Assessment of ecological status of Uppanar and Vellar estuaries through multivariate pollution indices.

Multivariate pollution degree indices were utilized to evaluate the environmental condition of the Uppanar and Vellar estuaries. The Trophic Index (TRIX) indicates a state of "moderate eutrophication" with a value of 4.92, while the Trophic State Index (TSI) ranged from 40.3 to 57.2, categorizing the trophic states from "oligotrophic" to "eutrophic". The Comprehensive Pollution Index (CPI) showed a range of 0.13 to 0.94, classifying pollution levels from "unpolluted" to "slightly polluted". The study revealed that the Uppanar and Vellar estuaries underwent seasonal variations, transitioning from an oligotrophic state during the post-monsoon and summer periods to a eutrophic state in the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. The application of multivariate statistical tools allowed the identification of pollution indicator species to assess the estuarine systems. The insights gained from this study can be valuable for assessing other ecosystems facing similar anthropogenic activities, providing a basis for informed management and conservation strategies.

Retraction Note to: Biological and Biochemical Potential of Sea Snake Venom and Characterization of Phospholipase A2 and Anticoagulation Activity.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1007/s12291-015-0500-6.].

Assessment of trace metal contamination in the marine sediment, seawater, and bivalves of Parangipettai, southeast coast of India.

Industrial and domestic discharge into the coastal environment has driven us to propose an integrated approach to delineate stations contaminated with metals on the Parangipettai coast by collecting sediment and seawater samples monthly at 18 stations from 2015 to 2017. Descriptive statistics revealed that the concentrations of some metals in the sediment and seawater samples were beyond the permissible level. Further, factor analysis showed a sampling adequacy of 0.90 with high positive loading for Ni (0.94), Cd (0.91), Co (0.90), Pb (0.89), and Zn (0.87) in sediment samples. The degree of contamination by metals was evaluated using pollution indices. The results of the contamination index revealed that some stations in the study area were moderately polluted, and those of the ecological index showed that open sea was under low risk while other stations were in the moderate-to-high-risk category. The results obtained are essential to establish the reference condition for a comparative study in similar environments in the tropical regions.

Evaluation of the environmental quality of Parangipettai, Southeast Coast of India, by using multivariate and geospatial tool.

The anthropogenic pressure in recent years has driven us to investigate the environmental quality at 22 stations in Parangipettai by collecting seawater samples monthly from 2014 to 2015. The sampling stations were grouped into three different environments, namely, Vellar Estuary (VE), Coleroon Estuary (CE), and Open Sea (OS). Factor analysis showed a total variance of 65.63% and exhibited a strong factor loading for atmospheric temperature (0.914), water temperature (0.917), ammonia (0.767), inorganic phosphate (0.897), total phosphorus (0.783), and phytoplankton (0.829). The index value showed water quality was good in OS (74.18), whereas it was moderate in VE (69.73) and CE (68.47). The visual model developed using Geographical Information System (GIS) displayed a spatial pattern of water temperature and phytoplankton dispersion in a distinct manner. The results obtained through multivariate analysis and GIS-based model are imperative to establish reference for a comparative study with other similar ecosystem for better planning and management of tropical seawaters.

Biological and Biochemical Potential of Sea Snake Venom and Characterization of Phospholipase A2 and Anticoagulation Activity.

This study is designed to isolate and purify a novel anti-clotting protein component from the venom of Enhydrina schistosa, and explore its biochemical and biological activities. The active protein was purified from the venom of E. schistosa by ion-exchange chromatography using DEAE-cellulose. The venom protein was tested by various parameters such as, proteolytic, haemolytic, phospholipase and anti-coagulant activities. 80 % purity was obtained in the final stage of purification and the purity level of venom was revealed as a single protein band of about 44 kDa in SDS-polyacrylamide electrophoresis under reducing conditions. The results showed that the Potent hemolytic activity was observed against cow, goat, chicken and human (A, B and O positive) erythrocytes. Furthermore, the clotting assays showed that the venom of E. schistosa significantly prolonged in activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, and prothrombin time. Venomous enzymes which hydrolyzed casein and gelatin substrate were found in this venom protein. Gelatinolytic activity was optimal at pH 5-9 and (1)H NMR analysis of purified venom was the base line information for the structural determination. These results suggested that the E. schistosa venom holds good promise for the development of novel lead compounds for pharmacological applications in near future.

Isolation and characterization of biologically active venom protein from sea snake Enhydrina schistosa.

The present study is designed to investigate the isolation and characterization of biological and biochemical active venom protein from sea snake, Enhydrina schistosa. The highest purification peaks in ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose column were obtained for fraction numbers 39-49 when eluted with 0.35-0.45 M NaCl. Eighty per cent purity was obtained in the final stage of purification, and a single protein band of about 44 kDa was visualized in SDS-polyacrylamide gel under reducing condition. Purified venom protein expressed as haemolytic, cytotoxicity and proteolytic activities with lethal concentration (LC50 ) at 2.0 µg/mL. Venom protein exhibits enzymatic activity and hydrolyzed casein and gelatin. Gelatinolytic activity was optimal at pH 5-9. In conclusion, the present results suggested that the sea snake venom might be feasible sources for biologically active substances. Thus, this low molecular weight component of the venom protein could be used in potentially serve biological and pharmaceutical aspects.