โครงการ / ผลงาน / เกียรติประวัติ / บุคคลอ้างอิง

โครงการ/ผลงาน
Project
1. Ph.D. Dissertation
Institution: Department of Zoology, Kongunadu Arts and Science College (Affiliated to Bharathiar University), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Title: Studies on microplastic pollutants in Coimbatore lakes and its impact on freshwater Catla catla fish (Hamilton, 1822)
Duration: 2018-2025
Project Summary
The present doctoral research investigates the occurrence, characteristics, and biological impacts of microplastic pollution in selected freshwater lakes of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, with a particular focus on its effects on the economically important freshwater fish Catla catla (Hamilton, 1822). Rapid urbanization and anthropogenic activities have led to increased plastic contamination in freshwater ecosystems, yet systematic studies integrating environmental monitoring, biological toxicity, and mitigation approaches remain limited. This study addresses these gaps by adopting an interdisciplinary approach encompassing field ecology, analytical chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, and molecular biology.

Extensive field sampling was carried out to collect water, sediment, and fish samples from freshwater lakes. Microplastics were isolated and characterized based on their size, shape, color, and polymer composition. Advanced analytical techniques, including Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), were employed to confirm polymer types and surface morphology. These analyses provided detailed insights into the distribution and nature of microplastics present in freshwater environments.

To evaluate biological impacts, controlled laboratory exposure experiments were conducted using virgin and microbially degraded Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) plastics. Catla catla was selected as a model organism due to its ecological and aquacultural significance. The study assessed a wide range of biomarkers, including biochemical parameters, antioxidant responses, metabolic enzyme activities, hematological indices, behavioral alterations, and histopathological changes in vital organs. The results demonstrated that microplastic exposure induces oxidative stress, metabolic disturbances, tissue damage, and behavioral abnormalities, highlighting potential risks to fish health and freshwater biodiversity.

In addition, the research explored the microbial degradation of LLDPE plastics under controlled laboratory conditions. Microorganisms were isolated from plastic debris collected from lakes, cultured, and identified using molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and phylogenetic analysis. Successfully characterized microbial sequences were submitted to the NCBI database, contributing to global knowledge on plastic-degrading microbes. These findings were further integrated into toxicity studies to compare the effects of virgin versus microbially degraded plastics.

Overall, this dissertation provides comprehensive insights into microplastic pollution in freshwater systems, its toxicological implications for aquatic biota, and the potential role of microbial degradation as a mitigation strategy. The study contributes valuable baseline data and experimental evidence relevant to environmental monitoring, freshwater ecology, and plastic pollution management.
2. M.Sc. Project
Institution: Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Title: An Assessment of Feeding Behaviours and Preferences in Aquarium Fishes
Topic: Live feed preferences in Aquarium ornamental fish study
Duration: 2017-2018
Project Summary
The M.Sc. project was designed to evaluate feeding behaviour, feed preference, and nutritional suitability of live feeds in aquarium ornamental fishes under controlled laboratory conditions. With increasing interest in ornamental fish culture and aquarium management, understanding appropriate feed choices is essential for enhancing growth performance, health, and survival of cultured species.
The study involved the culturing and maintenance of ornamental fishes, Trichogaster trichopterus (Gourami), Puntius conchonius (Rosybarb), Cyrtocara moorii (Blue Dolphin cichlid), Poecilia sphenops (Blackmolly), Paracheirodon innesi (Neon tetra) towards Mosquito larva, bloodworms and earthworms. All organisms were reared under standardized laboratory conditions to ensure experimental consistency. Feeding trials were conducted to assess palatability, feeding rate, and growth performance of fishes when exposed to different live feed types.
Nutritional evaluation was carried out through proximate composition analysis of live feeds and fish tissues to determine protein, lipid, carbohydrate, moisture, and ash content. These analyses provided insights into the nutritional quality and suitability of different live feeds for ornamental fish culture. Growth performance parameters were correlated with feed type to identify optimal dietary options.
Water quality parameters, including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and other essential indicators, were regularly monitored and maintained within optimal ranges throughout the experimental period. This ensured minimal environmental stress and prevented experimental bias related to water quality fluctuations.
The findings of this project highlighted the significance of live feed selection in improving feeding efficiency, growth performance, and overall health of aquarium fishes. The study provided practical recommendations for aquarium fish culturists and hobbyists regarding effective live feed management and contributed foundational knowledge in ornamental fish nutrition and aquaculture practices.
3. B.Sc. Project
Institution: Providence Women’s College, Kozhikode, Kerala
Title: Butterfly Diversity of Vengalam Mangroves, Calicut, Kerala
Topic:
Duration: 2015-2016
Project Summary
The B.Sc. project focused on a field-based biodiversity assessment of butterfly fauna in the Vengalam mangrove ecosystem located in Kozhikode, Kerala. Mangrove ecosystems are ecologically significant transitional habitats that support diverse insect communities; however, information on Lepidopteran diversity in such habitats remains limited. This study aimed to document butterfly diversity and understand habitat associations within the mangrove landscape.
Systematic field surveys were conducted to record butterfly species richness, abundance, and monthly variation across different microhabitats within the mangrove ecosystem. Observations were carried out during appropriate seasonal and diurnal periods to ensure accurate documentation of butterfly activity patterns. Species were identified using standard field guides, photographic records, and expert consultation, leading to the development of a localized butterfly species checklist for the Vengalam mangroves.
The study also examined the relationship between floral diversity, vegetation structure, and microhabitat conditions in supporting butterfly populations. Results indicated that plant diversity and availability of nectar sources played a crucial role in determining butterfly abundance and habitat preference. Seasonal fluctuations were observed, reflecting changes in vegetation and climatic conditions.
Additionally, the project highlighted potential threats to butterfly diversity, including habitat fragmentation, anthropogenic disturbances, and urban development in surrounding areas. The findings emphasized the importance of mangrove conservation and habitat management for sustaining Lepidopteran biodiversity.
Overall, this project provided valuable baseline data on butterfly diversity in a mangrove ecosystem and contributed to ecological awareness and conservation-oriented research at the undergraduate level.

a) Award
1. Received Best Presentation Award at a National Conference on Interdisciplinary Academic Translational Research and Innovation 2023(NCIATRI-2023), M.E.S Asmabi College, Thrissur, Kerala.
Title of paper: Quantification and characterization of microplastics pollution in the fishing zone of Singanallur Lake at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
2. Best Ph.D scholar award in 2022 and 2024 in Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore.
b) GenBank Submission
1. 3 Bacteria sequence (NCBI- Accession number)
• Bacillus cereus PQ341717
• AchromobacterinsolitusPQ066664O
• Bacillus stercoris PQ341121

c) Details of indices for publications
No. of Citations (Google Scholar) h-index (Google Scholar) i10-index
82 3 2

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=pEjyfXYAAAAJ&hl=en
Orcid:0000-0002-5019-3125
Scopus Author ID: 58482073700

d) Paper presented in Conferences

SI. No.
Title of the Seminar / Conference (specify the level)
Title of the paper Date & Venue
1 National Conference on Interdisciplinary Academic translational research and innovation 2023(NCIATRI-2023) Quantification and characterization of microplastics pollution in the fishing zone of Singanallur Lake at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India 07/02/2023-08/02/2023
M.E.S Asmabi College, Thrissur
2 International conference on the Recent trends in Biodiversity conservation Seasonal microplastic identification from Kuruchi Lake, Coimbatore, India 12/04/2023
Periyar Arts College, Cuddalore
3 International Conference on “Recent trends in aquaculture” Microplastic pollution in different types of aquaculture system with special reference to source water 25/03/2022
St. Xavier’s College. Tamil Nadu
4
National seminar on Emerging pollutant in Geosphere: Impact on environment, management and challenges.

The spatial and seasonal distribution of surface water microplastic pollution in Kumaraswamy Lake, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

09/07/2021-10/07/2021
Malankara catholic college, Kanyakumari

5
International Conference on
Recent biotechnological innovation in aquaculture
Screening and identification of
microplastic in the
Urban Lake water,
Coimbatore,
Tamil Nadu

27-02-2020-28-02-2020,
BharathiarUniversity, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

6 National Seminar on Climate
Change and its Impact On
Human Health and Wildlife
Trends of Air
Temperature
Deviations in
Sathyamangalam of
Tamil Nadu, Western Ghats. 28-02-2019 -
01-02-2019,
Gov. Arts College,
Udhagamanalam, Nilgiris,
Tamil Nadu
7
107th Indian Science
Congress Association
(ISCA), International Conference

Evaluation of freshwater fishes for
Biocontrol of Dengue vector Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae

03-01-2020–
07-01-2020, University of
Agricultural Sciences,
Bangalore

8
National Conference on
Biology and Medicine
Mosquito larvae
(Anopheles spp.) preeminent alternative live feeds for selected freshwater Aquarium fishes

07/02/2019- 08/02/2019
Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Details of Publications, if any:

• Ephsy, D., Raja, S. (2023). Characterization of microplastics and its pollution load index in freshwater Kumaraswamy Lake of Coimbatore, India. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 101, 104207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.etap.2023.104207 Q1 list, 4.2 impact factor
• Ephsy K., Selvaraju Raja. Sources and impact of microplastic pollution in Indian aquatic ecosystem: A review. Current World Environment 15.1 (2020): 1-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CWE.15.Special-Issue1.01
• Raja, S., Kannan, K., Velmurugan, K., Davis, E. K. (2021). Antimicrobial activities of certain seaweeds from muddy shore places of Kerala. Kongunadu Research Journal, 8(2), 31-38. https://doi.org/10.26524/krj.2021.16
• Davis, E., Raja, S., (2019). Comparative analysis of animal based feed preferences in selected Aquarium fishes. Int. J. Fish. Aquat. Stud, 7, 42-45.

Submitted manuscript accepted by reviewers and published soon

1. Seasonal variation and distribution of microplastics in surface water and sediments of Coimbatore Lakes, India
Gondwana Research- Q1 list, 8.6 impact factor
2. Microplastic pollution in freshwater fish: a spatial analysis of polymer types and morphological
variants in Coimbatore Lakes
Waste Management- Q1 list, 7.1 impact factor
3. Linear low-density polyethylene plastic degradation by Bacillus cereus, Achromobacter insolitus,
and Bacillus stercoris isolated from Kumaraswamy Lake, India
Process Safety and Environmental Protection- Q1 list, 7.8 impact factor
4. Comparative toxicity of virgin and biodegraded LLDPE plastics on growth, behavior, antioxidant,
and hematological health of Catla catla fish
Journal of Hazardous Materials- Q1 list, 7.1 impact factor

Name addresses contact details of three referees:

• Dr. S. Raja:
 Assistant Professor,
 PG and Research Department of Zoology,
 Kongunadu Arts and Science College (Autonomous), GN Mills Post, Coimbatore – 641 029, Email ID: [email protected]
 Mob. No: + 91-94426 94822
• Dr. V. Thillai Sekar:
 Associate Professor,
 Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University,
 R.V. Nagar, Kalapet, Puducherry – 605014,
Email ID: [email protected] , Mob: 9445631003
• Dr. P. Santhanam:
 Professor,
 Department of Marine Science, School of Marine Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli – 620 024, Email ID: [email protected], Mob. No: 9894223482

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