Archives Issues
Volume 9, Issue No 3, Sep 2010
Adsorption of basic dye (Rhodamine B) by a low cost activated carbon from agricultural solid waste: Leucaena leucocephala seed shell waste
The adsorption of Rhodamine B (Basic dye) on Leucaena leucocephala seed shell waste carbon was investigated to assess the possible use of this adsorbent for the processing of dyeing industry wastewater. The influence of various factors such as initial dye concentration, agitation time and temperature on the adsorption capacity has been studied. The percentage removal of dye is observed to decrease with the increase in initial dye concentration. With increase in temperature the adsorption of dye also increases, indicating endothermic nature of the reaction. Adsorption isothermal data could be interpreted by the Langmuir and Freundlich equations. Kinetic data have been studied using Elovich and Pseudo-second order equations for understanding the reaction mechanism.
S. Karthikeyan and A. Babu Rajendran
Modulatory action of vitamin C on the genotoxicity of an anti cancer drug (etoposide) tested in the wing spot of Drosophila
This work deals with genotoxicity of an antineoplastic drug, etoposide and its modulation by Vitamin C in the somatic wingspot cells of Drosophila. Four sub-lethal doses of etoposide (0.5 mM, 0.25 mM, 0.1 mM, 0.05 mM) and two doses of Vitamin C (50 mM, 100 mM) were selected for the purpose. Etoposide was found to be genotoxic at all tested doses in this assay. It was found that Vitamin C (100 mM) caused significant reduction of wing spots when admitted before, along with or after treatment with any doses of etoposide. The possible causes of induction of wingspots and modulatory action of Vitamin C have been discussed.
Kshyama Singh and Suresh Chandra Patnaik
Depleting population of herbs and creepers used as traditional medicine by the Assamese community of Lakhimpur district, Assam
A survey of some wild herbs and creepers, used as traditional medicine by the greater Assamese community of Lakhimpur district, was conducted during 2008- 2009. A total of six plant species were identified and reported by the native people to be diminishing in their population. Continuous deforestation occurring as a result of destruction of the forest areas, erosion and floods are the prime factors for the diminishing population. A need for conservation and systematic exploration in a planned manner is an immediate necessity.
S. N. Phukan and Rupa Phukan
Investigation on suitability of spent fire bricks (SFB) in concrete
Concrete is the most undisputable and indispensable material being used in infrastructure development throughout the world. Umpteen varieties of concretes (FAC, HVFAC, FRC, HPC, HSC and others) were researched in several laboratories and brought to the field to suit the specific needs. Although natural fine aggregates i.e., river sand are so far superior to any other material in making concrete; their availability is continuously being depleted due to intentional overexploitation throughout the globe. Hence, partial or full replacement of fine aggregates by other compatible materials like sintered fly ash, crushed rock dust, quarry dust, glass powder, recycled concrete dust, and others is being researched from past two decades in view of conserving the ecological balance. In this direction, a preliminary investigation was undertaken to use “Spent Fire Bricks” (SFB) i.e., waste material from foundry bed and walls and lining of chimney which is adopted in many industries, for partial replacement of sand in making good concrete. The vital objective of this investigation is to assess the utility of SFB in making good concrete by studying its physicochemical and other characteristics.
R. Srinivasan and S. Keerthinarayana
Effect of different pollutants on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization, nodulation and growth of five legume plants
In the present investigation an attempt was made to investigate the influence of different polluted soils on the mycorrhizal colonization, nodulation and subsequent growth of five legume plants. Five soils polluted by different industrial effluents viz., organic chemicals, pesticides, detergents, paper and neem seed oil cake were employed. Palamuru University Campus soil was taken as a control. Interestingly, neem seed oil cake and paper board polluted soil showed less inhibitory effect than detergents, pesticides and organic chemical pollutants.
Pavan Kumar Pindi
New Analytical Technique for the Determination of Mercury (II) by Extraction Spectrophotometric Method with Potassium Benzyl Xanthate in Sewage Wastes and Spiked Water Samples
A new simple and sensitive extractive spectrophotometric method for the determination of mercury (II) with potassium benzyl xanthate (KBX) has been developed. Mercury was complexed with KBX to form light yellow colour Hg-KBX complex and was extracted in to methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). The complex has maximum absorbance at 375nm. The molar absorbitivity and Sandell’s sensitivity of the complex was 2.609×10-3 L.mole-1.cm-1 and 1.673×10-2µg/cm2 respectively. The developed method obeys Beer’s law in the concentration range of 1.0 to 20 ppm. The composition of the complex (metal:ligand) was 1:2. The developed method was applied for the determination of mercury in sewage waste and spiked water samples.
B. Sreenivasa Rao
Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Dorema aucheri on Pituitary-Gonad Axis Hormones in Adult Male Rats
Dorema aucheri is a plant from Apiaceae family, which has several compounds such as flavonoids and kumarines. Flavonoids have antitumor, anticancer and estrogenic properties. Antiandrogenic properties of kumarines are also known. The aim of this research is to examine the hydroalcoholic extract of Dorema aucheri on serum concentration of main pituitary-gonad axis hormones including LH, FSH, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Fifty adult male wistar rats weighting about 200 to 220 g were divided into five groups of ten. The control group did not receive any drug and sham operation group received an equal volume of normal saline. Other three experimental groups including low (100 mg/kg bw), medium (200 mg/kg bw) and maximum (400 mg/kg bw) received Dorema aucheri hydroalcoholic extract daily for 28 days orally. After 28 days all animals in the different groups were weighed and after anaesthetizing with ether, their blood was collected and serum concentrations of hormones LH, FSH, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone were measured by ELISA method. Data were statistically analysed by ANOVA and t-test. The results showed that LH concentrations in all experimental groups significantly increase in comparison to control and sham groups, while FSH concentrations among the different groups did not change significantly. The concentrations of testosterone and DHT in different experimental groups decreased significantly in comparison to control and sham groups. The results of the study indicate that hydroalcoholic extract of Dorema aucheri, due to estrogenic and antiandrogenic properties of flavonoids and kumarines, can change serum concentrations of pituitary-gonad axis hormones.
S. Khatamsaz, F. Azarnioshan and H. Sadeghi
Adsorption of Congo Red from Aqueous Solution by A Low-cost Novel Adsorbent Derived from the Inflorescence of Palmyra (Borassus flabellifer L.) Male Flowers
Batch adsorption method was performed using a low cost acid activated novel adsorbent, inflorescence of palmyra male flowers carbon (IPMFC), for the removal of Congo red (CR) from aqueous solutions at 30±2°C. The effects of agitation time, adsorbent dose, initial dye concentration, pH and temperature were examined. The adsorption capacity was found to be 4.7037 mg/g of the adsorbent for the particle size of 0.15-0.25 mm. Acidic pH was favourable for the adsorption of Congo red. Equilibrium adsorption data were described by both Langmuir and Freundlich models, but Langmuir model was more fitted. Increase in temperature increased the percent removal of CR ions onto IPMFC and it was endothermic in nature.
P. E. Kumar and V. Perumal
Impact of Industrial Wastewaters on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Chambal River at Nagda, M. P., India
The impact of effluent from chemical and textile industries on the physicochemical characteristics of Chambal river was carried out for period of one year. Water samples were collected quarterly covering all the three seasons. Five sampling stations were chosen along the river, corresponding to the locations with notable industrial discharges into the river. The effluents discharged into stations 2, 3 and 4 led to slight increase in pH, BOD and COD values. t-test results revealed that turbidity, TDS, TSS, electrical conductivity, DO, chloride, sulphate and hardness were significantly different among various stations sampled. The upstream (station 1) and downstream (station 5) reference sites recorded lower values of these parameters. Season did not affect much of these parameters except for chloride, sulphate and TDS, which were significantly different among the various sampling periods. The study underscores the need for immediate remediation programmers to control the poor water status of the sections of the river studied.
P.B. Reddy and B.S. Baghel
Protection of Rebar Concrete by Means of Inhibitor Admixture
This paper deals with the effectiveness of nitrite based and amine based inhibitors in protecting steel rebar against corrosion due to aggressive environment. The suitability of the inhibitor was evaluated by carrying out flexural tests. Inhibitors were admixed during casting and the concentration of inhibitor was varied from 3% to 5%. The corrosion of reinforcement is accelerated by chemical and electrochemical techniques. Amine based inhibitor delays the onset of corrosion. Further, EIS studies were performed to study the effectiveness of amine based inhibitor.
B. Kameshwari
Groundwater Pollution Due to Urbanization and Industrialization in Tumkur District, Karnataka, India
The present study aims at the assessment of groundwater quality in and around Tumkur district and in an erstwhile freshwater stream carrying huge quantities of domestic, agricultural and industrial effluents. Groundwater samples have been collected from bore wells and open wells and subjected to a comprehensive physicochemical and bacteriological analysis. The study reveals that 52.13% of the samples were non-potable due to the presence in excess of several water quality parameters as per the standards laid out by the Bureau of Indian standards (BIS). Nitrate, total hardness and iron were found to be the chief culprits. Nitrates account for 50%, and total hardness and iron for 33.3% of the non-potability of samples. 50% of the samples examined indicated bacterial contamination of the groundwater.
M. S. Rudresha, R. Jeevan Kumar, Fakruddin and Basavaraju
Groundwater Resource Assessment in Kushavathi Watershed, Chickballapur District, Karnataka, India
In the present study, an attempt has been made to delineate the groundwater potential zones in the Kushavathi watershed, Chickballapur district, Karnataka. The study has been for targeting groundwater in hard rock terrain by adopting remote sensing and GIS techniques. Information on geomorphology and land use is generated using the remote sensing data. The hydrogeomorphic units like floodplains and valleys have good groundwater potential, and pediplains and pediments have moderate to poor groundwater potential. The structural hills, denudational hills and inselberg are indicated as runoff zones. The weathered and fractured zone constitute the aquifer system in the area.
T. M. Mohan Kumar, M. Inayathulla and P. S. Nagaraja
Application of Ecofriendly Natural Dye on Cotton Obtained from the Stem of Achras sapota Using Combination of Mordants
The colour fastness properties of the stem of Achras sapota dyed on cotton were studied using combination of mordants such as myrobolan :nickel sulphate, myrobolan : aluminium sulphate, myrobolan : potassium dichromate, myrobolan : ferrous sulphate, and myrobolan : stannous chloride in the ratio of 1:3, 1:1 and 3:1. The washing, rubbing, light and perspiration fastness of the dyed samples were evaluated giving fair to excellent fastness grades.
M. Kumaresan, P. N. Palanisamy and P. E. Kumar
Geospatial Modelling of Groundwater Fluctuation Using Remote Sensing and GIS - A Case Study for Hosur Union
his paper describes the study of groundwater fluctuation in the study area using remote sensing and GIS technique. In this study, Hosur Union of Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu, was selected as the study area. The base map of the study area was prepared by using Survey of India Toposheet at a scale of 1:50000. The groundwater fluctuations were studied for varying rainfall intensity. The analysis was carried out using spatial interpolation technique and Thiessen polygon method. For the analysis by spatial interpolation technique, the water level fluctuations for every 4 years interval were considered. In this technique, spline method was used to create the continuous surface for groundwater data. This method considers the distance between both unknown points and known points and measures the spatial correlations between two points so that the weights can change according to the spatial arrangements of samples. In Thiessen polygon method, Voronoi polygons were created so that every location within a polygon is closer to the sample point in that polygon than any other sample point. The Voronoi mapping tool provides a number of methods for assigning or calculating values to polygons. The results by both the methods indicated that the overall groundwater potential is low in the study area.
L. Yeshodha, T. Meenambal, H. N. Rajakumara and S. Arunachalam
Removal of Sulphur Dioxide from Exhaust Sulphurous Flue Gases at Shree Cement Ltd., Beawar for Environment Cleaning
Laboratory studies were conducted to know about the effect of pH of sodium hydroxide solution and its temperature for absorption of SO2 contained in flue gases. it was found that the pH of the solution should be alkaline for good absorption of SO2. Because of the acidic nature of SO2, the reaction is restricted in acidic solution. and maximum absorption of SO2 was found in temperature range between 20-25°C. At higher temperature reversible reaction may take place and partially formed product may be changed back into initial reactants.
Rashmi Sharma, Shveta Acharya and Arun Kumar Sharma
Biotransformation of Yellow 4G and Orange 2R Textile Dyes by Acclimatized Aerobic Bacteria
Degradation of the textile dyes viz., Yellow 4G and Orange 2R was carried out using acclimatized soil bacterial isolates. The microbial flora from soil was acclimatized to the dyes and six promising organisms were isolated, which could decolorize 1000 µg/mL of dyes to more than 91.00 % in nutrient medium in less than 24 hours. The percent decolorization of the dyes was determined by spectrophotometry. The six isolates reduced COD more than 75%. The degradation products formed after degradation were analysed by GC-MS technique and it was found that these cultures together degraded Yellow 4G and Orange 2R to the products having molecular weights 149, 65, 60, 57, 43, 41 and 271, 159, 145, 107, 102, 91, 81, 61, 55, 43 and 41 respectively.
P. R. Thorat and R. V. Kale
Incidence of Antibiotic Resistance Transfer Among Escherichia coli from Hospital Environment
Infections caused by antibiotic resistant organisms are difficult to treat. The aim of this study was to analyse dissemination of antibiotic resistance and resistant transfer in Escherichia coli from pregnant women. Forty one multi drug resistance strains of E. coli were isolated from the urine of pregnant women in Erode district. The isolates showed high resistant to tetracycline and ampicillin antibiotics. Evaluation of the isolates for their drug resistance revealed distinct antibiotic resistant pattern and showed the increasing dissemination risk of drug resistance especially tetracycline and ampicillin. The presence of a multi plasmid in both donor and transconjugants, but not in the recipients, provided physical evidence for the transfer of antibiotic resistance and also indicated that the drug resistance mediated by plasmids. Then the strains of transcojugants were assessed for plasmid curing by acridine orange. The data signify the presence of an undesirably high level of transferable antibiotic resistance in the healthy pregnant women.
P. Ranjitha and E. S. Karthy
Coal Bed Methane Exploration: A Journey from Alternative Energy Option to the Environment Polluting Agent
The occurrence of methane gas in the underground coal seams is well known since last many decades, but its pre-mining recovery in the form of CBM technology has been established in the recent times. Coal bed methane, no longer an emergent resource, is now maturing as a significant source of energy for mitigating the enhanced energy requirements of the world including India. The dual benefits of CBM recovery, other than alternate energy option include reduction in mining hazard and green house effect. But, the actual field experience of CBM exploration reveals that the technique is accompanied with many environmental difficulties like groundwater depletion, water disposal problem, air pollution, soil degradation and adverse effects on the ecosystem etc. As a result, the regulatory bodies involved in such programs are facing the challenge of balancing the need to fulfil the projected energy demand on one hand and their duties to protect the environment on the other. Present paper focuses on the environmental hazards and their possible remedial measures vis-a-vis CBM technology.
Abhay M. Varade and Tushar Meshram
Comparison of Decolorization by Kaolin Zettlitz with Common Adsorbents in Textile Wastewater
Removal of reactive dye (RED HE7BI) from textile wastewater effluents using Kaolin Zettlitz is described. Its ability for decolorization has been compared with waste newspaper, carbon active and sawdust. Parameters affecting dye uptake including contact time, reagent dosage and pH are examined. The sorption of dyes increased with increase in pH and reached maximum at 28.12% for 100mg/L initial concentration at pH 7.0. Adsorbents dosage optimized is 20g for every 50mL of dye solution. As a result Kaolin Zettllitz is a suitable system for treatment of coloured effluent and decolorization of textile wastewater.
Elham Asrari, Tavallali Hossein and H. Ravanroy Mohammad
Sustainability of Traditional Drinking Water Sources in Himachal Pradesh
Water is a marvellous and unique substance which is very essential for life on earth. Water has been regarded as an essential commodity since time immemorial, and all the ancient civilizations settled and developed close to a source of water. But the steady increase in human population, widespread technological modernization, and new and unsustainable lifestyle have invited calamity in the form of water scarcity. This paper examines the traditional water resources in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, which is blessed with varied and bountiful natural water resources such as baories, wells, khads, nalas, nawns, chhrudus, khatries, etc. However, this study has revealed that about 18% of the traditional water resources are in disuse, many of them dying a natural death due to poor maintenance, non-repair and the availability of modern facilities such as hand pumps and piped water supply. The study also reveals that the water in 60% wells, 55% baories and 36% khatries is contaminated and not fit for human consumption. There is an urgent need to develop policies and programmes for the revival of the traditional water resources, so as to combat the problem of increasing water scarcity.
Hari Pal Singh, M. R. Sharma, Quamural Hassan and Naved Ahsan
Biochemical Effects of Cadmium on the Liver of Catfish, Mystus tengara (Ham.)
The present study is aimed to evaluate possible reasons by which cadmium toxicity causes damage to the liver of a freshwater catfish Mystus tengara (Ham.). After 30 days of exposure fish were processed for biochemical studies. Experiments were performed on estimation of total protein, DNA, RNA and enzymes like alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acid phosphatase (ACP). Results clearly indicate that total protein, DNA and RNA contents were higher in control group than experimental groups (P>0.001 control vs. group III) and declined minimum in the fish treated with cadmium. However, both ALP and ACP activity were maximum in treated groups. The decrease in the total protein content in experimental fish is due to decrease in DNA and RNA contents. However, it is interesting to see that in both experimental groups, both ALP and ACP activity was elevated. It may be due to as both are phosphatases and known to remove the phosphate group (dephosphorylation) at 5’ end of DNA and thus preventing DNA from ligating. That is why that DNA content was found to be minimum in Cd groups where both enzymes were elevated. Therefore, low RNA and protein content were observed in experimental fish.
P. B. Reddy, B. S. Baghel and Sapna Srivastava
Edible Potential of Wild Mushroom Astraeus hygromatricus (Pers.) Morg.
Wild edible fungus, Astraeus hygromatricus was analysed for its nutritional and anti nutritional contents. 11.71% and 4.66% protein content was recorded in outer part and inner part of the fruit bodies, respectively which is comparable with other edible mushrooms. Fruit bodies contain high carbohydrate content i.e., 29.48% and 35.41% in outer and inner parts respectively. The ash content of A. hygrometricus is low (2.5%). Fungus samples are good source of minerals such as P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Mn. Two major vitamins i.e., water soluble vitamins, ascorbic acid and thiamine, were also found to be present in both inner and outer parts (3.26 and 0.26 mg/100g).
Neelu Singh
Hydrobiologocial Studies of Foy Sagar Lake, Ajmer
The study of physicochemical characteristics indicates the nature of the Foy Sagar lake water is alkaline, moderately hard and nutrient rich with low value of dissolved oxygen. Most of the nutrients exhibit maximum concentration in summer months. The water quality is deteriorating rapidly due to intense human activities and infusion of pollutants from the surroundings. These include silt, dissolved solids and nutrients like phosphates, nitrates and chlorides etc. Among the zooplankton, rotifers are good indicators of water quality. Rotifers of genus Brachionus and Keratella are abundant in water of Foy Sagar lake. The species composition and species diversity also point towards the polluted nature of the lake water.
Lalita Sukhija
Quality Assesment of Groundwaters Using Principal Component Analysis in Mianpur Area, Hyderabad, India
Principal component analysis (PCA) of chemical variables of groundwater is used to interpret the relationship between the specific processes that control the quality of water. Groundwater samples were collected from Mianpur urban area, Hyderabad, and analysed for trace elements chemistry. The PCA separates the chemical variables into six principal components by HCO3, Cl, NO3, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Ti and Zn. The principal component-I shows the significance on cadmium. The principal component-II shows the significance on calcium, chromium and iron. Tin, chromium, copper, manganese and lead show the significance on PC-III, PC-IV, PC-V and PC-VI, which are ignored as these show very less significance on the elements. These three principal components are identified with the processes of salinity, alkalinity and pollution, which are considered as lithologically and non-lithologically controlled factors. Identification of the zones helps to take appropriate management measures to improve quality of groundwater for sustainable development of the area.
Ishrath, G. Prabhakar and M. Raghavender
Diurnal Changes of Some Physicochemical Characteristics in Reservoir Thodga, Ahmedpur, Distt. Latur, Maharashtra
Thodga dam is a medium reservoir with 165.00 ha water spread area. The reservoir is constructed on Lendi river, one of the tributaries of Manjara river system. The reservoir is on Ahmedpur-Thodga road 5 km away from Ahmedpur and 0.5 km from Thodga village. Fishermen’s Co-operative society uses this reservoir for fisheries activities. The water of this reservoir is also used for irrigation and drinking purposes. Diurnal changes in temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide were estimated from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m. for 24 hours in the month of November 2002 and discussed in the paper. All the parameters have shown distinct variation in the diurnal cycle.
P. V. Patil and A. N. Kulkarni
Evalution of Water Quality Index at Goalpara Town and its Surrounding Areas in Assam, India
The water quality index (WQI) of Goalpara town and its surrounding areas in Assam was studied and evaluation made for suitability of water for drinking purposes. Twenty groundwater samples from tube wells and open wells were collected during the period from November, 2007 to March, 2008 and chemically analyzed. It was found that WQI of tube well is 5.5% excellent, 60% good, 14% poor and 20% very poor for drinking purpose, while for open wells it was 38% good, 31% poor and 31% very poor. Comparatively tube wells water is better than the open wells water. It was found that excessive application of fertilizers, pesticides and irregular uses are mostly responsible for degrading water quality, and to mitigate it proper treatment and measures have to be taken.
A. K. Talukdar, S. Deka and Abul Hussain
Evaluation of Lead Genotoxicity by Micronuclei Assay in Occupationally Lead Exposed Population
Lead, a ubiquitous element in the environment as a result of mining and industrialization, is found as a contaminant in humans. Lead is one of the heavy metals increasingly used for the petrol additives, and for various industrial purposes such as manufacture of storage batteries, solder manufacture, printing, smelting, painting, etc. In this study the lead genotoxicity was studied by using one of the recommended biomarker to assess environmental lead exposure is micronucleus assay. The blood samples were collected from 50 workers and 40 aged matched controls (5mL of venous blood from each lead exposed individual in heparinized sterile bottles). The battery manufacturers showed a significant increase in the frequency of micronuclei in comparison to that people who were not exposed to any toxicants. The results of present investigation indicate the clastogenic nature of lead in in vivo human lymphocytes of occupationally exposed population.
N. Chandrashekhar Reddy, K. Rudrama Devi and Anjana Viz
Sustainability Initiatives That Can be Taken Up by Cement Companies
Regulatory pressures and stakeholders’ expectations are increasing regarding health, safety and environmental performance. There are signs that cement products may evolve from commodities to a greater variety of differentiated products serving changing customer needs. Thus, maintaining the ‘license to operate’ as an industry depends on being able to earn and keep the support and trust of local people by treating their environment and communities with respect. Recent developments in sustainability relate to indicators of sustainable development and data for energy use, resource use, emissions and waste. These are key factors for understanding and controlling impacts such as consumption of scarce resources, polluting emissions, climate change and waste. The major role that construction can play in increasing sustainability is highlighted in the present study with a perspective on the impacts associated with cement. The study also includes an initial framework for assessing and improving the sustainability of cement industries as well as long-term roles that cement and concrete can play in improving the same at local, national and world levels. Better quality of life can be supported by creating global visibility.
Papiya Deb and Madhav. N. Welling
Distillery Effluent Induced Changes in BOD and COD of Narmada River Water at Khedighat, Barwaha, M.P.
Present paper describes BOD and COD value of Narmada river at Khedighat, Barwaha (M.P.). Both the parameters were studied at three study point (A, B, C). BOD and COD were higher in study point B and C in comparison to study point A. However, both the studied parameter were within permission limits and thus not causing any serious threat to River Narmada.
M. M. Prakash, R. Yodha and S. Gaherwal
Toxic Effects of Some Pesticides on Fingerlings of a Carp, Labeo rohita
The present paper deals with evaluation of acute toxicity of some popular and widely used insecticides like Endosulfan (O.C.), Malathion, Nuvacron, Nuvan, Dimecron (all O.P.) and Fenvalerate (pyrethroid) to the fingerlings of a carp, Labeo rohita. Among these insecticides Fenvalerate was found to be most toxic followed by Endosulfan, Malathion, Nuvacron, Dimecron and Nuvan, with their LC50/96 hr values in the order: 0.20ppm < 0.4ppm < 0.75ppm < 1.00ppm < 1.25ppm < 5.0ppm respectively. Accordingly, the acute toxicity of these insecticides was found in order: Nuvan < Dimecron < Nuvacron < Malathion < Endosulfan < Fenvalerate. Suggestive measures include use of insecticide around fishery resources with precaution so that access of sprayed chemicals into the adjoining water bodies may be checked.
Md. Noor Alam, Vijaya Lakshmi and Sanjit Kumar Mishra
Removal of Heavy Metals from Industrial Effluent by Biomass of Aspergillus flavus
Biosorption is a potential alternative to traditional processes of metal ions removal. Therefore, the capacity to biosorb cadmium and lead by Aspergillus flavus strain 44-1 was investigated. Batch-scale experiments were conducted to study the effect of design parameters such as pH, retention time and initial metal concentration. Fixed dried Aspergillus flavus strain 44-1 dose of 2g/L was applied through the study. The highest removal for Cd and Pb were 50% and 70% respectively. For both metals, uptake increased by increasing the initial metal concentration. The experimental biosorption equilibrium data were in good agreement with those calculated by Freundlich model. The maximum sorption capacities determined from the experimental equilibrium isotherms by applying the Freundlich model showed that the Aspergillus flavus has best ability at pH 4 and pH 6 for Cd and Pb respectively. By applying Freundlich model at pH 6, k was 28 for Pb and 21 for Cd, and at pH 4, k was 20 for Pb and 30 for Cd. This means that treated adsorbents show good adsorption capacities for Cd and Pb.
P. S. Raut and P. P. Wani
Assessment of Air Pollution in Shivamogga City, Karnataka
Contribution of automobiles is in the range of 40 to 80% of the total air pollution. The challenge facing cities is how to reduce the adverse environmental impacts and other negative effects of transportation without giving up the benefits of mobility. The dilemma becomes most pressing under conditions of rapid urban growth, which is likely to increase travel demand significantly. The growing number of automobiles in urban Shivamogga poses a serious threat to its air environment. Ambient air quality in the city was monitored for concentration of SPM, SO2 and NOx at different traffic areas namely MRS, Gandhi Bazar, Aamer Ahemad circle, Bus stand and Mandli.
Adamsab. M. Patel and Hina Kousar
The Impact of Distillery Effluent on Germination and Growth Parameters of Vigna sinensis L.
An attempt has been made to study the effect of distillery effluent on germination, growth and pigment productivity of Vigna sinensis L. The effluent was highly acidic and rich in total dissolved solids, suspended solids, potassium and sulphates. While diluted effluent increased the percentage of germination, growth, amount of chlorophyll and carotenoid, the effluent of higher concentrations elicited deleterious effects on the growth and productivity of the crop.
D. Sheela and P. S. Anila
Mycoflora Association With the Decomposition of Leaf Litter of Three Endangered Plant Species in Deciduous Forest of North Sahyadri, Nashik District
Fungal association with decomposing of three endangered plant species like Tectona grandis, Madhuca longifolia and Butea monosperma were studied by using the soil dilution plate count method in deciduous forest of Nashik district under the field conditions. Among the fungi Aspergillus sps. and fungi imperfect were predominant in comparison with other fungi. In all the species, maximum fungal number were recorded in monsoon season while lower in summer and least in winter. Leaf litter of Tectona grandis shows maximum fungal occurrence followed by Butea monosperma and Madhuca longifolia.
D.N. Khairnar
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