Ray JG | Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam (original) (raw)

Papers by Ray JG

Research Square (Research Square), Sep 20, 2023

Environmental science and pollution research international, Jan 13, 2018

The present report is a general assessment of the level of nutrient and toxic heavy metals as an ... more The present report is a general assessment of the level of nutrient and toxic heavy metals as an impact of "chemicalized" cultivation practices for decades in banana fields in the three south Indian states, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamilnadu. The major objective was to critically analyze the status of metallic content in green revolution fields, where chemical fertilizers or plant protective chemicals remain the major source of heavy metal contaminants. Since soil series being a soil taxonomic category that includes slightly variant soils of similar origin and common parent materials, the 286 field samples of the broad south Indian region were further grouped into composite samples representing 47 different soil series for limiting the sample analysis. The quantitative assessment of ten metals done in these soils using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer included Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, and Co. The amount of Cu observed in many fields was higher than all the ...

Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems

The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are significant fertility-promoting microbes in soils. The... more The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are significant fertility-promoting microbes in soils. They enable soil fertility, soil-health and boost crop productivity. There are generalist and specialist groups among AMF in natural soils. Optimized use of specific AMF concerning crops and soils can improve agricultural sustainability. Thus, AMF is becoming an inevitable biological tool for improving crop productivity and soil health. Especially in the context of chemicalized agriculture undermining the sustainability of food security, safety, and human and ecosystem health, alternative agricultural means have become inevitable. Therefore, AMF has become essential in nature-friendly, organic agriculture. Of such farm fields, natural biological activity is enhanced to sustain soil fertility. Crops show increased innate immunity against pests and diseases in many such systems. Moreover, ecosystems remain healthy, and the soil is teeming with life in such farms. The primary goal of the revie...

Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Nov 22, 2013

Biosynthesis of nanoparticles using plants and microbes reduce toxicity and enhance biocompatibil... more Biosynthesis of nanoparticles using plants and microbes reduce toxicity and enhance biocompatibility of the particles produced. Phytosynthesis makes use of the principle of reduction of metal ions in aquous extracts of plant leaves that may lead to development of nanoparticles. Therefore, production of silver nanoparticles was experimentally tried out using leaf broth of Premna serratifolia L in accordance with standard procedures. The UV-vis spectra gave an SPR band at 422 nm and TEM analysis revealed the formation of nanoparticles in the range of 3-12 nm. The XRD studies showed that particles are crystalline with face centered cube geometry. The reduction and stabilization of the ions are attributed to the hydroxyl and amine groups present in the leaf broth. This method of synthesis of silver nanoparticles has the potential to become an alternative eco-friendly method of synthesis.

3 biotech, Jul 20, 2017

Plant probiotic potential of rhizosphere microbiome and its role in phytofertilizer mobilization ... more Plant probiotic potential of rhizosphere microbiome and its role in phytofertilizer mobilization arelargely unexplored. In the current study, the rhizobacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens R68 (PFR68) isolated from Western Ghat was analyzed for its growth enhancement effect on the leafy vegetable Amaranthus tricolor (L.). One month of field growth of PFR68 inoculated A. tricolor has found to have enhanced growth parameters such as leaf number (1.57 fold), root number (1.76 fold), shoot length (1.28 fold) and fresh weight (2.31 fold). The treatment also improved soil fertility in terms of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium content. Most remarkably, application of PFR68 alone and 50% of recommended NPK dose along with PFR68 has resulted in enhanced growth of A. tricolor comparable to plants treated with full dose of NPK. In addition to this, application of PFR68 along with 50% NPK augmented the available Nitrogen and Phosphorus content in soil. This indicates the potential of selected organism in enrichment of soil health and enhancement of crop productivity. In conclusion, field performance of PFR68 on growth of A. tricolor confirms its promises to develop into plant probiotic formulation.

CRC Press eBooks, Jul 15, 2021

Renewable Energy, Mar 1, 2020

The progress of algal-based biofuel industry depends on the identification of high lipid-yielding... more The progress of algal-based biofuel industry depends on the identification of high lipid-yielding algal species from diverse environments. Laboratory-scale standardization of culture requirements for optimum yield of lipids and other desirable chemicals are highly important in the industrial utilization of an algal species. The major objectives of the present study were such an evaluation of the industrial potentials of a fast-growing native green microalga isolated from eutrophicated water bodies of Kerala, South India, morphologically and molecularly identified as Chloroidium saccharophilum. Biomass productivity and biochemical composition of the alga in relation to culture parameters such as total carbohydrates, proteins, pigments and lipids were learned. At an increased pH (8) or salinity (50 mM) and at a deprived nitrate (0 mM) or decreased phosphate (0.5 mM) in the medium, the alga was found producing lipids that have good biodiesel properties such as low iodine value and high cetane number. Optimum culture parameters such as pH, salinity, nitrate and phosphate conditions for maximum biomass yield of the alga are discovered. It was found that an increase in salinity or phosphates and a decrease in nitrate from that of the normal Bold's Basal Medium are favourable for an increase in omega-3 fatty acid content in the lipid.

American Journal of Plant Sciences, 2015

Algae are one of the major groups of soil microflora in agricultural lands. Among algae, the blue... more Algae are one of the major groups of soil microflora in agricultural lands. Among algae, the bluegreens are considered to be very valuable in agriculture. The role of them in soil fertility enhancement has been extensively studied worldwide. Sustainable utilization of an organism for any human purpose depends on how successfully the ecology of the same is thoroughly understood. Kuttanadu is a unique tropical paddy-wetland. Ecology of blue-green-algae and the exact diversity of the same in the zone remained unexplored. This is the first report of the blue-green-algal community of Kuttanadu in relation to different soil-regions, seasons, and crop-growth-stages. A rich blue-green-algal diversity of 64 species, with Oscillatoriales as the dominants (38%), is observed in these paddy-fields. The highest values for all the ecological parameters analyzed were found in the Lower Kuttanadu soil region, during Virippu season, at panicle stage of the crop whereas the lowest values for most of the parameters were observed in Upper Kuttanadu soils during puncha season at the seedling and panicle stages. The species richness and diversity index showed positive correlation to crop seasons. Apart from the specific soil and climatic factors, the total number of blue green algal isolates showed positive correlation to total nitrogen and phosphorus in the soils.

River Publishers eBooks, Sep 1, 2022

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance is a major concern for public health. In this study, na... more The emergence of antimicrobial resistance is a major concern for public health. In this study, naturally occurring plant Juniperus chinensis leaf (JCL) extract used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with enhanced antimicrobial effect. The unresolved phyto-protein synthesis mechanism of AgNPs was preliminarily detected by LCMS/MS analysis. The study revealed that the non-specific lipid transfer protein (LTP) and Cytochrome b559 subunit beta were detected from JCL could be responsible for AgNPs synthesis. The JCL protein readily reacts with the AgNO 3 to form highly stable AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD and HRTEM analysis. Further, the antibacterial mechanism of AgNPs was analyzed by electron microscopy and CLSM analysis. Moreover, the AgNPs showed the potent anticancer effect on the human adenocarcinoma gastric (AGS) cell lines. The current study will provide additional support to overcome the limitations of large-scale NPs synthesis which could be used to alternate source for conventional antibiotics.

Journal of Applied Microbiology

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are effective natural alternatives to assist plants in improvi... more Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are effective natural alternatives to assist plants in improving crop productivity and immunity against pests and diseases. However, a comprehensive idea of the variables under which they show optimum activity, especially concerning particular soil, climate, geography, and crop characteristics, has yet to be adequately standardized. Since paddy is the staple food for half of the world’s population, such standardization is highly significant globally. Research concerning determinants affecting AMF functioning in rice is limited. However, the identified variables include external variables such as abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors and internal variables such as plant and AMF characteristics. Among the abiotic factors, edaphic factors like soil pH, phosphorus availability, and soil moisture significantly affect AMF functioning in rice. In addition, anthropogenic influences such as land use patterns, flooding, and fertilizer regimes also affec...

Evidence from Mars of what may be algae, thrombolites, microbialites, microbial mats, stromatolit... more Evidence from Mars of what may be algae, thrombolites, microbialites, microbial mats, stromatolites, and ooids is summarized. Also briefly discussed is evidence of chlorophyll, seasonal fluctuations in atmospheric oxygen, and what may be photosynthesis-oxygen gas vents adjacent to specimens resembling algae and lichens. The possible presence of calcium carbonate and calcium oxalate is also summarized the latter of which might be produced by lichens: an algae-fungi symbiotic organism that Joseph et al. (2021) believe are attached to rocks on Mars.

Sustainable Bioprocessing for a Clean and Green Environment, 2021

Renewable Energy, 2019

BioEnergy Research, 2019

Discovery of high-yielding microalgae rich in valuable lipids, proteins, pigments, or carbohydrat... more Discovery of high-yielding microalgae rich in valuable lipids, proteins, pigments, or carbohydrates is essential to the growth of nutraceutical and biofuel industries. Therefore, bioprospecting of microalgae from diverse environmental conditions has become highly significant to meet the demand of such bioresources globally. In this context, bioprospecting of three species of microalgae isolated from bloomed freshwaters of Kerala, India, was carried out; morphological and molecular characterizations revealed two of the algae as new species to science and named accordingly. The industrial potentials of these algae (Fasciculochloris boldii (MH992105.1), Sphaerocystis antoni-kadavilaii Ray & Prasanth sp. nov. (MK005299.1), and Chlorella zachariaii Ray & Prasanth sp. nov. (MH930447.1)) were assessed in terms of biomass yield and biochemical profile. The alga Sphaerocystis antoni-kadavilaii with a biomass yield of 176.8 ± 2.0% increase L −1 day −1 , lipid productivity of 4.4 ± 0.3 mg L −1 day −1 , the protein content of 46.1%, is found promising, in comparison with the known species such as Spirulina sp. and Chlorella sp. It is high in chlorophyll a, and total carotenoid content as well. The alga Fasciculochloris boldii showed high lipid content of 26.8 ± 1.1% and the alga Chlorella zachariaii showed 30.1% of omega-3 fractions in its total fatty acids. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed biodiesel feasibility of lipids from all these algae. However, the alga Fasciculochloris boldii with high proportions of saturated fatty acids in its lipid (71.2%) can be considered as a potential species for biodiesel as the biodiesel from the same also shows the required cetane number (63.3) and low iodine value (38.9).

Cogent Medicine, 2018

People of Asian countries are very much conscious about complexion. This desire is exploited with... more People of Asian countries are very much conscious about complexion. This desire is exploited with advertisements of fairness creams in both the print and visual media which allure youngsters with promises of desired results. Skin lightening products occupy 61% of dermatological market in India. Cosmetics are supposed to be safe and healthy, but research reports on their toxicities are available. Heavy metals are added intentionally or unintentionally to cosmetics, the presence of which, the consumers are mostly unaware of. Arsenic, lead and mercury are top among hazardous systemic toxicants, which induce toxicity even at low levels of exposure. In this connection a survey was conducted among college students and working women regarding the usage of fairness creams, which revealed that use of fairness creams, is common. As per the information gathered, four most commonly used brands of fairness creams in Kerala, India, were analysed for arsenic, lead and mercury by ICP-MS. Although not in high levels, these were present in varying amounts in the four most commonly used brands of fairness creams. Analysis revealed the importance in choosing cosmetics with caution and to minimize the usage as far as possible.

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 2019

Lead (Pb) contamination of soil is a serious environmental problem, adversely affecting ecosystem... more Lead (Pb) contamination of soil is a serious environmental problem, adversely affecting ecosystems, globally. Phytoremediation is an alternative to conventional methods of soil remediation. The success of phytoremediation depends on the identification of suitable native plant species with high biomass to deal with metal contamination. In the present experiment, response of Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., Scoparia dulcis L. and Phyllanthus niruri L. to increase in concentrations of PbNO 3 •5H 2 O in the soil for a period of 30 days was tested to assess their suitability in phytoremediation. Pb accumulation in all the three plants was in a concentration-dependent manner. Although S. dulcis survived the soil metal concentrations, it exhibited a stunted growth; P. niruri was found susceptible to Pb toxicity; E. prostrata recorded a maximum uptake of 12484 µg/g dry weight in its root and 7229 µg/g dry weight in its shoot, without any adverse impact on growth traits. Bioconcentration factor and translocation factor of the three plants were also calculated, which revealed that E. prostrata has Pb accumulation potential. Therefore, enzymatic antioxidant activities and transmission electron microscopic analysis were carried out to determine the physiological adaptation and tolerance of E. prostrata to Pb stress. Overall, E. prostrata is identified as a tolerant plant showing Pb hyperaccumulation tendencies with essential features for phytoextraction.

Biomass and Bioenergy, 2018

Eutrophic, bloomed waters are known for fast-growing microalgae of high biomass yield. The bioche... more Eutrophic, bloomed waters are known for fast-growing microalgae of high biomass yield. The biochemical composition of algae may vary from species to species. Identification of fast-growing local algal species, their experimental culture for assessing biomass yield and biochemical screening of the same for desirable metabolites is crucial to the prospects of algal technology. The freshwater algal diversity of Kerala-one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world, remains poorly explored. In this context, we assessed the yield and biochemical profile of hitherto uninvestigated 14 fast-growing microalgae of eutrophic bloomed freshwaters of Kerala. The biomass yield, carbohydrate, protein, pigment and lipid content of these species were significantly different. The alga Pseudococcomyxa simplex showed the highest biomass yield of 196.5 ± 3.04% increase L −1 day −1. The alga Kirchnerialla lunaris with 58.95% protein was found superior to the other algae in this regard. The species Scenedesmus obliquus was significantly higher in total lipids (32.05% of dry biomass) than the other algae. The alga Monoraphidium griffithii with 42.92% of omega groups of fatty acids in its lipid appeared a highly valuable species. The algae, Radiococcus nimbatus (12.77 ± 2.31 mg g −1 of chlorophyll a), Myrmecia bisecta (5.87 ± 0.01 mg g −1 of chlorophyll b) and Monoraphidium griffithi (7.50 ± 0.02 mg g −1 carotenoid) appeared superior to the others in pigment content. Fourier-Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy of the biodiesel prepared from the lipids of all the algae confirmed the biodiesel feasibility of the same. The bioresource potentials of the 14 algal species revealed are new to science.

Environmental science and pollution research international, Jan 4, 2018

Toxic heavy metals such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) are systemic toxicants that ... more Toxic heavy metals such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) are systemic toxicants that are hazardous to human health. However, as these elements are increasing in the environment due to fast urbanization, industrialization, and chemicalized agricultural activities, accumulation of the same in human body anywhere in the world is quite interesting to global assessment of environment quality. In this connection, random examination of blood samples of human population in Kerala, South India, was carried out to assess the threat of heavy metal contamination to humans in this part of the globe, especially in relation to the amount of such metals in food and other environmental samples. Except pure vegetarians, people of Kerala consume rice as the staple food with a lot of fish. Therefore, the amount of these three heavy metals in drinking water, fish, rice, and paddy soils was done. Heavy metals in the blood were examined in relation to age, gender, and dietary habits such as fr...

Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology, 2016

Biological approach to synthesis of metal nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extract is a highly re... more Biological approach to synthesis of metal nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extract is a highly relevant and recent theme in nanotechnological research. Phytosynthesized AgNPs have better inhibitory and antimicrobial effects compared to aqueous leaf extract and silver nitrate. In the present investigation crystalline silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with size of 10nm have been successfully synthesized using aqueous leaf extract (AQLE) of Ziziphus oenoplia (L.) Mill., which act as both reducing as well as capping agent. The particles were characterized using UV Visible spectroscopy, HRTEM-EDAX, XRD, FT-IR and DLS. An evaluation of the anti bacterial activity was carried out using Agar well diffusion method and MIC determination against four bacterial strains, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi; the AgNPs exhibited quite high antibacterial activity. Furthermore, bactericidal studies with TEM at different time intervals after AgNPs treatment...

Journal of Plant Studies, 2016

This assessment of ecology and diversity of Diatoms in Kuttanadu, is continuation of the previous... more This assessment of ecology and diversity of Diatoms in Kuttanadu, is continuation of the previous publications of Green-algae and Blue-green-algae of the same region; all the three investigations were carried out simultaneously. The unique Kuttanadu wetlands (90°17'N to 90°40'N; 760°19'E to 760°33'E), a well known ‘Rice bowl’ of Kerala, spread over 53,639 hectares, is located in Alapuzha District of Kerala, India. This wetland was once known for its high biodiversity, but currently severely affected by intensive green-revolution activities of past few decades. Main objective of the present report is to explain the diversity and ecological status of Diatoms in relation to the environment conditions currently existing in the region. Duration of the study was from December 2009 to October 2010. Soil samples of three different soil-types in two different crop-seasons, at two diverse crop-growth-stages are analyzed and compared. Altogether 120 composite soil samples rando...