in okra samples with values of 9.09 1.57 mg/Kg This research shows that some food samples
(Figure 3). There were no significant variations in copper derived from tropical and temperate plants are high in
levels in approximately 50% of samples analyzed essential minerals and bioactive compounds. Some
however, the levels found in corn, onion and ginger samples displayed high antioxidant activities which may
samples were significantly lower than all other samples be a contributory factor to their reported therapeutic
analysed. Copper is important for electron transport and benefits as seen by their extensive use in traditional and
oxygen transportation and serve as a catalyst to homeopathic medicine. This work indicates that these
numerous enzymes, therefore, intake of a small amount foods should be promoted for their health benefits while
is indicated (RDA of 1.5-3 mg). Most of the food further research should be geared at developing
samples analysed are therefore good sources of dietary nutraceutical products from them. This work also
copper. provides evidence for increased production, preparation
Although zinc and copper are important from a and consumption of some underutilized highly nutritious
nutritional and biochemical standpoint, national food food samples including jackfruit and pumpkin seeds in
surveys have revealed marginal to moderately low order to supplement general or otherwise nutrient poor
contents of both nutrients in the typical American diet diets. Since preserved samples were used in this study,
(Ma and Betts, 2000). From a health perspective, this is further comparative work should be carried out with
significant since there is a direct correlation between the farm fresh samples.
dietary Zn/Cu ratio and incidence of cardiovascular
diseases (Cabrera et al., 2003). Supplementing the diet ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
with foods having sufficient zinc and copper should The authors are grateful to the Postgraduate
therefore contribute significantly to the nutritional Research and Publications committee at UWI Mona for
efficacy of the typical diet and may lead to reduced providing financial support for this research. Authors are
incidences of cardiovascular diseases. also indebted to Sannette Hall for her editorial input.
This research which provides information on
mineral contents and other nutritional properties of food DECLARATION :
samples consumed frequently and infrequently, argues The authors declare no conflict of interest.
well for their increased consumption. The results of this
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Journal of Research in Biology Print: 2231 6280;

ISSN No: Online: 2231- 6299.

Puntius viridis (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae),

Mathews Plamoottil and

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1093-1104| JRB | 2013 | Vol 3 | No 7

INTRODUCTION practices. In the table values of holotype as percentages

Type materials examined RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1093-1104 1095

margin of ventral fin convex; two scales present on either Coloration:

Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1093-1104 1097

Puntius viridis sp. ov.

1098 Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1093-1104

34 DAV 3.7 2.6 - 4.1 3.2 0.61 _ 4.8 - 6.6

Width of gape of mouth

Preserved specimens: deposits. The depth and width of the channel at

Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1093-1104 1099

Fin Ray Counts

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Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1093-1104 1101

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A new species of Agathoxylon Hartig from the Sriperumbudur

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INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS

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Cordaioxylon Lignier, Cordaioxylon Lignier, coromandelianum Sahni (1931), M. thirumangalense

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Varma YNR. 1984. Gymnospermous palynomorphs

Varma YNR and Ramanujam CGK. 1984. Palynology

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1110 Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1105-1110

Population density of Indian giant squirrel Ratufa indica centralis (Ryley,

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1086-1092| JRB | 2013 | Vol 3 | No 7

INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS

Figure 1: Location of Satpura Tiger Reserve in India.

Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1086-1092 1088

Perpendicular distance in meters

1089 Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(7): 1086-1092

Study site Density of IGS /Sqkm Authors

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Molur S, Srinivasulu C, Srinivasulu B, Walker S,

Pradhan AK, Shrotriya S and Rout SD. 2012.

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Ramachandran KK. 1988. Ecology and Behaviour of

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Characterization of silica nanoporous structures of

Dharitri Borgohain and

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1195-1200 | JRB | 2014 | Vol 3 | No 7