ANITA ABRAHAM

  ABSTRACT Cochin backwater is facing serious threat due to heavy metal pollution caused by rapid urbanization and industrialization. In this paper, literatures on heavy metal sources, level and spatio-temporal distribution in water, sediments and organisms were reviewed for a comprehensive understanding of the status of heavy metal pollution in Cochin backwater. Increased levels of the heavy metals encountered were linked to local industrialization. Northern part of the backwater is more polluted by heavy metals compared to southern and middle part of the backwater. High levels of heavy metals were also found in biota. INTRODUCTION Coastal marine ecosystems are vulnerable to adverse impacts from various urban and industrial developmental activities, which could facilitate the disposal of several chemical agents, with consequent degradation in the water quality causing serious health hazards to the aquatic organisms. Among environmental contaminants, heavy metals in effluents...

  ABSTRACT      Sex education has been one of the highly controversial issues in Indian society. Due to increasing incidences of HIV/AIDS, RTIs/STIs and adolescent issues, there is a rising need to impart sex education. However, introducing sex education at school level always received mixed response from various segments of Indian society. In this article, the current status of sex education in schools belonging to Ernakulam district has been assessed. A normative survey method has been opted for the study. It was a descriptive cum analysis based one. Responses were collected by questionnaire method using google forms as a tool. The present study has helped to understand the current status of sex education given to students belonging to Ernakulam district. Majority of the students considers sex education as a relevant part of the curriculum and not satisfied with sex education classes being given in their schools. Though students have basic knowledge on reproducti...