Archives Issues
Volume 10, Issue No 1, Mar 2011
Adsorption Kinetics for the Removal of Hexavalent Chromium from Aqueous Solution by Acid Activated Coal Fly Ash (CFA)
The adsorption of hexavalent chromium, present in effluents of various industries such as electroplating, tannery, etc., on Coal Fly Ash (CFA) has been investigated in the present study. Parameters like contact time, adsorbent dose, pH and initial chromium ion concentration were studied in kinetic batch experiments at 25°C. Among all the parameters, pH of the solution was most effective for chromium removal. The adsorption of hexavalent chromium on CFA was found to be maximum at low pH. The adsorption data fit well with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm to the systems yielded maximum adsorption capacity of 19.77 mg/g at the solution pH of 2. Results showed that the pseudo second order kinetic model best correlate with the experimental data.
P. Manikandan, K. Manjula Rani, S. V. Priya and V. N. Kowshalya
Effects of Main Chemical Compounds in Cooking Oil Fume Condensates (COFCs) on Growth of Salvinia natans (L.) All.: I. Dodecane
There is growing concern about the impact of cooking oil fume condensates (COFCs) on the environment, including on the growth of plants. COFCs contain a wide range of chemical constituents which are closely related to the temperature of cooking oil. Among these components, hydrocarbons are believed to be among the most toxic. Dodecane is one of the principal hydrocarbons implicated. The paper deals with the experiments carried out in laboratory to clarify the toxic effects of COFCs, adding various amounts of dodecane to aquatic solutions in dishes containing the floating aquatic plant Salvinia natans. Inhibitory effects on the vegetative growth of S. natans, i.e. on the development of leaves and buds are reported in the experiments. The production of new leaves is significantly inhibited. The percent inhibition of growth rate (%) in the number of leaves produced is significantly correlated with the concentration of dodecane. LC50 values on day 4 and day 16 after treatment are 190 mg/L and 181 mg/L respectively. Dodecane has no effect on the pH values of test solutions. It is concluded that dodecane has significant effects on the vegetative growth of aquatic plants. S. natans is sensitive to dodecane and might be useful as an indicator of dodecane and thus COFCs pollution.
Yawen Wu, Shengnan Zhu, Weirong Bai, Guangjun Wen, Wei Xu and Huyin Huai
Physico-Chemical and Floristic Studies of Mangalavanam Mangrove Ecosystem in Ernakulam District, Kerala, South India
The present investigation was carried out to study the physical, chemical and biological (biodiversity) characteristics of a mangrove region of Ernakulam district namely Mangalavanam ecosystem. Physico-chemical parameters like pH, temperature, phenolphthalein alkalinity, acidity, free CO2, chloride, hardness, phosphate, dissolved oxygen, BOD, COD and total alkalinity were analysed. In order to study the quantitative estimation of plant communities in Mangalavanam field, quadrat analysis was done. Frequency, density, abundance and similarity Index were also calculated using standard equations. In the present study five species of true mangroves and a total of 11 mangrove associates were noticed. Among the five true mangrove species, Acanthus ilicifolius was found to be abundant, while Bruguiera cylindrica and Bruguiera sexangula were the least represented mangrove species in this area. The leaf anatomy of four species of mangrove plants was also investigated to determine the taxonomic value of their leaf anatomical and micromorphological characters.
K. Madhusudhanan and R. Jayesh
Heavy Metal Leaching in Coastal Loamy Soil of the Field Treated with Municipal Solid Waste at Puducherry (Pondicherry), India
Leaching of Pb (lead), Mn (manganese), Cu (copper), Zn (zinc) and Cd (cadmium) in coastal loamy field soil treated with Municipal Solid Waste @ 10, 20, 50, 75, and 100 t/ha was assessed at Puducherry in relation to the native soil without treatment. The concentrations (ppm) of the heavy metals on the soil surface (0 cm), 10, 20 and 30cm sub-layers across the treatments and native soil showed that the Pb and Mn concentrations were higher in surface layer and gradually decreased in 10 and 20cm layers, and was low in 30cm layer across the treatments. However, the concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Cd were less in the surface layer and gradually increased in the sub- layers of the soil and were high at 30 cm layer. Among the leached heavy metals, Cu was in higher concentration in the surface layer and the ranking order was Cu > Cd > Zn > Mn > Pb in surface layer across the treatments. The ranking order of the metals at 30 cm depth was same as that of surface with the same ranking order. Thus, the leaching was higher in Cu, Cd and Zn than in Mn and Pb, the latter two being almost immobile and more concentrated in the surface layer. The concentrations of these heavy metals in different layers across the treatments were significantly different from each other (P < 0.01) and higher compared to that of the native soil.
Deepmala Satpathy and M. Vikram Reddy
Sustainable Development Through Recycling of Construction and Demolition Wastes in India
Construction and demolition wastes constitute of uncontaminated solid waste resulting from construction, remodelling, repair and demolition of buildings, structures, roads, etc. This consist of bricks, concrete, other masonry materials, dust, wood, plumbing fixtures, roof coverings, glass, plastics, etc. When buildings are demolished large quantities of waste produces in a relatively shorter period of time. About 10-15% of municipal solid waste generates from C and D activities. Population explosion increases all sorts of needs and now a days we are facing scarcity, high rate, low quality materials in all the sectors including construction activity, which satisfies one of our basic need for shelter. To fulfil the needs of rapid industrialization and urbanization, large quarries are coming up and working extensively, which not only spoil the existing infrastructure while transporting but also creating great ecological and environmental problems. Instead of emptying earth crust by over-extraction of natural resources to satisfy our high demands, materials from construction and demolition activity can be reused or recycled. This not only becomes substitute to natural aggregates but also conserves rapidly diminishing natural resources, reduces the problem of C and D waste disposal, cut off the problems that might be encountered when C and D waste mixes with other waste or any environmental factor. In this article problems associated with C and D waste management and the options, which can overcome these problems are highlighted. To support and to encourage the use of recycled aggregate concrete, study was conducted on aggregates obtained from C and D waste. Various properties of conventional aggregate concrete and recycled aggregate, comparisons of strength and cost effectiveness of these two are briefly presented.
M. Lokeshwari and C. Nanjunda Swamy
Toxicity of Increasing Concentration of an Organophosphorus Pesticide on Blood Chemistry of Indian Catfish Clarias batrachus
Pesticides are much overused in the environment despite the fact that they are toxic and hazardous to our health and environment. Enough studies have been done to prove that the use of pesticides is futile and probably does more harm than good in the long run. To know the impact of pesticides in the present investigation, male and female Clarias batrachus fish, which are air breathing in nature, were exposed to different test concentrations (2 ppm, 4 ppm, 6 ppm, 8 ppm) of an organophosphorus pesticide, parathion. Increase in the level of blood urea whereas gradual fall in the plasma protein were observed in all the test concentrations of parathion. Parathion toxicity showed an increase in the level of blood glucose upto 6 ppm and thereafter significant fall in its level at 8 ppm. There was a significant rise of blood cholesterol level in initial dose of the pesticide and significant fall in 6 ppm and 8 ppm. Gradual fall in the protein level and increased values of urea might be due to hyperactivity of adrenocorticoides and impaired functions of the kidney of the fish respectively. The rise in the level of blood glucose from control condition upto 6 ppm might be due to secretion of glucagon hormone under stress condition. A significant fall in the blood glucose level at 8 ppm might be attributed to the utilization of glucose by the tissues of extremely active fish at higher dose of the pesticide. A significant rise in the serum cholesterol at lower concentration of parathion is attributed to the stimulation of adrenal gland whereas at higher level, the rise in the blood cholesterol value might be due to increased breakdown of fats into cholesterol and free fatty acids in the fish.
D. K. Paul, S. K. Yadav, A. K. Jha and S. K. Srivastava
Environmental Noise Pollution in Kolhapur City, Maharashtra, India
Kolhapur is rapidly emerging as industrialized and urbanized cities in the state of Maharashtra. In the recent times, the city has started facing noise pollution problems due to rapid industrial growth, increased human population, high traffic density and modernized man-made activities. The present study was carried out to assess the environmental noise pollution in four different selected locations of Kolhapur city viz., educational area, commercial-cum-residential area, industrial-cum-residential area and silence zone. The key noise pollution indices such as noise climate (NC), equivalent continuous noise level (Leq) and noise pollution level (Lnp) were computed for the selected noise polluting sampling sites. Results indicated that the highest noise pollution level of 80.15 dB(A) was observed in industrial-cum-residential area followed by 71.17 dB(A) in commercial-cum-residential area, and 70.21 dB(A) in educational area. Least noise pollution level of 45.64 dB(A) was recorded in the silence zone, which also acted as control in the present study. Studies clearly reveal the alarming condition of noise pollution in Kolhapur city.
Rajiv B. Hunashal and Yogesh B. Patil
Algal Diversity in a Group of Fifteen Small Lakes of T. Narasipur Taluk, Mysore District, Karnataka State
Phytoplankton distribution was investigated in 15 small lakes of T. Narasipur taluk in Mysore district of Karnataka. The data were subjected to PAST software program. Bray-Curtis Similarity Index was also calculated. Nine diversity indices were obtained that include Dominance index, Shannon and Weiner index, Simpson’s index, Pielou’s Evenness index, Menhinick and Margalef’s index, Equitability index, Fisher a index and Berger-Parker dominance index. Sixty two species of algae were recorded of which Chlorococcales and Euglenophyceae members dominated. Species richness was observed in Harave Katte and Baw Kere, and species dominance in Holan Kere and Halgudu Kere. Diversity and Similarity indices are important in understanding the distribution and association of planktonic algae in freshwater lakes.
S. Umamaheshwari
Removal of Sulfamethoxazole from Wastewater by Adsorption and Photolysis
Antibiotics are emerging contaminants which affect human health, livestock, aquatic life and also resist biological wastewater treatment. Therefore, it is imperative to remove them from wastewaters. The present investigation is aimed at removal of sulfamethaoxazole (SMX) using adsorption and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and to determine efficacy of various adsorbents and study their adsorption kinetics. The aqueous solution of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) was treated using GAC, PAC and activated alumina. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) were conducted using photolysis (UV treatment) and photolysis with H2O2 (UV + H2O2 treatment). Adsorption of SMX on GAC and PAC was found to be rapid. Adsorption of SMX on GAC and PAC followed pseudo first order kinetics. PAC was found to be more effective. Removal of SMX after 120 min at a dose of 5 g/L using PAC, GAC and activated alumina was 73.4%, 34% and 15.5%, respectively. In case of PAC, only intraparticle diffusion was operating, whereas for GAC both intraparticle diffusion and surface adsorption were operating concurrently. Removal of SMX using UV treatment and UV treatment in presence of H2O2 was found to be 7.65% after 80 min and 7.67% after 110 min, respectively. Activated carbon was found to have superior behaviour as compared to activated alumina for the adsorption of SMX. Adsorption has been found more effective as compared to UV treatment and UV treatment with H2O2.
Poonam Motwani, Raj. K. Vyas, Monika Maheshwari and Sangeeta Vyas
Study on Nitrate Pollution in Groundwater in Coastal Regions of Chennai City, Tamil Nadu
Groundwater is an important resource and the quality of groundwater has to be good for consumption purpose. Nitrate contamination in groundwater is a major problem in many places. Nitrate pollution in the groundwater of the Chennai coastal aquifers was assessed to find out the extent of pollution in the area. From the samples collected from various locations, it is identified that the concentration of nitrate in groundwater ranged between 9 mg/L and 106 mg/L, and 27.7% of the samples have high nitrate. It was found that the higher concentration of nitrate is due to the use of fertilizers and leaching from septic tanks of residential buildings in this region. It is evident from the present study that the groundwater of this area is highly contaminated with nitrate and mitigative measures are needed to be taken to treat the groundwater which is used for domestic purposes.
A. Saranya, K. Brindha and P. Kasinatha Pandian
Cypermethrin Induced Histological Alterations in Estuarine Clam, Meretrix meretrix (Linn.)
Cypermethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid class of insecticide. Toxic effects of cypermethrin were explored by selecting Meretrix meretrix as an animal model. After acute (96 hours) exposure to Cypermethrin, tissues of Meretrix meretrix like gill, mantle, foot, hepatopancreas, male gonad and female gonad, were investigated for histological alterations. Pesticide stress showed histological changes, deterioration of tissue and damage at cellular and subcellular levels. There was a remarkable damage in all tissues. Gills showed damage in epithelial cells and connective tissue in LC50 group. Mantle of clams from LC0 group showed considerable damage to the dorsal as well as ventral epithelium, connective tissues and blood spaces. Hepatopancreas of clams from LC50 group showed swelling of tubules. Male gonad showed severe damage; follicle wall was ruptured; sperms were clumped in a mass. Female gonad showed deterioration of ooplasmic material. LC50 group showed more damage than LC0 group. Foot of LC50 group showed significant damage i.e., folding of marginal epidermis, shrinkage of epidermis, loss of connective tissues took lace as compared to control group of the clam. Theses histological changes were more prominent in gill and hepatopancreas as compared to other tissues.
Madhuri Prabhupatkar, A. S. Kulkarni, M. V. Tendulkar, S. M. Nikam and A. S. Injal
Impact of Carbaryl on Blood Protein and Glucose Content of a Freshwater Fish Heteropneusteus fossilis
Carbaryl, a carbamate insecticide has been one of the most commonly and extensively used insecticide in recent years. It is moderately toxic to the aquatic animals. In this study experiments have been performed to see the toxicity of carbaryl at a sub-lethal concentration of 0.04 ppm on blood protein and glucose level of fish. Protein and glucose content in the blood of Heteropneustes fossilis exposed to sub-lethal concentration of carbaryl (0.04 ppm) for 7, 15 and 30 days, and blood protein was studied. A gradual decrease in protein and glucose content was observed during the experimental period.
Sapna Shrivastava, P. B. Reddy and Sudha Singh
Diversity of Macroinvertebrates as a Tool to Assess Aquatic Pollution in Lentic Ecosystems
In the three lakes of Mysore city recorded fourteen species of macroinvertebrates. Different diversity indices for these macroinvertebrtaes were computed, which have shown that the Kamana lake is moderately polluted and other two lakes (Mandakally lake and Devanoor lake) are heavily polluted.
B. Padmanabha
Drinking Water Quality from Various Sources in Dhaligaon Area of Chirang District of Assam
Water samples from 20 different sources from Dhaligaon area were studied to access their potability for drinking purpose. A total of 13 physico-chemical parameters have been investigated. In 50% of water samples pH was found below the permissible limit, while in 65% of water samples turbidity exceeded the permissible limit. The concentration of iron (Fe) was found within the permissible limit only in 20% of water samples. Other parameters like electrical conductivity, total suspended solids, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, and total hardness were found within the permissible limit.
Bakul Malla Borah, Hari Prasad Sarmah and Ranu Roy
Application of Software Technology for Air Pollution Prediction Model
Air pollution models are routinely used in environmental impact assessments, risk analysis and emergency planning, and source apportionment studies. The atmospheric regulations are responsible for changing the air pollution concentration. The prediction of air pollution concentration has been done by various mathematical models. The use of software technologies will be beneficial for environmental measurement and conservation. This research article aims to develop the software based air pollution prediction and measurement model which is helpful to draw the air pollutants concentration of any place away from the source of emissions. The Gaussian plume rise mathematical formula was used for developing the software by using visual basic language. Air pollutant measurement and prediction model will be helpful during environmental impact assessment study as well as to analyse the impact and concentration of air pollutants in and around industrial belts.
Amar M. Dhere, C. Avinash Shingte, Prashant P. Malavadkar and Janardan A. Pawar
Study of Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Ganesh Tank, Miraj, District Sangli, Maharashtra
Physico-chemical parameters of Ganesh tank water were studied monthly during December 2007 to November 2009 for determination of water quality. Various parameters such as atmospheric temperature, water temperature, pH, electric conductivity, transparency, DO, free CO2, alkalinity, hardness of water, chlorides, nitrates and phosphates. The results revealed that there was significant seasonal variation in some physico-chemical parameters and some parameters like hardness, chloride and solids were at higher side of drinking water limits indicating polluted quality of water.
Rajesh R. Ohol and S. M. Kamble
Health Hazards of Rearing Silk Worms and Environmental Impact Assessment of Rearing Households of Kashmir, India
The objective of the study was to investigate the role and importance of sericulture in Kashmir, the environmental impact of sericulture rearing units, and to assess the health risk factors of the workers working in this industry. The study was conducted at different rearing units of Kashmir valley situated in India. A prepared questionnaire was circulated among the rearers and control subjects to assess the health risk factors of the workers. Temperature, humidity and light intensity were measured with the help of thermo-hygrometer and digital lux meter, respectively. The present investigation indicates that majority of the rearers were suffering from health problems like eye irritation, injuries, back pain, allergies, respiratory problems and headache. Certain measures have been suggested that may improve the economic conditions of the rearers which may ultimately reduce the health risk factors among them. Therefore, it is recommend that personal protective equipments and appliances for rearing should be provided to the rearers to reduce the health risk factors.
Khursheed Ahmad Wani and Y. K. Jaiswal
Toxicity Assessment of Annona squamosa Oil Cake Using Earthworm Bioassay
An earthworm bioassay was conducted to assess the ecotoxicity of Annona squamosa oil cake amended soil using the species Eudrilus eugeniae. Mortality and abnormal morphology of earthworms exposed to different concentrations of the oil cake, i.e., 10, 100, 112.5, 125 and 150g/kg were examined. Mortality was measured as the ecological end point in the tests. Annona squamosa oil cake was toxic to the earthworm and the severity of the response increased with increasing concentration of the oil cake. The LC50 value showed that the mortality observed was significantly different from the negative control, suggesting that it may be attributed to the effect of addition of Annona squamosa oil cake.
Litty Koria and T. Thangaraj
Hydrogeochemical Evaluation of Kuderu Microwatershed of Kabini River Basin, Karnataka, India
Microwatershed covering Kuderu, Dasanur and other adjoining villages was selected for a detailed accounting of the groundwater budget. Groundwater is the main source of water for agriculture and livestock. The net annual recharge available for minor irrigation is estimated at 438 ham thereby reaching grey category. Further exploration without recharging the groundwater body needs vigilance. Construction of artificial recharge structures are suggested. The quality of water is generally suited for drinking and irrigation purposes.
D. Nagaraju, C. Papanna, G. Mahadevaswamy, H. T. Lakshmikanth Raju, P. C. Nagesh and Krishna Rao
Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Fertility of Soils from Three Different Ecological Regions of Aurangabad
Soil is the source for most of the essential nutrients required by crops for their healthy growth. These nutrients are not always enough in the soil for a plant to grow healthy. The soil analysis provides the farmer with an estimate of the amount of fertilizer nutrients needed to supplement those in soils. Soil is studied for its pH, texture, percent exchangeable sodium, percent organic matter, and salinity expressed as electrical conductivity, water holding capacity and the nutrients available to plants. The present study deals with analysis of 23 soil samples belonging to three different ecological regions.
Nilima Wahegaonkar, S. M. Salunkhe, P. L. Palsingankar, S. Y. Shinde
Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Pakhal and Ramappa Lakes, A.P, India
The present study deals with the water quality of Pakhal and Ramappa lakes of Warangal district, Andhra Pradesh for a period of one year from 1999 (September) to 2000 (August). The parameters studied comprised temperature, pH, total hardness, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand and total alkalinity. Algal growth in the water bodies was also correlated to the physico-chemical characteristics.
B. Chinnaiah and B. Digamber Rao
Environment Protection and the India’s Eleventh Five-Year Plan
Important feature of any environmental strategy is that environmental objectives require action in several areas, which typically lie in the purview of different ministries. The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has the important role of monitoring the development process and its environmental impact in a perspective of sustainable development and to devise suitable regulatory structures to achieve the desired results. While this role is crucial, environmental objectives can only be achieved if environmental concerns are internalized in policy making in a large number of sectors. This would require sharing of responsibility at all levels of government and across sectors with respect to monitoring of pollution, enforcement of regulations and development of programmes for mitigation and abatement. The Eleventh Five Year Plan of India has taken the due note of the concerns in terms of threat to food security due to degradation of land, forest and overexploitation of groundwater, lack of access of the community to basic services particularly energy, drinking water, sanitation facilities, low level of socio-economic development, high incident of unemployment, stagnant infant mortality and under-nourishment amongst children and the deterioration in quality of life. There is a pathoply of evidence to indicate that poverty reduction and sustainable economic growth is undetermined by degradation of soil, scarcity of freshwater, over-exploitation of costal ecosystems, loss of forest cover, biodiversity as genetic, species and ecosystem level, and long term change in the climate. The Eleventh Plan, therefore, marks a paradigm shift as it visualizes that economic growth alone is not the objective of national planning and the development objective not to be GDP of per capita income, and to promote grater participation of the community in the decision making process. The eleventh plan has indicated the monitorable targets as indicators of human development as well as the human welfare as the determinant factor of the development strategy. The study of provisions regarding protection of the environment in XIth Five Year Plan reveals that definitely some attempts will be made in Indian economy to protect the environment. But it seems those are not adequate. Some additional provisions and efforts are necessary. This plan does not much talk on the problem of air pollution and noise pollution, which are very much important in urban areas and have very bad consequences. The plan also does not consider what can be role of the private, cooperative sectors and NGOs in the protection of the environment. Likewise, what responsibility a city in our country is expected to discharge concerning environment protection. The plan also lacks in providing for the problems of climate change and global warming.
P. S. Kamble and B. D. Awaghade
Ecological Studies and Uses of Valued Aquatic Plants in Kashmir Wetlands
The wetlands of Kashmir are highly productive life support systems and are of immense socio-economical value to the people. The present studies concern with wetlands viz., Khushalsar, Anchar, Ahansar, Waskursar, Mansbal and Wular lake, which fall on the flood plains of River Jhelum and enjoy typical rural environment. The littoral zones of all these wetlands are occupied by emergent aquatic plants like Typha angustata and Phragmites communis, followed by rooted floating leafy aquatic plants like Nelumbo nucifera, Nymphaea alba, Nymphoides peltata, and Trapa natans which are extensively used for fodder, food and medicinal purpose. In the present study survey of such valued aquatic plants, their density, frequency, phenology, dry weight and therapeutic values were recorded in order to assess their role in maintaining the health of their users. The distribution frequency and density of various aquatic plants varied from wetland to wetland which could be because of availability of nutrients and the nature of the bottom sediment. It has been observed that the local knowledge on such valued plants abounds and their use is an important link between the dwelling communities and the biodiversity of the area.
Adnan Abubakr, Afsah Nahvi and M. R. D. Kundangar
Efficacy of Botanical Extracts from Tagetus erecta and Cymbopogon citratus Against the Yellow Fever Mosquito, Aedes aegypti
The plant extract of Tagetus erecta and Cymbopogon citratus were evaluated for ovicidal and repellent activities against Aedes aegypti. The egg hatchability was observed after 24 hour exposure. 100% ovicidal activity was observed at 5.5% and 3.0% respectively. Skin repellent test at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 mg/cm2 concentration gave 100% protection upto 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5 and 6.0 hrs respectively. From the present study it was revealed that extracts from Tagetus erecta and Cymbpogon erecta can be effectively used in the control of Aedes aegypti.
M. Manimegalai and S. Binu Kumari
Medicinal Weeds of Jowar and Pomegranate Fields from Solapur District, Maharashtra
Solapur district largely depends on agriculture. sixty six per cent population of the district is directly or indirectly depends on agriculture. Pomegranate is one of the fruit yielding crops, while Jowar is main grain crop. In Kharip and Rabbi crops, the weeds are major problems for the farmers. The present paper deals with medicinal potential of weeds found in Jowar and pomegranate fields. The information about their potential uses in medicine was collected from the interviews with local people and literature of different medicinal systems. The study revealed that about 42 species of weeds in crop fields of Solapur district possess medicinal properties. The study suggests that there is not only the scope of utilization of these weeds as medicinal plants but also an additional income to the farmers, which will also solve the problem of weed control.
Rajendra Suryavanshi, Madhukar Bachulkar and S. A. Apate
Soil-borne Fungal Biodiversity of Some Fruit Crops of Nashik District and Control Measures
Twenty one fungal species were associated with Punica granatum, Vitis vinifera, Citrus medica and Mangifera indica from Nashik district in rhizosphere and soil. Rhizosphere mycoflora is higher than the soil mycoflora. All fungal species can be controlled by 500 ppm concentration of Moximate, a promising fungicide.
D. N. Khairnar, A. S. Kelhe and A. B. Khairnar
New Plant Records for Asteraceae Flora of Kolhapur District, Maharashtra
The paper deals with the floral survey made in Kolhapur district. This includes 13 species of Family Asteraceae, which are new plant records and additions to the Asteraceae flora of Kolhapur district.
D. G. Jagtap, M. Y. Bachulkar-Cholekar and V. B. Awale
Selection of Efficient Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) for Inoculation of Pedilanthes tithymoides (L.) Poir. Plants Raised Through Stem Cutting
Pedilanthes tithymoides (L.) Poir. stem cuttings were inoculated with different AM fungi viz., Glomus fasciculatum, Glomus mosseae, Glomus macrocarpum, Glomus intraradices, Glomus etunicatum, Acaulospora laevis and Gigaspora margarita. The observations on plant growth, biomass production, leaf area, mycorrhizal root colonization and P uptake were recorded. The results revealed that the plants inoculated with Glomus fasciculatum performed best in improving plant growth, biomass and phosphorus uptake followed by G. intraradices and A. laevis.
M. A. Kadam, B. S. Giriyappanavar and H. C. Lakshman
Effect of Single and Multiple Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Inoculants on the Growth Parameters of Bauhinia Varigata L.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi constitute one of the important components of soil microbiota, and their inoculation directly involved in improving plant growth under the reduced fertilizer input. Green house experiments were undertaken in Bauhinia varigata L. plant seedlings were grown in phosphorus deficient sandy loam soil with single, double and triple inoculation with three AM fungi. Single and double inoculation steadily improved plant biomass production and phosphorus content in shoot and roots. However, triple inoculation significantly improved plant growth, biomass production, and phosphorus content in shoot and root, percent root colonization and spore number compared to non-inoculated (control) plants. It may be concluded that triple inoculation of AM fungi for Bauhinia varigata at nursery stage considered to be good before transplantation in reforestation programmes.
Krishna H. Waddar and H. C. Lakshman
Scope of Carbon Trade in Sago Industry
Tapioca sago manufacturing is one of the chief food industries in the southeast Asia. The starch/sago industry is an agrobased seasonal industry using tapioca roots/tubers as the basic raw material. The process of production of sago and starch from tapioca is water intensive. The waste from sago factories contains both water effluent and solid wastes. Cyanide concentration in the effluent is at alarming level, which requires an urgent attention for its removal. From the effluent of the sago industry many by-products such as methane, ethanol and alcohol can be produced. The methane gas generated and accumulated from sago effluent is being used by the industry for thermal and electrical applications. Global warming potential (GWP) of methane (CH4) is very high which is 21 times that of carbon dioxide. Accordingly, methane recovery from sago effluent serves good both in terms of reduction in power consumption sourced from fossil fuels and reduction in global warming potential. At this outset, this paper is aimed to explore the prospects of clean development mechanism in the matter of sago production.
J. Sathya, M. Ravichandran and A. Royal Edward Williams
Physicochemical Limnology of Chitri Reservoir, Ajara, Maharashtra
Analysis of important physicochemical characteristics of water from Chitri reservoir, Maharashtra was carried out during January 2009 to December 2009. The study helps in proper utilization of water, agricultural development, industrial development, establishment of aquatic bird sanctuaries, pollution control, and also for improving the biodiversity. The water temperature ranges from 17 to 34°C, pH from 7.3 to 8.1, DO from 6.50 to 10.10 mg/L, total dissolved solids from 40 to 160 mg/L, transparency from 75 to 148 cm and total alkalinity from 24 to 106 mg/L. Free carbon dioxide was totally absent during the entire study period. Chlorides and total hardness of water varied from 30.1 to 45.1 mg/L and 54 to 107 mg/L respectively.
V. V. Ajagekar, K. N. Nikam and C. V. Pawar
Assessment of Spatial and Temporal Variation in Physico-Chemical Properties of Water in River Sabarmati and Kharicut Canal at Ahmedabad, Gujarat
The Sabarmati river is life-line of Ahmedabad city, as a source of irrigation and drinking water, and as a sink for urban and industrial wastewaters. Ahmedabad is known as a commercial and political capital of Gujarat with highest number of textile mills which poses a major problem of safe disposal of industrial and sewage effluents from different sources. River water quality at Ahmedabad has become a matter of concern due to continuous changing environment and increasing social and industrial activities that influence the water quality directly or indirectly. The present study was conducted to assess the water quality of Sabarmati river and Kharikat canal at Ahmedabad, Gujarat. An assessment of various physico-chemical characteristics of water such as pH, temperature, DO, hardness, acidity, alkalinity, phosphate, sulphate, nitrate, total dissolved solids and COD was carried out from July 2009 to April 2010 at three sites of River Sabarmati and two sites of Kharicut canal to know the pollution status. The correlation matrix among various physico-chemical parameters was also prepared. The study revealed the high pollution load at both the study areas with high values of COD and lower values of DO, which makes these unfit for any human intended purpose.
Rita. N. Kumar, Rajal H. Solanki and J. I. Nirmal Kumar
Management of Drinking Water Quality at Malviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur-A Case Study
Water quality of drinking water sources and the distribution system of MNIT, Jaipur campus was comprehensively studied for physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters as some incidences were reported related to waterborne diseases. The results showed that all physical and chemical parameters were within the limits but the biological parameters deviated from the prescribed standards of the BIS: 10500. Bacteriological analysis was carried out using Colilert18 and cross checked by the standard pour plate method. Results obtained after pour plating method showed the presence of 33% Serratia, 33% Citrobacter, 18% Klebsiella, and 18% Enterobacter among the pathogens analysed in the most contaminated sample obtained from a residential apartment of the campus. Presence of high level of bacterial count in drinking water indicates the contamination of drinking water distribution system by sewage. In light of these findings, appropriate remedial measures were taken by the authorities supplying water to the campus in terms of cleaning of sewer lines and refurbishing of tube wells followed by regular disinfection of drinking supplies. After the refurbishment, bacteriological test results of water samples collected from various locations covering the entire campus revealed complete absence of coliforms representing a good quality of water.
Dinesh Kumar, Neha Tyagi and A. B. Gupta
Evaluation of Bacteriological Parameters in Water Using Artificial Neural Network
This paper deals with the application of artificial neural network (ANN) for the evaluation of bacteriological parameters in water. It dependents on temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, depth of water, chlorides, phosphates, nitrates, biochemical oxygen demand, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, fecal coliform, total coliform and fecal steptococci before and after the domestic waste mixing zone of River Kabini, tributary of Cuavery at Nanjanagud, Mandya district, Karnataka. The ANN predicted values are close to the actual laboratory tested values. In this paper 150 actual measured values and laboratory tested values have been taken. For predictions of values using ANN, input and outputs parameters, learning rate parameters, error tolerance, number of cycles to reduce the randomly assigned weights are required, for processing this, the back propagation algorithm and delta rule are required, to input these values to ANN the actual measured and laboratory tested values are used as input and output parameters. The learning rate parameter is 0.55, error tolerance is 0.001 and 5600 number of cycles have been chosen. The first ANN pattern chosen is 10-11-11-3 (ten neuron in input layer, two hidden layers of eleven neuron each and three neuron in output layer) and second parameter is 0.55, error tolerance is 0.001 and 4500 number of cycles, have been chosen. The ANN pattern chosen is 10-12-12-13 (ten neuron in input layer, two hidden layers of eleven neuron each and three neuron in output layer). Back propagation algorithm has been used to train the network, and delta rule is used to adjust the weights and to reduce the errors. The network predicted values, measured and laboratory tested values have been shown in figures and graphs.
T. V. Mallesh, S. M. Prakash, L. Prasanna Kumar and N. Jayaramappa
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