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October-December, 2025

Rajiv Gandhi University

Center with Potential for Excellence in Biodiversity

Quarterly Journal published in October and December 2025



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Prof. Hui Tag

Editor-in-Chief

Email: editor.jbr@rgu.ac.in

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Article Content

VOLUME 14 (2): OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2025

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Research Article

Morphological characteristics of Calamus species of Arunachal Pradesh, India

Momang Tali*, Chaman Lal Sharma, Madhubala Sharma and Mahesh Wangkhem

Wood Science and Forest Products Laboratory, Department of Forestry, NERIST, Nirjuli-791109 Arunachal Pradesh, India.

Corresponding author: momangtali21@gmail.com

Article No: MTJBR179; Received: 17.10.2025; Peer-reviewed: 20.11.2025; Accepted: 25.11.2025; Published: 31.12.2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18670632

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Abstract: The present study was conducted on eleven species of Calamus viz., C. acanthospathus Griff., C. erectus Roxb., C. flagellum Griff ex Walp, C. floribundus Griff., C. gracilis Roxb., C. inermis T. Anderson, C. khasianus Becc., C. latifolius Roxb., C. leptospadix Griff., C. nambariensis Becc. and C. nambariensis ssp. arunachalensis Deka, Borthakur and Tanti collected from natural forest of Arunachal Pradesh. The aim of the present investigation was to study the detailed morphological characteristics of selected species. Clustered stems were observed in all the Calamus species except C. acanthospathus. The arrangement of leaflets was regular in C. acanthospathus, C. erectus, C. flagellum and C. gracilis, alternate in C. floribundus, C. leptospadix and C. nambariensis ssp. arunachalensis and clustered in C. inermis, C. khasianus, C. latifolius and C. nambariensis. Spines were densely arranged in C. acanthospathus, C. flagellum, C. khasianus, C. nambariensis and C. nambariensis ssp. arunachalensis; scattered in C. floribundus, C. gracilis, C. inermis, C. latifolius and C. leptospadix; whorls in C. erectus. The colour of leaf sheath was dark green in C. erectus and C. gracilis, greenish brown in C. acanthospathus, C. floribundus, C. inermis, C. khasianus and C. leptospadix and greenish yellow in C. flagellum, C. latifolius, C. nambariensis, C. nambariensis ssp. arunachalensis. Flagella were present in all the selected species except C. erectus, C. khasianus and C. nambariensis. Whereas, cirri were absent in the selected Calamus species except C. inermis, C. khasianus and C. nambariensis

Keywords:Calamus; Stem; Spine’s arrangement; Leaf sheath; Leaflet; Cirri; Flagella.



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Research Article

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soil and groundwater near e-waste processing units in the Moradabad industrial area

Amrish Kumar1, Sachin Sharma2, Manisha Pandey2, Akanksha Pandey3*, Sachin Kumar3, Anamika Tripathi1, Juhi Khan4 and Deen Dayal Giri5

1Pollution Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Botany, Hindu College, Moradabad – 244001, Uttar Pradesh, India

2Department of Botany, D.A.V. (P.G) College, Dehradun – 248001, Uttarakhand, India.

3Department of Botany and Microbiology, Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to be University), Haridwar – 249404, Uttarakhand, India.

4Department of Botany, IFTM University, Moradabad – 244001, Uttar Pradesh, India.

5Department of Botany, Maharaj Singh College, Saharanpur – 247001, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Corresponding email ID: mantukpg@gmail.com

Article No.: AKJBR182; Received: 14.08.2025; Peer-reviewed: 15.10.2025; Accepted: 15.10.2025; Published: 31.12.2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18670692

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Abstract: This paper investigates the presence of heavy metal pollution in the soil and groundwater near e-waste processing plants housed in India's Moradabad Industrial Area. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to collect twenty sites worth of samples; these were then searched for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). The results showed that the soil was rather contaminated, with values two to fifteen times higher than authorized limits. The groundwater testing especially for Pb and Cd also revealed quite significant levels. Geographic research found pollution hotspots near places of e-waste disposal. The report emphasizes the requirement for better local control of electronic trash and environmental cleansing to protect biodiversity.

Keywords: Groundwater pollution, E-waste, environmental impact, heavy metals, soil contamination.



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Research Article

Ficus krishnae C. DC. (Moraceae): naturalized in the Chota Nagpur plateau, West Bengal, India.

Animesh Mondal1* and Sukumar Dey2

1Department of Botany, Banwarilal Bhalotia College, Asansol, Ushagram, Asansol-713303, Paschim Burdwan, West Bengal, India.

2Department of Social Work, NSOU Study Centre, Banwarilal Bhalotia College, Asansol, Ushagram, Asansol-713303, Paschim Burdwan, West Bengal, India.

*†Corresponding author email: animeshmondal.2001@gmail.com

comArticle No.: AMJBR182; Received: 17.09.2025; Peer-reviewed: 18.11.2025, Accepted: 14.12.2025; Published: 31.12.2025

Doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18671208

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Abstract: Ficus krishnae C.DC is a widely recognized plant species, planted in many gardens in India and other countries. The species is fascinating because of its unique cup-shaped leaves. This is the first report of this species naturalized in Ajodhya Hill, a part of the Chota Nagpur plateau, located in Purulia district, West Bengal. Detailed description and photos provided for its easy recognition..

Keywords: Ajodhya Hill; Chota Nagpur plateau; cup-shaped leaves; Ficus krishnae; naturalized.



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Research Article

Diversity, species richness and ethnomedicinal uses of malacofauna of varied habitats of Sonitpur district, Assam

Ankita Kalita and Chittaranjan Baruah*

Postgraduate Department of Zoology (DST-FIST PG College-Level A Sponsored Department), Darrang College (Autonomous), Tezpur – 784001, Assam, India.

*Corresponding Author email: chittaranjanb@darrangcollege.ac.in

Article No.:AKJBR186; Received: 02.09.2025; Peer-reviewed: 10.11.2025; Accepted: 18.11.2025; Published: 31.12.2025.

Doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18671508

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Abstract: A comprehensive survey on malacofaunal diversity was carried out across various localities and habitat types in the Sonitpur district of Assam from January to June 2025. Molluscan specimens were collected using a cast net with a mesh size of 0.5 mm, alongside photographic documentation and ethnobiological interviews. A total of 746 individuals representing 12 species across 10 families were recorded. Among these, 10 species are listed as Least Concern (LC) according to the IUCN Red List (2001). Two invasive species such as Physella acuta (European Physa) and Achatina fulica (Giant African Land Snail) were also documented. Out of the 12 recorded species, seven were recognised as edible, as confirmed by both literature and responses from local communities. The study further identified key threats to the survival of molluscan fauna in the region, including habitat degradation, pollution, over-exploitation, and the introduction of invasive species. These findings strongly suggest the need for conservation measures to safeguard freshwater molluscan biodiversity in this ecologically significant region.

Keywords: Malacofauna; Species Diversity; Invasive species; Ethnomedicinal uses; Habitat; Sonitpur; Assam.



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Research Article

Water quality assessment of Baria, Finguaparua and Bahua-tabha Beels using the Water Quality Index (WQI): insights from freshwater wetlands in the agricultural landscape of Barpeta district, Assam, India

Sadananda Nath1* and Rodali Talukdar2*

1Department of Zoology, B.H. College, Howly -781316, Barpeta, Assam, India.

2Department of Chemistry, B.H. College, Howly - Howly-781316, Barpeta, Assam, India

*Corresponding author email: nathsada@gmail.com

Article No.: SNJBR189; Received: 02.09.2025; Peer-reviewed: 16.11.2025; Accepted: 20.11.2025; Published: 31.12.2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18671609

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Abstract: Freshwater wetlands, commonly called Beels in Assam, are the most degraded ecosystem. Various anthropogenic activities, along with different factors of climate change, have seriously affected the health of these freshwater ecosystems. Additionally, the wetlands are used by the public to meet their societal and economic needs. Most of the wetlands of Barpeta district of Assam are in an agricultural landscape, hence agricultural runoff as the nonpoint source of pollution has the potential to cause a serious impact on water quality and aquatic biodiversity. Frequent monitoring of water quality helps in understanding the role of different agents causing negative effects on these water bodies. Based on such analysis proper management plan can be initiated to make these ecosystems sustainable. The present study assessed some common water quality parameters such as Water Temperature (WT), pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Hardness (TH), Total Alkalinity (TA), Chloride, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Sulphate ion, Phosphate ion and Nitrate ion during the dry and wet seasons in three major wetlands of Barpeta district of Assam. The study also carried out a calculation of the water quality index (WQI) to ascertain the water quality status of these wetlands. The study discussed the parameters in relation to water quality standards. The study identified the dry season as one of the factors of low water quality, unsuitable for the use of water for different purposes.

Keywords: Water Quality Parameters; Water Quality Index; Freshwater Wetland; Agricultural Landscape; Dry and Wet seasons; Aquatic Ecosystem.



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Research Article

An investigation on the phytoconstituents of Clausena lansium (Rutaceae) – an underutilized fruit of Assam, India

Bhumasri Kalita and Nilakshee Devi

Department of Botany, Gauhati University, Guwahati-781014, Assam, India.

*Corresponding author email: devinilakshee@gmail.com

Article No.: BKJBR192; Received: 11.08.2025; Peer-reviewed: 25.11.2025; Accepted: 10.12.2025; Published: 31.12.2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18671734

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Abstract: Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels, commonly known as wampee (in China) belongs to the family Rutaceae. It is popularly known for its edible fruits and medicinal properties. The present study evaluated the proximate, minerals, total phenol content, total flavonoid content and GC-MS analysis of fruits of C. lansium occurring in Assam. Proximate analysis revealed the highest moisture content (78.25±0.32%) and low fat content (0.30±0.32%) which serve as an excellent source of low fat diet. Due to low fat and carbohydrate content, the total energy content was found to be comparatively low (63.18±0.74 kcal/100 gm). The fruit also contains notable amount of minerals helpful in maintaining homeostasis of the body. The total phenolic content and total flavonoid content was evaluated using two solvents viz. methanol and water revealed that methanolic extract showed the high total phenol content (27.72±1.03 mg GAE/g extract) and total flavonoid content (21.67±1.54 mg QE/g extract). The phytoconstituents evaluated through GC-MS revealed that the fruits have several important phytoconstituents which have proven antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-HIV and anti-viral activities. These findings assist that wampee can be a great source of low fat and low calorie diet enriched with significant amount of minerals and bioactive compounds that have numerous health promoting effects.

Keywords:Clausena lansium; Total Phenolic Content; Total Flavonoid Content; Proximate Composition; Mineral; Bioactivity.



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Research Article

Codon usage trend and codon context of mitochondrial ND genes among avians

Arif Uddin1*, Sabnam Nasrin Choudhury1, Tarikul Huda Mazumder1, Abul Kashim Md Fujail2 and Jarita Das3

1Department of Zoology, Moinul Hoque Choudhury Memorial Science College, Algapur, Hailakandi-788150, Assam, India.

2Department of Computer Science, Moinul Hoque Choudhury Memorial Science College, Algapur, Hailakandi-788150, Assam, India.

3Department of Statistics, Moinul Hoque Choudhury Memorial Science College, Algapur, Hailakandi-788150, Assam, India.

*Corresponding author email: arif.uddin29@gmail.com

Article No.:AUJBR195; Received: 25.11.2025; Peer-reviewed: 15.12.2025; Accepted: 20.12.2025; Published: 31.12.2025.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18671791

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Abstract: Codon Usage Bias (CUB) refers to the non-random uses of synonymous codon that offers variable insights into an organism genetic architecture and evolutionary divergence. For this study, the avians mitochondrial ND genes were taken into consideration for their unique inheritance pattern and mutation rate. We analysed codon usage patterns to understand similarities, differences, and evolutionary forces shaping mitochondrial ND genes across avian species, representing the first systematic comparison among diverse avian lineages. Our analysis revealed variation in nucleotide composition, with a clear dominance of AT over GC content in all mitochondrial ND genes across avian species. The synonymous codon usage order (SCUO) values (0.26-0.39) suggested low codon usage bias in ND genes, while heat map analysis further revealed dissimilarities in codon usage across avian lineages. One of the remarkable findings in this study was the evolutionary disfavouring of the codons in ND3 (ACC, GCG) and ND6 (CAA) across different avian species. Neutrality plot analysis indicated that CUB of the avian mitochondrial ND genes was predominantly shaped by natural selection rather than mutation pressure. Evolutionary relationships among avian species of diverse and within taxonomic orders were supported by strong bootstrap values (98–100%), indicating stable evolutionary lineages.

Keywords: Codon Usage Trends; Respiratory Chain; CUB; ND genes; Avians; Mutation Pressure.



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Research Article

Ophioglossum rubellum (Ophioglossaceae): a new distributional record for the State of Maharashtra, India.

Nishikant B. Shiwankar1* Manprakash M. Yelekar and Shrikant J. Borkar2

1Department of Botany, D. D. Bhoyar College of Arts and Science, Mouda, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.

2Department of Botany, Government Institute of Science, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.

*Corresponding author-email: nb.shiwankar.m@gmail.com

Article No.:NBJBR198; Received: 02.09.2025; Peer-reviewed: 10.11.2025; Accepted: 15.12.2025; Published: 31.12.2025

DOI:https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18671851

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Abstract: Maharashtra, located in western India, is recognized for its rich biodiversity due to its unique biogeographical position. The diverse flora, including both cryptogams and phanerogams, reflects a healthy and balanced ecosystem. Ophioglossum L. is a widely distributed genus within the eusporangiate pteridophytic family Ophioglossaceae. During floristic surveys conducted in open grasslands near forest floors and water bodies, the authors recorded a brownish-green population of Ophioglossum characterized by ovate-circular trophophylls, an apex that is acute to obtuse, and 2-3 trophophylls per rhizomorph, lying flat on the ground. Detailed micro-observations and taxonomic descriptions of the collected specimen confirm it as Ophioglossum rubellum Welw. ex A. Braun. This report documents the first occurrence of Ophioglossum rubellum in Maharashtra, thereby extending the known distribution of this species to the state.

Keywords:Ophioglossum; Eusporangiate; Rhizomorph; Trophophylls; New Record; Maharashtra.



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