Bioluminescent nights in Kerala’s Kumbalangi

Subject : Environment

Section: Msc

Context: The electric blue luminescence has been drawing people to the shrimp farms of Kumbalangi, a sleepy fishing village in Kochi.

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In Kochi, approximately 15 kilometres from Ernakulam, has been hosting a natural neon party. The vast stretches of shrimp farms lined along with the backwaters have been shimmering in bioluminescence, a phenomenon that makes it glow in electric blue and fluorescent green sparkles in the night.
According to an official in the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, the phenomenon is caused by dinoflagellate algae, which have luminescent properties.
Any movement on the surface of the water — waves, a sudden surge, fish swimming, or a disturbance on the surface of the water can trigger the luminescence.
A combination of environmental factors leads to the multiplication of the algae in a particular area. Nutrient-rich water, favorable temperature and salinity causes the algae to multiply at a faster rate. Changes in wind, and current patterns, level of nutrients or any other factors in the water can alter the multiplication of the algae.

Bioluminescence:

Bioluminescence is the ability of living organisms to produce and emit light through a chemical reaction within their bodies. This phenomenon is found in a wide range of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, algae, and animals such as fish, squid, and fireflies.
In bioluminescence, an enzyme called luciferase catalyzes the reaction between a molecule called luciferin and oxygen, resulting in the release of light energy.
The color and intensity of the light produced can vary depending on the type of luciferin and the organism that produces it.
Bioluminescence has evolved in many organisms as a means of communication, defense, and hunting. For example, some deep-sea creatures use bioluminescence to attract mates or prey, while others use it to produce flashes of light to confuse or distract predators.
Bioluminescence also has important applications in science and medicine. It is used as a tool for studying cellular processes and for detecting the presence of specific molecules in biological samples. In medical research, bioluminescent molecules are used as tags to track the location and behavior of cells in the body, which can help in the development of new therapies and treatments.