Ruma Pal

Bio: Ruma Pal is an academic researcher from University of Calcutta. The author has contributed to research in topics: Rhizoclonium & Phytoplankton. The author has an hindex of 19, co-authored 75 publications receiving 1256 citations.

SEM study of planktonic chlorophytes from the aquatic habitat of the Indian Sundarbans and their conservation status

Abstract: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is the most modern technique for plankton research. The present paper deals with the taxonomy and morphology of some rare and endangered planktonic chlorophytes in relation to scanning electron microscopy. Water samples from the distinct water body of the Sundarbans have been concentrated and examined by scanning electron microscopy. A total of 45 species, of which 17 species of Scenedesmaceae, 10 species each of Hydrodictyaceae and Desmidiaceae, five species of Chlorococcaceae, two species of Selenastraceae and only one species of Chlorellaceae were recorded from the study site. Some species were recorded as new and rare from the study area. About 18 species including nine extremely rare, seven occasional, six frequent, four sporadic and one abundant was recorded in the present study. A detailed taxonomic description with line drawings is also included in the present communication.

A Brief Introduction to Phytoplanktons

Abstract: ‘Phytoplanktons’ are free-floating, photosynthetic, aquatic microorganisms, which move from one place to another, either actively by their locomotory organs (flagella) or passively by water currents. The name ‘phytoplankton’ came from the Greek words ‘φυτόν’ (phyton), meaning ‘plant’, and ‘πλαγκτός’ (planktos), meaning ‘wanderer’ or ‘drifter’. The term ‘plankton’ was first used by the German biologist Victor Hensen in 1887. According to Hensen, ‘plankton included all organic particles which float freely and involuntarily in open water, independent of shores and bottom (Ruttner 1940; Hutchinson 1957)’.

Algicidal action of Diurone in the control ofChara—a rice pest

Abstract: Diurone—a common algicide, was used in controlling the oospore formation ofChara species. Ten ppm solution of the chemical was found effective in controlling the sperm production in case ofChara corallina within 72 h of treatment. Fifty ppm solution was toxic toChara zeylanica within 24 h of treatment. The threshold concentration (10–50 ppm) obtained did not affect the germination and vegetative growth of the rice seedlings since the transient effect was quickly reversed within a short time.

Arthrospira platensis (Cyanobacteria) – a potential biofactory for fluoromagnetic nanoiron production

Abstract: Bioconversion of Fe3+ to Fe0 followed by spindle shaped magneto-fluorescent nanoiron production has been investigated using Arthrospira platensis as a potential bio-reagent. The characteristic feat...

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles: chemical, physical and biological methods.

Abstract: Silver nanoparticles (NPs) have been the subjects of researchers because of their unique properties (e.g., size and shape depending optical, antimicrobial, and electrical properties). A variety of preparation techniques have been reported for the synthesis of silver NPs; notable examples include, laser ablation, gamma irradiation, electron irradiation, chemical reduction, photochemical methods, microwave processing, and biological synthetic methods. This review presents an overview of silver nanoparticle preparation by physical, chemical, and biological synthesis. The aim of this review article is, therefore, to reflect on the current state and future prospects, especially the potentials and limitations of the above mentioned techniques for industries.

Synthesis and biological characterization of silver nanoparticles derived from the cyanobacterium Oscillatoria limnetica.

Abstract: Using aqueous cyanobacterial extracts in the synthesis of silver nanoparticle is looked as green, ecofriendly, low priced biotechnology that gives advancement over both chemical and physical methods. In the current study, an aqueous extract of Oscillatoria limnetica fresh biomass was used for the green synthesis of Ag-NPs, since O. limnetica extract plays a dual part in both reducing and stabilizing Oscillatoria-silver nanoparticles (O-AgNPs). The UV-Visible absorption spectrum, Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were achieved for confirming and characterizing the biosynthesized O-AgNPs. TEM images detected the quasi-spherical Ag-NPs shape with diverse size ranged within 3.30–17.97 nm. FT-IR analysis demonstrated the presence of free amino groups in addition to sulfur containing amino acid derivatives acting as stabilizing agents as well as the presence of either sulfur or phosphorus functional groups which possibly attaches silver. In this study, synthesized Ag-NPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria (Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus) as well as cytotoxic effects against both human breast (MCF-7) cell line giving IC50 (6.147 µg/ml) and human colon cancer (HCT-116) cell line giving IC50 (5.369 µg/ml). Hemolytic activity of Ag-NPs was investigated and confirmed as being non- toxic to human RBCs in low concentrations.