Archives Issues
Volume 9, Issue No 4, Dec 2010
Sorption of Phenol from Aqueous Solutions by the Use of Organoclays and Activated Carbon
Sorption of aqueous phenol on organoclays mixtures was determined. Hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (HDTMA), dihexadecyldimethyl ammonium bromide (DHDDMA), trihexadecylmethyl ammonium bromide (THDMA) and tetrahexadecyl ammonium chloride (THDA) salts were added to cheto bentonite. Aqueous phenol sorption was monitored by UV-vis spectrometry and gas-liquid chromatography. It was observed that as the surfactant C16 alkyl side chains increased, the phenol sorption of organoclay decreased. The optimum cation exchange capacity (CEC) for the organoclays, specifically those containing HDTMA and THDMA was 2 to 2.5 meq/g surfactant per g clay.
Gregory Sfaelos, Shyam S. Shukla, Alka Shukla and S. Bhanumati
Sanative Role of Macrophytes in Aquatic Ecosystems
Five common aquatic macrophytes (Phragmites communis, Typha angustata, Ceratophyllum demersum, Lemna sp. and Salvinia natans) were planted and grown in different fibre glass tanks containing lake sediment and water, with an aim to study the changes brought about by these macrophytes in aquatic ecosystems. The study revealed that aquatic macrophytes in freshwater environment provide important ecosystem functions: (i) increase pH, creating conditions for volatilization of NH4-N, precipitation of phosphorus and CaCO3 (ii) enhancement of dissolved oxygen on account of high productivity creating drop in conductivity and making most cations and anions non-available in the ambient water (iii) prevent resuspension of sediment into water column and (iv) uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus, thereby improving overall quality of water.
Adnan Abubakr
Analysis of Water Quality Index (WQI) in Dalvoy Lake, Mysore City, India
The Dalvoy lake of Mysore is fed mostly by storm water drainage from a major part of the city. It is exposed to the influence of heavy urbanization and industrialization. The lake water is primarily used for agricultural practices seen over the southeastern side of the lake at downstream end. Due to several reasons, the water quality is deteriorating. In order to evaluate the potability and assessment of water quality for different purposes, all important physicochemical and biological parameters were detected by collecting samples from the surface and also from depths ranging from 4 to 12 feet. The water analysis data were processed to determine the water quality index by NSF method. For each of WQI a descriptive quality indicator has been derived as very poor (0-38), poor (39-71), good (72-83), very good (84-89) and excellent (90-100) categories. Surface water quality, mainly used for drinking water abstraction, has been represented on the lake network map. In this paper the water quality indicators were calculated for all locations and also classified with reference to seasons. It was observed that the WQI of the Dalvoy lake is not good and the main cause of deterioration is due to the lack of proper sanitation, untreated inflow water with municipal sewage and due to uncontrolled anthropogenic activities.
Mahesha and A. Balasubramanian
Bioconversion of Biogas Slurry into Eco-friendly Manure by Vermiculture Using the Earthworm Species Eudrilus eugeniae
Bioconversion of organic waste materials into nutritious compost by earthworm activity is an easy and effective way of recycling when it is compared to farmyard waste. Vermicompost is a potential organic manure which contains NPK, micronutrients and enzymes, which have stimulatory effect on plant growth. Eudrilus eugeniae was selected to convert the biogas slurry into vermicompost in this study. The culture was maintained for 45 days. 1st, 23rd and 45th day samples from both control and experimental were taken, dried, sieved, powdered and used for estimation of physical and chemical parameters. At the end of the experiment juveniles and cocoons were observed.
C. Rani Vijaya
Biosorption Study of Textile, Dye and Printing Industry Effluent Using Natural Biological Adsorbents
The study was conducted to treat the textile, dye and printing industry effluent using natural occurring biological adsorbents (Areaca catechu, Moringa pterygosperma, Quercus infectoria and Tamarindus indica). The treatment was carried out on various concentrations (25%, 50% 75% and 100%) of dye effluent. Highest removal of pollutant was observed at lower effluent concentrations (25% and 50%) as compared to higher effluent concentrations (75 % and 100%). The addition of biological adsorbents has brought significant reduction in various parameters of textile, dye and printing industry effluent. The reduction in pollution load may be due to the coagulative and chelative property of Areaca catechu, Moringa pterygosperma, Quercus infectoria and Tamarindus indica, which can be used as low cost and safe biological adsorbents for removing toxic substances in textile, dye and printing industry effluent.
Priyadarshini Pillai
Assessment of Groundwater Potential in Hosur Union in Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu, India
Groundwater abstraction is increasing day by day due to its increasing demand for various uses. Hosur Union of Krishnagiri district completely depends on groundwater for drinking purpose, since the surface water from Penniyar river is very limited. In the present study the assessment of groundwater quantity of this region is taken up, to ascertain the safe yield. The study reveals that the magnitude of annual rainfall and groundwater potential has a decreasing trend. The discharge rate is more than the recharge rate, leading to depletion of the groundwater level. The critical drawdown and safe yield have also been determined.
L. Yeshodha, T. Meenambal and H. N. Rajakumara
Impact of Traditional Herbal Medicine on the Socio-cultural Life of the Assamese Community, Lakhimpur District, Assam
The district of Lakhimpur, Assam, situated at the far east corner of north-east India is a region of rich biodiversity. Because of its location at the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh, an environment with heavy rainfall and high humidity, conducive for a significant floristic diversity prevails in this region. The native people of this region, the greater Assamese community, therefore depends to a large extent on the varied plant species for food and medicine besides other uses. A survey on the usage of traditional herbal medicine by the native inhabitants of this region, revealed that a total of 59.14 percent of different sections of the community preferred use of traditional medicine during common ailments. This paper deals with the importance of cultivation and preservation of locally available medicinal plants and encourage all sections of the society to preserve the important medicinal plants.
Rupa Phukan and S. N. Phukan
Cadmium Chloride Induced Biochemical Changes in Triticum aestivum (L.) Var. MP LOK 1
The seeds of Triticum aestivum var. MP LOK1 were sown in earthen pots and cadmium chloride treatment was given. The plants were treated with increasing concentrations of cadmium chloride i.e., 25, 50 and 100 ppm. The aim of this work was to determine the effects of cadmium chloride on the photosynthetic pigments, polyphenol, proline and antioxidative response in Triticum aestivum. It is evident from the results that chlorophyll content of the wheat was not much affected by the lower levels of cadmium chloride but significantly affected at 100 ppm level. It was slightly increased only at 25 ppm by 5.10%. The polyphenol content of the leaves was increased at 25 and 50 ppm of the cadmium chloride but decreased by 16.54% at 100 ppm of the metal salt. Maximum increase in proline content was found as 27.36% at 100 ppm of cadmium chloride. The increased levels of polyphenols at elevated levels of cadmium chloride might be to tolerate higher levels of cadmium stress. The elevated activities of catalase and peroxidase under metal salt probably came for maintenance of cellular membranes while decrease at elevated levels of cadmium chloride might be due to the toxic nature of cadmium chloride. The details of the parameters studied are discussed in the present paper.
A. V. Mane, M. S. Ambawade and G. R. Pathade
Improved Production of b-Galactosidase from the Mutated Aspergillus sp. on Deproteinized Cheese Whey
Aspergillus sp. was isolated from the soil near the dairy region, Anand, Gujarat and screened for b-galactosidase production using minimal nutrient salt (MNS) medium with 0.004% 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl b-D-galactoside (x-Gal) with 2% lactose and deproteinized cheese whey agar. Using wild type strain, b-galactosidase production was carried out on deproteinized cheese whey medium with varying lactose concentrations. Maximum b-galactosidase was 49 specific activity (U mg-1 protein: 1 U is equivalent to 1nM o-nitrophenol produced min-1) obtained after 72 hours of incubation at 1.5% lactose content using deproteinized cheese whey medium. To improve the production of b-galactosidase, two chemical mutagens viz., ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) and hypoxyl amine (HA) were used at different concentrations. The mutants were screened on the basis of development of blue colour on MNS agar containing x-Gal after 72 hrs incubation at 30°C whereas wild type strain showed the blue colour at 120 hrs incubation at 30°C. Both the mutants, Aspergillus sp. EMS and Aspergillus sp. HA were also grown on the deproteinized cheese whey medium with varying lactose concentrations for b-galactosidase production. Aspergillus sp. EMS and Aspergillus sp. HA showed 2 and 2.47 fold more b-galactosidase production compared to wild type strain after 72 hours of incubation at 1.5% lactose content, respectively.
G. G. Raol, B. V. Raol and P. D. Pandya
Biodegradation by Proteolytic Bacteria: An Attractive Alternative for Biological Waste Treatment
Protease enzyme found in proteolytic bacteria brings about proteolysis by hydrolysis of peptide bond in the polypeptide chain. Evidence for extracellular proteolytic activity was demonstrated for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus isolated from soil. The two bacterial isolates were screened for proteases production based on their growth in liver particle medium and further evaluated for proteases activity against proteinaceous substrates like gelatin, milk protein, soya protein, bovine meat protein and egg protein. The proteolytic activity of cell-free extracts of strains varied. Furthermore, difference between hydrolysing activities of the bacterial isolates towards all substrates indicates the presence of powerful extracellular proteolytic activity. The experiment was designed to evaluate the ability of proteolytic bacteria to degrade organic waste components. The study hints towards a practical and economic solution for hydrolysing most solid proteinaceous waste generated from industries like meat industries, oil refineries, dairy processing industries, egg and poultry industries and food industries.
Preeti M. Sharma
Groundwater Quality Assessment of Some Blocks in Tannery Belt of Dindigul District, Tamilnadu
Industrialization is responsible not only for economic development but also for environmental pollution. Among the polluting industries, tanneries come under one of the most polluting industrial categories. There are more than 2500 tanneries in the country and nearly 1000 tanneries are located in Tamilnadu state alone. Out of these more than 80 tanneries are located in Dindigul district in Tamilnadu. The untreated effluents contaminate water and soil resources. At present both surface water and groundwater resources get depleted and polluted due to unscientific management and utilization. In the present study, the groundwater quality survey was carried out in Dindigul. The sampling points (wells) are located using GPS. The samples of groundwater were collected and analysed for 10 physicochemical parameters and the status of water quality is suggested using water quality index (WQI).
S. Sidhardhan and P. Thamarai
Water Quality Assessment of the Chenab River, Flowing from Pul Doda to Baggar (J & K State), for Domestic Use
Twenty water samples of Chenab river in J&K State were subjected to chemical analysis for elements Si, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Mn, Ni, Cu, Pb, Zn and Fe. Out of these elements Si, Mn, Ni, Pb and Fe were found to be above permissible limits. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and pH were present below the recommended permissible limits, and hence the waters can be regarded non-toxic for domestic use. High Pb values in waters can be linked with bad sanitation existing on both the banks of the Chenab river and hence the mass awareness programmes are necessary for maintaining good sanitation throughout the belt to lower down the Pb values of the waters. Adequate forestation in the watershed areas and vetiver grass technology on the high repose slopes are also needed to lower down the high values of Si, Mn, Ni, Pb and Fe of the Chenab water. Vetiver grass will also control higher turbidity values of waters of the Chenab.
Amita Fotedar, Bashir Ahmad Loan and B.K. Fotedar
Studies on Groundwater Quality of Palanpur City, Gujarat, India
The present study deals with the groundwater quality of Palanpur city, north Gujarat. The groundwater quality was assessed by examining various physicochemical and bacteriological characteristics like temperature, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, free CO2, total hardness, Ca and Mg hardness, TDS, total alkalinity, chloride, sulphate, nitrite, total iron, fluoride and MPN of coliforms. The bore well water samples were collected from north, south, east and west zones of Palanpur city during summer, winter and monsoon seasons. TDS, Ca-hardness, sulphate, total iron, fluoride and MPN count of coliforms were above the permissible limit prescribed by IS: 10500. On the basis of TDS value, drinking water samples collected from east zone were rated as fair and the samples collected from north, south and west zones were rated as unacceptable for their taste. On the basis of total hardness the bore well water samples collected from Palanpur were classified as hard to very hard. Except one sample collected from the west zone during winter, rest of the samples showed sulphate values within the permissible limit of 400 mg/L. The total iron values exceeded the permissible limit of 1.0 mg/L and imparted bitter astringent taste to the water. In most cases fluoride values exceeded the desirable limit of 1.0 mg/L and even exceeded the permissible limit of 1.5 mg/L. Most of the zones (except east zone) showed MPN of coliforms beyond the desirable limit of 10 coliforms beyond the desirable limit of 10 coliforms/100 mL, therefore, these samples were regarded bacteriologically unsafe for drinking. The defluoridation and disinfection of bore well water of Palanpur city were the two principal measures recommended to ensure the health of population residing in this area.
J. R. Prajapati and B. V. Raol
Study of Physicochemical Characteristics of Mangalore Coastal Waters
Mangalore coast is present at the western part of the Western Ghats of the Indian peninsula located at 12°49’N and stretched to about 22 kms. This region is meant for many useful and convenient sources for the development of the country’s economy. Because of its scenic beauty, it attracts huge crowd of tourists across the globe. Along with the tourism, this coastal region also receives pollution load from the various industries located nearby. The preliminary study carried out at the coastal region of Mangalore by considering six randomly selected study sites, located at points where river water enters the sea. Various parameters of water analysis in these study sites have revealed differences from one site to the other. The mean values of the estimated characteristics were represented graphically. These values prompt to carry out further research to substantiate using statistical methods.
Francis Andrade, H. B. Aravinda and E. T. Puttaiah
Microbial Water Quality Examination By H2S Strip in Mysore City and Training Women for Decrease of Water Pollution
Water samples were collected from eight different areas in Mysore city for the examination of microbial quality of drinking water by the H2S strip test. It indicated that the percentage of water pollution rose in the selected areas in 2008, in addition the percentage of Cauvery water pollution, which is a major source of drinking water, increased in 2008. All the water samples, which were collected from storage sources of water in selected areas, were found to be polluted. As women have a vital role to play in the collection of water, women’s practices and their behaviour is important for storing water and the steps taken to treat potable water. Another useful purpose for measuring the microbial quality of water is educational. Teaching people about the microbial quality of water and the fundamentals of the germ theory within the context of education and outreach programs for water, sanitation and hygiene at the individual, household, community and regional levels is a continuing and long-term goal in the global health initiative. In delivering these educational messages the H2S-producing bacterial test is very suitable, as it is easier to use and is cheaper than the conventional procedures.
Farzaneh Shaikh Khatibi and Sadanand M. Yamakanamardi
Studies on the Impact of Irrigation of Distillery Spentwash on the Yield of Leafy Medicinal Plants
Cultivation of some leafy medicinal plants was made by irrigation with distillery spentwash of different dilutions. The spentwash, i.e., primary treated spentwash (PTSW), 50% and 33% spentwash were analyzed for their plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other physical and chemical characteristics. Experimental soil was tested for its chemical and physical parameters. Seeds of leafy medicinal plants were sown in the prepared land and irrigated with raw water (RW) and 50% and 33% spentwash. The influence of spentwash on the yield of leafy medicinal plants at their respective maturity was investigated. It was found that the yields of all leafy medicinal plants were more in 33% spentwash irrigation than raw water and 50% spentwash irrigations.
R. Nagendraswamy, S. Chandraju, Girija Nagendraswamy and C. S. Chidankumar
Assessment of Water Hardness Used for Domestic Purposes in Some Tribal Villages of Dhakuakhana Sub-division, Lakhimpur District, Assam
The quality of water varies widely with respect to its various uses, and the water quality suitable for one purpose may not be satisfactory for the other. Statistical studies have demonstrated significant inverse relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and water hardness even when the environmental and socioeconomic factors are taken into account. The evidence that drinking water quality affects cardiovascular disease has been strengthened by recent research which has shown that very soft water increases CVD and mortality rates by 10%. Keeping this view in mind the assessment of water hardness of this region along with some polyvalent cations (Ca, Mg, Fe) has been carried out for three different seasons in a year. The study reveals that water quality in the study area falls under moderately hard (60-120mg/L) and hard (120-180mg/L). Also it was found that Fe content in the study area was very high as compared to the WHO value of safe drinking water, while other parameters (Ca, Mg ) were within the WHO limit.
Sabitri Saikia Kakati
Assessment Studies of Groundwater Recharge in Nagamangala Taluk, Mandya District, Karnataka Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques
The groundwater recharge assessment studies in Nagamangala taluk in Mandya district were carried out based on geographical information system (GIS) and remote sensing techniques. In this connection satellite images (IRS-IA LISS+PAN+Wifs Image) and aerial plots were subjected to several treatment processes using software like ERDAS imagine and ESRI’s Arc view. Thus, various thematic maps have been prepared for drainage density, lineaments, lithology and land cover/land use that allowed deciding their interactive effect. In the present study, the degree of effect was determined for each factor to assess the total groundwater recharge potentiality for two categories (moderate rate to low). The resultant map shows that 85% of the area has low and rest has moderate groundwater recharge potentiality. Finally, only 8.6% of the total average annual precipitated water (1685 mm) percolates into subsurface and ultimately contributes to recharge the groundwater.
D. Nagaraju, C. Papanna, P. C. Nagesh and Krishna Rao
Utilization of Mixed Leaves Litter for Converting into Vermicompost by Using an Epigeic Earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae
The processed mixed leaves litter with cured cow dung was mixed in different proportions viz., 50:50, 60:40 and 70:30 (each concentration in triplicates) and filled in the plastic trays, individually. Hundred Eudrilus eugeniae adult earthworms were introduced into each of these trays. Simultaneously, a control for each of these concentrations was prepared and maintained without earthworms. The conversion ratio of mixed leaves litter into vermicompost was found to be more or less similar in all the concentrations. However, the cocoons and young ones production was found to be little higher in 50:50 proportions than the other two proportions. Further, vermicompost obtained from all the three concentrations has desired level of plant nutrients for uptake. The results of the present study suggest that the mixed leaves litter with cured cow dung at anyone of these three concentrations can be used for converting into value added vermicompost by utilizing the earthworm E. eugeniae.
B. Jayanthi, G. Ambiga and P. Neelanarayanan
Accumulation of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Wastewater by Aquatic Plant Lemna minor and Their Biochemical Effects on it
Toxic metal contamination of soil, aqueous waste streams and groundwater causes major environmental and human health problems. The most commonly used methods for dealing with heavy metal pollution are still extremely costly. Use of aquatic plants to extract, sequester and/or detoxify pollutants is a new and powerful technique for environmental cleanup. Plants are ideal agents for soil and water remediation because of their unique genetic, biochemical and physiological properties. The aim of this work is to evaluate the potential of free floating duck weed Lemna minor to remove heavy metals from wastewater and their biochemical effect on it. One-month laboratory experiments were conducted to mark the percentage removal of different heavy metals at different concentrations and the effect of heavy metals on nitrate reductase activity, total chlorophyll and protein contents of the plant. Approximately 93% of total heavy metal induced-toxicity appears resulting in the reduced activities of nitrate reductase, total chlorophyll and protein content of the plant. The results recommended the use of Lemna minor to ameliorate the wastewaters contaminated with heavy metals.
Priyadarshini Pillai
Influence of Distillery Spentwash Irrigation on Nutrients of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Medicinal Plants in Normal and Spentwash Treated Soil
Cultivation of some medicinal plants, ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) was made by irrigation with distillery spentwash of different proportions. The spentwash i.e., primary treated spentwash (PTSW) and 33% spentwash were analysed for their plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other physical and chemical parameters. Experimental soils i.e., normal soil and spentwash treated soils were tested for their chemical and physical parameters. Cultivation was done by irrigated with raw water (RW) and 33% spentwash. Influence of spentwash in normal and spentwash treated soils on proximate principles (moisture, protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrate, energy, calcium, phosphorus, iron), vitamin content (carotene and vitamin-C), minerals and trace elements (magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper, manganese, zinc, chromium, nickel) of plants were investigated at their respective maturity. It was found that the nutrients of all medicinal plants were high in 33% than raw water irrigation. Further, the nutritive values were very high in spentwash treated soil than normal soil and raw water irrigations.
S. Chandraju, R. Nagendraswamy, C. S. Chidankumar and Girija Nagendraswamy
Salinity Induced Changes in Catalase, Peroxidase and Acid Phosphatase in Four Grass Species
Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses that adversely affect crop productivity and quality, and puts various problems to the plants either at the population, organism or even at the molecular level. In the present investigation seedlings of Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle, Pennisetum alopecuroides (L.) Spreng var. Mourdy and Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash were treated with increasing concentrations of sodium chloride i.e., 25, 50, 100, 200 and 300 mM and changes in the activities of catalase, peroxidase and acid phosphatase were determined. The activity of catalase was stimulated by 200 and 300 mM NaCl but it was initially decreased at lower levels of salinity. In Cymbopogon (36.30%), Cynodon (3.07%) and Pennisetum (0.94%), it was observed to be increased, while it was decreased in the leaves of Vetiveria (60.38%) at 300 mM NaCl concentration. The elevated activities of CAT under NaCl stress (300 mM and 200 mM) level probably came from an increased capacity for oxygen radical scavenging and maintenance of cellular membranes which indicates the relationship between salt tolerance and antioxidant defence system. The details of the activities of other two enzymes are discussed in the present paper.
A. V. Mane, B. A. Karadge and J. S. Samant
Effects of Circadian Rhythm on Aquatic and Aerial Oxygen Consumption in Freshwater Teleost, Channa gachua Ham.
Usually behaviour and physiology of organisms are rhythmic in nature. The biological rhythm in oxygen consumption in air breathing fishes is interesting. The circadian rhythm has now become an inherent property of the system which they transmit even under artificial conditions of the laboratory. An attempt has been made to study the effect of circadian rhythm on aquatic and aerial oxygen consumption in freshwater teleost, Channa gachua. The maximum oxygen uptake from aquatic route was recorded in the early morning with moderately higher at noon and evening i.e., 54.74, 52.8, and 50.76 mL/kg/hr respectively. The highest rate of oxygen consumption from aerial route was observed in the morning, and noted as 85.61, 60.27 and 51.78 mL/kg/hr at noon and during evening period. Minimum oxygen uptake was recorded at mid night as 40.20 mL/kg/hr. The total oxygen consumption i.e., 140.35, 112.06 and 101.68 mL/kg/hr were recorded in the morning, afternoon and evening respectively. However, the minimum value of 85.54 mL/kg/hr was noted at mid night. It was found that percentage of aerial oxygen uptake in the morning, midday, evening and midnight was 60.985%, 53.41%, 52.92% and 46.9%. Circadian rhythm of the oxygen consumption has been correlated with diurnal fluctuation of metabolism of the ecosystem. The details have been discussed in this paper.
Qaisur Rahman and D. N. Sadhu
Status, Distribution and Conservation Threats of Endangered Cetacean Platanista gangetica gangetica Roxb. in Subansiri River, Northeastern India
Critically endangered Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica Roxb.) is found in substantial numbers in the downstream of Subansiri river, a major tributary of the River Brahmaputra. Best estimates of 21, 23 and 26 dolphins were recorded in 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 respectively. Until recently, the Subansiri river was considered one of the safe havens for residential dolphin due to relatively healthy downstream environment coupled with awareness of river bank inhabitants. Water environment of the un-damming Subansiri river strongly influence the existence of dolphin population. However, compositional changes of their distribution may have occurred after regulation of the river by the 2000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Projects, whose construction has begun. Only 25 cumec/sec water will be released to the downstream after operation of the project against the present minimum flow discharge of 188 cumec/sec. This huge irreversible reduction (87.60%) in water discharge will make the downstream extremely vulnerable for this IUCN’s red listed mammal, the dolphin. Flushing of reservoir sediment will accelerate the degradation by increasing, decreasing the riverbed and water table respectively. To protect the ecological and social security of the downstream, in general, and Ganges dolphin in particular, the minimal environmental flows for long term sustaining of the recently declared India’s national aquatic animal is to be calculated and executed accordingly.
Lakhi Prasad Hazarika, Debojit Baruah and Ranjit Dutta
Harmful Effects of Certain Industrial Wastes on Geotechnical Properties of Soils - A Review
The geotechnical properties of soils are greatly influenced by interaction with the wastes discharged from industries, which is a matter of great concern to the geotechnical engineers. There is immense need to study the strength and deformation characteristics of soil due to different contaminants present in wastewaters from various sources. Generally, the Industrial wastes consist of acids, alkaline, sulphates, salts, urea (amides) and oil contaminants which lead to modification of soils properties. The effect of these contaminants on geotechnical properties of soils has been presented in this paper.
A. V. Narasimha Rao and M. Chittaranjan
Response of Ipomoea carnea Jacq. to the Organic Matter and Water Content of Soils
Ipomoea carnea, Jacq. is an exotic weed distributed in tropical countries of Asia and America. In India it is a common weed in field and has probably got introduced along with cultivation. The species is recognized well all over India, particularly along the bunds of agricultural fields. It is a localized weed and wherever it grows it dominates over the associate species. A general survey of vegetation showed that this species formed pure or mixed stands in practically all types of habitats common in an urban environment, revealing its wide ecological amplitude. The plant species, though of common distribution in countryside, shows luxuriant growth within the city, especially near slums or hutment, where deposition of undecomposed organic matter and domestic waste are rampant. Likewise, luxuriant plant growth is also observed on toxic waste, water logged ground and sometimes, even on dry soils. Its gregarious and cosmopolitan distribution reflects on its inherent ability to either circumvent or overcome the adversity itself. It appears, therefore, that urbanization has been a spent force in so far as Ipomoea carnea is concerned. The organic matter in soils originates from green plants, animals and microorganisms. The nature of organic matter is governed by inputs and soil metabolism. Chemically, the soil organic matter is a potential source of N, P and S for plant growth and it aids in rendering available soil Ca, Mg, Fe and P. Humic colloidal substances function for base-exchange capacity of soil. Organic matter also functions as a source of CO2 for the higher plants. Water content of soil exerts a profound effect upon the form and structure of a plant. It is well known that compaction of soil can greatly restrict root proliferation particularly when the soil is low in water content. The yield of plant may also be affected by deficiency of water, even though the soil is not allowed to dry to permanent wilting point. Water stress also affects leaf area through hastening the senescence. Present paper deals with response of Ipomoea carnea to different levels of organic matter and water contents of soils.
Satish. A. Bhalerao
Modulating Effects of Curcumin on Chromium Induced Chromosomal Aberrations in Somatic Cells of Mice
The protective effects of curcumin in chromium induced cytotoxicity was evaluated in in vivo animal model using analysis of chromosomal aberrations in somatic cells of mice. Three doses of curcumin were selected for modulation and given to animals after priming with chromium. The animals ware sacrificed 48hr after the treatment and slides were prepared. A significant decrease was observed in the percentage of chromosomal aberrations when animals were primed with curcumin. The present results clearly indicate the protective nature of curcumin against heavy metal genotoxicity.
M. Moshe Raju and K. Rudrama Devi
Limnological Study of Jadhav Sagar Lake, Shivpuri Town, Madhya Pradesh, India
Due to rapid increase in population, industrialization and agricultural practices most of the natural water resources get polluted. Disposal of untreated or partially treated industrial effluents and sewage into surface waters is one of the major environmental problems. The study was carried out on Jadhav Sagar lake in Shivpuri town for a period of April 2006 to March 2007. Jadhav Sagar lake is one of the oldest water bodies which is situated in central part of the Shivpuri town. In the past, it represented the source of drinking water and fish culture. In recent times it has changed considerably due to human interference in the form of encroachment and development of residential areas, and dumping of waste and sewage. The results showed that the Jadhav Sagar lake is polluted and the water cannot be used for human needs and fish culture. The water quality of lake is deteriorating rapidly due to intense human activities and influx of pollutants from surrounding.
Anand Kumar Mishra, Mohit Arya and R. Mathur
Isolation, Identification and Characterization of Campylobacter Spp. Isolates from Environmental Samples in North Iran
The major purpose of this study was isolation, identification and characterization of Campylobacter spp. from environmental samples viz., domestic animals (cow, sheep, horses), poultry, sewage and river water in north Iran. Campylobacter spp. were isolated using pret-KB method and then identified by phenotyping tests. Finally, the identification of strain was verified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In general, 64 strains of campylobacters were isolated from all the sources. Out of all isolates 48 strains were catalase positive and 16 strains were catalase negative. The highest isolation rate of Campylobacter spp. was recorded from river water (36.92%) followed by poultry (34.88%), cow (28.57%), horses (20%) and sheep (9%), while lowest isolation rate was recorded from sewage (7.4%). Overall, according to these data Campylobacter spp. exist with high frequency in north Iran. In addition, this bacterium was isolated from all sources (river water, sewage, domestic animals and poultry). Hence, based on foregoing evidence environments in north of Iran are vehicles of Campylobacter spp. and, therefore, the people who live in this area must respect to the personal hygiene in order to avoid from Campylobacter infection.
M. Ghane, N. Bahador and M. Baserisalehi
Effects of CO2 Exhaled and Human Metabolism on Comfort Conditions in Air-conditioned Indoor Environment
Thermal and atmospheric conditions in an enclosed space are usually controlled to ensure the health and comfort of the occupants, and proper functioning of sensitive electronic equipment such as computers, etc. The former is referred as comfort conditioning and the latter is called process air conditioning. The conditions required for optimum operation of machinery may not coincide with those conductive to human comfort. Process air-conditioning requirements are highly specific to the equipment or operation. Once the necessary condition for process or machinery is established, attention must be paid to the acceptable human comfort. Although human beings can be considered very versatile machines having the capacity to adapt the wide variations in the working environment, their productivity depends on the immediate environment. This paper discusses about the CO2 generation of the human beings based on their working environment, activity, metabolism and its effects inside the indoor environment. The indoor pollutants created by the human beings and the rate of ventilation required to dilute the pollutant levels to meet ASHRAE standards is also discussed.
P. Thirumal, S. Balasubramanian, N. Shenbaga Vinayaga Moorthi
Potential of Rainwater Harvesting in Himachal Pradesh
World-wide pressure on water resources is increasing due to population growth, groundwater mining and climate change. Domestic and agricultural water usage is a significant component of water demand. Himachal Pradesh is experiencing drought like situations since last decade. The intensity of drought is increasing year after year for the past six years. The state is facing serious water shortage problem during the summers. The rainwater harvesting can be implemented as a viable alternative to conventional water supply or on-farm irrigation projects. The water can be stored either in a storage tank or in a soil media as groundwater. The rainwater can be harvested using eco-friendly low cost technologies such as UV-resistant plastic lined ponds, ferro-cement tanks, RCC tanks, etc. and used for multiple purposes. An attempt has been to highlights the various rain water harvesting methods that can be used effectively to augment the water supply position in Himachal Pradesh. There is need to change some existing policies relating to water management to tackle the water shortage during scarcity.
Hari Pal Singh, M. R. Sharma, Quamural Hassan, Naved Ahsan
Comparative Study on the Effect of phytotoxins from Acacia sinuata (Merr.) on Haematological Parameters of some Freshwater Fishes
The plant Acacia sinuata (Merr.) shows piscicidal properties. The economically important freshwater fishes (Labeo rohita, Catla catla and Cyprinus carpio) were exposed to sublethal concentration (75 ppm) of alcoholic extract of the leaves of Acacia sinuata for 96 hrs. The toxic compounds in the leaves of Acacia sinuata showed piscicidal properties and induced haemolysis and affected almost all haematological parameters. All the parameters in blood except E.S.R. were found to be decreased in all the fishes, while E.S.R. was increased after 96 hrs of intoxication. Comparatively, haemolytic activity was lowest in C. catla, and highest in L. rohita. The results have been discussed in relation to mortality, metabolic activity and behaviour of these fishes.
R. G. Patil and S. G. Nanaware
Studies on the Plants of Ethno-Medicinal Importance from Radhanagari Taluka of Kolhapur District, Maharashtra
Radhanagari taluka from Kolhapur district of Maharashtra is situated in the Western Ghats region and covered with semi-evergreen forests. The hilly areas from the taluka do not have sufficient medical facilities, hence the rural population is dependant on various plants to cure different ailments and diseases. The rural and tribal populations from the taluka have the knowledge of various medicinal plants, and use different plants and their parts for the treatment of various disorders like skin diseases, diarrhoea, gynaecological disorders, etc. The present paper deals with the studies regarding forty plant species from the taluka with potential medicinal importance.
S. A. Apate, M.P. Bachulkar-Cholekar and Rajendra Suryavanshi
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