Kerala Research Articles

Integrated Fenton-like and ozonation based advanced oxidation processes for treatment of real-time textile effluent containing azo reactive dyes

The treatment of real-time textile effluent, collected from the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) of Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) at Kannur (District), Kerala (State), India, have been studied by utilizing the Fenton-like and ozone (O3) based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). The Fenton-like AOP has been conducted as the pre-treatment of textile effluent involving the activation of persulfate (PS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a single and the mixed oxidants by using the Flyash (FA)-Pd composite particles as the activator. The maximum chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of 84% has been observed for a stand-alone O3 based treatment at an O3 flow rate of 5–6 g h−1. By conducting the pre-treatment of textile effluent with the PS, H2O2, and mixed oxidants (PS and H2O2) based Fenton-like AOPs, the COD removal after an O3 based post-treatment has been observed to be 83, 87, and 93% respectively at an O3 flow rate of 2, 3, and 5 g h−1. Hence, the Fenton-like pre-treatment involving the activation of mixed oxidants has been determined to be the best method for the highest COD removal of real-time textile effluent. The optimum values of initial oxidant-ratio (initial [H2O2]:initial [PS]), initial oxidant-dosage, and ozonation time, for the mixed oxidants based Fenton-like pre-treatment, have been determined to be 3 wt% mM−1, 6:2 wt% mM−1, and 60 min respectively. Under the most optimum conditions, the COD removal has been attributed to the combination of O2•- (for the pre-treatment) and •OOH (for the post-treatment) which possess relatively lower oxidation potential values.

Fimbristylis jaleeliana, a new species of Cyperaceae from Kerala, India

Fimbristylis jaleeliana, a new sedge species belonging to section Fimbristylis from Kerala State of India is described and illustrated with photographs. Description of new species with distribution, ecology and comparison with its allied taxa are provided.

A Study to Assess the Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Adults of Age 18–30 Years in Vengara Panchayath of Malappuram District, Kerala

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic hit India in 2020. The first case of infection was reported in the State of Kerala on January 27, 2020, and the continuous surge of cases, variants of concern, lockdown restrictions, social distancing, and economic impacts were increasingly testing the psychological resilience of the masses. When the global focus has been chiefly on testing, preventing transmission, and vaccination, people are going through a myriad of psychological problems in adjusting to their current lifestyles and fear of the disease. Materials and Methods: An online survey was conducted using principles of convenience sampling and by invitation through text messages to participants. The survey collected data on socio-demographic details and specific incidents that triggered participants’ mental health and measured psychological impact with the help of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) scale. Results: There were 275 responses from the Vengara Panchayath of Malappuram district, Kerala. The respondents’ ages ranged from 18 to 30. Overall, 93.54% of respondents had an extended psychological impact (IES-R score>24). Using the Chi-square test, there is no significant association between the demographic variables and the psychological impacts of COVID-19. Financial hardship during COVID-19 triggered respondents’ mental health (Male-62.67%, Female-58.4%). Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic in India, almost one-third of respondents had a significant psychological impact. This shows a need for a more longitudinal and systematic assessment of the psychological needs of the population, which can help the government formulate holistic interventions for affected individuals.

Assessment of heavy metal contamination of sediments in popular tourist beaches of the Kerala State, southern India: Implications on textural and mineralogical affinities and mitigation

Beaches form one of the most contaminated sedimentary environments by a myriad variety of anthropogenic activities, including tourism and recreational activities. The concentrations of metals and their pollution levels were studied for four tropical tourist beaches in Kerala state, Southern India. Bulk geochemical and mineralogical analyses of 16 sediment samples were performed to determine the environmental status and the environmental risk level using various geochemical indices. Based on the enrichment of TiO2 and SiO2 concentrations, the samples were grouped into ilmenite-rich samples (IRS) and quartz-rich samples (QRS) respectively and the geochemical signatures are significantly different. Mineralogically, the IRS group is dominated by ilmenite, quartz, sillimanite, zircon and rutile while the QRS group consists of quartz, spinel and calcite and garnets are common in both groups of sediments. Despite the variation in the trends of pollution indices, it has been found that Kovalam beach sediments are enriched with W, Th and U where, IRS with enrichment of W, U and Th while QRS only enriched with W and Th and not U. The mineralogical affinity of W with secondary tungsten-bearing minerals has been documented by the XRD analysis and these metals are mainly controlled by the geogenic sourced minerals. However, in terms of ecological risk, Pb, As and Cu have a considerable to moderate risk in both groups of sediments. Overall, both group of sediments shows a moderate risk. Based on the biological effect assessment the elements of concern are Pb and Zn in IRS and possible effect by the Cr, Cu and As in IRS and only by Cu in QRS. Though the prevalence of geogenic and anthropogenic processes and influences of metal enrichments are documented by the study, their relative influences, mobility and bioavailability need to be systematically studied.

Overview of the ant genus Vollenhovia (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in India and Sri Lanka, with an illustrated key and the description of a new species

The ant genus Vollenhovia Mayr, 1865 (Myrmicinae, Crematogastrini) mostly occurs in the Australasian and Oriental regions. We revised its diversity in India and Sri Lanka based on qualitative and quantitative morphology, recognizing eleven taxa, including a new species which is described herewith: V. escherichi Forel, 1911, V. gastropunctata Bharti & Kumar, 2013, V. karimalaensis Dhadwal et al., 2023, V. keralensis Kripakaran & Sadasivan, 2022, V. mawrapensis Dhadwal et al., 2023, V. oblonga laevithorax Emery, 1889, V. penetrans (Smith, 1857), V. pfeifferi Bharti et al., 2023, V. taylori Rilta et al., 2023, V. terayamai Rilta et al., 2023, and V. yasmeenae sp. nov. The subspecies status of V. oblonga laevithorax and its relationship with V. penetrans, whose type series does not contain workers, still requires to be assessed in the context of a broader revision including the whole Oriental region. The known distribution of the genus in the Indian subcontinent appears to be fragmentary, still requiring extensive sampling efforts. Four species are from the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot in the southern Indian state of Kerala, one is endemic to the biogeographically related Sri Lanka, three are known from Eastern India near the border with Bangladesh, two are reported from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and one is restricted to the Himachal Pradesh in northern India. A comprehensive key of the known Vollenhovia species from India and Sri Lanka is provided.

Assessment of Nutrient Status in the Cassava Growing Tracts of Southern Laterites (Agro Ecological Unit 8), Kerala, India

As part of the study, a survey was conducted to identify the soil fertility constraints of cassava growing tracts of AEU 8, Thiruvananthapuram, which is one of the major cassava growing regions of the State of Kerala in peninsular India. The method of sampling of the survey was random sampling wherein a random sample of size one was taken from each of 50 ha cassava area. Panchayat wise soil samples were collected (77 samples) by geo referenced soil sampling method from major cassava growing areas of the unit. The samples are analyzed for the soil fertility parameters following standard analytical procedures. Results indicated that the soil was very strongly acidic to strongly acidic, normal electrical conductivity, medium organic carbon, medium nitrogen and potassium, high phosphorus, sufficient calcium, sulphur, zinc and copper, deficient magnesium and boron.

Consequence of Pandemic Covid-19 Education Sector in India

The first case of the COVID-19 pandemic reported on 30 January 2020 in the state of Kerala and the affected had a travel history from Wuhan, China. The first death due to COVID-19 was reported in India on March 12, 2020. It has affected more than 4.5 million peoples worldwide (WHO). COVID-19 and its Impact on Education System in India.

Resource nexus perspectives in the Blue Economy of India: The case of sand mining in Kerala

Since the 2000 s the demand for sand has proliferated at the coastal-land interface to fill up the increasing demand straining Blue Economy (BE) activities and provision of water-energy-food resources. Recent studies have revealed that increased sand mining in both coastal and freshwater zones has continued to impact livelihood-ecological systems threatening the provision of livelihood goods and services. These impacts are exacerbated by a lack of comprehensive frameworks to regulate sand mining and trade; creating the need to develop micro and macro-frameworks and guidelines for sustainable sand mining. This paper uses a non-systematic literature review approach to build on this gap to develop an understanding of the resource nexus perspectives and trade-offs due to sand mining. The paper proposes a novel framework based on the Ecosystem Service Assessment advanced from the review of the literature to guide risk assessments toward more sustainable sand mining. In order to add evidence, the paper analyses in-depth the state of Kerala - one of India’s coastal states that has experienced unprecedented rates of sand mining since the 1990 s especially along the Chavara coast albeit with less research on the intersectionality of mining on the resource nexus. Both the framework and our case study highlight how sand mining stresses local ecosystems and livelihoods thus increasing vulnerability to both human and environmental impacts. The paper brings to the fore seven (7) key steps that local institutions can use to guide sustainable sand mining and build integrated governance systems that promote interaction among natural capitals in a given area and livelihood considerations. The article further documents that the use of coherent guidelines and the framework can help in amalgamating the various actors in a given system that can guide local participation in local resource management and the development of cooperative agreements for the sustainable utilization of resources among coastal communities. This could further help understand the resource nexus from the perspective of the synergies and trade-offs in the BE.

Breast screening practices of 35–65 years old women – A cross-sectional survey in Alappuzha, Kerala, India

BACKGROUND: Enhancing cancer literacy, promoting early detection, and avoiding treatment delays are essential for reducing breast cancer mortality and ensuring a good quality of life among women in less developed countries. The present paper describes the breast screening practices of women in the Alappuzha district of Kerala state, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multi-stage cluster sampling method was used to select study participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, entered using Kobo Toolbox, and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics-25 for Windows. The proportions of women who practiced breast examinations were estimated with 95% confidence intervals. The Chi-square test was used to test the associations, and binary logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios. RESULTS: Among 320 women, 55% were less than 50 years old, 45% had higher secondary education or above, and six were already diagnosed with breast cancer (1.9%, 95% CI: 0.4%–3.4%). Of the 314 women, 73.2% were practicing breast self-examination (95% CI: 68.4%–78.1%), and 25.2% ever attended clinical breast examination (95% CI: 20.4%–30.0%). Working/retired/self-employed women with higher secondary education and above had almost 10 times higher odds (OR = 10, 95% CI: 3.35–29.86) of practicing breast self-examination (BSE) compared to homemakers or women working under rural employment schemes with a low level of education. CONCLUSION: A higher percentage of women practicing BSE and clinical breast examination (CBE) in the present study indicates that women in this population are more concerned about breast cancer. Women should be educated more on the symptoms and risk factors, the proper ways of practicing BSE, and the importance of consulting a health practitioner for CBE. Also, it is crucial to ensure that awareness and screening programs reach marginalized women.

New species and new record of Candolleomyces (Psathyrellaceae) from India

Three species of Candolleomyces D. Wächt. & A. Melzer (Agaricomycetes, Psathyrellaceae) were identified in the course of our studies to characterize the psathyrelloid fungi of Kerala state, India. Among these, two species, e.g., Candolleomyces brunneopileatus and Candolleomyces niveofloccosus, are new to science, while Candolleomyces asiaticus represents a new Indian record. Detailed descriptions, photographs, and comparison of these species are provided based on morphology and molecular data. A phylogenetic reconstruction based on maximum likelihood analyses of a combined nrITS and nrLSU sequence is also provided.

WebGIS Based Road Crash Information System: A Case Study

Road crashes in India is showing progressive growth since COVID time, despite many road safety measures and program the rate of crashes are not declining. Many a times the road safety measures are not implemented in proper geographical locations owing to lack of proper crash information, which include crash information of the past. Road crash information is thus a vital support for the road safety assessment programs that eyes for a reduction in the road crashes. In India, as in other developing countries, very little effort is taken to providing enough road crash information. The identification of road crash location, analysis and treatment of road accident black spots are widely regarded as one of the most effective approaches to road accident prevention. A user friendly web Geographic Information System (GIS) based Road Crash Information System (RCIS) is developed in the present study for Kerala State, India. An online platform to add, update and maintain the database of road accident black spots is offered by the system, including analysis functionalities. Database maintains a standard guideline for road crash reporting thereby reducing data redundancy. Integration of all crash data from accident locations and to filter data based on different criteria are the core objectives of this study. The study also focused on systematically sharing the accident black spot details to the public user through an online platform.

Cannabis sativa: 2023-Outbreak and Re-emergence of Nipah virus (NiV) in India: Role of Hemp oil

This review paper highlights and updates the outbreak of Nipah virus (NiV), an emerging zoonotic bat borne virus that can cause severe respiratory illness and deadly encephalitis in humans. Nipah virus (NiV) outbreak was first reported in 1998 from Malaysia and then recorded in Bangladesh, India, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. A recent fifth outbreak of Nipah virus (NiV) during August-September 2023 in Kerala State, India brought this emerging-re-emerging virus into the spotlight again. Due to the lack of vaccines and drugs with proven effectiveness against Nipah virus (NiV), treatment of patients is limited to supportive and prophylactic. Fruit bats are the main reservoir for this virus, which can cause disease in humans and animals. Nipah virus (NiV) can be transmitted from bats or livestock to humans, typically via contaminated food (fruit or raw date palm sap), and person-to-person through respiratory secretions. Hemp seed oil has gained remarkable popularity due to its perceived therapeutic properties, particularly antiviral properties for potential health benefits. During the recent outbreak of Nipah virus (NiV), the local traditional healers in India used hemp oil as the mouth wash for controlling throat infections, head ache, vomiting and suggested for the consumption of hemp seeds and oil as the functional food. However, clinical trials and scientific data supporting antiviral activity of Cannabis oil (CBD oil) against Nipah virus (NiV) is lacking. Therefore, further research should focus on exploring the molecular mechanisms of hemp oil against Nipah virus (NiV) is warranted. Multicenter clinical trials should be performed to validate the efficacy of hemp oil alone or in the form of formulations for the treatment of viral infections.

Role of Public Libraries in Bridging the Digital Divide

The study investigated the role of public libraries in bridging the digital divide in the Kerala State Central library (KSCL), Thiruvananthapuram. The study employed a descriptive survey method using a structured questionnaire distributed among library users. The study discussed the use of ICT and internet services in the library, the purpose of using the internet, digital services, e-governance services, e-resources provided by the library and factors that cause the digital divide. The findings revealed that the majority of the users are not aware of ICT (47.0%) and internet services (39.4%) provided by the library. The users preferred photocopy (43.2%) and OPAC (31.8%) services. The library users are accessing the internet for education, reading news, and employment purposes, and mostly use computers (52.2%) to access e-journals and e-books provided by the library. M-governance (12.8%) and E-district (12.0%), were the most frequently used e-governance information services provided by the library. The users opined the primary factors that causes digital divide are lack of ICT skills and illiteracy. Non-Parametric test showed that significant difference between the purpose of internet usage and the place of living, as well as the factors driving the digital divide. Public library services are essential for common people to overcome the digital gap and the library can bring new technologies to reduce the digital gap of public users and can assist them in getting education, employment, and government services. The respondents suggested that the library should conduct user awareness program about emerging technologies and orientation for users to familiarize the services provided by the library.

Comparative Study of Water Quality from Two Major Dam Reservoirs of Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala

Neyyar Dam and Aruvikkara Dam are two major dam reservoirs located at Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala State. Physicochemical parameters of water from these two dam reservoirs were studied and compared during pre-monsoon and monsoon period from April 2018 to July2018.Water samples were collected from different sampling stations of the reservoirs and analyzed as per standard methods of APHA (2012). Water from Neyyar dam shows maximum value of all physicochemical parameters compared to water from Aruvikkara dam in the present study period. Water temperature, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Suspended Solids, pH, free CO2, Biological Oxygen Demand and Total hardness were maximumin pre monsoon season and Turbidity, Productivity and Dissolved Oxygen were maximum in monsoon season at both sites. Present study reveal that water from Neyyar dam is more polluted than water from Aruvikkara.

A new species of Hygrocybe (Hygrophoraceae, Agaricales) from Kerala State, India

Hygrocybe snigdha sp. nov. is described from Kerala State, India, based on both morphology and molecular phylogeny. This species is characterized by small basidiocarps with a deep red, strongly viscid pileus with an orange-white margin, dimorphic basidiospores and basidia, lamella-edges with abundant pseudocystidia, and an ixocutis-type pileipellis and stipitipellis. The phylogenetic analyses based on independent data matrices of the internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and nuclear large subunit (nrLSU) of the ribosomal gene confirmed the novelty and the taxonomic position of H. snigdha within the section Velosae of the subgenus Hygrocybe. A comprehensive description of this new species is provided, along with comparisons with phenetically and phylogenetically related species, photographs of the basidiocarps, line drawings of the microscopic structures, and phylograms showing the infrageneric placement of the new species.

Implementation of 'One Health' approach in Kerala state, India - A systematic review.

With humans, animals and the environment being as interconnected as they are, the science describing their interactions needs to cut across disciplinary boundaries. Systems research at the interface between the three goes by several names, such as 'Eco-Health' and 'Planetary Health', each with a varied focus, but the concept of 'One Health' (OH) has stood out as the most popular one. COVID-19 has reiterated the importance of OH in response to health challenges. This review aimed to assess the OH approach integration and implementation level in Kerala state, India, in the context of emerging zoonotic diseases. A systematic literature review was conducted by searching for relevant articles with specific keywords across six electronic databases. This involved screening the initial hits for titles and abstracts, then systematic sorting to identify the ones that met the criteria, followed by more thorough scrutiny to finally shortlist the six studies to be included in the review. We found that OH in Kerala has made good progress, as evident from a few recent examples, but has a long way to go with significant challenges. In line with the study's aim, identifying and analysing what is already done, what is missing and what needs to be done can have wider implications for future OH implementation. Relevant threats and opportunities were identified, with lessons for Kerala and India and broader applications.

Association Between a State-Level Fat Tax and Fast Food Purchases

India faces an increasing obesity problem, including in the Indian state of Kerala in which the fat tax was implemented but was nullified 11 months later. A fat tax, defined as a tax on unhealthy foods, may be associated with changes in food purchases and outcomes for multiple diet-related diseases. To investigate the association between the state-level fat tax and fast food purchases in Kerala, India. This cohort study analyzed a large-scale credit and debit card transaction data set and aggregated this sample at the account-year-month level of fast food purchases in Kerala state and 9 major cities in other Indian states (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Gurgaon, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Surat). Purchase records were obtained for January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017. The association between the fat tax and fast food purchases was examined using the difference-in-differences method. This analysis was initiated on December 1, 2022. The exposure was the fat tax. Kerala was the exposed group, and 9 major Indian cities were the control group. The main outcome was the fast food purchase ratio, defined as the proportion of fast food purchases of the total food purchases. Changes in the fast food purchase ratio were estimated in Kerala across the sample period and then compared with 9 major cities. The sample for analysis included 238 015 credit and debit card accounts, of which 36.7% were in Kerala and 63.3% were in 9 major cities. The cardholders included 191 603 males (80.5%) with a mean (SD) age of 36.6 (12.8) years. During the fat tax implementation (August 2016-June 2017), Kerala's fast food purchase ratio decreased by 3.9 percentage points (β [SE], -0.039 [0.002]; 95% CI, -0.042 to -0.036), compared with 9 major cities. After the fat tax was nullified, the fast food purchase ratio reduced by 5.6 percentage points (γ [SE], -0.056 [0.002]; 95% CI, -0.059 to -0.052) compared with 9 major cities and using the pretax period as the benchmark. Results of this cohort study suggest that the Kerala fat tax was associated with fewer fast food purchases. Food tax policies need to have an elaborate design, and related issues, such as social inequality, nutritional deficiency, and political concerns, need to be evaluated in future studies.

Wood Fibre Properties and Genetic Divergence in Haldina cordifolia (Roxb.) Ridsdale

Haldina cordifolia is a multipurpose tree species. It is one of the best Indian timbers suitable for flooring, panelling and for railway carriages. It is also suitable for pulp and paper, construction, window frames, furniture, bobbins, piano keys and rulers. Wood is also used for pencil manufacturing. Though many phyto-chemicals and pharmacological compounds have been identified from this tree species, the species has not been domesticated so far. ICFRE-Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore has initiated a tree improvement programme in this tree species since 2018 and plus trees numbering 141 have been selected from the state of Kerala. Eucalyptus spp., Casuarina spp., and Poplars are the major sources of wood pulp used by the paper industries in India. Efforts are being undertaken by various research institutions in India to find alternate indigenous tree species suitable for pulp. Therefore, a study was undertaken to understand the wood fibre properties of select Plus Trees of H. cordifolia. Wood samples collected from 30 select plus trees have been subjected to wood fibre analyses and genetic divergence studies. Wood specific gravity varied from 0.62 to 0.71. Various wood fibre ratios were also studied. Among the 30 Plus Trees studied, HC 01, HC 03, HC 04, HC 05, HC 18, HC 26 and HC 27 have registered ideal values for using them for paper making. The maximum value for broad sense heritability was recorded by Felting coefficient (0.75). Coefficient of fibre flexibility, Isenberg coefficient, Runkel’s ratio and Lumen diameter also registered reasonably higher values for H2. Application of Mahalanobis’ D2 statistics and Tocher’s clustering method resolved 30 Plus Trees into 6 clusters. The cluster strength varied from one in cluster 6 to 21 in cluster 1. The remaining 4 clusters contained two trees each. Genetic divergence studies have shown that Plus Trees namely, HC 22, HC 23, HC24, HC 27, HC 28, HC 29 and HC 30 could be utilized for further tree breeding programmes.

Pseudosperma indicum sp. nov. (Inocybaceae, Agaricales) from India

Pseudosperma indicum sp. nov. is described from Kerala State, India, based on morphology and DNA-based multigene phylogenetic analyses. A comprehensive description of this new species, including both macro- and microscopic characteristics, photographs of both the basidiocarps and the microscopic structures, line drawings of macro- and microscopic structures, and a phylogram, is provided, and its relationship with previously described species of Pseudosperma is also discussed.

A Study on Plant Diversity of Iringole Kavu, Ernakulam, Kerala State

A Study on Plant Diversity of Iringole Kavu, Ernakulam, Kerala State