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Subject: Zoology × Author: Ankita × Start date: 2011 × Type: Thesis × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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    Amphibian diversity and abundance in relation to pesticide residues in village ponds and Kanjli Wetland
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2022) Ankita; Rajwinder Singh
    The present study investigates amphibian diversity and abundance in relation to pesticide residues in village ponds (Chotian Kalan, Darapur and Kukhrana) of district Moga and Kanjli Wetland and was carried out from June 2021 to May 2022. The results revealed the occurrence of three amphibian species (Duttaphrynus stomaticus, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus and Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis) belonging to order Anura and two families (Bufonidae and Dicroglossidae). Abundance of amphibians was reported to be highest in village Chotian Kalan followed by village Darapur and village Kukhrana of district Moga. Comparison of sites such as land and water showed that diversity and abundance of amphibians was higher on land as compared to water in all three village ponds and Kanjli Wetland. Duttaphrynus stomaticus was found only on land and not in water. Hoplobatrachus tigerinus was found to be heaviest as compared to other two species. A positive correlation of amphibian population was recorded between temperature and relative humidity. The recoveries of pesticide residues were below the limit of quantification (0.01 mg kg-1) in soil, water and excretory contents of amphibians of selected sites. Our findings imply that amphibian species prefer agricultural ecosystem as compared to residential areas. Hence, new ponds should not be constructed near residential areas due to negative consequences of urbanisation and anthropogenic habitat change.
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    Effect of iron oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on vermicomposting efficiency of Eisenia fetida
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Ankita; Hundal, S.S.
    The advent of nanotechnology has led to the entry of an enormous amount of nanoparticles in the terrestrial environment. Earthworms being the major soil fauna are continuously exposed to these nanoparticles. The present study is focused on the effect of iron oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on vermicomposting efficiency of Eisenia fetida. The worms were exposed to artificial soil spiked with iron oxide nanoparticles of size 30 nm, 100 nm, 30 nm+100 nm; zinc oxide nanoparticles of size 20 nm, 240 nm, 20 nm+240 nm and combination (20 nm+240 nm+30 nm+100 nm) at selected concentrations viz. 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg of soil. The most suitable concentrations (250 mg/kg for 30 nm; 750 mg/kg for 100 nm; 500 mg/kg for 30 nm+100nm; 500 mg/kg for 20 nm; 750 mg/kg for 240 nm; 750 mg/kg for 20 nm+ 240 nm and 500 mg/kg for 20 nm+240 nm+30 nm+100 nm) were selected for further study to evaluate the effect of nanoparticles on the vermicomposting efficiency in Farm Yard Manure when spiked with suitable doses. The size determination of nanoparticles was done through TEM and XRD analysis. However, lacerations (250 mg/kg; 30 nm) and change in colour (750 mg/kg; 100 nm) were observed in earthworms present in iron oxide nanoparticles. The earthworms present in zinc oxide nanoparticles had weak clitellum (500 mg/kg; 20 nm) and large prominent clitellum (750 mg/kg; 240 nm).While evaluating reproductive parameters, the lowest number of cocoons (51.00±0.035), cocoon production rate (0.08±0.001) and number of hatchling per cocoon (1.00±0.213) were recorded in combination of nanoparticles (20 nm+240 nm+30 nm+100 nm; 500 mg/kg). Vermicompost when analyzed for nutrient composition revealed significant (p<0.05) increase in the levels of total nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus (%); while a decrease in the levels of pH and total organic carbon content (%) as compared to control. Maximum number of days required to convert substrate to vermicompost were also in this (95±0.043) as compared to control (82±0.014). The inference drawn from the study is that both iron oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in combination reduce reproductive efficiency and increase vermicomposting duration of Eisenia fetida. However, the physic chemical content of the compost was better than other treatments.