Fluctuation of water level: A new abiotic index for studying insect biodiversity variations, in a large waterbody.

Dr.Asma Ali (Ecologist)

Many researchers have shown the importance of water chemistry and benthic habitat characteristics for the conservation of the freshwater macroinvertebrate biodiversity. However very few authors have examined the physical effects of extreme water level fluctuations in lakes. 

The present study set out to determine, through a comparative study between four sampling stations of Upper Lake, how water level fluctuation affect the structure of the shoreline macroinvertebrate communities. The present paper investigates the influence of water level fluctuations on the community indices of shoreline insect’s assemblage and discusses the role of disturbance, physical parameters and biological interactions in structuring communities of shoreline insects in Upper Lake.

INTRODUCTION: 

Numerous studies have been conducted on the impact of the stream regulation on the various biotic communities (Hoffman and Kilambi 1970,Lehmkuhl 1972, Trotosky and Gregorry 1974) of temperate water bodies. Some investigations were carried out on the distribution and long-term changes of benthic invertibrate communities in relations to flow characteristics (Armitage & Pardo 1995, Bickerton 1995, Fjellhein 1996, Hamill 2009).

In lake habitate, water level fluctuations plays an important role in structuring macroinvertebrate communities (Resh et al. 1998, Richter et al., 2003, Voldovinos et al.,2007) . Particularly in large lakes, shore zones is affected by water flow variations and drying up, both of which affect community and population structure of shoreline communities. Shorelines of large lakes offer a wide range from periodically to permanently flooded areas. In such a gradient, ecological theory predicts that maximum species diversity is reached in sites with medium frequency and intensity of disturbance ( Connel 1978, Hutson 1979).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

                                      The present study was conducted on the four sampling sites of shorelines of Upper Lake Bhopal. The site Upper Lake of Bhopal, is a vast man-made lake of the capital city of Madhya Pradesh , a centrally located state of India. The essential features of the Upper Lake are given in table 1. Four sampling stations of Upper Lake were taken to study the effect of water level fluctuation i.e. Bhadbhada (S1), Van-vihar (SII), Pump-house (SIII) and Bairagarh (SIV).

    Table-1: Essential statistics of the Upper Lake of Bhopal ( India).

Period of construction	11th Century A.D.
Type of Dam	Earthen
Location	Latitude Longitude	23º12’-23º16’N 77º 18,-77º 23’E
Periodicity of water level fluctuation	Seasonal
Trophic status	Oligotrophic
Catchment area (Sq.km. )	361
Submergence area at FTL (Sq. km. )	36.54
Full tank level(MSL)m.	508.65
Dead storage level (MSL) m.	503.53
Storage capacity (million Cu.m)	117.05
Maximum depth(m)	11.7
Designed flood discharge(Cu.m /sec. )	2208
Source of water	Rain water
Main use of water	Potable water supply
Inflow points (Nos.)	31
Sewage water inflow (MLD)	50.47

              Sampling was carried out at monthly intervals regularly for a period of 24 months. Water samples for chemical analysis were collected from four sampling stations in the morning hours between 10 AM to 12 PM. Excepting water level fluctuation, temperature, transparency and pH all parameters such as Chloride, Calcium hardness, Total hardness, Alkalinity, Dissolved oxygen were analyzed in the laboratory by APHA(1998) methods. 

The insect fauna was collected by transect method using insect net ( Knapp,1998; Taki and Kevan 2007 ) in field based upon the different preservation methods for variable insect orders. Shoreline insects of each sampling station were identified to major taxonomic groups and counted.

Data analysis:

                    Sampling sites were characterized through an index that quantifies the extent of drying up over two years. For each sampling point the area under the water level curve when the actual water level was below the sampling point was calculated as distance to actual water level in meters.

RESULTS:

                  The climate of Bhopal is relatively moderate and dry except in the monsoon season, indicating a seasonal rhythm of weather. During the two years of study period the maximum ambient temperature was recorded 46 degree.

Rainfall was observed between .0003 to 21.67 mm.Whereas the water level in Upper Lake is regulated by an earthen dam towards the east, near the Kamla park from where, there is a regular seepage, which forms the main source of water for the lower lake and a Bhadbhada weir towards the south having a sluice gate for releasing excess water into Kaliasot dam. Thus fluctuation of water level of Upper Lake is seasonal and temporary.

The total 83 species of different orders were recorded at all four sampling stations of shorelines of Upper Lake during the study period. The total number of taxa was recorded slightly higher at stations II and IV then stations I and III. Low water period in summer season due to drying up, station I showed maximum water level fluctuation from actual sampling point (minus m.) and the most capable species of order strepsiptera became dominant, whilst some odonatans, dipterans and coleopterans become rare in the same season. 

On the other hand adults of orthopterans, hemipterans and lepidopterans abundance was not found to be associated with high intensity of water level fluctuations, due to the migratory nature of insects belonging to these orders.

Table-2: Mean abundance of shoreline macroinvertebrates per m² at all sampling stations of Upper Lake during two years).

Orders	SI	SII	SIII	SIV
Hemiptera	2.24	3.42	2.45	2.86
Hymenoptera	-	4.8	1.36	1.45
Strepsiptera	2.18	1.95	-	1.32
Dictyoptera	0.73	1.16	1.11	1.16
Odonata	3.7	3.08	4.96	4.93
Lepidoptera	2.17	3.33	2.20	3.32
Diptera	6.6	4.75	4.18	3.26
Orthoptera	3.2	3.91	3.14	4.2
Coleoptera	2.48	3.5	2.96	3.43

At station III water level fluctuations were a function of changes in the amount of water in lakes. These fluctuations, generally short in duration, were due to wind or barometric pressure and seasonal, because the Upper Lake was generally at their lowest levels in the summer months at all sampling stations.

In the summer, when the air above the lake was warm and moist and the lake was relatively warm, evaporation from the lake was great. With more water leaves the lake then entered, the water level decline to their seasonal lows, similarly evaporation from the lakes was least in the early winter when the air above the lakes was cold and moist and the lake was cold, condensation on the lake surface replaced evaporation. In the rainy season, more water entered in to lake, than left, this process caused water level rise (fig.1).

                

Table-3: a List of several shoreline insects/20m² collected at all four sampling stations of Upper Lake of Bhopal during two years of study period.

Taxa	Order	SI	SII	SIII	SIV
N. maculata	Hemiptera	506	220	396	624
H.stagnorum	-,,-	522	425	724	672
B.indicum	-,,-	396	400	518	396
G.lacustris	-,,-	542	578	470	672
C. varicunda	-,,-	356	424	258	362
R.varipes	-,,-	440	588	404	828
N.viridula	-,,-	196	236	316	278
P.auriculacea	Coleoptera	658	612	466	762
P.albuguttata	-,,-	626	622	612	622
C.septempunctata	-,,-	692	644	318	422
D. indicus	-,,-	499	414	554	606
D. unidentatus	-,,-	488	366	268	144
Boyeria	Odonata	404	532	374	206
Brachythemis	-,,-	286	422	336	314
S. striolatum	-,,-	220	273	258	268
L.quadrimaculata	-,,-	120	274	356	226
I. elegans	-,,-	240	256	292	308
P. numphulla	-,,-	-	82	-	-
A. crenulata	Ortoptera	398	382	402	330
G.africana	-,,-	-	382	338	206
P. spumarius	-,,-	-	344	130	-
P. griseoaptera	-,,-	-	126	-	104
S. gregaria	-,,-	4014	288	550	322
C. trachypterus	-,,-	282	330	-	294
C. spenariodes	-,,-	-	430	-	332
T. tendipes	Diptera	446	530	503	535
T. kiffrulus	-,,-	520	620	538	304
D. baumbauri	-,,-	262	432	381	355
D. irrorata	-,,-	220	280	349	205
C. longiarolata	-,,-	428	544	260	-
B. wallaci	Strepsiptera	225	202	-	104
X. adusta	-,,-	320	224	-	94

   At station II and Iv the high growth of aquatic plants such as Eichhornia crassipes, Potamogeton pectinatus, P.nousus, Lemna minor, Leersia hexendra and Vallisnaria spiralis affected the flow of water. Plant growth is part depended on the weather, and vary from month to month and year to year. In the summer, aquatic plant growth reduced the flow of water on average by 2 percent, therefore due to dense population abundance of shoreline macrophytes  at stations II and IV helped to decrease fluctuation in water level and also decreased possibility of habitat loss for marginal insects, which is a major threat to biodiversity and ecosystem function. 

Interestingly fluctuated water, picked up materials, aquatic plants from shoreline areas and deposited them wherever the water is slowed down and picked up again when the velocity of the water increased. This process  the equilibrium of aquatic ecosystem, with regard to littoral vegetation and insect abundance. It was also observed that fluctuated water picked up nutrients and deposited them at shoreline zone which increased nutrient level of lake margins and promote dense abundance of flora and fauna.

Table-4: List of several shoreline macrophytes and their population abundance/20m² at all four sampling stations of Upper Lake.

Shoreline vegetation	Bhadbhada(SI)	Van-vihar(SII)	PumpHouse(SIII)	Bairagarh(SIV)
I.aquatica	24	152	43	116
I.fistulosa	26	148	34	107
C. demersum	34	88	34	64
H. Verticillata	36	55	13	40
A. pinnata	16	38	-	34
Najas minor	54	142	53	112
P. pectinatus	44	170	36	166
P.crispus	54	152	52	140
E. crassipus	78	182	40	140
L. hexeandra	34	120	25	118
A.philoxroides	48	80	18	86
J. repens	54	90	46	98
P.glabrum	40	52	34	84
V. spiralis	56	92	38	154
M.spathulatum	80	34	30	88
P.hysterophorus	-	76	-	106
C.forskalli	36	40	22	46
L.minor	70	66	65	96

        In the present study it was observed that several species of order Odonata (,Brachythemis Sympetrum steriolatum, Libellula quadrimaculata, Ishnaru elegans ,Pyrrhosoma numphulla and nainads), Orthoptera (Atrectomorpha crenulata, Gastrimargus africana, Philaenus spumarius and Pholidoptera griseoaptera ) and Diptera (Dioctria baumbauri and Dolicocephala irrorata) were seriously affected at station I through decline in water level in summer . 

On the other hand migratory nature of certain adults of shoreline insects belonging to orders, Hemiptera  (,Notonecta maculata, Hydrometra stagnorum Gerris lacustris,Corixa varicunda and Nazara viridula) Coleoptera (Protaetia, Aurichalacea, Dineutus indicus, Dineutus unidentatus) and Strepsiptera (Batocera wallacei, Xylorhiza adusta)  were not found to be affected by water level fluctuation during the study period; because the subtle changes in water level of Upper Lake gave time to adult shoreline insect to maintain their population abundance by migration towards the favorable habitat (Table-3).

                      (A)

     (B)

    (C)

                          (D)

Fig-1 (A-D): Monthly water level fluctuations at different sampling stations of Upper Lake of Bhopal (India)

DISCUSSION:

Many researchers have shown the importance of water chemistry and benthic habit characteristics of lakes, for the conservation of freshwater macroinvertebrate biodiversity (Brodersen et al. 1998, Allan and Flecker 1993). In contrast, few authors have given attention to the physical effect of extreme water level fluctuation of lakes on the conservation of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages. This situation contrasts with the case of the rivers, in which abundant information exists (Galat & Lipkin 2000, Richter et al. 2003). The impact of water level fluctuation on shoreline insects as observed in the present study has been documented for the first time in tropical waterbody, particularly in freshwater lake.

In the present study significant difference occurred in the abundance of shoreline insects community at all sampling stations The amplitude and patterns of water - level fluctuations exhibited by different unregulated natural lakes are highly variable. In Upper lake, water level remains constant over a long period and showed considerable short term variations. Fluctuation in water level increased in summer, when there were high ambient temperature (35.5-41.2ºC), high wind velocity and low air humidity (12.8-44.7%) which facilitated desiccation of the first few meters of the substrate.

Temperature extremes and desiccation directly affect the marginal insects within the exposed shore zone (Palomaki 1994, Hamill 2009). However, water - level fluctuations also influence the benthic communities of chironomidae and offsprings of odonata, diptera, coleoptera and hemiptera, indirectly by reducing or eliminating aquatic plants, modifying chemical conditions, and increasing erosion, thereby altering the benthic habitat (Batzer & Wissinger 1996, Friday 1987, Keddy & Reznicek 1986, Palomaki 1994 and Voldovinos et al. 2007). Marginal surface inhabiting insects were not found to be much affected by water level fluctuations in the present study at stations II, III and IV because of the high population abundance of shoreline vegetations, which caused decline of water level fluctuations.

    The present investigation revealed that no significant differences occurred in the abundance of shoreline insect communities at highly dense vegetation sampling stations such as SII and SIV of Upper Lake. Maximum diversity of insect fauna was observed at station II that had intermediate disturbance levels of water fluctuation due to dense population abundance of marginal vegetations of Upper Lake. Because shoreline macrophytes of any waterbody helps to reduce water fluctuation and provides holistic environment to marginal fauna, including insects and mollusks.Similar results with respect to invertebrate species diversity have been reported in several other rivers by Ward & Stanford 1983 ,Robinson & Minshall 1986 and Reckendorfer et.al. 1996.

           Low water level in summer, showed maximum number of shoreline insect, ranged between 3.9 to 14.6 sps/m2. Shallow nature of lake margin and peak abundance of marginal free floating macrophytes in summer, provides hiding place and prey to shoreline insects whereas decomposed rooted macrophytes helped to increase their population abundance. The effect of drying up in sustaining high species diversity has been demonstrated in seasonal oxbow lakes and wetlands and it has been proposed that the removal of organism during low-water periods may account for high marginal insect species richness (Outridge 1987, Growns et al. 1992, Balla & Davies 1995).

    Diversity and abundance of marginal insects depend on the evenness of water level of any waterbody. Species richness showed a curvilinear relationship with disturbance, but the initial increase was less steep than in diversity. Evenness of water level was positively related to insect diversity where a close relationship between insect abundance and water level fluctuation implies that a habitat is species-saturated (Mackey 1977, Drade 1982, Tockner 1993). In such a situation, deterministic processes which gain considerable importance and the most capable species of order strepsiptera such as Xylorhiza adusta (320 species/20m²) and Batocera wallacii (225 species/20m²) becomes more dominant in high fluctuation of water level than other insect species of different order of station I of shoreline of Upper Lake in summer.

    Our results suggested that in Upper lake margins, water level fluctuation effect more on benthic macroinvertebrates such as Chironomids than the other shoreline insects, because changes of water level at Upper lake margins were found to be seasonal and subtle, which effect only benthic or sessile macroinvertebrate animals (Tockner 1993, Reckendorfer 1996). Although marginal insects of order coleoptera, Hemiptera, Strepsiptera and Odonata showed migratory nature, which supported them to survive on the water body where water level decline and rise, seasonally.

    Dense growth of aquatic weeds such Eichhornia Apenogeton, Leersia, Potemogeton, Vallisnaria, Verbascum, Polygonum and Ipomoea at station II and IV found to be responsible to decrease the flow of water and maintain evenness of water level. Thus low fluctuation values at these stations don’t leave any large impact on shoreline insects.

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American Public Health Association (APHA) (1998): Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Waste Water. 20th Ed. Washington, D.C. USA. 1113 pages

Batzer, D.P., Wissinger, S.A. (Armitage, P.D. & I. Pardo (1995): Impact of assessment of regulation at the reach level using macroinvertebrate information from mesohabitate. Regulated, rivers: research & management 10: 147 - 158.

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Balla, S.A. & Davies, J.A. (1995): Seasonal variation in the macroinvertebrate fauna of wetlands of differing water regime and nutrient status on the Swan coastal plain, Western Australia. Hydrobiologia 299: 147 - 161.

Bickerton, M.A. (1995): Long term changes of macroinvertebrate communities in relation to flow variations: The river Glen. Lincolnshire, England. Regulated rivers: Res & Manag - 10: 81 - 92.

Briggs, J.C. (1948): The quantitative effects of dam upon the bottom fauna of small California stream. Transactions of American Fishery Society 78: 70 - 81.

Brodersen et al. (1998): The invertebrate fauna in the Upper stony littoral of Danish lakes; Machoinvertebrates as trophic indicators. Fresh Biol. 39: 577 - 592.

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Drake, G.M. (1982) : Seasonal dynamics of chironomidae (Diptera) on the Bulrush Schoenoplectus lacustris in a chalk stream - fresh wod. Bio. 12: 225 - 240.

Fjellhein, A. (1996): Distribution of benthic macroinvertebrate in relation to stream flow characteristics in a Norwegian river. Regulated Rivers: Research and Management 12: 263 - 271.

Friday, L.E. (1987): The diversity of macroinvertebrate and macrophyte communities in ponds. Freshwater Biol. 18: 87 - 104.

Galat D.L., Lipkin, R. (2000): Restoring the ecological integrity of great rivers, historical hydrongraphs aid in defining reference conditions for the Missouri River. Hydro. biol. 422 / 423 : 29 - 48.

Growns, J.E. et al. (1992): Multi variant pattern analysis of wetland invertebrate communities and environmental variables in Western Australia - Aust. J. Ecol. 17: 275 – 288.

Hamill Keith (2009): Ecological effects of proposed changes in lake Rotoiti water level and range of fluctuation. Okere Gates Control Str. Consents,Opus house, Princes, Stret, Private Bag 3057,Hamilton, New Zealand pp.1-37.

Hoffman, C.E. & R.V. Kilambi (1970): Environmental changes produced by coldwater outlets from three Arkanbsas reservoirs; water resources centre publication No. 5, Uni Arkansas, Fayeterville.

Huston, M. (1979): A general hypothesis of species diversity - Am. Nat. 113: 81 - 101.

Hynes, H.B.N. (1970): The ecology of stream insects. Annual review of entomology 15: 25 - 42.

Keddy, P.A., Reznicek, A.A. (1986): Great lakes vegetation dynamics: the role of fluctuating water levels and buried seeds. J Great lakes Res. 12: 25 - 36.

Lehmkuhl, D.M. (1972): Change in the thermal regime as a cause of reduction of benthic fauna downstream of a reservoir. Journal of fisheries research Board Canada 29 : 1329 - 1332.

Palomaki, R. (1994): Response by macrozoobenthos biomass to water level regulation in some
Finnish lake littoral zones. Hydrobiologia 286: 17 - 26.

Reckendorfer w., H.Keckeis, G. Winkler and F. Schiemer (1996): Water level fluctuation as a determinant of chironomidae community structure in the inshore zone of a large temperate river. Ach. Hydrobiology. Suppl.115, 3-9.

Resh, V.H. et al. (1988): The role of disturbance in stream ecology, J.N. Am. Benthol. Soc. 7 : 433 - 455.

Richter et al. (2003): Ecologically sustainable water management: managing river flows for ecological integrity, Ecol. Appl. 13: 206 - 224.

Robinson, C.T. & Minshall, G.W. (1986): Effects of disturbance frequency on stream benthic community structure in relation to canopy cover and season, J.N. Am. Benthol Soc. 5: 237 - 248.

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Sugunan, V.V. & V. Pathak (1986): Temporal and spatial variation of periphyton in Nagarjun Sagar reservoir, Andhra Pradesh (India) and a new method for periphyton collection from India Reservoirs, Jour. of Ind. Fish. Soc. 18: 20 - 23.

Tockner, K. (1993): Ein Beitrag zur Okologie der Uferbereiche der osterreichischen Donau - PhD. thesis Uni. Of Vienna 331p.

Trotosky, H.N. and R.W. Gregory (1974): The effects of water flow manipulation below a hydroelectric power dam on the bottom fauna of the upper Kennebec, river, Main e. Transactions of American Fisheries Society 103 : 318 - 324.

Voldovinos C., Moya C., Olmos V., Parra o., Karrasch B. and Buettner O. (2007) : The importence of water level fluctuation for the conservation of shallow water benthic macroinvertibrates; an example in the Andean zone of Chile

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LUNAR ECLIPSE has created a WORLDwide STIR

Lunar eclipse leads some psychological effects of people's belief.

Dr. Asma Ali ( Ecologist)

Hardly anyone of us, who has not heard the story of moon, stars and fairies in their childhood. And even today when a gleam of moon is striking into our appearance give feather to our emotion to fly high. Scanning of the moon is one of the oldest ways of time recognition. Moreover the activities of the moon is collaborated with our mental and emotional activities. Healing with the moon cycles also helps us make time to listen to our intuitive selves.

                                       
 “In many native traditions the moon was revered as ruling the rhythms of the Tides of the water, which is the lifeblood of the earth. Moon teaches you about intuition and introspection and has a strong connection to the cycles of the life. ” Shelly Burton ( astrologer).

                                        In astrological terms , the moon is connected with our emotions, such as anger, fear, happiness, sadness, surprise, contempt and disgust. Over the years, plenty of astrologer try to pin down the impact of the moon on our entourage. Currently the prevailing thoughts of celestial movement around us refers to our inner world, that regulate the deep pattern of thinking and feeling.

Let's go into science here for a moment, to know how the moon was formed. The formation of moon happen about 30-50 million years ago (after the earth's formation ) as a result of collision, known as the GIANT IMPACT ON THE BIG WHACK. A giant Mars sized object hit the Earth and blasted out rocks. All these parts of rocks came together and orbited around the earth.

After a period of time  they all melted together, cooled down and became the MOON. When we make a comparison between the Earth and the Moon, the diameter of the earth is found to be nearly four times greater than the moon (12,742 kilometres 3,476 kilometre, respectively) so that the moon would fit into the earth just about four times.

   WHAT IS A LUNAR ECLIPSE?

A lunar eclipse occurs when the three celestial bodies, the Sun, the Moon and the Earth are aligned in a straight line (with the earth in the middle). Because of the straight position of these celestial bodies the Earth's shadow covers the Moon. In Astronomy this is called SYZYGY.

This weekend (July, 2019) lunar eclipse will give a chance to skywatcher to see the moon turn a dull red; because the moon will hidden in the shadow of the earth. The partial eclipse of the moon will start at 10:33 p.m. ET, then in the fullness of time at 11:41 p.m. ET, the moon will turn completely red( blood moon). Some are calling this eclipse a “super blood wolf moon”.  This lunar eclipse would help  skywatcher or kids to understand the natural phenomenon of our solar system and its geometry. It would be a good educational experience for kids, illustrated by nature itself.

Do we need any special instructions to see lunar eclipse?

During sun eclipse it was advised to put on sunglasses or any protective eyewear to reduce and to stop harmful effect of Sunlight. On the other hand the lunar eclipse doesn't leave any harmful impact on our eyes as the moon is not as strong, so it is safe to look at a lunar eclipse without any protective glasses.

Consequences of lunar eclipse on human health :

According to NASA and similar Agencies, there is no evidence yet that proves lunar eclipse has any physical effects on the human body. As we know that moon causes Tides in the ocean through its gravitational pull. The Sun’s gravitational pull adds with the Moon's gravitational pull ,  causes low or high Tides. It's a fact that most of the human body consists of water, therefore we can say that the moon also pulls or stimulate our emotional centres. But there is a big difference between ocean and  tiny  human body; this is why emotional activities of a human being are hardly noticeable.

According to religious beliefs, pregnant ladies are advised not to go out during an eclipse ,  it can affect embryos development and growth. But this is not scientifically proved we are not sure about the impact of lunar eclipse on human body,  it leads to some psychological facts of people's belief for sure.

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Road of recovery

No more depression : Shrug off recent failures and unfair criticism

Dr. Asma Ali (Ecologist)

When you lost interest or pleasure in daily activities, feel worthless or guilt, suffering difficulties in sleeping (insomnia) or excessive sleeping ( hypersomnia), recurrent thoughts of death or suicide or attempt to suicide and hindrance in psychomotor skills (slow movement and speech), these are the symptoms of depression which persist and affect our life substantially.

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 7.6 % of people over the age of 12 have depression in any phase of their life. Similarly World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that 350 million people are affected by depression globally.

DEPRESSION seems to be more common among women than men ( poverty inequality  and discrimination are sources of depression among women). The cause of depression are not fully understood but are likely to be a complex combination of genetic, biological, environmental and psychosocial factor.

There are certain ways to recover from depression who can help an afflicted person on the  road of recovery.

Psychological Treatments:
        Commonly psychological treatment known as a talking therapy. This therapy inserts positive thoughts deep down your brain and helps you to come out from the circle you penned yourself to make a distance from the rest of the world. Talking therapy, underlines your abilities and uniqueness and blurred traumatic memories from the past. It also helps you to change your thinking pattern and to improve your coping skills. Then you're better equipped to deal with life stresses and conflicts.

Medical Treatments :
People with severe forms of depression ( bipolar disorder and psychosis) generally need to be treated with medication. This may include one or a combination of mood stabilizers, antipsychotic drugs and antidepressant. Some people experience side effects, commonly anxiety, sweating, nausea,  headache,  weight gain and dry mouth.

Other sources of support :
Maintaining Healthy lifestyle, relaxation training, family and friends, support groups and online forum are some other sources of support to recover and stay well. It's important to remember that recovery can take time and just as no two persons are the same, neither are their recoveries.
         
BE PATIENT AND GO EASY ON YOURSELF

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Electric vehicles

replacement of conventional vehicle to reduce the leading cause of pollution, globally.

Dr. Asma Ali ( Ecologist)

Tata sons chairman emeritus Ratan Tata made investment in ola electric mobility, the electric vehicle unit of cab hailing major Ola. According to Ratan Tata “The electric vehicle ecosystem is evolving dramatically everyday and I believe Ola electric will play a key role in its growth and development”. Ola Cabs is an Indian origin online transportation network company, developed by ANI,Technologies Private Limited. Ola cabs was founded on 3 December 2010; till 2018 the company has expanded its network across 169 cities of India with more than 10 lakh vehicles and in January 2018 ola spreaded  its overseas market in Australia and New Zealand.

Introduction

Electric vehicles (EVs) powered through a collector system by electricity, first came into existence in the mid 19th century but increased focus on renewable energy and technological approaches it proliferated rapidly. When we compare ICE vehicle (internal combustion engine) with EVs (electric vehicles), one of the common assertion comes out all the time in our mind whether EVs are more efficient than car powered by internal combustion engine? 

         

According to the US department of  ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY; EVs convert about 59% to 62% of electric energy from the grid to power at the wheels. Conventional gasoline vehicle only convert about 17 % to 21% of the energy stored in gasoline to power at the wheel.

The charging time of an electric car can be as little as 40 minutes or more than 12 hours. This depends on the size of battery and the speed of charging.

On the other hand, if a large proportion of electric vehicle would be used in developed countries, where per capita car ownership is quite higher ( as shown in chart); it would definitely increase the demand of electricity generation. 

However overall energy consumption and emission would diminish because of the higher efficiency of EVs over the entire cycle. Steve Holliday ( CEO, National Grid PLC) said “penetration up and above that becomes a real issue. Local distribution network in cities like London may struggle to balance their grids if drivers choose to  all plug in their cars at the same time”.

List of countries by vehicles per capita

• San marina           1,263
• Monaco                    899
• New Zealand           839
• United States           837
• Iceland                      795
• Liechtenstein           773
• Australia                   747
• Luxembourg            737
• Malta                        738
• Brunei                       721
• Italy                           695
• Canada                     670
• INDIA                          22

In case of India things are quite different when we see the list of countries by vehicles per capita we can sketch out the significance of electric vehicle globally. Increased use of vehicle poses several social, economic and environmental challenges.

As we all know emission of gases from vehicle causing Lethal impact on Environment. To reduce expansion of pollution we can replace conventional cars by EVs.

  Power generated in 2016

   CHINA             6,015(TWh)

   US                   4,327(TWh)

   INDIA              1,423(TWh)

Data suggested that India is now the world's third largest electricity producer. After China ( 6,015 TWh) and US (4,327 TWh); India (1,423 TWh) generated 4.72 more electricity in 2018, when compare it with 2017 ( however power generation is not adequate as per demand).

Amitabh Kant (CEO Niti Aayog) articulated “ from the perspective of energy security and competitive advantage, new mobility solutions will reduce oil import cost, lower trade deficits and limit vulnerability to oil supply descriptions and process shocks. Finally shared, connected and clean mobility solutions will deliver a host of environmental benefits”.

    Best EVs COMPANIES

• TESLA,Inc.  is an American automobile and Energy Company based in Palo Alto, California, founded in July 1, 2003. Tesla is specialise in electric car and solar panel manufacturing. Tesla delivered over to 245,000 vehicles in 2018. The Tesla model 3 was the best selling electric car in the world in 2018 according to data firm JATO dynamics.
• BAIC (Beijing automotive industry holding Co.Ltd.) is a Chinese state owned Enterprises and holding company of several automobile and machine manufacturers, located in Beijing China.
• BYD (Build Your Dreams) is China based company established in January 2003, produces automobiles, buses, electric bicycles, rechargeable batteries and trucks. In 2012 the company became the 9th largest car manufacturer in China producing over 6,00,000 vehicles.

In this scenario as we know that we have Limited stock of fossil fuel, which is not enough to meet the rising demand. After few years, this priceless natural Treasure will be over and we will be left empty. Although we cannot completely control on the uses of natural petroleum but we can replace it with its substitute.

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why do we need hydration

Let's  figure out the importance of HYDRATION

Dr. Asma Ali (Ecologist)

Web.MD, weight Loss Clinic, KATHLEEN ZELMAN, says, “Water is non-caloric, it plumps up your k i and it hydrates your muscles. Water is the staff of life and now its everywhere. It's very socially acceptable to walk around with water bottles, sucking only_ them”.

It is well known that water is very essential component of our body, that makes up more than half of our body weight. Every cell, tissue, and organ required adequate amount of water to work properly. Water is needed for overall good health in balancing body temperature, removing waste and to lubricate joints as well. 

This is a Reasonable Goal to drink plenty of water to hydrate yourself. Research says a person should drink 8-10 glasses of water every day, however different people need different amounts of water to stay hydrated.

There are certain reasons, when did a person lose water rapidly. For example, during high mercury reading, if he is physically active (workout),  or during fever; vomiting and diarrhea can also lead to rapid water loss. There are certain signs to recognise whether your body is not hydrated-

• Little or no urine
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Sleepiness
• Confusion
• Fatigue

If that happened to you, consult your doctor and increase the amount of water intake in your routine. We believe  that we get water only from drinking beverages, but interestingly food also contributes a small amount of our daily water intake.  Amazingly meat contains a high percentage of water as much as 60 percent; juicy fruits are also a good source of water.

Several research has suggested that staying hydrated keeps your memory sharp, your mood stable and your motivation intact.

Psychological Society Annual Conference had a project on college students ; they found that students who brought water with them into an exam, scored higher marks than their counterparts, who didn't have water. The researchers hypothesized that drinking water could improve a person's thinking and help them to stay calm and quell their anxiety. Let's have a look at the benefits of hydration -

1. Maintains body temperature -

During dehydration our body loses electrolytes and plasma; and body temperature increases, if we do not replenish the water, what we lose.  Sweating is a process where our body automatically help to balance our body temperature. Therefore to recover water loss, we should drink plenty of water after every couple of hours.

  

   2.  Protection of tissues, Spinal cord and Joints-

It's really hard to believe that a few cups of water lubricates and cushions our joints, spinal cord and tissues. Right amount of water consumption helps us to enjoy physical and mental activities as well. Hydration also affects your strength, power and endurance.

3.  Helps in digestion, urination and defecation -

Kidney is very important organ of the excretory system for filtering out waste through urination. Kidney work more efficiently into well hydrated body and reduces the risk of kidney stones. Similarly during digestion, enough water, when paired with magnesium and fiber, carries smooth and swift bowl movement; is the way to prevent from constipation.

  4.  Nutrient absorption-

If there are irregularities in your digestive system, that may bring many diseases. In addition to helping with food breakdown ; water also helps to dissolve vitamins,minerals and other nutrients and delivers these components to the rest of the body.

  5.   Weight loss-

We have heard many times that water intake will help to shed some weight. Some research suggests that water can help you feel full, that may also contribute to boost metabolism and act as an appetite suppressant. Health resource Website Web MD states that drinking water before a meal, reduces intake of 75 calories per meal.

Swelling of the brain, kidney failure and seizures are severe diseases carried through dehydration. To keep your body physically and mentally fit, BE HYDRATED.

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cancer is easier to fight by using cutting edge technology and intensive studies

Cancer : hazardous threat to mankind

Dr. Asma Ali  (Ecologist)

In modern era, where medical treatment and technology are on its peak; people can reciprocate over any health issues with every corner of the globe. Although growing number of cancer patients is need to be underlined.

Cancer is a genetic changes in any part of the body with uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation. The basic cause of cancer is DNA damage and genomic instability. The substances that cause cancer are called carcinogens.

According to the American Cancer Society, in the United States, about 1,620 people were expected to die of cancer each day in 2015. Recently FACTS AND FIGURES annual reportan claimed, that in 2019 there will be an estimated 1,762,450 new cancer cases diagnosed and 606,880 death due to cancer in the US. Probability of cancer according to sex being diagnosed, that shows 39.3% cancer probability for men and 37.7% for women.

When we take a look over the number of cancer patients globally, surprisingly the countries on the top 10 comes from oceania, Europe and North America ; consider to be developed countries with adequate amount of grey matter, surviving under a backdrop of proliferated health programs.   

                      

COUNTRY               AGE STANDARDISED RATE

                                PER 100,000

Australia                  468.0

New-Zealand          438.1

Ireland                    373.7

Hungary                 368.1

US                         352.2

Belgium                 345.2

France                   344.1

Denmark               340.4

Norway                 337.8

Netherlands          334.1

Global cancer statistics (GLOBOCA) sketched out the magnitude of 36 cancers worldwide in185 countries. According to the report, lung cancer found to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer (11.6% of the total cases) and the leading cause of cancer death. In this view, to make people aware, WHO ( World Health Organisation) launched a new toolkit to guide countries about cervical cancer on 4th February 2019 (world cancer day).

THE THINGS WE SHOULD BEAR IN MIND

We can not attribute the disease to a single cause,in many cases it has been observed that any kind of cancer is a result of multiple factors. Here we can roughly divide cancer risk  factors into the following groups.

• Inheritance genetic defects
• Environmental exposure
• Chemicals
• Lifestyle related factors
• Bacteria and viruses
• Several drugs

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays, radioactive rays and fine particulate matter damaged our DNA  sequence. It has been observed that mobile phones emit and receive radio and microwave radiation in the range of 800 to 2600 MHz depending on country and network. Excessive exposure to ionising  radiation from mobile phone on mobile tower can damage our cells and DNA,  potentially causing burns,sickness or Cancer.

.

Although the three expert agencies that usually classify cancer causing exposure,  such as the International Agency for Research on Cancer ( IARC), National Toxicological Program (NTP) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have not classified cell phone towers as to their cancer causing potential.

Several chemicals such as pesticides are  more likely  responsible for cancer. Many studies on the lethal impact of pesticides reveal the fact that these chemicals are  highly carcinogenic. There are certain pesticides which are completely banned worldwide finding their way to market.

Lifestyle related factors that include uses of tobacco, alcohol, ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. Several food habits are also leading cause of Cancer, like Barbecuing food, that generates poly aromatic Hydrocarbons.

Some bacteria and viruses are also found to be carcinogenic. Helicobacter pylori (causes gastristic), HBV, HCV (hepatitis virus that causes hepatitis), EBV ( Epstein-Barr virus) and Herpes virus (inflammation of the throat lymphoid) can cause cancer. Certain antineoplastic agents and hormones attacks on our genetic  system. Medicine  that cause immune deficiency are also responsible factors.

Initially cancer was considered an incurable disease and  was accepted it like a death sentence. But now, the situation has changed, using cutting edge techniques and intensive study, cancer is easier to fight. Most cancers are preventable and also treatable. Cancer diagnosis and treatment have grown by leaps and bounds. Unfortunately due to the different misconceptions and incorrect information, this disease is increasing rapidly. Most patients reach the clinic in the 3rd or 4th Stage when the survival rate remains 10 to 15 percent.

Studies suggest that simple Lifestyle changes such as following a healthy diet could prevent 30 to 50% of all cancers. Growing evidence points to certain food habits increasing or decreasing cancer risk.

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DASH diet: Revolutionary path for healthy heart

GO WITH DASH, TO MAINTAIN YOUR WEIGHT AND BLOOD PRESSURE.

Dr. Asma Ali (Ecologist)

What we eat reflect on our face, diet approach is a key to a lifestyles. Because of hectic schedule people can not sticks to any healthy diet chart or follows physical workout either. Therefore they are getting afflicted with heart stroke, kidney failure or kidney stones and type 2-diabetes.

But you can prevent yourself from these diseases by introducing DASH diet into  your life. The DASH diet is low in salt and sugar land rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains,  low fat dairy and lean proteins. DASH stands for DIETARY APPROACHES TO STOP HYPERTENSION.  Previously DASH  diet was created to prevent a person from high blood pressure,  later it also became a healthy way to lose weight.  

DASH has many health benefits,  such as

• It reduces risk of heart disease, heart  failure and stroke.
• Prevent or control type 2-diabetes.
• Improve cholesterol levels.
• And importantly, reduces chance of kidney stones.

DASH eating plan strictly reduces the use of sodium,fat, red meat, sweet and beverage that contains sugar. DASH is a heart-healthy way of eating, which is lower in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. DASH is a rich source of potassium, magnesium, calcium, protein and fiber, which help in lowering blood pressure and to reduce excessive fat.

It is important to know that the DASH eating plan doesn't require any special diet chart or recipes. It simply calls for a certain number of daily servings, depending upon age and requirements of individuals body. When we compare it with KETO DIET (less carbohydrates and rich protein) we can ruled out that DASH is more practical for lifelong use when paired with exercise. NHLBI (National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute) has also described the importance of DASH. Constantly from 8 years DASH diet is ranking on first position.

Celebrities such as Kareena Kapoor Khan, Parineeti Chopra, Zareen Khan, Sonakshi Sinha, Arjun Kapoor and many more, follows DASH diet, that's why its also known as celebrity diet.

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