Latest sediment Related Research Papers on

Ashtamudi Estuary

1) Sediment Characteristics along the Ashtamudi Estuarine System
Authors: W. Soumya, Tresa Radhakrishnan and S. Radhakrishnan
Abstract
Sediments sampled at monthly intervals from six different regions in the Ashtamudi estuary for aperiod of one year and analysed for temperature, pH, organic carbon and texture. The temperature ofthe sediment varied between 27oC and 34oC. The sediment pH was noticeably acidic throughout thestudy period. The organic carbon content was high in Kandachira kayal where there is hectic coconuthusk retting activity. The textural characteristics revealed that the sediments are of sandy nature.
Journal: International Journal of Biological Technology (2011) 2(3):11-16.



2) Distribution Pattern Of Organic Carbon In The Sediments Of Ashtamudi Estuary
Authors: Divya S. Rajan and R. Bindhu
Abstract
An outstanding phenomenon of the coastal belt of Kerala is its extensive system of estuaries and brackish water lakes lying roughly parallel to the Arabian Sea. Ashtamudi is one of the major estuarine systems of the south west - coast of India. The quality of water in Ashtamudi has depleted due to the thoughtless anthropogenic interferences. For the regeneration of Ashtamudi, it is imperative to have knowledge of the sedimentological characters of the estuary such as temperature, pH, texture, organic carbon content etc. So in the present study an investigation was made on the sedimentological properties of the Thekkumbhagam creek of Ashtamudi estuary. Textural data indicated a high percentage of sand fraction (8-93%) and sandy materials dominated all through the year. The organic carbon content reached up to a maximum value of 6.6%.The present study reveals the need for a scientific approach to solve the problem of water quality and to improve the estuarine ecosystem.
Journal: The Eco-Scan: Special Issue. Vol. 1: 71-74, 2011.


3) Analysis Of Effluents Discharged To Ashtamudi Lake From China Clay Industries
Authors: Suma. S., Manoj. S.V., Chithra. P.G.
Abstract
Ashtamudi Wetland is famous for its hydrological functions, its biodiversity, and its support for fish with nearly 100 species sustaining a lively fishing industry. This paper reveals the physico-chemical properties of water samples discharged to the Ashtamudi Lake from china clay industries in Kollam district of Kerala state in India. Water samples collected from the lake were also analyzed. The results indicated that most general physico-chemical properties of the lake water fell within those recommended for domestic water. However the dissolved oxygen present in water is a highly fluctuating parameter which will affect its biodiversity.
International Journal of Chemistry Research, Vol 3, Issue 1, 2012

 A research paper on Ashtamudi estuary

 

DISTRIBUTION OF BENTHOS IN ASHTAMUDI ESTUARY, KERALA

Binushma Raju, Vimal Raj, R.V., Shibu, A and Tresa Radhakrishnan

Abstract
The occurrence and relative abundance of benthic fauna in selected stations of the Ashtamudi estuary and the confluence zone of the estuary with Kallada river have been studied for sixteen months. The benthos in the study region were represented by ten groups, Algae, Oligochaeta, Polychaeta, Amphipoda, Nematoda, Ostracoda, Copepoda, Insecta, Chironomus larvae and Bivalvia. Bottom water characteristics and nature of sediments have been briefly discussed. 

Eco- Chronicle, Vol.6., No.1
March,2011, pp:07-16.

 A new research paper on Ashtamudi estuary

Dolphin-assisted cast net fishery in the Ashtamudi Estuary,

south-west coast of India

 

A. BIJU KUMAR, R. SMRITHY AND K. SATHASIVAM*

ABSTRACT

This paper documents the traditional cast net fishery prevailing in the Ashtamudi Estuary situated along the south-west coast of India, taking advantage of the behavioural patterns of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Sousa chinensis (Osbeck, 1765). The feeding-related behaviours noted were sudden rush towards the prey with shuttling or speedy zigzagging backwards and forwards and fish-stunning by tossing them into the air. The artisanal fishermen cast their nets in front of the advancing dolphins and the primary prey of dolphins in Ashtamudi Estuary was recorded as mullets. In general, the total catch recorded in the dolphin assisted cast net fishery (DAF) was significantly higher than fishery without them. The principal threat to dolphins in the Ashtamudi Estuary is the heavy traffic of trawlers and other motorised fishing vessels. The first reported Indian case of DAF is ‘parasitic’ as the benefit primarily remains with the fishermen.

                                                                                        

Indian J. Fish., 59(3) : 143-148, 2012

 26 ^th   Ramsar site in India

 

Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, consisting primarily of a huge lake and ambient marshes, is situated about 64 km to the West of Ahemadabad, in the Gujarat state of India. Mainly inhabited by migratory birds in winter and spring, it is the largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat, and one of the largest in India.

         Nalsarovar, which is home to 210 different species of birds, has been notified as a Ramsar site. About 67 km from Ahmedabad, the wetland is the first in Gujarat - and 26th in the country - to get the Ramsar Convention recognition. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, called the Ramsar Convention, is the only global environmental treaty that deals with a wetland ecosystem. The treaty was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971.

         According to the Ramsar notification, the Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is spread over 12,000 hectares and an average of 75,000 tourists visit the wetland annually. It is an important stopover site within the Central Asia Flyway for critically endangered sociable lapwing (vanellus gregarius) and the vulnerable marbled teal (marmaronetta angustirostris) during migration, while sarus crane (grus antigone) takes refuge here during summer when other water bodies are dry.

 Ramsar status cant help Ashtamudi

The main purpose of declaring an important wetland as Ramsar site is to enable its conservation through local and national-level action with international cooperation for achieving sustainable development. But sadly, in spite of the international status, there has been no serious attempt to gain national or international cooperation to protect these lake.

When Ramsar convention approved Ashtamudi estuary as a Ramsar site it had 61.4 sq. km area, after ten years it reduces to 34 sq.km. Reclamation, pollution, and sand-mining have destroyed Ashtamudi Lake. The pollution factor includes hydro-carbon discharge from over 1,000 mechanised fishing boats that operate through vast portions of the lake. The lake has also become a solid waste dumping ground of Kollam city.