Archives Issues
Volume 7, Issue No 1, Mar 2008
Studies on degradation of chlorobenzene by immobilized crude extract of Nocardia hydrocarbonoxydans
In this work Nocardia hydrocarbonoxydans has been identified as potential organism to decompose chlorobenzene by its crude extract through immobilization technique. Nocardia hydrocarbonoxydans was grown on chlorobenzene as a sole source of carbon and energy. Chlorobenzene was used as an inducer to develop specific intracellular enzymes which will decompose chlorobenzene to nontoxic substance. Crude extracts of the cell contain intracellular enzyme, which were immobilized on sodium alginate beads. The beads were mixed with different concentrations (200, 250, 300 ppm) of chlorobenzene to study the kinetics of degradation of chlorobenzene. The rate of decomposition of chlorobenzene by immobilized crude extracts was measured at different time intervals and it was found that 86 to 96 percent of chlorobenzene can be decomposed in less than ten minutes. The immobilized crude extracts were reused for all other experiments and found that immobilization technique can be used for higher capacity conversion for scale up process.
R. Manikandan, H. J. Prabhu and P. Sivashanmugam
Synthetic dye decolourisation by white rot fungus, Trametes cingulata
Many synthetic dyes present in industrial wastewaters are resistant to degradation by conventional treatments. Decolourisation of four synthetic azodyes by indigenous strain of white rot fungus isolated from outskirts of Mumbai, identified as Trametes cingulata, was investigated. The broad-spectrum decolourisation efficiency of the isolate was assessed using chemically different dyes. The fungus showed high decolourisation capacity and was able to decolourise all dyes tested, at different rates. Maximum decolourisation was achieved within four days in a reactor. The isolate was further evaluated for the decolourisation of industrial effluent. Complete decolourisation was achieved within five days of incubation.
Poonam Dayaram and Debjani Dasgupta
Short term assessment of influence of hydrogeochemistry on methane emission from two contrasting tropical wetlands of central Gujarat, India
Methane emission from two wetlands namely Khodiyar and Pariyej of Central Gujarat, India was measured during pre-summer season. Along with the methane emission, hydro and geo chemistry of these two contrasting wetlands (SO42-, PO4-2 and organic carbon) were determined. The methane emission ranged from 1219.51 mg/m2/h to 7274.47 mg/m2/h, having greater emission at noon period (11 am to 1 pm) of the day in the Khodiyar wetland. Besides, the methane emission ranged between 80.84 mg/m2/h and 495 mg/m2/h, having higher emission at same time of the day at Pariyej wetland. The methane release was declined from first trip followed by second, third and fourth trips. The results of the current investigation confirm that methane emission vary substantially between the two study wetlands, and suggest that hydrochemistry and geochemistry might control methane emission in both the wetlands. Correlation analysis revealed that the methane emission from both the sites has positive correlation with organic carbon of the sediment and negative correlations with phosphate and sulphate content of water and sediment. The details of the reasons have been discussed in this paper.
Nirmal Kumar J. I. and Shailendra V. Viyol
Survey of Pesticide Residues in Soils around Mysore City
A survey was conducted to examine the pesticide residues in some soil samples collected from irrigated agricultural farmlands around Mysore city, Karnataka, India. These samples were analysed by gas chromatography consisting of electron capture detector (ECD) to analyse the organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and flame photometric detector (FPD) for analysis of organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs). OCPs consist of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), endosulfan, DDT and its metabolite DDE which were detected in all the soil samples, and their total concentration range from > 64.27µg/g to 4504.18µg/g. Among all the pesticides, endosulfan had the highest concentration, followed by HCH with an order of endosulfan > HCH > DDE > DDT. The regional concentration of residues was as follows: east > west > south > north. DDT residues were absent in western part of the city and the concentration of other pesticides except endosulfan was quite low. DDT concentrations indicate no new input or very low new applications of this pesticide in these soils, while the high concentration of endosulfan may show new input of pesticides like dimethoate, malathion, parathion, monocrotophos, fenoprop etc. in these farmlands. No detectable organophosphorus pesticides were found in the soil samples. The main source of contamination was related to human activities, such as agricultural chemical applications.
Mohammad Nasser Modoodi and S. L. Belagali
Studies on ground water quality of Patan city, north Gujarat, India
The present study deals with the ground water quality of Patan city, north Gujarat. The ground water quality was assessed by examining various physico-chemical and bacteriological characteristics. The bore well water samples were collected from north, south, east and west zones of Patan city during summer, winter and monsoon seasons. The physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters like temperature, turbidity, pH, EC, dissolved oxygen, free CO2, total hardness, Ca and Mg hardness, TDS, total alkalinity, chloride, sulphate, nitrite, total iron, fluoride and MPN of coliforms have been analysed. Total alkalinity, TDS, Ca-hardness, sulphate, total iron, fluoride and MPN count of coliforms were above the permissible limit as per IS: 10500 (BIS 1991). All the samples collected from Patan city were rated as unacceptable for their taste on the basis of TDS values and hard on the basis of total hardness. Waters with 300-400 mg/L sulphate have a bitter taste and those with 1000 mg/L or more sulphate may cause intestinal disorders. Total iron values exceeded the permissible limit and imparted bitter astringent taste to the water. The present investigation revealed that Patan city is facing the problem of high fluoride concentration in bore well samples employed for drinking purpose. Fluoride in concentration beyond 1.5 mg/L causes dental fluorosis. The bore well samples from north and east zones were regarded as bacteriologically unsafe for drinking purpose. The defluoridation and disinfection of bore well water of Patan city were the two principal measures recommended to ensure the health of population residing in this area.
J. R. Prajapati and B.V. Raol
Pollution aspects of emissions from small two-stroke automobile engines
Air pollution is becoming very serious problem in front of mankind. The significant environmental implications of vehicles cannot be denied. The need to reduce vehicular pollution has led to emission control through regulations in conjunction with increasingly environment-friendly technologies. In this paper attempt has been made to understand the air pollution problem due to two-stroke engines, which is major cause of main diseases like cancer, heart disease, etc. especially in urban areas. Important pollutants from two-stroke engines along with their effect on environment and on human beings is discussed. To reduce emission from two-stroke engine factors exacerbating are elaborated.
K. D. Sapate and A. N. Tikekar
Studies on treatment of synthetic rubber manufacturing industry effluent by isolated Pseudomonas species
The study deals with characterisation and treatment of industrial wastewater from a rubber processing industry situated in Chengalpattu, Tamilnadu. For treatment of the wastewater, methods used by the industry were insufficient, so attempts were made to carry out treatment of this effluent by biological means. Characterisation of the effluent was carried out and studied for microbial degradation. Microorganisms were isolated by using selective enrichment technique from petroleum soil. Isolation of microbes was carried from 80% effluent as it gives good results. Two isolates were found having maximum degradation efficiency. Identification of isolates was carried according to Bergey’s Manual. The isolates were found Pseudomonas palleronii and Pseudomonas solanacearum. Identified isolates were studied for their degradation abilities. Optimization of environmental conditions, which affect degradation rate, were carried out and include effect of agitation and aeration, effect of simple nutrients, effect of alkaline pH, effect of mineral salts and use of mixed culture on rate of degradation etc.
Y. C. Attar, S. Bhonsale, S. R. Patil, M. Y. Marathe, S. P. Mutagi, S. V. Kulkarni and N. U. Khamkar
Limnological studies of the perennial waterbody, Attigre tank, Kolhapur dist., Maharashtra
This paper describes the physico-chemical profile of perennial tank of Attigre, Maharashtra, where limnological studies were conducted during May 1999 to April 2001. Variables analysed from surface water of the tank were temperature, transparency, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, hardness, chlorides, nitrates and phosphate. The seasonal variations of these factors were studied and interrelationships existing between them are discussed. The pH of water was alkaline. Transparency, EC, hardness and alkalinity were tend to increase during summer and decrease in winter. Dissolved oxygen was maximum during winter and minimum during summer. Dissolved oxygen showed inverse relationship with temperature and EC. Nitrate and phosphate were higher in monsoon and postmonsoon, fluctuated directly with dissolved oxygen.
Milind S. Hujare
Physico-chemical characterization and microbial identification of commercial drinking water in Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Physico-chemical and microbial properties of commercial drinking water (Sachets and bottles) in Chennai were studied. The results indicated that all physico-chemical parameters (pH, BOD, COD, chloride and fluoride) were within the permissible limits of WHO, but microbiological examination of the samples indicated contamination of drinking water posing serious problems to human health.
C. M. Noorjahan
Potability Status of Groundwater in Malegaon Village of Nanded District, Maharashtra
Groundwater quality is influenced by human activities which cause pollution at the land surface, and because most groundwater originates by recharge of rainwater infiltrating from the surface. The rainwater itself may also have an increased acidity due to human activity. The unsaturated zone can help reduce the concentration of some pollutants entering groundwater (especially microorganisms), but it can also act as a store for significant quantities of pollutants such as nitrates, which may eventually be released. Some contaminants enter groundwater directly from abandoned wells, mines, quarries and buried sewerage pipes, which bypass the unsaturated zone and, therefore, the possibility of some natural decontamination processes. Water quality of five tube wells and five dug wells from Malegaon village was assessed monthly for one year for physico-chemical and biological parameters. The results show that the potability of water was unaffected. Average concentration of chemical and biological parameters was observed high in monsoon season, probably due to the percolation of higher quantities of water.
P. N. Wavde* and Parveen R. Shaikh
Impact of pollution on the quality of water in three freshwater lakes of suburban Chennai
The metropolitan cities of India are reeling under the pressure of severe water scarcity. Chennai is among the worst affected as it has suffered long spells of water shortages combined with rapid and haphazard urbanization of its ever-expanding suburbs. In light of the above, the water bodies that supply precious water to the human population and to the flora and fauna gain paramount importance. The present study was undertaken to asses the quality of water in three important lakes of southern suburban Chennai which recharge the ground water as well as harbours a diversity of plant and animal life. All the three lakes suffer from encroachments, dumping and burning of wastes, and unchecked inflow of domestic and industrial effluents. The parameters studied were: colour, odour, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, alkalinity, total hardness, total solids, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, sulphate and chloride.
R. Raveen, C. Chennakrishnan and A. Stephen
Biochemical changes in the fish Cirrhinus mrigala after acute and chronic exposure of heavy metals
The effect of cadmium and lead on glycogen, protein and lipid contents of gill, liver and muscle of Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala have been studied. The fish were exposed to predetermined LC0 (0.98 and 19.352ppm) and LC50 (0.132 and 21.849ppm) concentrations of cadmium chloride and lead acetate, receptively for 96 hours. For chronic exposure 1/10th and 1/20th concentrations of LC50 values have been used for 30 days. Both the heavy metals showed decrease in glycogen, protein and lipid content in all the tissues. The significant alterations showed toxic effects of heavy metals at biochemical levels.
M. P. Bhilave, D. V. Muley and V. Y. Deshpande
Physico-chemical characteristics of River Rapti nearby industrial areas of Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Present paper deals with the physico-chemical characteristic of River Rapti in District Balrampur. Most physical and chemical parameters like colour, odour, temperature, pH, EC, TDS, DO, BOD, COD, sodium, potassium, magnesium and nitrate are reported beyond the tolerance limits which indicates the degradation of water quality. The degradation of water quality is reported maximum at Nahar Balaganj and Bhagwatiganj spots.
Vivek Mani Tripathi, D. D. Tewari, H. D. Tiwari, Sheela Tiwari and M.P. Uppadhya
Effect of a common water purifier potash alum on drinking water quality and human health
Potash alum is double salt commonly known as common alum. This is generally used for purification of drinking water. During rainy season the water resources become turbid and contaminated. To purify this water potash alum is used without knowing much about concentration of its use. In the present investigation, the analysis of drinking water quality is made with respect to DO, Free CO2, total hardness, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, carbonate, bicarbonate, chlorides, salinity, pH, EC before and after the treatment of water with potash alum (800mg/L). Due to this many parameters have been changed and are discussed in the light of guidelines described by WHO.
S. D. Ahirrao
Study and conservation of host food plants of Muga silkworm, Antheraea assamensis (Helfer) of Assam
Assam is a treasure house of flora and fauna having tremendous economical value. Antheraea assamensis (Muga silkworm) and their host plants are good example of this wealth. Muga silkworm which produces golden silk of high economic value available in Assam especially in Brahmaputra valley. Antheraea assamensis (Helfer) is a polyphagous insect, hence it thrives on various types of food plants. Lack of scientific knowledge about plants, degradation of environment for various reasons and nonimplementation of proper policy for restoration of the same make most of the food plants vulnerable. In this paper systematic study of some of the food plants of Muga silkworm has been reported. The problems associated with these plants have been discussed and few strategical points have been suggested for conservation of the biodiversity of both flora and fauna.
Ramesh Nath, Sanjeeb Kumar Nath and Dipali Devi
Identification of pollution potential along Cauvery basin by satellite images
Ground water is being polluted due to sustained habitat practices including industrial activities and urbanization. The catastrophic sources of pollution decline the quality standards of both surface and ground waters. These destructive sources have been mapped with IRSP6MX image (NRSA courtesy) along with its attributes, thereof to serve as a comprehensive quality manual under GIS environment for the study area, a part of the Cauvery river basin.
G. Shyamala, K. P. Shivanand and S. Suresh Babu
Studies on organic pollution based on physico-chemical and phycological characteristics of some temple ponds of Ernakulam, Kerala, India
The present study is an attempt to evaluate the physico-chemical parameters and phytoplankton distribution of some temple ponds of Ernakulam. Phytoplankton belonging to Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Euglenophyceae and Bacillariophyceae were studied. Fifty percent of the ponds showed Microcystis aeruginosa bloom. Among the ponds studied thirty percent of the ponds showed lack of organic pollution, forty percent moderate pollution, twenty percent probable high organic pollution, and ten percent confirmed high organic pollution. The physico-chemical analysis data supported the organic pollution level.
L. Jose, Sanjo Cine Mathew and Sreekumar S. Menon
Status and implications of noise pollution in temples of Tamil Nadu-Srirangam temple
Tamil Nadu has a rich cultural heritage and has many temples which are not only places of worship but also places of historical importance. Many forms of cultural and social activities were once practiced. Now everything has been commercialized and these have now become places of exploitation of sentiments and religious values of people, and exploration of new possibilities for extortion of money. Temples have now turned places of pollution rather than peace. In many temples in Tamil Nadu, noise pollution has become a routine, not only in small temples, which are in villages, but also a routine affair in big and famous temples. Srirangam temple, an important temple famous for its sculptures and its presiding deity, is considered as the first ‘Divya Desa’ for vaishnavaites, and has been taken as an example in this study on noise pollution levels. The effect of noise pollution is analysed and its implications viewed. Remedial measures are also discussed.
R. Ramanathan and R. Renuka
Biodegradation studies on the selected bacterial strains isolated from hospital discharge
Three bacterial isolates identified as Pseudomonas mallei, Micrococcus varians and Aeromonas hydrophila were capable of degrading protein and carbohydrate, and in removing COD and BOD from Sagar lake. Maximum removal of protein (41.68%) and carbohydrate (23.60%) was brought about by Micrococcus varians, while maximum COD (10.98%) and BOD (14.75%) could be removed by Pseudomonas mallei and Aeromonas hydrophila respectively. Amongst these, Micrococcus varians has higher degrading potential, thus may be further used in wastewater treatment.
K. Sahu, Sangeeta Kumari and Shruti Shukla
Socioeconomic condition of fishermen and its effect on environment: A case study of Ganjam district, Orissa
The Ganjam district is blessed with good potential of aquatic resources having a coastline of 60 km with 11,243 families living in 27 villages with a population of 37,715. Their livelihood is depend on the sea. Two types of fishermen found are Kaibarta and Nolia. A total of 19,504 male and female are married. Out of the total population, only 21.5 per cent have primary standard education, 15.9 per cent up to upper-primary level, whereas the illiterate constitute 57.8 per cent of total population. Their annual income varies from Rs. 18000-20000. The marine fishermen are fully engaged in capture fishery whereas inland fishermen are engaged in culture as well as capture fishery. Orissa Fishermen Cooperative Society provides nets and boats to fishermen. National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) is also providing financial help to them.
Lakshman Nayak and Ajit Kumar Mishra
Adsorption of zinc metal from paper mills wastewater by activated carbon prepared from Shorea robusta leaf litter
In this paper, a study of removal efficiency of zinc from a simulated Paper Mills Effluent by adsorption on a non-convectional material, activated carbon from Shorea robusta leaf litter, is presented. AS the adsorption potential of activated carbon varies as a function of contact time, initial metal concentration in the aqueous solution, temperature of solution, particle size of the adsorbent used, pH of solution, flow rate and the chemical and physical characteristics of the activated carbon and the wastewater, the chemical and physical properties of the activated carbon have been carried out. The controlling efficiency of the adsorption of zinc is affected by aqueous solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dose and initial metal ion concentration, which are investigated for the batch process. Results of the investigation were used for the kinetic studies to understand the mechanism of the adsorption process. The adsorption equilibrium is well correlated by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. From the experimental results it was found that the optimum activated carbon dose is 2.8 g/L. At this optimum carbon dose, by varying the contact time, it was found that the equilibrium occurs at one hour of operation and maximum adsorption (83.23%) at high values of solution pH (9.0) and high initial metal ion concentration.
S. N. Dash and P. Satya Sagar
Earthern pot culture method to check the stability of marine Azotobacter in the soils by assessing growth of green gram
Azotobacter sp. is a gram-negative soil dwelling organism with a wide variety of metabolic capabilities which include the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen by converting it to ammonia. In this study, 45 samples were positive out of 50 marine samples, collected from different locations of Rameshwaram marine region at the depth of 1-2m. The nitrogen fixing ability of the isolated Azotobacter sp. from marine source is compared with soil Azotobacter sp. and standard Azotobacter sp. by pot cultivation method by assessing the growth of green gram. Seed germination, shoot length, root length and chlorophyll content were measured. Therefore, irrespective of the environment, marine Azotobacter sp. is capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen in a terrestrial environment at a higher frequency rate. Since it is a non-symbiont, it can be a suitable for all kinds of crop plants as a biofertilizer.
A. Karthick and V. S. Jayashree
Weed flora of low land rice fields of Lakhimpur district, Assam and its economic significance
A total of 16 different species belonging to 12 families of angiosperms were found to occur most frequently in the low land rice fields of the district of Lakhimpur, Assam. Among these 8 species were utilized by the native people for food and medicinal purposes as well as other household usage. Ipomoea aquatica, Eichhornia crassipes and Drymaria cordata grow more profusely in comparison to other weeds.
Rupa Phukan and S. N. Phukan
Decolourisation of textile dye, Rem-red by Micromonospora species
The potential for Micromonospora spp. (Non Streptomyces Actinomycete) isolated from Vasant Sagar Dam, located in Sangli district of Maharashtra, was studied to decolorize dye wastewater from textile industry (Rem-Red and Rem-blue). Micromonospora spp. successfully decoulorised the textile wastewater containing two dyes, Rem-red and Rem-blue. Decolourisation studies were carried by inoculating intact cells and cellular extracts of Micromonospora spp. The maximum decolourisation was observed at pH 7.0 at five days incubation period at room temperature.
U. N. Jadhav, P. R. Thorat and A. M. Deshmukh
Quality of drinking water in and around Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu
Water has pivotal role for the survivality of the making in the biosphere. For evolving policies to the best use of water resources, it is important to make an assessment of their magnitude, distribution and scope of utilization. It becomes necessary to have an idea of the present and future demands of water for various purposes. The present study is aimed to establish the water quality of bore wells in and around some parts of Tiruvalluvar district.
A. Loganayagi, S. Damodarkumar and S. Murugesan
Differential response of Cyanobacteria to an organo-phosphate pesticide, Rogor (Dimethoate 30 EC)
The differential response of cyanobacteria, collected from the rice field soils of Sambalpur district of Orissa to an organophosphate pesticide, Rogor (dimethoate 30 EC) was examined. Four different cyanobacterial strains viz. Anabaena variabilis, Nostoc muscorum, Calothrix parietina and Westiellopsis prolifica were selected for the study. They showed their relative tolerance to the test pesticide, Rogor in laboratory culture, so far their growth, chlorophyll-a content, carotenoid, protein and extra-cellular amino acids are concerned. Of the test organisms, Calothrix parietina was comparatively more tolerant, while Anabaena variabilis was more sensitive to Rogor. However, Nostoc muscorum that does not possess thick slime layer tolerated relatively higher pesticide doses. A pesticide concentration dependent reduction in chlorophyll-a content, carotenoid, protein and extra-cellular amino acids of the organisms was observed.
Mihir Kumar Das
An aeromycological survey over groundnut field
An extramural survey of airborne microbial components was conducted over the groundnut field (Arachis hypogaea L. var. SB-13) at Peravurani, Thanjavur District. In order to access, the disease incidence to the crop by pathogenic spore types. Over a period of six months survey, a total number of fungal spores encountered were 15 belonging to Phycomycetes, Basidiomycetes and Deuteromycetes. The major species were Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Cladosporium spp. and Penicillium spp. The airborne spores of Cercospora personata, Cercosporidium sp., Puccinia spp. and Alternaria spp. were found to be pathogenic causing huge loses to the groundnut.
M.C. Rajalakshmi and P. Shakila
Seasonal variations of the Sulur pond at Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
Studies on the physico-chemical characteristics of the Sulur pond were carried out for a period of one year from October 2001 to September 2002). The study was performed to determine the pollution status of the pond and to implement the measures for pollution control. The parameters analysed include the physical parameters such as temperature, total solids, light penetration and electrical conductivity. The chemical parameters evaluated were pH, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbonates, bicarbonates, chloride, organic carbon, BOD, and ions such as calcium, magnesium, nitrate, phosphate, silicate, iron, sulphate, sodium, lithium and potassium.
B. Dhanalakshmi, M. Lekeshmanswamy and K. Varunprasad
Ecological rehabilitation of coal mined land of Kalakote range, Rajouri (J&K), India
Mining is a devastating operation, which is associated with problems of deforestation, waste disposal, water pollution, air pollution, seismological vibrations from blasting, soil subsidence, drop in underground water tables and soil erosion. Various technological measures should be used for reclamation of surface mined lands like contour terracing, contour trenching, mulching and normal soil placement. Biotic protection along with rehabilitation measures will reduce erosion and shall increase the vegetal cover.
Jagbir Singh and Shashi Kant
Mortality and behavioural change of Lepidocephalichthys guntea (Ham.) after exposure to Monocrotophos (Monocil)
The toxic effect produced by pesticide, Monocil to hill-stream fish, Lepidocephalichthys guntea (Ham.) and its behavioural responses were studied. The experiment was designed to evaluate the toxicity of Monocil for 96 hours including non-lethal, sublethal (LC50 96 hrs) and lethal (LC50 96 hrs) concentrations. The mortality rate of the test fish was recorded at intervals of 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. It was recorded that 22 ppm and 25 ppm were LC50 96 hrs and LC100 96 hours doses respectively. The major behavioural changes were prominent at sublethal (22 ppm) and higher doses while no apparent effect was observed at non-lethal (16ppm) dose. The prominent toxic effects of the pesticide were respiratory distress, paralysis, loss of equilibrium and finally death.
S. Marandi and D. N. Sadhu
Fish fauna of Mod Sagar reservoir of Jhabua district, M.P.
The main aim of the present study was to investigate the species composition of fishes of Mod Sagar reservoir of Jhabua district. A limno-ichthyological study was conducted for one year (May 2006 to April 2007) and various indigenous and commercial fishes of importance were found in this reservoir. The present paper deals with the variety and abundance of freshwater fishes of this reservoir.
N. K. Dhakad, Deepak Shinde and Preeti Choudhary
A case study to purify biogas using simple water scrubbing method as source of energy for rural development in India
The supply of petroleum fuels will gradually decrease and these will have to be replaced by other sustainable fuels. Natural gas is a fossil fuel that has many advantages as compared to liquid fuels like diesel and gasoline and has also been pointed out as a major alternative in the change over to sustainable fuels. Upgraded biogas has the same advantages as natural gas, which additionally is a sustainable fuel that can be manufactured from local waste streams thereby also solving local waste disposal problems. Biogas is a clean environment friendly fuel. This work presents an experimental study of purification of a biogas to improve its quality by scrubbing the carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) contents. The results obtained are possible to deliver a biogas which is upgraded to natural gas quality for direct use as a vehicle fuel. By using local resources, which are available at agriculture fields, experimental set-up was developed. This set-up is simple for fabrication and operation by keeping low production and operation cost. The results obtained are encouraging and will make one of the options to use water scrubbing method on field side to upgrade the biogas as non-conventional energy source for direct use as a cleaner fuel for engines.
S. D. Yadav, Bimlesh Kumar and S. S. Thipse
Rain water harvesting for sustainable development
Water is an important resource for the development of any community. Rainfall is the major means by which freshwater is made available. As the utility increases to many fold, availability of water has become a scarce commodity. Hence, utilization of rain water is gaining significance, which otherwise wastes into oceans. To meet the growing population demands rainwater harvesting is need of the hour. The study area is a site near Chowdavaram village, Guntur District. Past rainfall records were collected and annual rainfall was computed. Water levels in the wells and bore wells near the site were measured at suitable intervals during pre and post monsoon seasons. A rainfall harvesting structure i.e., check dam was designed and constructed. Water levels were increased by and large due to construction of check dam as visualized from the depth of water level records. It was observed that the influence of check dam was more on bore wells near to which gradually decreases with distance. It is also observed that for every 5 m rise of water level, power required is reduced to half. If energy conserved is appreciated as energy produced in a society starving of resources, a lot more can be done to future generations in the form of economic savings. Hence, rainwater harvesting is the need of the hour for achieving sustainable development.
P. Srinivas and C. Sarala
Climbers, lianas and epiphytes of Ramnagar wildlife sanctuary
The paper deals with survey of climbers, lianas and epiphytes occurring in Ramnagar wildlife sanctuary. In all 23 species of these belonging to various Families were reported. The morphometric details of the plants and the flowering times are also given.
Sukriti Sharma and Shashi Kant
Environmental implications of dam building activities in India
India has currently about 4291 large dams having a height above 10 metres. The construction of dams is often associated with several implications associated with environment, which can be categorized broadly as due to existence of dams and due to pattern of dam operation. Besides, the dams also change climate and have great social and economic implications. The paper highlights all such major problems associated with dams.
A. S. Jethoo
Volumes & Issues
- Vol 23, No 1, Mar 2024
- Vol 22, No 4, Dec 2023
- Vol 22, No 3, Sep 2023
- Vol 22, No 2, Jun 2023
- Vol 22, No 1, Mar 2023
- Vol 21, No 4, Dec 2022
- Vol 21, No 3, Sep 2022
- Vol 21, No 2, Jun 2022
- Vol 21, No 1, Mar 2022
- Vol 20, No 4, Dec 2021
- Vol 20, No 3, Sep 2021
- Vol 20, No 2, Jun 2021
- Vol 20, No 1, Mar 2021
- Vol 19, No 4, Dec 2020
- Vol 19, No 3, Sep 2020
- Vol 19, No 2, Jun 2020
- Vol 19, No 1, Mar 2020
- Vol 18, No 4, Dec 2019
- Vol 18, No 3, Sep 2019
- Vol 18, No 2, Jun 2019
- Vol 18, No 1, Mar 2019
- Vol 17, No 4, Dec 2018
- Vol 17, No 3, Sep 2018
- Vol 17, No 2, Jun 2018
- Vol 17, No 1, Mar 2018
- Vol 16, No 4, Dec 2017
- Vol 16, No 3, Sep 2017
- Vol 16, No 2, Jun 2017
- Vol 16, No 1, Mar 2017
- Vol 15, No 4, Dec 2016
- Vol 15, No 3, Sep 2016
- Vol 15, No 2, Jun 2016
- Vol 15, No 1, Mar 2016
- Vol 14, No 4, Dec 2015
- Vol 14, No 3, Sep 2015
- Vol 14, No 2, Jun 2015
- Vol 14, No 1, Mar 2015
- Vol 13, No 4, Dec 2014
- Vol 13, No 3, Sep 2014
- Vol 13, No 2, Jun 2014
- Vol 13, No 1, Mar 2014
- Vol 12, No 4, Dec 2013
- Vol 12, No 3, Sep 2013
- Vol 12, No 2, Jun 2013
- Vol 12, No 1, Mar 2013
- Vol 11, No 4, Dec 2012
- Vol 11, No 3, Sep 2012
- Vol 11, No 2, Jun 2012
- Vol 11, No 1, Mar 2012
- Vol 10, No 4, Dec 2011
- Vol 10, No 3, Sep 2011
- Vol 10, No 2, Jun 2011
- Vol 10, No 1, Mar 2011
- Vol 9, No 4, Dec 2010
- Vol 9, No 3, Sep 2010
- Vol 9, No 2, Jun 2010
- Vol 9, No 1, Mar 2010
- Vol 8, No 4, Dec 2009
- Vol 8, No 3, Sep 2009
- Vol 8, No 2, Jun 2009
- Vol 8, No 1, Mar 2009
- Vol 7, No 4, Dec 2008
- Vol 7, No 3, Sep 2008
- Vol 7, No 2, Jun 2008
- Vol 7, No 1, Mar 2008
- Vol 6, No 4, Dec 2007
- Vol 6, No 3, Sep 2007
- Vol 6, No 2, Jun 2007
- Vol 6, No 1, Mar 2007
- Vol 1, No 1, Mar 2002