Volume 3 : Issue 1
International Research Journal of Science and Technology
1. Checklist of snakes (Reptilia: Squamata) in Tala Tahsil of Raigad, Maharashtra, India.
Author(s): Sujeet Jamdar
Abstract: Snakes are among the most widespread vertebrates globally, with a notable preference for arid zones in terms of diversity. They are commonly encountered wildlife in human settlements. This study provides a checklist of snake species recorded in the Tala Tahsil region of Raigad, Maharashtra. Based on data collected from volunteers, snake enthusiasts, and rescuers, 28 snake species were identified in the Tala area, including 17 non-venomous and 11 venomous species. These 28 species are distributed across seven families: Colubridae (11 species), Uropeltidae (5 species), Elapidae (3 species), Viperidae (3 species), Boidae (3 species), Typhlopidae (2 species), and Lamprophiidae (1 species). The diversity of non-venomous snakes (17 species) exceeds that of venomous ones (11 species).
Sujeet Jamdar, S. (2025). Checklist of snakes (Reptilia: Squamata) in Tala Tahsil of Raigad, Maharashtra, India. International Research Journal of Science and Technology, 3(1), 444–452. ISSN: 2707-3955.
2. Enhancing Chemistry Learning through Advance Organizer Strategy: Evidence from Nigerian Secondary Schools..
Author(s): Mustapha Isah
Abstract: This study examined the effect of the advance organizer teaching strategy on academic achievement and retention in senior secondary school chemistry in Gumel, Jigawa State, Nigeria. A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was employed, involving Senior Secondary II Chemistry students was used. Findings revealed that students taught with the advance organizer strategy significantly outperformed peers taught with the conventional method in both academic achievement and retention tests. Male students taught using advance organizer strategy performed better than their female counterparts in achievement and retention, with the difference being statistically significant. The results demonstrate that the advance organizer strategy facilitates meaningful learning by linking prior knowledge with new content, thereby enhancing comprehension and long-term retention of chemistry concepts. It is recommended that chemistry teachers integrate advance organizers into instructional practice to improve student engagement, conceptual understanding, and retention. Special attention should also be given to encouraging female students to participate actively in science lessons.
Mustapha Isah (2025). Enhancing Chemistry Learning through Advance Organizer Strategy: Evidence from Nigerian Secondary Schools.International Research Journal of Science and Technology, 3(1), 453–457. ISSN: 2707-3955.
3. Physicochemical Characterization of Urban Lake Waters in Bengaluru Using Hardness and Total Dissolved Solids Indicators
Author(s): Mowlya M, Nandini N, Chandana S, Rakesh V, Dr.Ethiraj J
Abstract: This study aims to evaluate water hardness, total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH levels in selected urban lakes of Bengaluru and its outskirts to assess their overall water quality status. Water samples were collected from nineteen lakes and analysed using standard laboratory techniques, including EDTA titration for total hardness, gravimetric/electrometric methods for TDS, and pH measurement using a calibrated pH meter. The results revealed considerable spatial variation among lakes, with total hardness ranging from 426-2946ppm as CaCO₃ and TDS values varying between 182-678 mg/L, with the highest concentrations observed in lakes located near dense urban and industrial zones. Several lakes exceeded recommended freshwater quality limits, indicating potential ecological stress and reduced suitability for sensitive aquatic organisms. These findings highlight the influence of urbanization and anthropogenic activities on lake water chemistry and emphasize the need for regular monitoring and targeted management strategies to protect and restore urban freshwater ecosystems.
Mowlya M, Nandini N, Chandana S, Rakesh V, Dr.Ethiraj J (2025). Physicochemical Characterization of Urban Lake Waters in Bengaluru Using Hardness and Total Dissolved Solids Indicators, International Research Journal of Science and Technology, 3(1), 458-462. ISSN: 2707-3955.
4. Assessment of Total Hardness, pH, and Chemical Oxygen Demand in Selected Urban Lakes of Bengaluru, India
Author(s): Sanskruti Lohith, Shreya S, Dhanyatha K, Ethiraj J, Rakesh V, Joemon K J
Abstract: This study aims to assess the physicochemical quality of nine urban lakes in Bengaluru and nearby regions using total hardness, pH, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) as key indicators of chemical condition and pollution pressure. Rapid urbanization, untreated sewage inflow, industrial discharge, and surface runoff have increasingly degraded lake water quality in the region, highlighting the need for systematic chemical assessment. Total hardness reflects the concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium ions derived from geological formations and anthropogenic sources and influences alkalinity balance, scaling tendency, and overall chemical stability. COD represents the amount of organic and oxidisable matter present and is widely used to evaluate pollution arising from sewage discharge, industrial effluents, and urban runoff. pH governs the acid–base balance of aquatic systems and strongly affects chemical reactions, metal solubility, nutrient availability, and biological processes. Water samples were collected from all nine lakes and analyzed using standard laboratory methods. Total hardness was determined by EDTA titration, COD by the dichromate reflux method, and pH using an electrometric approach. The results revealed considerable spatial variation among the lakes. Total hardness values ranged from 22to190mg/L, pH varied between 6.9and 7.8 and COD levels ranged from 7.0 to 10mg/L, indicating differing degrees of mineral enrichment and organic pollution. Elevated hardness suggests increased mineral dissolution and domestic or agricultural inputs, while high COD values indicate significant organic contamination and oxygen-demanding processes. These findings support the need for regular monitoring and lake specific management strategies to ensure sustainable urban lake use.
Sanskruti Lohith, Shreya S, Dhanyatha K, Ethiraj J, Rakesh V, Joemon K J (2025). Assessment of Total Hardness, pH, and Chemical Oxygen Demand in Selected Urban Lakes of Bengaluru, India, International Research Journal of Science and Technology, 3(1), 463-467. ISSN: 2707-3955.
5. Organic Soil-Based Opals: Formation Mechanisms and Their Emerging Forensic Applications
Author(s): Sanskruti Lohith, Shreya S, Dhanyatha K, Ethiraj J, Rakesh V, Joemon K J
Abstract: Opals are commonly associated with gemstones and mineral deposits; however, organic soil-based opals represent a relatively underexplored class of siliceous materials formed through interactions between organic matter, biological activity, and soil geochemistry. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the formation, separation, and characterization of organic soil-based opals, with particular emphasis on their emerging relevance in forensic science. A critical evaluation of peer-reviewed literature was conducted, focusing on biogenic and abiogenic opal formation, organic–silica interactions in soils, reported separation strategies, and spectroscopic characterization techniques. The reviewed studies indicate that organic matter, microbial mediation, and environmental conditions have a strong influence on opal morphology, composition, and preservation. Meanwhile, analytical approaches such as FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction enable the reliable identification and classification of opals. These characteristics suggest that organic soil-based opals have significant potential as trace indicators for forensic soil discrimination, provenance analysis, and the interpretation of burial environments, warranting further systematic investigation.
Arul Asokan, Shivani Singh(2025). Organic Soil-Based Opals: Formation Mechanisms and Their Emerging Forensic Applications, International Research Journal of Science and Technology, 3(1), 468-474. ISSN: 2707-3955.