Papers by Ramesh C. Sharma
Biodiversity International Journal, 2018
The study deals with the assessment of physico-chemical parameters and phytoplankton diversity of... more The study deals with the assessment of physico-chemical parameters and phytoplankton diversity of Nachiketa Tal. The lake was monitored for one annual cycle (May 2014-April 2015). A total of 71 taxa of phytoplankton belonging to 57 genera were recorded. Phytoplankton in the lake are represented by six major families, Bacillariophyceae (22), Chlorophyceae (37), Cyanophyceae (6), Xanthopyceae (2), Dinophyceae (2) and Euglenophyceae (2). The overall phytoplankton density was found to be abundant (1401±325.60 ind. l -1 ) in winter season, declined in monsoon season (457.50±17.83 ind. l -1 ) but the population of Cyanophyceae and Euglenophyceae was found to be high (174.33±37.09 ind. l -1 ) and (24.33±5.89 ind. l -1 ) respectively in summer season. Results showed that the increases in turbidity, TDS in monsoon season are the driving factors for decreasing the phytoplankton density in the lake. Pearson's correlation and CCA calculated between environmental variables and phytoplankton diversity showed that the distribution of phytoplankton in the lake is dependent on the variabilities of physico-chemical variables.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2011
In the present study, physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of the drinking water w... more In the present study, physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of the drinking water were determined in November 2014 from different locations in Junagadh region, Gujarat, India. Total 22 water samples were collected from different locations in and around Junagadh city. E.C (Electrical conductivity), TDS (total dissolved solids), Salinity, pH and DO (Dissolve oxygen) were analyzed for different water samples. The results indicated that E.C, TDS and Salinity were highest in W-12. pH, hardness and DO were observed higher in W-5, W-11 and W-6 Samples respectively. Enteric pathogen E. coli was found in samples viz W-22 and Enterobacter was present in the most of water samples. No coliforms were observed in samples number 1, 4, 15, 17, 18, 19 and 20. Total aerobic microbial count was higher in W-10. In conclusions relative to the water adequacy of springs and drills, water tanks and supply network, as well as the possible reasons for water quality problems are presented in the study. Generally, the water quality depends on its chemical and microbiological condition. The water is easily infected during its transportation from the source to the internal water supply network and finally to the consumer. The condition of the water supply networks is a factor which contributes to the water quality.
Renewable Energy, 2008
The Himalaya has a rich ancient tradition for tapping hydro-energy from the hill streams and rive... more The Himalaya has a rich ancient tradition for tapping hydro-energy from the hill streams and rivers through the device of gharats (watermills). The present contribution encompasses the study on the energy consumption pattern of hill communities living in buffer zone of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, a world heritage site located in Garhwal Himalayas, India, The current status of gharats, the factors responsible for the neglect of this renewable energy device, initiatives taken for upgrading for their revival have been highlighted. Field and policy level opportunities and constraints associated with promotion of such hydro-energy in the study area by upgrading of traditional watermills are analysed and suitable options for removing impediments are suggested.
The Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Research, 2016
Physico-chemical parameters play a major role in determining the density, diversity and occurrenc... more Physico-chemical parameters play a major role in determining the density, diversity and occurrence of phytoplankton in a headwater stream. The present study was conducted to assess the relationship between physico-chemical parameters and phytoplankton assemblages of Baldi stream of Garhwal Himalayas, India. Results showed an increased concentration in physico-chemical parameters (turbidity, total dissolved solids, nitrates and phosphates) has an adverse impact on the density of phytoplankton during monsoon season at the sampling site S 2 , where maximum disturbances were recorded. Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient calculated between physicochemical parameters and density of phytoplankton revealed that as sediment load increases in the stream, the growth of phytoplankton decreases. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) between environmental variables and dominant taxa of phytoplankton indicated the influence of physico-chemical parameters on phytoplankton distribution in freshwater ecosystem of Baldi stream of Garhwal Himalayas, India.
Journal of environmental biology / Academy of Environmental Biology, India, 2008
Aquatic biodiversity is one of the most essential characteristics of the aquatic ecosystem formai... more Aquatic biodiversity is one of the most essential characteristics of the aquatic ecosystem formaintaining its stability and a means of coping with any environmental change. The entire stretch of the Mothronwala swamp has rich riparian vegetation for providing conducive environment for the growth of aquatic organisms. The present work has been undertaken to study the bio-physico-chemical characteristics of the swamp. The data on physico-chemical environmental variables (temperature, total dissolved solutes, size and composition of substratum, pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity chlorides, and hardness) have been given under the present contribution. A total of 16 genera of aquatic insects belonging to orders Trichoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Ephemeroptera, Odonata and Phylum Mollusca represented the macroinvertebrates of Mothronwala swamp. The fresh water swamp of Mothronwala is under threat due to human interference and other anthropogenic activities. Some of the natural and anthropo...
As a consequence of recent habitat fragmentation, the free movement of Asian elephants all over I... more As a consequence of recent habitat fragmentation, the free movement of Asian elephants all over India has been disrupted to a great extent. The very existence of this largest terrestrial mammal is now under threat for various reasons, such as persecution for its ivory and blockage of migratory routes due to construction of many developmental projects. Shrinkage of elephants' habitats due to linear developments (rail lines, roads, canals, and human habitation) in and around the protected areas give rise to foraging and migratory problems, resulting ultimately in man-elephant conflicts, confrontation among herds, and accidental deaths. The present paper discusses in detail threats faced by wild Asian elephants in the sub-Himalayan region in Rajaji National Park, Uttranchal, India. Various case studies of difficulties faced by elephants because of rail lines, roads, and irrigation and hydroelectric canals in the region have also been discussed. River Ganges flows through the habitat for about 24.0 km and divides it in two parts. The man-made barriers have shrunk the width of habitat along the river Ganges from 24.0 km to roughly 4.0 km. The rail line and road on the right and the irrigation and hydroelectric canal on the left of the Ganges have restricted the access of the elephants to the legendary river Ganges, the irresistible attraction for the wild Asian elephants, which they have to visit daily for drinking, bathing, and beating the heat in summer months. Therefore, the elephants look for alternate sources of water and food, and as a result, they enter human habitation and croplands, leading to the man-elephant conflicts. Moreover, with rail tracks in the vicinity, there have been numerous elephant deaths due to speeding trains. The frequent confrontations of elephants with moving traffic on rail lines and roads have made them irritable, restless, and prone to accidents. This paper examines the disastrous effects of incompatible design and construction of crossings on the age-old migration tracks and the existing linear developments and how they could be rectified in an animal-friendly way. The paper also suggests practical solutions to reduce the threats to elephants and to their habitats, ensuring sustainability of viable elephant populations in a habitat shrunk by human activity.
Sustainable approaches to the construction and widening of roads and highways are essential to of... more Sustainable approaches to the construction and widening of roads and highways are essential to offset negative influences on aquatic habitat and fish passage in the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayan Mountains in northern India. Evidence is growing that the expanding, poorly designed network of roads and trails in mountain areas, without giving due considerations to natural processes such as geological processes and climatic severity, such as heavy monsoon precipitation, is a major cause of habitat fragmentation and degradation of both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. These effects have been quantified for aquatic primary producers (periphyton), aquatic benthic insects, and Snow Trout, a Himalayan teleost (Schizothorax richardsonii, Gray; Schizothoraichthys progastus, McClelland) that dwells in the upper Ganges River, following Indian National Highway 58 (NH-58) in the mountain region of Garhwal Himalaya, India (latitude 29 degree 61 minutes-30 degree 28 minutes N; longitude 77 degree 49 minutes-80 degree 6 minutes E). Indian Highway 58 is one of the most important highways, is 300-km long, and passes along the Alaknanda River (230 km), which is one of the parent streams of the Ganges (70 km) in the fragile mountain ecosystem of Garhwal Himalaya of northern India. Keeping in mind the heavy traffic on the highway, a RS 450 million (US $100 million) widening project was launched in 2001.
Chemosphere, 2011
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been beneficial to man and environment but their inadverten... more Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been beneficial to man and environment but their inadvertent use has caused considerable harm to human health. Despite the proliferation of different types of pesticides, organochlorines such as HCH and DDT still account for two third of the total consumption in India because of their low cost and versatility in action again various pests. Since, Assam, a state in North-eastern part of India is an endemic area with perennial transmission where mosquito borne diseases are serious health problems; these pesticides are still being used in huge quantities in vector control as well as in agriculture. A total of 331 human blood samples were collected from district Nagaon and Dibrugarh of Assam to determine the residue levels of DDT and HCH in human blood. The concentrations of selected persistent organochlorine pollutants were measured with gas chromatography-electron capture detector. The results demonstrated that the mean levels of total DDT and HCH were 743 μg L(-1) and 627 μg L(-1) for district Nagaon while 417 μg L(-1) and 348 μg L(-1) for district Dibrugarh. The difference of total HCH and total DDT between these two districts was found to be highly significant (P<0.0001). Among DDT metabolites, the same trend was observed for both the districts as p,p-DDT was the principal component contributed 41% for Nagaon and 58% for Dibrugarh. In case of HCH residues, for Nagaon, β-HCH was the predominant contaminant comprised more than 34% while for Dibrugarh, it was α-HCH that was contributing 43% of total HCH concentration.
Sound ecological practices in development of roads and highways are essential to protect the frag... more Sound ecological practices in development of roads and highways are essential to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayan mountains in northern India. Evidence is growing that the expanding, poorly designed network of roads and trails is a major cause of habitat fragmentation and degradation of both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. These effects have been quantified for two similar species of fish, collectively known as the Mahseer, which comprises Tor tor Hamilton and Tor putitora Hamilton, in the area of the construction of the Tehri Dam Project, located in the Garhwal Himalaya, India. The Tehri Dam Project will be one of Asia's highest dams (260.5 meters height), and fifth highest in the world. It is being constructed approximately 1.5 kilometers downstream of the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana, which together form the Ganges River after meeting the Alaknanda River (30 degrees, 23 minutes N; 78 degrees 29 minutes E). The dam is a multipurpose project which costs more than 8,000 crores of Indian rupees (USD: $1,780 million). It will generate 2,400 M.W. of electricity, and irrigate 2.7 million hectares (6.6 million acres) of land, plus provide municipal drinking water to a large population. New roads have been constructed along the banks and in the riparian zone of the two rivers. This has introduced large amounts of woody debris and sediments into the waterways, resulting in drastic changes in the physico-chemical and biological profile of the aquatic ecosystem. Detrimental effects on transparency, current velocity, conductivity, substrate composition, dissolved oxygen and benthic communities have been documented. Feeding, spawning and migration routes of Mahseer have been degraded or destroyed. Subsequent to road development, standing crop estimates of Mahseer declined from a maximum mean monthly biomass of 0.492 g.m-2 (February) to 0.185 g.m-2, a 62% decrease, and a minimum monthly mean biomass (July-August) of 0.185 g.m-2 to 0.014 g.m-2, a 92% decrease. Annual productivity of Mahseer declined from 0.198 g.m-2.yr-1 to 0.054 g.m-2.yr-1 (73 percent). This decline is believed to have been caused by increase in turbidity, accompanied by a decline in dissolve oxygen, decrease in general benthic productivity, and loss of cover. We have recommended the following measures to restore habitat quality and connectivity for the Mahseer: stream restoration and stream bank stabilization, gravel mining and dredging in the impacted sites, protecting of riparian vegetation, monitoring of water quality, enhancement of fish food reserves, rehabilitation of Mahseer in a hatchery / nursery, ecofriendly techniques for road development and maintenance, and the establishment of strong working partnerships among civil engineers, environmental biologists and the public.
ijstr.org
Present investigations were carried out on the limnological aspects of Dodital Lake in district U... more Present investigations were carried out on the limnological aspects of Dodital Lake in district Uttarkashi (Garhwal Himalaya). Many of the parameters were found below the permissible limits for drinking water as suggested by WHO. A total of 11 parameters were anal yzed and their seasonal variations in the year 2004-2005 were discussed.
Integrated ecosystem approach is essential to offset adverse impact of transportation network on ... more Integrated ecosystem approach is essential to offset adverse impact of transportation network on aquatic habitats in the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayan mountains. It is a cause of concern that the poorly designed network of roads and trails in mountain areas are expanding, without giving due consideration to natural processes of ecosystem function and climatic severity in the Himalayas. These effects have been quantified for a period of threeyear (January 2003-December 2005) for hyporheic biodiversity (microphytobenthos, microzoobenthos and macrozoobenthos) inhabiting upper Ganges, India (Latitude 29 0 61 / -30 0 28 / N; Longitude 77 0 49 / -80 0 6 / E). Transportation network of 495 km long passing along the upper Ganges, a project of US$ 250 million, is one of the most important networks in the mountain region of Garhwal Himalaya. Hyporheic organisms are instrumental for self purification of infiltrated water through filtration, sedimentation, deposition and biological decomposition. Hyporheic biodiversity is less known or not at all known in Africa, Latin America, Australia and East Asia. Construction of roads and their widening along the upper Ganges, through massive cutting of mountain slopes, and disposal of tons of the cut material downhill into the waterways has resulted in intensive accumulation of soil, woody debris into the aquatic ecosystem from accelerated erosion, gulling and landslides resulting in drastic changes in the physico-chemical and biological profile of the hyporheic biotope. Detrimental effects on conductivity, bottom substrate composition, dissolved oxygen and hyporheic organisms of upper Ganges have been documented. Subsequent to construction and widening activities of roads along the upper Ganges, a decline of 61% in annual mean density, 45% in alpha diversity and 21% in Shannon Wiener index (H) of hyporheic microphytobenthos was recorded during a three-year period. Hyporheic microphytobenthos of upper Ganges were represented by thirteen genera (Diatoma,
International Journal of Environment, 2016
A maiden attempt has been made to present a biodiversity of periphyton of the Sahashradhara sprin... more A maiden attempt has been made to present a biodiversity of periphyton of the Sahashradhara springs, a group of one thousand springs and one of the most important clusters of limnocrenes and rheocrenes springs located in Doon Valley of Garhwal-Himalayas. The environmental monitoring of periphyton community of Sahashradhara springs was carried out for one complete annual cycle (October 2011-September 2012). Annual percentage composition of periphyton revealed that major contribution was represented by Bacillariophyceae (68-70%) followed by Chlorophyceae (26-28%) and Myxophyceae (3-5%). A total of 29 species of periphyton were recorded from different springs of Sahashradhara. A significant correlation between diversity of periphyton and environmental parameters-temperature, turbidity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, free CO 2 , alkalinity, FPOM and CPOM was observed. Regression analysis was performed between density of periphyton and physico-chemical variables, which revealed that temperature, conductivity, alkalinity, CO 2 , TDS, CPOM and FPOM were found to have strong influence on the density and diversity of periphyton of Sahashradhara springs.
Applied Water Science
The management of natural surface water resources needs the understanding of water quality. The p... more The management of natural surface water resources needs the understanding of water quality. The present study on the physico-chemical parameters of water quality of sacred lake Nachiketa Tal of Garhwal Himalaya was undertaken. During the period from May 2015 to April 2016 at four sampling stations, seasonal variations in air temperature, water temperature, electrical conductivity, turbidity, salinity, TDS, dissolved oxygen, free CO 2 , hardness, alkalinity, nitrates, phosphates, chlorides, calcium and magnesium were recorded. The statistical correlation and cluster analysis between the various physico-chemical parameters of Nachiketa Tal were computed. The results of this study revealed that the concentration of the nutrients, turbidity, electrical conductivity, TDS increased with a decreasing trend of dissolved oxygen in all the sampling stations during the monsoon season. Thus, degradation in the water quality of the lake was resulted in the monsoon season.
Biodiversity International Journal
India has a rich tradition of nature conservation as well as a vigorous official program of natur... more India has a rich tradition of nature conservation as well as a vigorous official program of nature reserves developed over the last 40 years. Sacred groves are forest patches conserved by the local people intertwined with their socio-cultural and religious practices. These groves harbour rich biodiversity and play a significant role in the conservation of biodiversity. Indigenous cultural and rituals practices of the local people in sacred groves serve as a tool for conserving biodiversity. Sacred groves are distributed over a wide ecosystem and help in conservation of rare and endemic species. Various indigenous communities all over the world lived in harmony with nature and thus conserved biodiversity. In the course of time, science and technology developed and industries were established and expanded to meet the increasing demands of the people and to take care of various developmental activities. Over increasing population and growth of infrastructural facilities has resulted in the decline of sacred groves. Furthermore, habitat alternation, overexploitation, pollution and introduction of exotic species also threatened the global biological resources. Modernization and commercialization of agriculture in order to increase productivity are the cause of disappearing traditional knowledge among the people. There is strong need to initiate people's participation, training for promoting the indigenous traditional knowledge and conserve the biodiversity through this traditional knowledge. Well-preserved sacred groves are storehouses of valuable medicinal and other plants having high economic value, and serve as a refuge to threatened species.
Uploads
Papers by Ramesh C. Sharma