Informatics Publishing Limited

S. P. Hosmani ¹

Affiliations
1 Deptt. of Biotechnology, SBRR Mahajana First Grade College, Jayalakshmipuram, Mysore-570 0012, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

Air Quality Index (AQI) in seven prime localities of Mysore city was determined using the U.S.EPA AQI calculator. Index values for Particulate Matter (PM) at Manasagangotri campus and Ramaswamy Circle are categorized as unhealthy and residents in these surroundings are advised to avoid prolonged exertion. PM index at Fountain Circle and KIDB area are quite high and categorized as very unhealthy. Five Light Circle, K R Circle and Nehru Circle have highest PM indices and are categorized as hazardous. Index values for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide are below the standards prescribed in these areas. At some places they appear to be slightly high and people with asthma or other respiratory diseases, elderly persons and children are at risk. Use of electrostatic precipitation at industry levels and diesel particulate filters at vehicle levels may reduce the PM values. Alternate fuel may be another means of reducing particulate matter.

Keywords

Air Quality Index, Mysore City, Particulate Matter, SO₂, NO₂.

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V. Charles ¹, V. A. Vijayan ¹, A. Ali Ashraf ¹, S. P. Hosmani ²

Affiliations
1 Vector Biology Research Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Mysore, Manasagangothri, Mysore-570 005, Karnataka, IN
2 Department of Biotechnology, SBRR Mahajana First Grade college, Jayalakshmipuram, Mysore-570 012, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

Algae are important food sources for aquatic insects including mosquitoes. Eight mosquito species were collected in and around Mysore city in order to examine the gut contents of the larvae. A total of sixty five species of algae were identified from different larval habitats of mosquito larvae, out of which 55 were encountered in the larval guts. From these algal species identified in the larval gut, 21 (38.18%) belonged to Bacillariophyceae, 12 (21.8%) to Chlorophyceae, 9 (16.36%) to Cyanophyceae, 7 (12.72%) to Desmidaceae and 6 (10.9%) to Euglenophyceae. From the larval breeding sources, out of the 65 identified species, 26 (40%) belonged to Bacillariophyceae, 16 (24.6%) to Chlorophyceae, 10 (15.3%) to Cyanophyceae, 7 (10.76%) to Desmidaceae and 6 (9.2%) to Euglenophyceae. Identification of food sources and their importance to larval development and survival is particularly relevant to the development of novel vector control methods, especially in the study area where malaria, chikungunya and dengue are endemic.

Keywords

Algae, Mosquito Larvae, Feeding Habitats, Larval Gut, Larval Breeding Source.

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