Comparative Assessment 0f Water Quality in the Bagmati River Basin, Nepal

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal is one of the most populated destinations of the country. The water pollution remains a challenging issue for the sustainable development in the valley despite several pollution control devices, awareness-raising and policy measures. During monsoon period 2018, surface water samples were collected from 10 sites of the Bagmati River and its tributaries within the valley to evaluate the water quality. The different physico-chemical parameters were determined to assess pollution along a 26.5 km stretch between Sundarijal Dam to Balkhu Bridge of the Bagmati River and its selected tributaries. The Electrical Conductivity (EC) ranged from 33-816μS/cm while turbidity ranged from 0.3- 981 NTU and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) ranged from 16 to 612 mg/l. The ionic concentrations were higher in the lower sections where the population density is high compared to the head waters. The high value of TDS and low value of Dissolved Oxygen (DO) in the lower belts of rivers were due to large inputs of waste water, uncoordinated rapid urban expansion, inadequate waste water treatment facilities and organic loads caused by anthropogenic activities. A comparative study for the water quality variables in the urban areas showed that the main river and its tributaries were equally polluted. From water analysis, downstream sites showed contamination and comparatively polluted among the tributaries and Bagmati River. There is a need to take action plan against polluted site for sustainability of aquatic health of the riverine environment and to address the river for its longer life both by public and government sectors.

Ethno-Medicine Practiced by Magar People in Tahoon Palpa, Nepal

The present research work seeks to explore ethno-medicinal plants and animals used by the Magar people in Tahoon Palpa for primary healthcare. A total of 48 medicinal plant species belonging to 34 families and 48 genera, and 10 animal species belonging to 10 families and eight orders, have been recorded from the study area. The most dominant families of plants belonged to Eurphorbiaceae, Gramineae, Leguminosae and Liliaceae (3 species in each). The main medicinal plant species were Adhatoda vasica (Nees), Cannabis sativa (Linnaeus), Artimisia vulgaris (Linnaeus), Terminalia chebula (Retz), Terminalia bellirica (Roxb), Phyllanthus emblica (Linnaeus), Ocimum sanctum (Linnaeus), Bauhinia variegate (Linnaeus), Mentha spicata (Linnaeus), Zanthoxylum armatum (DC.), Acorus calmus (Linnaeus), Euphorbia hirta (Linnaeus), Azadirachta indica (A. Juss), etc. while animal species were Achaearanea tepidariorum (C.L. Koch), Potamon fluviatile (Herbst), Passer domesticus (Linnaeus), Canis aureus (Linnaeus), Apis cerena (Fabricius), Limax flavus (Linnaeus) etc. In the study area the local people mostly use plant species to treat cuts, wounds, stomach problem, cough, fever, dysentery etc., while animal products were used for typhoid, bone fracture, intestinal problems, piles, rheumatism, cough etc. This paper recommends to the implementation of conservation activities such as awareness to the locals, appropriate management and initiating scientific research to ensure a minimum viable population of the medicinal flora and fauna.

Survey on the Avian Diversity along the Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking Route in Western Nepal

A bird survey was carried out on one of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations, Annapurna Base Camp in the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA). ACA trekking route was selected as our transect line. Direct observation method and call count method were used during the survey following the transect line. A total of 166 species were recorded representing nine orders and 39 families. The main objective of the present work was to study the avian diversity. Eight nationally threatened and three globally threatened bird species were recorded during the survey. White-rumped vulture Gyps bengalensis (Gmelin) and Red-headed vulture Sarcogyps calvus (Scopoli) (critically endangered species) were also recorded. The abundancy of Rufous sibia Malacias capistratus (Vigors) was higher, while Nepal house martin Delichon nipalense (Moore) had the highest number. Hunting, excessive harvesting of bamboo shoots, orchids, overgrazing and improper management of solid waste were directly observed threats.

Studies on the Acute Toxicity of Aldrin on Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) and Channa orientalis (Bloch and Schneider)

This paper deals with the toxicity of Aldrin to two freshwater fishes, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) and Channa orientalis (Bloch and Schneider) to determine the acute toxicity. The LC50 values were obtained by using a static bioassay method for a period of 24, 48, 72 and 96-hour intervals. The LC50 values of Aldrin to H. fossilis were found to be 45, 35, 30 and 25.5 ppm and to C. orientalis to be 55, 35, 30 and 27 ppm for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, respectively. A profuse mucus secretion was evident at higher concentrations as compared to lower ones. In different test solutions, the fishes got excited showing frequent swimming, with increased opercular movements and frequent visit to water surface for gulping atmospheric air. The colour of the fish faded on gradually. Later, the fish became sluggish, settled down at the bottom and died.

Diversity, Distribution and Conservation of Fishes in Lakes of Pokhara Valley, Nepal

Present study deals with fish diversity along with management aspects of lakes in Pokhara Valley. It was conducted during September 2009 to February 2010. Monthly fish sampling was done using gill net with the help of experienced fishermen. Altogether 34 species of fishes were recorded in the present study. The population status of important fish species viz., Tor Tor (Hamilton- Buchanan) was found to be endangered, that of Tor putitora (Hamilton-Buchanan), Neolissocheilus hexagonolepis (Mc Clelland), Chagunius chagunio (Hamilton-Buchanan), and Brachydanio rerio (Hamilton-Buchanan) were found to be vulnerable (VU); five species were uncommon (UN) and 24 species were common (C) including common exotic(C*). The lakes were found to be influenced by human activities such as direct disposal of domestic sewage, unscientific agricultural practices, construction of dams without fish ladder or passes, deforestation causing soil erosion etc., which were creating threat to the lentic ecosystem.

Use of Medicinal Plants in Eastern Part of Pokhara, Nepal

From the beginning of civilization, man's relationship with the surrounding plant resources has always been very intimate. This study provides information to the general people to protect such medicinal plants. Kumal ethnic community mainly lives in Thulo-Kumal Gaun and scattered in different parts of Pokhara valley such as Dhungepatan, Bhandardik and Patneri. Altogether 20 medicinal plant species were identified.

Cinnamon Bittern, Ixobrychus cinnamomeus (Gmelin) from Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal

No abstract available.

Diversity, Distribution and Occurrence of Fishes in Begnas Lake, Pokhara, Nepal

Present paper deals with the diversity of fishes in Begnas Lake, Pokhara. Fishes were identified and their occurrence, average size range, weight and market price were determined. Altogether 17 species of fishes belonging to five orders, seven families and 17 genera were recorded, of which 11 species were indigenous, while six species were exotic. Family cyprinidae was dominant in terms of both species composition and occurrence. Knowledge of fish diversity has been expected as a useful tool for both quality and quantity harvesting of fish as well as for future studies.

Temporal Changes of Water Quality Parameters in Rupa Lake and their Impact on Productivity

Knowledge on nutrient dynamics of the lake provide basis for modality and extent of exploitation of fishery resources. Therefore, a long-term data of physico-chemical parameters was analyzed for the assessment of changing aquatic environment and its impact on aquatic biodiversity. The physical and chemical properties of water have been changed over 14 years (1994 to 2007). Increase in mean annual concentrations of dissolved oxygen in recent years (2002 to 2007) were recorded in the lake, which indicate improvement in water quality due to lake restoration. Annual mean pH levels were not consistent to produce specific trends. The pH of the water increased from 1994 to 2002, and then decreased continuously in later period. Water transparency increased with the decreased chlorophyll 'a' concentration during 1999 to 2002 due to degraded condition. The higher concentrations (0.010- 0.017 mgl-1) of soluble reactive phosphorous (SRP- PO4) were recorded during 1994 to 2000, later SRP concentration (0.003-0.012 mgl-1) tend to reduce. Effect of fluctuation in the physico-chemical properties on the lake productivity in terms of fish yield was assessed.

Beekeeping: Practices, Opportunities and Challenges in Deupur, Parbat, Nepal

Beekeeping practice and challenges faced by beekeepers were studied in Deupur, Modi Rural Municipality, Parbat District, Gandaki Province, Nepal. A total of 10 farmers, who had beehives were selected for questionnaire survey during the study period. Of these, five households practiced modern way of beekeeping, two households practiced both modern and traditional way, and three household practiced traditional way of beekeeping. Eighty percent (80%) of respondents supported good forest coverage was the potential opportunities for bee keepers but 20% did not believe; 60% of respondents believed that the existence of a variety of vegetation determined the quality of honey but 40% did not and 20% of respondents were in a reasonable state for availability of resources like hives and storage vessels but 80% did not. The main challenges faced by the beekeepers were expensive modern hives, lack of modern equipments, market instability and pests of bees, such as, ants, moth, mite, wasp, marten and wall lizard. Market stabilization seems to play a provocative role to encourage the people in bee keeping, so, government should pay attention towards it.