Natural vs. Reforested: Mangrove Diversity in Panguil Bay | InformativeBD

Psyche Karren Ann S Osing,  Manuel Anthony P Jondonero,  Peter D Suson,  Jaime Q Guihawan, and Ruben F Amparado Jr,  from the  different institute of Philippines, wrote a Research Article about, Natural vs. Reforested: Mangrove Diversity in Panguil Bay. Entitled, Species composition and diversity in a natural and reforested mangrove forests in Panguil Bay, Mindanao, Philippines. This research paper published by the Journalof Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES. an open access scholarly research journal on Biodiversity. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract 

Mangroves are recognized as one of the richest ecosystems worldwide. Despite their importance and the efforts to preserve and protect these ecosystems, threats are still prevalent. Thus, in order to contribute in the preservation and protection of the remaining mangrove ecosystems, this study was conducted with the aim of determining the species composition and diversity of the natural mangrove forest in Barangay Matampay Bucana and the reforested mangrove forest in Barangay Mukas in Panguil Bay. This inventory is a benchmark study to determine the biodiversity of the mangrove species in both sites. It is then implied that any change in species composition and diversity may be attributed to human intervention. Transect-quadrat method was employed in gathering the data. A 100% inventory of mangrove species inside each 10x10m quadrat was done. Species composition data revealed ten true mangrove species and three mangrove associates. It was found that the natural forest hosts eight true mangrove species while the reforested forest have only five true mangrove species but it also host three mangrove associates. There are three species common to the two forests namely; Avicennia alba, Bruguiera parviflora and Rhizophora mucronata. The study also revealed that the reforested forests has slightly higher diversity index than of the natural forests. However, the two forests are classified as very low in diversity index according to categories classified by Fernando (1998). The differences in composition and diversity of each forest were attributed to the type of forests- natural and reforested, and to their geographical location.

Read more : Decoding Tomato Soft Rot: Molecular Identification of Causal Bacteria in Mansehra | InformativeBD

Introduction

Mangrove ecosystems play crucial roles in their ecological integrity and provide valuable ecosystem services. It is recognized as one of the world’s richest ecosystem. They serve as habitat for many aquatic and terrestrial organisms and provide direct economic contribution in forms of timber, firewood, fiber and other products which can be harvested (Kathiresan & Bingham, 2001). However, despite their ecological and economic importance, mangroves are becoming vulnerable to degradation and loss worldwide. They have become ideal areas for conversion to commercial and industrial activities because of their accessibility.

Globally, already half of the mangrove forests have been lost since the mid-twentieth century (Spalding, Blasco & Field, 1997). Over the last 50 years, onethird of the world’s mangroves were already lost (McLEod & Salm, 2006). According to Valiela et al. (2001), maricultural activities accounts to about 52% of the destruction of mangrove forests. Other activities such as coastal development, aquaculture, pollution and overharvesting had also led to loss of mangrove forests.

In the Philippines, continuous decline of mangrove forests is also noticeable (Gevaña & Pampolina, 2009). Brown and Fischer (1920) noted that in 1918 the mangrove forest in the country was estimated to occupy between 400,000 and 500,000 Hectares while the recent data of 247,362 hectares (Forest Management Bureau, 2007 as cited by Garcia et al., 2013) indicates that already half of the estimated mangrove cover was already lost. It is quite alarming that with the existing loss of mangrove cover, it still continues to face threats. Among their major threats is the conversion to fishponds for commercial fishing and shrimp farming (Spalding et al., 1997).

Despite the threats and drastic decrease in the mangrove areas, the country is still noted as one of the countries which support a high number of true mangrove species, having about 39 species belonging to 16 families (Sinfuego & Buot, 2008). This fact implies that the Philippines still holds high diversity of mangrove species. According to McKee et al. (2007) species diversity and abundance within mangrove forests determine how well the system can function and provide services. Thus, the more diverse forests offer higher delivery of ecosystem goods and services. Nevertheless, only about 35% of the remaining mangrove forests in the country are protected by national laws (Cudiamat & Rodriguez, 2017).

Albeit, greater conservation and localized replanting efforts, mangrove degradation is still anticipated in the Philippines (Samson & Rollon 2008). The importance of mangroves seemed to be undervalued by many. Massive conversion and overexploitation have been noted as one of the main threats to the existence of these ecosystems. However, these activities are still active today. Panguil Bay, in particular, was included in the critical list of Fisheries Sector Program due to observed environmental degradation (Philippine Journal of Development, 2004). Thus, to preserve and protect the remaining mangrove forest in the area, their assessment is greatly needed (Kauffman et al., 2011).

Hence, this study generally aimed to provide an inventory of mangrove species and species diversity of natural and reforested mangrove forests in Panguil Bay. Specifically, it sought to determine the species composition, taxonomic classification, morphological characteristics, and conservation status of the determined mangrove species and the similarities and differences of mangrove species present in the two mangrove forests. This inventory is a benchmark study to determine the biodiversity of the mangrove species in both sites. It is then implied that any change in species composition and diversity may be attributed to human intervention.

Reference

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Dethier MN, McDonald K, Strathmann RR. 2003. Colonization and Connectivity of Habitat Patches for Coastal Marine Species Distant from Source Populations. Conservation Biology 17(4), 1024-1035.

Dickson JO. 1987. Panguil Bay, Philippines – the cause of its over-exploitation and suggestions for its rehabilitation. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Quezon City Philippines. Food and Agriculture Organization p. 218-234.

Duke NC. 1992. Mangrove floristics and biogeography. In: Robertson AI and Alongi DM, (Eds.), Tropical mangrove ecosystems. Coastal and estuarine studies 41: American Geological Union, Washington, DC, USA p. 63-100.

Ellison AM, Farnsworth EJ. 1996. Anthropogenic disturbance to Caribbean mangrove ecosystems: Past impacts, present trends and future predictions.

Biotropica 28 (4A), 549-565.

Ellison J, Koedam NE, Wang Y, Primavera J, Jin Eong O, Wan-Hong Yong J, Ngoc Nam V. 2010. Excoecaria agallocha. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010. Retrieved on May 07, 2019 from IUCN website.

Fernando ES. 1998. Forest formations and flora of the Philippines: Handout in FBS 21. College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines at Los Baños (Unpublished).

Garcia K, Gevaña DT, Malabrigo P. 2013. Philippines Mangrove Ecosystem: Status, Threats, and Conservation. In: Ibrahim, F.H., Latiff, A., Hakeem, K.R. & Ozturk, M. (Eds.), Mangrove Ecosystems of Asia: Status, Threats, and Conservation. Springer, New York p. 81-94.

Gevaña DT, Pampolina NM. 2009. Plant diversity and carbon storage of a Rhizophora stand in Verde Passage, San Juan, Batangas, Philippines. Journal of Environmental and Management 12(2), 1-10.

Israel DC, Adan EY, Lopez NF, Castro JC. 2004. Perceptions of Fishermen Households on the Long-Term Impact of Coastal Resources Management in Panguil Bay. Philippine Journal of Development 31, 107-134.

Kathiresan K, Bingham BL. 2001. Biology of Mangroves and Mangrove Ecosystems. Advances in Marine Biology 40, 81-251.

Kauffman JB, Heider C, Cole TG, Dwire KA, Donato DC. 2011. Ecosystem carbon stocks of Micronesian mangrove forests. Wetlands 31, 343-352.

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Lacerda LD, Conde JE, Kjerfve B, Alvarez-Leon R, Alarcon C, Polania J. 2002. American mangroves. In: Lacerda LD (Ed.), Mangrove Ecosystems: Function and Management. Springer, Verlag, Berlin p. 12-13.

Long J, Napton D, Giri C, Graesser J. 2014. A mapping and monitoring assessment of the Philippines’ mangrove forests from 1990 to 2010. Journal of Coastal Research 30, p. 268.

McKee KL, Cahoon DR, Feller IC. 2007. Caribbean mangroves adjust to rising sea level through biotic controls on change in soil elevation. Global Ecology and Biogeography 16(5), 545-556.

McLeod E, Salm RV. 2006. Managing Mangroves for Resilience to Climate Change. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland p. 64.

Middeljans M. 2015. The species composition of the mangrove forest along the Abatan River in Lincod, Maribojoc, Bohol, Philippines and the mangrove forest structure and its regeneration status between managed and unmanaged Nipa palm (Nypa fruticans Wurmb). Unpublished.

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Rivera RR, Mino SA, Lapinig VT. 2016. Population Diversity of Mangrove Species in Panguil Bay, Philippines. Journal of Higher Education Research Disciplines 1(1), 9-14.

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Samson M, Rollon RN. 2008. Growth performance of planted mangroves in the Philippines: revisiting forest management strategies. Ambio 37(4), 234-240.

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Article source : Species composition and diversity in a natural and reforested mangrove forests in Panguil Bay, Mindanao, Philippines 

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Decoding Tomato Soft Rot: Molecular Identification of Causal Bacteria in Mansehra | InformativeBD

Naseeb Ullah, Aziz Ud-Din, Tariq Mahmood, Hamid Ali, Wajid Ali, Sajidul Ghafoor, Shakir Khan, Safa Faqir, and Raja Asad Ali Khan, from the  different institute of Pakistan, wrote a Research Article about, Decoding Tomato Soft Rot: Molecular Identification of Causal Bacteria in Mansehra. Entitled, Molecular identification of Bacteria causing soft rot disease of tomato in Mansehra, Pakistan. This research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences | IJB. an open access scholarly research journal on Biosciences. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

Vegetables are regarded as the prolonged plant parts which are used either cooked or uncooked. Different vegetables have different nutritional values providing vitamins, antioxidant, minerals, fibers for the normal functioning of the human body. Pakistan is an agriculture country and above 70% of its population depends on agriculture. Mansehra is the North-West district of the province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It is famous for tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) cultivation, However, there are certain limiting factors which lower the yield of tomato. Besides others the most important yield limiting factor is diseases caused by bacteria. These diseases pose a serious threat to the quality and quantity of tomato. We collected symptomatic samples of tomato showing symptoms of soft rot in the year 2016-2017. Bacteria were isolated and were further cultured to get pure colonies. We applied biochemical tests and molecular markers for the identification of isolated bacteria. The isolated bacteria were further subjected to PCR and we sequenced partially their 16S rRNA. It was revealed that Erwinia and pseudomonas were the causing agents. The obtained sequences of 16S rRNA were submitted to NCBI gene bank having accession numbers MH244345.1 and MH244346.1

Read more : Natural Control: Larvicidal Effects of Madre de Cacao Extract on Horn FlyLarvae | InformativeBD

Introduction

Vegetables are the prolonged part or shoots of plants that are used as a food. These are then used in different ways either cooked or uncooked (Yusuf et al., 2004). Vegetables are important for providing the vigor and immunity to the body. They provide vitamins and other essential nutrients needed for healthy life and proper functions.

Tomato is grown, consumed and are placed at 6th among 15 vegetables which are consumed worldwide. Tomato and onion are used in a variety of ways including soup, sauce and other cooking factories (Lohano and Mari, 2005). It is considered beneficial and cash crop which can be grown in open fields as well as in green houses (Ali et al., 1994). Tomato are grown throughout the Pakistan on an area of 63200 ha which produce 599700 tonnes in which the contribution of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is prominent producing 135700 tonnes by cultivating on in area of 1400 ha. In District Mansehra it is grown as a kharif crop which is from June to September (PAKISTAN, 2015-2016). Tomato is eaten either cooked or uncooked. It is rich source of Antioxidant, Vitamin A and also contains minerals and fibers that are essential for health. Number of genes are present in different variants controlling different protein of lycopene and cyanine needed as an antioxidant for human body (Stahl et al., 2001).

Soft rot which are caused by bacterial pathogen i.e. Erwinia sp. which is one of the crucial diseases of tomato crop resulting the decrease in yield and lower the value of tomato throughout the world (Agrios, 1997; Farrar et al., 2000; Van der Wolf et al., 2017; Ozturk et al., 2018). Erwinia sp. is one of the gramnegative bacteria, which is rod shaped, anaerobic, motile with flagella oriented at all side are soil born and tuber transmitted. It is the causal agent of devastation of tomato and other economic crops at both the fields and at the store houses. The Erwinia genus constitutes carotovora subsp. atroseptica, carotovorum subsp. brasiliensis, chrysanthami, Pectobacterium (Erwinia) wasabiae. In these species E. carotovora and E. atroseptica are the prominent in the destruction of tomato (Pitman et al., 2010).

Chrysanthami sp. of Erwinia can tolerate in both cold and warm climatic conditions (Hannukkala and Segerstedt, 2004).

Tomato is chief substrate for various bacterial pathogens. These pathogens are either soil born or mainly seed born. Therefore, for healthy and diseasefree tomato crop the proper check and balance is mandatory. For this purpose, the testing of seeds by ordinary technique is slightly difficult and not so accurate. However, another important technique for pathogen identification which is more accurate and reliable is the use of PCR in which the gene specific markers are used for different bacterial and other diseases. Here in this study we have collected symptomatic samples of tomato showing signs of bacterial diseases especially soft rot. we further identify the causing bacteria of soft rot through molecular approaches.

Tomatos are important for health and growth of human being and provide vitamins and immunity to the body. Tomato is grown on greater area in Mansehra, Pakistan but the production is lesser due to loss mainly due to bacteria. We identify Erwinia and Pseudomonas bacteria as a causal agent for the destruction of tomato in tomato. As these bacteria flourish well in humid and lower temperature. Due to these conditions these bacteria lower the quality and quantity of tomato production.

So, the current project was designed to confront the future challenges of tomato production in Pakistan especially in Mansehra against the virulent races of Bacteria. These bacteria cause great loss to the tomato crop. Therefore, this project will be efficient for the improvement of the tomato crop production in Mansehra, Pakistan.

Reference

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De Boer S, Ward L. 1995. PCR detection of Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica associated with potato tissue. Phytopathology 85, 854-858.

El‐Hendawy H, Osman M, Ramadan H. 2002. Pectic enzymes produced in vitro and in vivo by Erwinia spp. isolated from carrot and pepper in Egypt. Journal of Phytopathology 150, 431-438.

Farrar J, Nunez J, Davis R. 2000. Influence of soil saturation and temperature on Erwinia chrysanthemi soft rot of carrot. Plant disease 84, 665-668.

Hannukkala A, Segerstedt M. 2004. Epidemiology, diagnostics and control of blackleg and soft rot on potato Maa-ja elintarviketalous 41. 60 pp.

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International Commission of Microbiological Specification for Foods. 1998. Microorganisms in Food, Microbial Ecology of Food Commodities. New York Blackie Academic and Professional. Vol 6, 617-620.

Jabuonski R, Takatsu A, Reifschneider F. 1986. Avaliação da patogenicidade de bactérias do gênero Erwinia isoladas de batateira, tomateiro e de outras plantas hospedeiras. Fitopatologia Brasileira 11, 587.

Khan AB, Panhwar WA. 2017. Population of Thrips tabaci Lindeman, 1889 in Onion Crop from district Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Lelliott R, Dickey S. 1984. Erwinia Winslow et al. Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology (NR Krieg, and JG Holt, eds.) 1, 469-476.

Lohano HD, Mari FM. 2005. Spatial price linkages in regional onion markets of Pakistan. Journal of Agriculture and Social Sciences 1, 318-321.

Naz F, Haq IU, Asghar S, Shah AS, Rahman A. 2011. Studies on growth, yield and nutritional composition of different tomato cultivars in Battal valley of district Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Sarhad J. Agric 27, 569-571.

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Article source : Molecular identification of Bacteria causing soft rot disease of tomato in Mansehra,Pakistan

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Natural Control: Larvicidal Effects of Madre de Cacao Extract on Horn Fly Larvae | InformativeBD

Antonio Tangayan, Hershey P. Mondejar, and  Zeam Voltaire E. Amper, from the  different institute of Philippines, wrote a Research Article about, Natural Control: Larvicidal Effects of Madre de Cacao Extract on Horn Fly Larvae. Entitled, In vitro larvicidal activity of varying concentrations of madre de cacao (Gliricidiasepium Jacq.) Concentrated crude ethanolic extract againts larvae of horn fly (Haematobiairritans Linn.). This research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences | IJB. an open access scholarly research journal on Biosciences. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

A study on in vitro larvicidal activity of different levels of Madre de Cacao (Gliricidiasepium Jacq. Steud) concentrated crude ethanolic extract (CCEE) against hornfly larvae (Haematobiairritans Linn.) was conducted. The air-dried leaves of Gliricidiasepium were infused in a 1:3 ratio (w/v) using ethanol as a solvent and concentrated in a rotary evaporator (60°C). A total of 120 larvae of Haematobiairritans were exposed in various concentrations: 200, 400, 800 and 1000 ppm. Based on the result after 5 hours of exposure, CCE G. sepium extract at 200 ppm showed less effect with 30% mortality compared to 400 ppm, 800 ppm and 1000 ppm with 70%, 83% and 100% mortality, respectively. Findings also revealed that CCE of G. sepium extract at 1000 ppm, 800 ppm, and commercial larvicide were comparable in causing mortality of H. irritans larvae from the first hour up to the fifth hours of exposure. However, in the fifth hour, 400 ppm was also found to be effective. This suggests that the higher the concentration of CCE G. sepium extract and the longer the time of exposure, the higher is the percentage mortality of the larvae. Thus CCE G. sepium extract can be used as an alternative for commercial larvicide.

Read more : Tiny Drifters, BigClues: Zooplankton and Water Quality of Bitan-ag Creek | InformativeBD

Introduction 

Horn flies (HaematobiairritansLinn.) is an external parasite considered to be one of the economically important pests infesting cattle. Infestation would result in to decrease in the production (Byford et al., 1992) as these flies will feed on the body tissues including the skin, hair and blood of animals (Kaufman et al., 1995). They also serve as vectors of blood parasites (Fitzpatrick and Kaufman, 2011) and once cattle are infected, it may even lead to the death of the animal (Lovaas, 2008).

The adult hornflies spend most of their life on their host and they swarm on the back and shoulders of the cattle (Cumming and Murray, 2006) causing annoyance and blood loss that results in chronic wasting of calf and decline in cow milk production (Loftin and Corder, 2011).

To combat these flies, most cattle owners utilized synthetic insecticides. However, the improper usage of insecticides may cause the development of resistance against the target pests and can even cause serious human health concerns (Mock, 1997). Thus botanical insecticides derived from plant extracts as an alternative source for chemical control of pests are being looked into (Detablan, 2013). In the Philippines, Madre de Cacao (Gliricidiasepium) is the most ideal plant to use as this is abundant in all parts of the country. There are many compounds found in Gliricidiasepium. These compounds are reported to have potential antidiarrheic, antidysenteric, antimutagenic, antinephritic, antioxidant, antiradicular, antiviral, bactericide, cancerpreventive, hepatoprotective and viracide activities.

There is no literature regarding the larvicidal activity of Madre de Cacao (Gliridiasepium) against horn fly in particular, the effective level of Gliricidiasepium CCE extract to be administered as well as the duration of effectivity against Horn fly larvae, thus this study was conducted. The results of this study will be used as a basis and as reference for further study of the potential of Madre de Cacao as an alternative to chemical insecticides.

Reference

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Cumming JM, Murray GD. 2006. Diptera associated with livestock dung horn fly Haematobiairritans (L.). North American Dipterist Society. http://www.nadsdiptera.org//FFPLhorn.htm

De Geyter E, Geelen D, Smagghe G. 2007. First results on the insecticidal action of saponins. Communication in Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences, Ghent University 72(3), 645-648. http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-410903

Detablan AS. 2013. In vitro acaricidal activity of lemongrass (Cymbopogoncitratus) solvent extracts/fraction against larvae of Rhipicephalussanguineus Latrielle. (Unpublished  Undergraduate Thesis). College of Veterinary Medicine, Visayas State University, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines.

Fitzpatrick D, Kaufman P. 2011. Horn Fly  (Haematobiairritans L.). Entomology and Nematology Department. USA: University of of Florida. EENY-490. entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/livestock/flies/horn_fly.htm

Kaufman PE, Koehler PG, Butler PG. 1995. External Parasites on Beef Cattle.  Entomology and Nematology Department. USA.edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ig130

Loftin K, Corder R. 2011.Controlling Horn Flies on Cattle. University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture .USA. https://www.uaex.edu/publications/pdf/FSA-7031.pdf

Lovaas B. 2008. Internal and external parasite control, MN 5574. Beef/Cow/Calf management veterinarian, University of Minnesota, North central Research and Outreach Center, 1861, east Highway 169, Grand Rapids, p 1.

Mock DE. 1997. Managing Insect Problems on Beef Cattle. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Manhattan, Kansas. USA. www.ksre.k-state.edu>historicpublications>pubs

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Sinha SN. 2013. Phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activities of the leaf extracts of GliricidiaSepium. India. International Journal of Innovations in Bio-Sciences 3(3), 87-91. www.academia.edu

Waliwitya R, Kennedy CJ, Lawenberger CA. 2009. Larvicidal and oviposition altering activity of monoterpenoids, trans- anethol and rosemary oil to the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest Management Science 65, 241– 248. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.1675

Article source :  In vitro larvicidal activity of varying concentrations of madre de cacao (Gliricidiasepium Jacq.) Concentrated crude ethanolic extract againts larvae of horn fly (Haematobiairritans Linn.)  

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Tiny Drifters, Big Clues: Zooplankton and Water Quality of Bitan-ag Creek | InformativeBD

Claire Ann Malaras, Genevive Precillas, Sean Michael S. Cabañeros, RJ Krista Raye Y. Leocadio,  and Gina C. Lacang,  from the  different institute of Philippines, wrote a Research Article about, Tiny Drifters, Big Clues: Zooplankton and Water Quality of Bitan-ag Creek. Entitled, Zooplankton Assessment and the Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Bitan-ag Creek Cagayan de Oro City. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES. an open access scholarly research journal on Biodiversity. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

This research study aimed to analyze the physico-chemical characteristics of Bitan- ag creek and to assess zooplankton diversity. Specifically, it determined (1) the physico-chemical condition and nutrient load of the creek and compared to DENR Administrative Order (DAO) standard, (2) assessed how the physico-chemical parameters affect the distribution and abundance of zooplankton, (3) identify zooplankton species that are found in each sampling sites, (4) measure significant difference on the abundance and diversity of zooplankton between sites. The study made used of the descriptive-comparative design to determine quantitatively water quality parameters such as conductivity, water temperature, TDS, turbidity, salinity, water current, COD, DO, pH, nitrates and phosphorus. The results clearly revealed that some physico-chemical and nutrient load parameters exceeded the standard of class “C” water body, this includes: conductivity, TDS, turbidity, DO and phosphate content. A total of five (5) species of zooplankton belonging to three (3) families namely: Appendicularia, Daphniidae and Ameiridae were present. Family ameiridae had the highest total number of three individuals which are found in first and third sites, whereas, the appendicularia and daphniidae settled only in the third sampling sites. Further, the study also showed significant difference on the abundance and diversity of zooplankton between sites. Thus, the distribution and abundance of zooplankton in Bitan –ag creek were greatly influenced by the condition of its physico-chemical and nutrient chemistry. The research suggested that there should be rehabilitation of Bitan –ag creek to avoid further degradation of its water quality.

Read more :  Unlocking Buttermilk Microbes: Amino Acids and Fermenting Bacteria Explored |InformativeBD  

Introduction

Creeks are valuable part of the aquatic resources serving as feeder-rivers, providing flood control, storm water drainage, habitat to wildlife, creating neighborhood beauty and improving quality of life (Saliu and Ekpo, 2006). Bitan-ag Creek is one of many water tributaries in Cagayan de Oro City. According to some natives in the City, Bitan-ag was formerly known as a river that has been surrounded by grasslands. It was used as a source of drinking water for the native people and for their animals. With anthropogenic activities through time, the very clean body of water has become polluted (Canencia et al., 2011). Its conversion also goes with the developmental stage of the City. Bitan-ag Creek is now a waterway that cuts across Lim Ketkai Mall and a state university (University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines) and drain towards the shores bordering Barangays Macabalan and Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the status of Bitan-ag Creek has never been classified to its designation, hence, the national government approved to include it in “Adapt an Estero Program”. However, it was temporarily assigned as class “C” inland water. As such, it is useful for fishery water in propagation and growth of fish and other aquatic resources. It is usable also for recreational and for industrial water supply.

Bitan-ag Creek has, by and large, ceased to be really useful creek except as disposal site for whatever wastes people can think of –solid wastes and nonsolid wastes alike. The survey and ocular inspections made revealed that where there are communities that have sprouted near the creek, then, that part of the creek becomes a victim of human abuse. This is even true in the high upstream portions of the creek where people use the water from the creek for washing clothes and for other household purposes. Even there, the evidence of dumping lawn wastes glared to the observers. In fact, the people even burnt disposed solid wastes right on the bed of the creek where there is no water (Del Rosario and Palmes, 2010).

Based on the findings of previous studies (Del Rosario et al., 2010; Canencia et al., 2011), it revealed that the Bitan-ag Creek is in badly serious condition in terms of pollution. The need of assessing the current status of water quality and the zooplankton level is a necessity to know if the water quality are still conducive for organisms to survive.

The study of zooplankton, which has a key position in the trophic chain, can highlight its fundamental role, and as a consequence, the functioning of the aquatic systems can essentially better be understood. Hence, the development of its conservation requires the realization of this study. Therefore, this paper aims at determining the existing status of the distribution and abundance of zooplankton in relation to nutrient chemistry as well as to the physico-chemical characteristics of the creek and its potential to affect other organisms via the food chain.

Reference

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Brena C, Cima F, Burighel P. 2003. The exceptional “blind” gut of    Appendicularia sicula (Appendicularia, Tunicata). Zoologischer Anzeiger-A Journal of Comparative Zoology 242(2), 169-177.

Canencia OP, Lituañas CRM, Ansigbat VV, Ascaño CP, Tulang RO, Yañez SS. 2011. A Comprehensive Analysis on the Dynamics of Biodiversity and Bitan-ag Creek Watershed Interactions. Mindanao Journal of Science and Technology 9.

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Del Rosario RM, Palmes ND. 2010. Bitan-ag Creek Water. Mindanao Journal of Science and Technology 8.

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Article source : Zooplankton Assessment and the Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Bitan-ag Creek Cagayan de Oro City 

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Unlocking Buttermilk Microbes: Amino Acids and Fermenting Bacteria Explored | InformativeBD

Aneela Hameed, Nuzhat Huma, Shahid Nadeem,  Adnan Amjad, Muhammad Sameem Javed,  Ammar Ahmad Khan,  Muhammad Junaid Anwar, and Muhammad Amir, from the  different institute of Pakistan, wrote a Research Article about, Unlocking Buttermilk Microbes: Amino Acids and Fermenting Bacteria Explored. Entitled, Amino acids seclusion and characterization of amino acid fermenting bacteria in buttermilk. This research paper published by the  International Journal of Biosciences| IJB. an open access scholarly research journal on Biosciences. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

Buttermilk has various applications in kitchen recipes. In this study, buttermilk has been manipulated for the isolation of amino acid fermenting bacteria. In this study, isolation and characterization of bacterial strains were carried out that can be utilized for amino acid fermentation. In buttermilk, on the basis of amino acids production potential, five bacterial isolates B-5-1, B-5-7, B-6-3, B-7-19 and B-7-24 were selected and characterized by biochemical tests, carbohydrates utilization and gram staining, as well as growth curve study. Fermentation conditions were optimized for better amino acid production. Results clearly indicated that different bacterial isolates from buttermilk had a great potential to produce a variety of amino acids, e.g., Isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine and cysteine. Some other amino acids that appeared in the fermentation broth were not prominent such as alanine, aspartic acid and valine. An isolate B-5-1 produced up to 6.7g/l of glutamic in the medium after 72 hours of fermentation. It is concluded that the isolate B-5-1 was a Lactobacillus delbruckii which attained its peak production around 14th hours of incubation.

Read more : Boosting Buck Fertility: Moringa Leaf Extract and Frozen Semen Quality in Boer Goats |InformativeBD

Introduction 

Buttermilk, based upon its production, was divided into two types. The first type of buttermilk is the liquid produced during the processing of butter and is commonly known as traditional buttermilk (Siva et al., 2019). It is being wasted every day as a by-product of butter-making industries. Frew and Abebe (2020) explained this as traditionally sour and defatted milk. It has a smoother appearance and thinner consistency than sour milk, as well as shorter shelf life (24-48 hrs) as compared to all other traditionally made products (Berheet al., 2017). The second type is cultured buttermilk that is produced during cow milk fermentation, commonly utilized for manufacturing a variety of dairy-based commodities and its sour taste is produced due to the fermentation process (Szajnar et al., 2021).

The variety of essential amino acids (EAAs) is produced in buttermilk due to the presence of fermenting bacteria during the fermentation process and can be utilized in various products specially formulated for EAAs deficient people (D'Este et al., 2018). Amino acids are being utilized in the food, feed, medicine and cosmetics manufacturing industries (Compeer and De Best, 2018). Amino acids are being produced through various techniques. D'Este et al. (2018) explored various fermentation processes to produce the amino acids on an industrial scale by utilizing the microorganism. Their synthesis through microbial activity is found cheaper rather than by chemical synthesis. The different modern fermentation techniques and various strains of amino acids fermenting microbes (Ma et al., 2017) have created opportunities for the industries to produce the glutamate and L-lysine in large quantities (Félix et al., 2019). Amino acids have become a major industrial product of microorganisms. For example, over 800,000 tonnes/year of glutamic acid is produced and used to make the flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate, which is produced every year (biologicaldiscussion.com, 14-Nov-2021).

Bacterial production of amino acids (AAs) has not been exploited in Pakistan. Efforts have been made to produce amino acids exploiting our local resources. The bacterial isolates were obtained from a natural source and studied amino acids production through fermentation. Seclusion and characterization of AAs fermenting bacteria were be carried out from different sources, but the major prospect of the present study was to obtain bacterial isolates from buttermilk (a by-product of butter making industry) and development of fermentation conditions to produce the amino acids. This work was an attempt to investigate another good source of such bacteria that can be employed for amino acid fermentation.

Reference

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D’Este M, Alvarado-Morales M, Angelidaki I. 2018. Amino acids production focusing on fermentation technologies–A review. Biotechnology Advances 36(1), 14-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.09.001

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Article source : Amino acids seclusion and characterization of amino acid fermenting bacteria in buttermilk

 

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