Biodegradation is the chemical breakdown of materials by a physiological environment. The term is often used in relation to ecology, waste management and environmental remediation. A specific gene from bacteria is identified and sequenced which has the capacity of oil degradation without any obvious strain specific discrimination using a combination of PCR and hybridization. The parameters of biodegradation that is culturing and PCR technique provide useful information for an assessment of the intrinsic biodegradation potential that is present at a site. PCR amplification products in the plasmid DNA of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was transformed into competent Escherichia coli cells. Thus the E. coli cells were conferred with oil degrading property and this was confirmed by growing them in Bushnell Hass medium along with petroleum oil. The E. coli cells were found to be catabolizing the oil. Results show that the capability for alkane degradation is a common trait in microbial communities. The method can be a very useful tool for the fast estimation of the biodegradation potential at polluted sites.

<p>A survey was conducted to assess the nutritional status of children (0-6 years) among 40 <em>Anganwadis </em>in 4 districts of Kerala State registered under the ICDS scheme. A self- prepared structured interview schedule was used. To get the qualitative information of the study anthropometric measures include height and weight were used for assessing nutritional status of the children. The stepwise analysis of two variables height for age and weight for age was applicable on the basis of Waterlow’s and Gomez’ classification. To examine the relationship between nutritional status of the child and selected variable that affects nutritional status of children, Chi-square test was employed. Based on Gomez’ classification, out of 400 children, only 300 (75.0%) of children received supplementary nutrition through ICDS out of which 250 (62.5%) children were normal while 50 (12.5%) were underweight. Based on Waterlow’s classification out of 400 children, only 290 (72.5%) of children received supplementary nutrition through ICDS out of these children 200 (50 %) were normal while 90 (22.5%) were stunted. It can thus be concluded that majority of children were normal who received supplementary nutrition through ICDS.</p>