Energy Dispersive X-Ray Microanalysis in conjunction with Scanning Electron Micrography to establish nematodes as bioindicators in marine fish environment

Energy Dispersive X-Ray Microanalysis (EDXMA) has been used as the non-invasive technique on Indian helminthes to explore the role of nematode parasites as bioindicators in the marine ecosystem of Central West coast of India for the first time. The investigation incorporates assertions on the possible benefit of such technology to elucidate bioremediating prospects that could be helpful to establish helminth parasites as a tool representing Bioindicators. The accumulation of Sulphur and Iron were analysed from a raphidascaridoid roundworm, Rostellascaris spinicaudatum (Malhotra and Anas) parasitizing marine catfish, Arius maculatus from the Central west coast of India at Goa. Quantitatively, the cuticle on oral armature comprised as much as ten times more Sulphur than iron content in the roundworm under study. However, only Carbon and Oxygen were detected over caudal papillae, where no metals or other elements were recorded.

Sea surface temperature and southwest monsoon over India

Importance of sea surface temperature (SST) over the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the north Indian Ocean is studied in relation with the formation and m1intenan';e of the southwest monsoon over India. SST over southeast Arabian Sea close to the west coast of India becomes maximum before the onset of monsoon over Kerala. Crossing of the equator by southern hemispheric warm water seems to be related with the early or late onset of the monsoon. Magnitude of the difference between SST and air temperature during pre-onset weeks gives valuable hints for early/late and excess/deficient monsoon. A large warm winter mass up to the depth of 100 metres shifts towards the west coast of India before the onset of the monsoon. In 1979, back and forth movement of this water mass seems to be related with the different phases of the monsoon over India.