Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial property of crude, aqueous and organic solvent extract from leaf, stem and root parts of two different var. of Catharanthus roseus (i.e. "rosea" and "alba") under in vitro conditions on various human pathogenic bacteria.Methods: Antibacterial activity of crude (fresh), aqueous, ethanolic, methanolic and equimolar (1:1) mixture of ethanolic dried leaf extract of variety "rosea" and "alba" was evaluated against various pathogenic bacteria viz. Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by disk diffusion method under in vitro conditions. Results:Gram-positive bacteria were found to be more susceptible than Gram-negative. Dried extracts of root, stem and leaf of C. roseus var. "rosea" and "alba" plants showed maximum antibacterial potency against all the test microorganisms. The equimolar mixture of ethanolic dried leaf extracts of species "rosea" and "alba" exhibited the maximum zone of inhibition against B. subtilis, E. coli and S. aureus as compare to extract prepared from individual parts. The findings of the ethanolic mixture of dried leaves of the two varieties on the tested bactera confirm that the effect is potentiating which may be synergistic or additive. Conclusion:From the findings, it could be inferred that C. roseus var. "rosea" and "alba" could be efficiently used in the development of new lifesaving drugs against bacterial pathogens.

Rainwater harvesting for drinking purpose has been a great source for survival by many societies since ages and now scarcity in water resources has been forcing many others to follow. Even though, rainwater harvesting is an exploitative practice where there is abundance of rainfall, but the methods in which harvesting process are carried needs to be studied in detail. The present study was a systematic physiochemical analysis of harvested rainwater for drinking purpose in Port Vila, Vanuatu where 22 sites were studied for two consecutive seasons. Notable mean variations were observed in total dissolved solids (TDS) with 63.84 mg/L, pH 0.4 and electrical conductivity (EC) with 98.9 µS/Cm. The mean standard deviation of 3.6 mg/L in acidity of pre and post monsoon seasons was also been a noted concern. Timing, extent of rainfall along with the usage had shown variations in the constituent’s concentrations. The study revealed that the standards for the harvested drinking water are compromised at some sites either in one or multiple physiochemical parameters. People in Port Vila continue to consume the harvested water due to cultural practices and beliefs related to rainwater. It was observed that proper management and adaptation to new technologies would yield better quality of the harvested water.

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