BIODETERIORATION OF CELLULOSE MATERIALS IN KARINGOTE, NILESWARAM, KAVVAYI AND RAMAPURAM BACKWATER SYSTEMS OF KERALA

Abstract

The hydrographic conditions prevailing in an estuarine system along the southwest coast
of India are described. The nature of destruction of timber in these backwater·s has been
examined in detail which revealed the existence of 8 species of shipworms, 2 species each of
Jlholads and isopods. The shipworms arc represented by Dicyathifer mmmi, Lyrodus
pedicellatus, Teredo furcifera, Teredo clappi, Nausitora dunlopei, Bankia carinata, Bankia
campanellata; the J>holads by Martesia striata and Martesia (Particoma) nairi; and the isopods
by Sphaeroma terehrans and Sphaeroma annamlalei. The incidence and relative abundance
of these pests arc discussed in relation to the salinity profile of the estuary.