Archives Issues
Volume 9, Issue No 1, Mar 2010
Active Biomonitoring of Atmospheric Metal Deposition by Bryum Species Around Almora, Nainital and Pithoragarh of Kumaon Hills, India
Biomonitoring is a method of observing the impact of external factors on organisms and their development over a long period. The level of Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb has been determined in samples of the moss Bryum cellulare from the area of Almora, Nainital and Pithoragarh of Kumaon hills. A gradient was observed in metal load while projecting from forests to urban areas. Maximum metals were observed in locations proximate to higher traffic density areas, which integrated due to enhanced tourism during summer, followed by winter and monsoon season. In rural areas high value of Zn, Cu and Cd attributes to their use in fertilizers. Positive significant correlations were obtained between Pb-Zn and Zn-Cu suggesting a common origin of these metals. Interseasonal variability in metal deposition pattern shows that summer had maximum metal load followed by winter and rainy season.
Dinesh K. Saxena and Md. Saiful-Arfeen
Effect of Emission from Thermal Power Stations on Growth and Yield of Rice Crop at Selected Rural Sites in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu
Emission from coal fired thermal power stations discharges numerous types of gases as pollutant in the ambient air environment, which is causing potential threats to crop production. This study deals with the effects of sulphur dioxide on rice crop (Oryza sativa L.), and yield responses at selected rural sites adjacent to the power station. Eight hour averaged SO2 concentrations were measured at the two stations during the crop period. Physicochemical parameters of the soil and water samples were observed in the crop fields in pre-flowering, flowering as well as post-flowering phases. The uncontrolled area was located by determining the predominant wind direction with the help of wind rose using the meteorological frequency data whereas the controlled area was located upwind to predominant wind direction. The data were constructed and related with the yield responses. There was only a slight reduction in yield of rice crop because of the thermal power plants.
B. Kumaravel, S. Palanivelraja and K. Sivakumar
Assessment of Water Quality of Freshwater Resources Along the Coast of Andhra Pradesh
Assessment of water quality is important as water is used for domestic, agricultural and also industrial purposes. The coastal stretch of Andhra Pradesh abutting Bay of Bengal is also a part of the Coromandal coast that runs to a length of 960 km on the east coast of India. The two large rivers Godavari and Krishna, which originate in the west coast, join the sea with in a gap of 200 km between them. The rivers, in addition to suspended sediments coming through surface runoff, also receive discharge of domestic as well as treated and untreated industrial effluents. The water samples of various freshwater bodies from 80 different stations in the nine districts were collected and analysed for their physicochemical characteristics to determine the hydrogeochemical characteristics of the stretch of Andhra Pradesh.
Ch. Satyanarayana, S. Ramakrishna Rao and Kaizar Hossain
Copper and Cadmium Adsorption by Activated Carbon Prepared from Coconut Coir
The study examined adsorption of copper and cadmium by the activated carbon prepared from coconut coir. Batch adsorption test showed that extent of metal adsorption was dependent on metal concentration, contact time, pH and carbon dose. Adsorption was low at acidic pH and increased with increase in pH. Adsorption capacity of the activated carbon for copper and cadmium was evaluated by adsorption isotherm test and compared with that of a commercial activated carbon. The coconut coir activated carbon showed higher limiting capacity for adsorption of copper and cadmium (84.74 mg/g and 68.03 mg/g) than that of the commercial activated carbon (46.30 mg/g and 14.90 mg/g).
Malay Chaudhuri, Shamsul Rahman Mohamed Kutty and Siti Haida Yusop
Start-up Performance of Hybrid Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor Treating Pulp and Paper Mill Effluent
A study was performed on hybrid up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor to identify the start-up time and optimum HRT required for treatment of pulp and paper mill wastewater. Initially, the reactor was loaded at an OLR of 0.117 kg COD/m3.hr and HRT of 24h. Loading rates were increased by reducing HRT 24, 20, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6h, which corresponds to the OLR of 0.117, 0.141, 0.175, 0.201, 0.233, 0.294, 0.348, 0.458 kg COD/m3.h. An optimum HRT of 8 h, HUASB reactor shows COD and TSS removal efficiency of 80% and 85% respectively. When HRT was reduced beyond 8h, lower COD removal efficiency of 71% and TSS removal efficiency of 70% were observed. Finally, the reactor took 120 days for complete start-up. The granule formation was observed inside the reactor by drawing the sample along the port, which shows sizes of 1-2 mm.
R. Praba Rajathi, K. Ashok Kumar and T. Meenambal
Impact of Ozone and -Tocopherol on Plant Height and Leaf Area of Withania somnifera
The impact of ozone and alpha-tocopherol on Withania somnifera has been assessed with reference to plant height and leaf area. The control plants of Withania somnifera attained a height of 21.43 cm in 30 days. Their fully expended leaves attained 37.74 cm2 area (per leaf). Ozone exposure resulted in a sharp decline in plant height and leaf area. The percentage decline was 70.14 % and 52.60 % respectively. The simultaneous application of alpha-tocopherol with ozone exposure nullified the ozone impact. In 200 ppm alpha-tocopherol, the plant height mounts to 22.47 cm which is even more than that of control. Similarly, the negative impact of ozone on leaf area was almost neutralized by 200 ppm alpha-tocopherol.
R. K. Sharma and Geeta Rani
Xerox Workers: Hidden Health Hazards in Visakhapatnam
A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in coastal zone of Visakhapatnam among 170 workers in 41 randomly selected Xerox (photostat) shops. The aim was to evaluate the relations between work with Xerox equipment and the occurrence of eye, nasopharyngeal, skin and general symptoms (often denoted as sick building syndrome (SBS), chronic respiratory symptoms, and respiratory infections. Work with self-copying paper was significantly related to weekly work-related eye, nasopharyngeal and skin symptoms, headache and lethargy, as well as to the occurrence of wheezing, cough, mucus production, sinusitis, and acute bronchitis. Xeroxing was related to nasal irritation, and video display terminal work to eye symptoms, headache, and lethargy.
V. Saritha, Ch. Bhavannarayana, K. Anil Kumar and V. S. Jyothi
Monitoring of Particulate Air Pollution Due to Vehicular Emission in Coimbatore City Using GIS
Geographical Information System (GIS) enables us to integrate and analyse a number of environmental data from different sources to model the overall impact of air pollutants on environment. The objective of this paper is to design an air quality management system. Air quality data were collected from 25 stations in and around Coimbatore city. In this paper a number of spatial and statistical analysis were carried out. Spatial analysis such as overlay, buffering and zoning were performed to provide an environmental alarming system. Among the various environmental standards defined in the world, in this work AQI (air quality index) standard is used. Considering the standards used, good, moderate, unhealthy, very unhealthy and hazardous places were determined. Maps showing the spatial dispersion of TSPM (total suspended particulate matter) and RPM (respirable particulate matter) were prepared. It has been found that in some areas the levels of suspended particulate matter is higher than the prescribed limit of 140 µg/m3 and respirable particulate matter of 60 µg/m3. Based on the GIS output the suggestions have been made to improve better living condition in Coimbatore.
Selvakumar Madhavan and T. Meenambal
Investigation of Physicochemical and Biological Characteristics of Water and Sediments of Selected Lakes Around Dharwad, Karnataka
The physicochemical and microbiological studies on water and sediments of Lakes Kelageri, Salakinakoppa, Navalur, Nuggikeri and Neersagar were carried out. Most of the physicochemical characteristics are within the permissible limits of BIS and WHO standards for drinking water except Salakinakoppa lake. Some samples were found to be highly contaminated with coliforms including E. coli. In all the lakes, some species of zooplankton were recorded. This investigation brought to the limelight that except Neersagar lake, the water of other lakes is unsuitable for drinking purposes but useful for agricultural and domestic purposes. The heavy metals such as iron, copper, lead, manganese, zinc, cadmium and magnesium were analysed in the water and sediment samples of the above lakes using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results revealed that by and large, all the metals except cadmium were present in the samples in various concentrations. The nutrients like N, P, K, etc. were also found in the samples.
N. S. Bagade and S. L. Belagali
Genotoxicity Assay of Three Different Surface Water Systems of Madurai District, Tamil Nadu Using Ames Test
Three water samples, viz., Vaigai river (near PTR Bridge), Vilangudi pond water and Tadagainachiamman stream water, Sirumalai hill were subjected to mutagenicity assay by Ames test using the strains Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and E. coli to detect the presence of mutagenic substances. The mutagenic index in strain Salmonella typhimurium was 6.12 and 4.02 and in E. coli, the mutagenic index was 6.2 and 5.7 for Vilangudi pond water and Vaigai river water respectively. From the results it is concluded that the discharge of effluents in River Vaigai and petroleum products and household materials like detergents in Vilangudi pond might be the reason for the presence of xenotoxic compounds in these samples. The Thadagainachiamman stream water, since not subjected to severe anthropogenic stress, is free from these toxic compounds.
N. Arun Nagendran
Removal of Nickel (II) by Polyvinyl Alcohol Coated Carbon Prepared from Datura stramonium
Wastewater containing heavy metal pollutants cause direct toxicity, both to human and other living organisms due to their presence beyond specified limits. Industrial effluents containing nickel play an important role in polluting water bodies. The removal of nickel ions from aqueous solution by polyvinyl alcohol coated carbon prepared from Datura stramonium as an adsorbent is reported in this paper. The effect of pH, initial metal ion concentration, contact time and adsorbent dose were studied. The adsorption capacity of Datura stramonium was dependent on the pH of the nickel solution, maximum nickel removal (78.9 %) was obtained at pH of 6. The adsorption experimental data fit well with the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The kinetics of the adsorption process follows the pseudo second-order kinetics model. The results indicate that Datura stramonium can be employed as a low cost alternative to commercial adsorbents in the removal of nickel (II) from wastewater.
Kailash Daga, V. Pallavi and Santosh Chaudhary
Effect of Acute Toxicity of Imidacloprid on Glycogen Metabolism in Estuarine Clam, Katelysia opima (Gmelin)
The rapid industrialization and successful green revolution have introduced a large variety of chemicals into the environment. Such chemicals include pesticides, which can affect aquatic ecosystems. Imidacloprid is a systemic, chloronicotinyl insecticide mainly used to control sucking insects such as rice hoppers, aphids, thrips, termites and some species of beetles. Further, the pesticide is known to cause apathy, myatonia, tremor and myospasms in humans. Toxic effects of Imidocloprid were estimated by selecting Katelysia opima as a test animal. Effect of Imidacloprid on total glycogen content of gill, mantel, hepatopancreas, foot, male gonad and female gonad of estuarine clam, Katelysia opima was studied. The clams were exposed to 86.6 ppm (LC50) Imidacloprid for acute treatment. It was found that there was decrease in glycogen content in various tissues as compared to control. In LC0 group, glycogen was decreased in gill, mantle, foot, male gonad and female gonad except in hepatopancreas, while in LC50 group glycogen was decreased in all target organs. This decrease was more in foot, male gonad and female gonad in LC50 group as compared to LC0 group. Decrease in glycogen content indicates greater utilization of glycogen for metabolic purposes and to combat with Imidacloprid stress. The significant increase in glycogen content in hepatopancreas may be due to increased energy demand.
Vaishali Suvare, A. S. Kulkarni, M. V. Tendulkar, Sayali Mavalankar and A. M. Guhagarkar
Antimicrobial Activity of Five Flower Extracts Against Three Pathogenic Bacteria
Five flowering plants dominant in Warangal dist. in Andhra Pradesh region were selected for their antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus. Among these plants the flowers of Butea monosperma were effective. The solvents methanol and ethanol were effective in extraction of antimicrobial compounds from the plant materials. The aqueous extracts of the plants were not so effective while petroleum ether is failed to extract any antimicrobial compounds from the plants.
Kandukuri Vasu and M. A. Singara Charya
Evaluation of Wind Erosion Potential Using Empirical Method of IRIFR and GIS: A Case Study of Nishabur, Iran
Erosion is a phenomenon during which soil and sediment materials are transferred by such damaging factors as water and wind. The type of erosion, of course, is different in various climates. As an example, in wet and semi-wet areas, water erosion is more likely than wind erosion. In turn, wind erosion is the main reason for damaging and transferring soil and sediment materials in arid and semi-arid zones, which can cover talented lands and bring about indispensable damage to land administrators. Wind erosion in arid zones is one of the most important processes of desertification, which is considered in different forms and in various models. Wind erosion status was investigated using the IRIFR method. In this method, nine parameters affecting wind erosion process including lithology, morphology and relief, wind velocity, soil characteristics, type and plant cover percentage, wind erosion features, soil moisture, type and distribution of sandy dune, land use and land management were considered. Ultimately, wind erosion index was classified in five classes. ArcGIS 9 was used to analyse and prepare the layers of quality maps to integrate the individual sub-indicator maps. Results show those areas classified under moderate category have a greater extent (61%) in the study area while areas under high and very high hazard cover 15% of lands.
Masoud Masoudi, S. A. Abtahi and S. H. Badiee Namaghi
Phytoremediation of Domestic Wastewater by Using a Free Floating Aquatic Angiosperm, Lemna minor
Phytoremediation is a novel, efficient, ecofriendly, low priced and an emerging method of biotechnology for environmental pollution management. In this technology, plants are used to improve the status of environment. In this work, an attempt has been made to remove organic and inorganic pollution load of domestic wastewater. A culture of aquatic plant, Lemna minor was grown in the pond water. Water from the same pond was filled in a cement tank and Lemna was grown for a stipulated interval of seven days. The domestic wastewater quality was evaluated before and after the culture by analysing its physicochemical properties in order to know the improvement in quality of water. The results of analysis show that phytoremediation of wastewater occurs more rapidly in tank water as compared to the pond water. The increase in biomass of Lemna minor and the physicochemical analysis have proved that Lemna minor is a suitable aquatic plant for phytoremediation of domestic wastewater, which improved the quality of domestic wastewater by absorbing organic and inorganic pollutants.
A. R. Raju, C. T. Anitha, P. D. Sidhimol and K. J. Rosna
Seasonal Variation in Physicochemical Characteristics of Water Bodies in and Around Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu
The present investigation has been designed to assess the water quality parameters of surface waters present in and around Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu for a period of one year. Water samples were collected from five stations (S1-Chidambaram, S2-Veeranam, S3-Vadalur, S4-Vellar and S5-Sipcot) on 15th day of each month. The parameters analysed include pH, EC, TDS, total hardness, alkalinity, chloride, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulphate and fluorides. The water samples collected from industrial area showed a high value in all the parameters in summer season. This indicate the extent of pollution due to addition of effluents into the water bodies. But in rainy season all the parameters in all the stations remain under permissible limit. This may be due to the dilution of surface waters with rain water.
A. Krishnamoorthi and S. Selvakumar
Impact of Treated Sago Industry Effluent on Paddy Plants
The effluents collected from Sago industry before and after treatment were analysed for the physicochemical characteristics. The effect of treated sago industry effluent in different concentrations (10%, 25%, 50% and 100%) on seed germination and biochemical changes during germination of paddy were studied and compared with the control. In the treated effluent pH, TSS, TDS, BOD and COD were found to be within the tolerance limit and it can be used for irrigation purposes. The seed germination percentage declined with the increasing concentration of the treated effluent. Generally, in paddy the protein, starch and chlorophyll contents were increased from 6th day to 12th day and then declined. It was observed that when the treated effluent is diluted particularly at 10 %, it influences the biochemical parameters and at the same time the increased concentration of the effluent reduces the protein, starch and chlorophyll contents in experimental leaves when compared to control.
N. Sivananda
Status of Ground water Quality in Masuda Tehsil of Ajmer District, Rajasthan During Pre-monsoon Season
In this work an attempt has been made to access the groundwater quality in the Masuda Tehsil situated south-west of Ajmer city covering an area of 87,898 hectare and having the population of 1,87,295 in the year 2001. It consists of 147 villages, nearby all facing an acute shortage of water and, thus, creating a tremendous pressure on the fragile water resources due to high population growth and over consumption, finally leading to deterioration of the quality and quantity of water. The present investigation was carried out by collecting the groundwater samples during the pre-monsoon 2006 from 25 different sites in the Masuda Tehsil. The physicochemical parameters which were analysed are pH, electrical conductivity, TDS, total hardness, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, total alkalinity, sodium, potassium, fluoride, sulphate and nitrate. The value obtained were compared with standards prescribed by WHO and BIS. The analysis revealed high content of TDS, fluoride, nitrate, bicarbonate, etc. along with high variability, which is a matter of great concern, thus, leading to adverse effects on the people residing in the study area. As it is never late to realize that water is the most critical factor, so we need to take proper remedial measures to maintain its quality and conserve it as we do not have it on any other planet except earth making it the only place where man can survive.
Subroto Dutta, Pinkey Chowhan and Vinita Gupta
Primary Productivity Studies in Some Freshwater Reservoirs of Sangli District, Maharashtra
Primary productivity of water body gives a quantitative information about the amount of energy available to support the bioactivity of system. The aquatic bodies namely Bhambarde, Lengre and Atpadi were selected for primary productivity studies. Experiments were carried out from August 2006 to July 2007. The gross primary productivity of Bhambarde reservoir varied from 1.49 to 5.14 O2 mg/L/h. At Lengre reservoir, GPP value ranged from 1.56 to 5.28 O2 mg/L/h. Atpadi reservoir showed GPP value varying from 1.31 to 4.98 O2 mg/L/h.
Alaka Patil and Niranjana Chavan
Studies on the Effects of Land Application of Sugar Factory Waste on Physicochemical Properties of Soils Under Crop of Cicer arietinum L.
Sugar factories generate usually high quantities of organic waste, which is often used for irrigation with or without treatment. Such irrigation practices, if carried out unscientifically, can deteriorate physicochemical properties of soils and affect the plant growth and beneficial soil micro-flora. In this study, effects of sugar factory waste on physicochemical properties of soils under crop of gram (Cicer arietinum L.) have been evaluated. The soil showed marked changes in its physicochemical properties after application of the waste. The soil has shown an increase in organic matter, chlorides, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. However, nitrogen and phosphorus grossly remained unaffected as compared to control soil. The pH in all the soils remained neutral or slightly acidic. The increase in total solute concentration is the result of continuous evapotranspiration, which leaves salts behind in the soils. These salts accumulate in long run making the soils unsuitable for plant growth. Sodium blocks the exchange sites of soils, minerals and organic matter that make the soils to disperse and impermeable to water. Such soils develop a dark brown surface crust of salts and usually called as sodic or black alkali soils. Ca : K ratio was found to be decreased with the wastewater irrigation. The usefulness of wastewaters in irrigation can be a good means of their recycling as has been suggested by several workers, but the irrigation cannot be carried out indiscriminately with wastewaters. It is often necessary to give some degree of treatment to most wastewaters before using them for irrigation. Dilution can also be carried out in case of high quantities of salts present in wastewaters. This will help in preventing deterioration of soils in long run.
S. D. Bavare (Nee S. M. Kulkarni) and P. K. Goel
Water Quality and Pollution Status of Chalakudy River At Kathikudam, Thrissur District, Kerala, India
The present investigation deals with the analysis of water quality of Chalakudy river near Kerala Chemicals and Proteins Ltd. (KCPL) at Kathikudam, Thrissur district, Kerala. Water samples were collected monthly for a period of six months from March to August 2007 at 3 sites of Chalakudy River. Low dissolved oxygen, high values of conductivity, total hardness, biochemical oxygen demand, turbidity, nitrate and phosphate show unhealthy condition of the river. The conductivity, turbidity and pH of the water samples were not within the permissible limit in the site near KCPL during the period of study.
Rincy Joseph and P. P. Tessy
Animal Diversity of Shukacharya Hills in Sangli District, Maharashtra
Forests are renewable resources, which have a major role in enhancing the quality of surrounding environment. The scenic effect of forest changes with seasons like patterns of kaleidoscope. Shukacharya hills is one of the pilgrim localities in Sangli district of Maharashtra located on the boundaries of Khanapur-Atpadi Tahsils. This area shows southern-tropical thorn forest. It shows plains at top, and hills and valleys at downside. The area is covered by different kinds of plants where trees are dominated. A scientific study of this locality was carried out during last 3 years by regular visits. The study reveals that this area is rich in different kinds of animals like reptiles, birds and mammals. Some animals were common in occurrence while others were noticed only when keen field observations were made. During field visits 7 reptiles, 48 birds and 9 mammals were recorded. The information on some carnivores, based on folk data, was also collected during field visits. The presence of animal diversity indicated that this area will become a tourist place in future.
Sanjay S. Sathe, Sandhya M. Pawar and Sanjay M. Kumbhar
Study of Root Nodulation Efficiency of Different Rhizobium Strains Found in Different Regions of Akola District and Developing Rhizobia Based Biofertilizer
After introduction of chemical fertilizers in the last century, there is increased yield in agriculture in the beginning, but slowly they started displaying their ill-effects such as leaching out and polluting water basins, destroying microorganisms and friendly insects, increased salinity, reduced soil fertility, and making the crops more susceptible to the attack of diseases leading to damage of overall system, which is irreparable. Thus, to overcome this problem, it is necessary to find out alternatives to chemical fertilizers. Keeping this view in mind, the present work was undertaken to develop ‘microbial inoculants’ or ‘biofertilizers’. Biological nitrogen fixation offers an attractive and ecologically sound route for augmenting nutrient supply. Hence, biofertilizers are environmental and ecofriendly renewable resources. In present work, total 30 soil samples from different regions of Akola district were analysed for isolation of Rhizobium. Bioinoculant was prepared after isolation of maximum strains of Rhizobium. Its application was studied in pot experiments with soyabean seeds to visualize growth of soyabean plants along with its nodulation efficiency. After 2-3 months, it was observed that isolated strains have maximum nodulation efficiency as compared to control. Rhizobacterial inoculants were capable of forming root nodules in most leguminous plants. Thus, development of Rhizobium as biofertilizer contribute to increasing crop productivity through increased biological nitrogen fixation.
D. R. Paraskar, V. D. Nanoty, M. Musaddiq
Incidences of Salmonellosis in Urban and Sub-Urban Areas of Akola City
Outbreaks of enteric fever have been reported from different parts of India. Increasing population of India and unhygienic methods of handling food-stuffs, improper eating life style and unsatisfactory purification of water supply led to increased chances of microbial infections. Salmonellosis is caused by Salmonella species which covers wide spectrum of diseases. Salmonella are strict parasites of animals and humans. Infections of Salmonellae include enteric fever, septicaemia, gastroenteritis and food poisoning. Typhoid fever, which was once prevalent all over the world, has been virtually eliminated from the advanced countries, but still is a problem in developing countries leading to epidemics. Considering the unsatisfactory and unsustainable hygienic conditions, especially in rural areas of Akola, the present work has been carried out. Salmonella spp. were isolated from drinking water, milk and food samples from urban and sub-urban areas of Akola during rainy season and their prevalence was studied.
Padmini S. Parmar and M. Musaddiq
Groundwater Hydrogeochemical Characterization of Chittar Sub Basin, Tambaraparani River, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu
Hydrogeochemical characterization of 82 groundwaters has been done in Chittar sub basin of Tambaraparani river, Tirunelveli District. In this attempt major cations and anions were analysed and other parameters were calculated. The pH and EC varied from 6.60 to 8.50 and 115 µmhos/cm to 9780 µmhos/cm. The TDS and Total hardness varied from 81mg/L to 6846 mg/L and 40 mg/L to 1818 mg/L. The range of chemical concentration of cations such as Ca, Mg, Na, K and anions like Cl, HCO3, SO4, NO3 varied from 12 mg/L to 533 mg/L, 3 mg/L to 116 mg/L, 9 mg/L to 3255 mg/L, 1.0 to 89.0 mg/L and 9 mg/L to 2904 mg/L, 45 mg/L to 691 mg/L, 2 mg/L to 237 mg/L, 1 mg/L to 16 mg/L respectively. SAR ranges from 0.592 to 22.82 and the RSC varied from 32.46 to 5.48. The results show that certain groundwater sample locations exceed the maximum permissible limit but exceeding the desirable limit of WHO standard for drinking. The attempt revealed the present level of element contamination and source of the ionic contribution in the study area.
T. Jeyavel Raja Kumar, A. Balasubramanian, R. S. Kumar and K. Manoharan
Seasonal Occurrence of Endomycophytes from Inner Bark of Barringtonia acutangula (L.) Gaertn
Endophytic fungi from inner bark of Barringtonia acutangula (L.) Gaertn were studied in three different seasons during 2008-2009. A total of 23 endophytes were recorded during rainy season, followed by 30 endophytes in winter season and 14 fungi in summer season. Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus were found to be dominant endophytes followed by Verticillium and Cladosporium species.
T. G. Nagaraja and Manisha D. Shinde
Effect of Two Organophosphorus Insecticides on Respiratory Activities of the Fish Labeo rohita
Effects of two organophosphorus insecticides, Dimethoate (30% EC) and Quinalphos on oxygen consumption of a freshwater fish Labeo rohita were investigated under lethal and sublethal toxicity in the present study. Median lethal concentration (LC50) value of Dimethoate (30% EC) and Quinalphos of the fish were determined during bioassay study. The rate of oxygen consumption of the fish was studied under lethal and sublethal concentration of Dimethoate (30% EC) and Quinalphos at 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours intervals. It showed significantly decreased oxygen uptake. The experimental results depict that the organophosphorus pesticides Dimethoate (30% EC) and Quinalphos are toxic to the fish Labeo rohita and the stress response showed by the fish are dependent on concentration of toxicant and time of exposure.
S. Logaswamy, P. Soumya and K. M. Remia
Recycling of Pulp and Paper Industry Sludge with Saw Dust by Aerobic Composting Method
Studies were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of bioconversion of pulp and paper industry secondary treatment sludge with sawdust under aerobic conditions. The composting of the waste was carried out for a period of 90 days by mixing pulp and paper industry sludge (PS) with sawdust (SD) in the ratio of 3:1 and inoculating treatment 1 (T1) with only cow dung whereas inoculating the treatment 2 (T2) with cow dung and effective microorganisms (EM). The composting process showed satisfactory results with the cow dung and effective microorganism inoculum, i.e., Treatment 2 (T2). The different chemical parameters like pH, EC, temperature and C:N ratio were analysed during the composting period. The C:N ratio showed a gradual decrease from 36.12 to 21.02 and 38.30 to 17.63 for T1 and T2 respectively on the 90th day of composting. The pH varied from 6.5 to 7.3 and from 6.8 to 7.6 in T1 and T2 respectively indicating a good compost quality. The EC values decreased gradually from 2.3 µmhos/cm and reached the value 1.2 µmhos/cm in both the treatments. The nutrient values like NPK were almost equal in both the treatments i.e. Though the nutrients levels were equal, the Treatment 2 (T2) reached the compost stability at the 90th day whereas the Treatment 1 has not reached the stability or maturity at the 90th day, which is indicated by the C:N ratio. Therefore, it can be concluded that the pulp and paper industry sludge (PS) can be successfully converted into value added compost in the period of 90 days by co-composting with sawdust (SD) in the ratio of 3:1 and by mixing with cowdung (CD) + effective microorganisms (EM) as inoculum.
Lakshmi Priya Thyagarajan, T. Meenambal, L. Mangaleshwaran, N. Lakshminarasimaiah and N. Ramesh
Fluoride Content of Bore Well Waters in Mysore City of Karnataka, India
The residents of Mysore city are mainly dependent on bore well water for domestic and small scale industries, especially in summer season. Hence, large number of bore wells exist in the city. Fluoride content of these bore wells water was analysed and the outcome of the results was in the view of pollution of the study area. It reveals that the fluoride concentration is within the permissible limits as prescribed by BIS and WHO. Hence, the bore well water of Mysore city can be conveniently used for drinking purpose without any pre-treatment for fluoride.
C. S. Chidan Kumar
Treatment of Dyeing Industry Effluents by Using Diverse Bioadsorbents
Adsorption as a water and wastewater treatment process has aroused considerable interest during recent years. Activated carbon is most commonly used adsorbent. Dyeing effluents are highly toxic and unaesthetic, therefore, their treatment is mandatory prior to discharge. Hence, in the present work an attempt has been made to study the possibilities of employing tea waste, saw dust, rice husk, groundnut husk and walnut shell has bioadsorbents to improve the quality of dyeing effluents. The main parameters studied were pH, EC, TS, TDS, TSS, BOD, COD, calcium, magnesium, sulphate, chloride and sodium in both treated and untreated effluents. A decline in the levels of all these parameters were observed after the treatment.
S. Binu Kumari
Cladoceran Community in Relation to Eutrophication of Wular Lake, Kashmir
The present communication reveals the impact of Cladocera on water quality in Wular lake. The water is eutrophic as indicated by high nutrient levels. The Cladocera was dominated by Chydoridae with the main contribution of Alona sp., Alonella sp. and Chydorus sp. Shallow sites support more Cladoceran members in comparison to other sites, and all the sites contain almost same species. Population density seems to be governed by the influx of human interference and related to the nutrient enrichment and other abiotic factors including decaying organic matter, which provides food for Cladocera.
Aijaz R. Mir, A. Wanganeo, A. R. Yousuf and R. Wanganeo
Assessment of Shallow Groundwater Quality in Usupur Village Panchayat in Chidambaram Taluk of Cuddalore District, Tamilnadu State
Ever-increasing population and its increasing water needs due to improved life styles have led to more and more tapping of groundwater resources due to continuous deterioration of most surface water resources. This necessitates the urgent need to monitor the quality characteristics of groundwater being tapped for domestic activities. The study reported in this paper was undertaken to assess the physicochemical characteristics of shallow groundwaters in eight residential habitations of Usupur Village Panchayat near Chidambaram town in Cuddalore District, Tamilnadu State. The quality parameters namely, pH, total dissolved solids, total hardness, total alkalinity, chlorides, nitrates, fluorides and iron were analysed using standard procedures. The study revealed that the groundwater was not fit for drinking and cooking but with certain affordable ameliorations at household level it could be made fit for other domestic activities such as bathing, washing and gardening.
A. Murugappan, S. Gnanakumar and G. Senthilkumar
Groundwater Quality Assessment of Miyapur Area in Ranga Reddy District, Andhra Pradesh, India
A detailed study on hydrochemistry of groundwater in Miyapur area, Ranga Reddy District, Andhra Pradesh, India has been carried out to assess the quality of groundwater for determining its suitability for drinking purpose. The area, underlained by grey and pink granites of granitoid complex, is associated with profused injections of aplite and fine grained quartzo felspathic veins and pegmatites basic intrusives, which include dolerite, gabbro and pyroxenite, cut across rocks in the study area. Red sandy soils and laterite soils are major soil types in this area. Twenty groundwater samples have been collected from bore wells during premonsoon and postmonsoon seasons of the year 2008. The samples were analysed for various water quality parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), major cations like calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and anions like chloride, nitrate, fluoride and sulphate. The physicochemical parameters have been compared with the standard guideline values as recommended by WHO and BIS for drinking and public health. It is observed that the pH value is not exceeding the excessive limits in both premonsoon and postmonsoon. Overall, the samples of premonsoon and postmonsoon seasons are not exceeding the excessive limits of calcium. All the samples of both premonsoon and postmonsoon are exceeding the excessive limits of magnesium, which indicates that the water is becoming hard due to the pollutants coming out from the industries. Sodium and potassium indicates increase in levels of sodium in groundwater due to percolation from sodium and potassium bearing minerals. Anions like chloride in all the samples are not exceeding the permissible limits. The concentration of nitrate is above permissible limits. The concentration of fluoride is below permissible limits in postmonsoon. Sulphate concentration is less than permissible limit in all the samples of premonsoon and postmonsoon.
Ishrath and G. Prabhakar
Strength and Permeability Characteristics of Fibre Reinforced Recycled Aggregate Concrete with Different Fibres
Utilization of recycled aggregates in the production of concrete is now given lot of emphasis as it is viewed as an effective waste management practice, which can substantially contribute for the reduction of environmental deterioration. At the same time this is a cost effective technology saving natural resources. Recycled Aggregate Concrete (RAC) is now being used in many sectors of the construction industry. Though, lot of research has been reported on RAC, very little information is available about the effect of using recycled aggregate in the production of Fibre Reinforced Concrete (FRC). This paper presents the results of experimentation conducted to evaluate the strength and permeability characteristics of FRC produced with recycled coarse and fine aggregates. Three types of fibres viz., steel, glass and polypropylene were used in the production of FRC. Compressive, tensile, flexural and shear strengths of Fibre Reinforced Recycled Aggregate Concrete (FRRAC) have been evaluated from the experimentation. Chloride ion permeability has been determined as measure of permeability of FRRAC. The results of the study show that recycled coarse and fine aggregates can be successfully used in production of fibre reinforced concrete.
Vaishali G. Ghorpade and H. Sudarsana Rao
Limnological Studies on Walayar Reservoir, Palghat, Kerala
Water quality plays an important role in the survival and distribution of aquatic organisms. It is dependent on physicochemical and nutrient parameters. Studies on the physicochemical characteristics of the Walayar reservoir were carried out for a period of one year from December 2006 to November 2006. The study was performed to determine the pollution status of the reservoir and to implement the measures of pollution control. The parameters analysed include the physical parameters such as temperature, suspended solids, dissolved solids and total solids. The chemical parameters were evaluated such as pH, DO, free CO2, total alkalinity and nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, nitrate, phosphate, silicate, Iron, fluoride and chloride. The water quality of the Walayar reservoir was within the safe limits throughout the study period, which shows that this water is fit for utilization for irrigation, domestic purposes and also to support biodiversity.
M. Manimegalai, S. Binu Kumari, K. Shanthi and N. Saradhamani
Effect of Vermicompost on Growth of Chenopodium album (Palakeerai) and Amaranthus sp. (Araikeerai)
Germination and growth of vegetables, Chenopodium album (Palakeerai) and Amaranthus sp. (Araikeerai) were observed using the red soil and red soil amended with vermicompost. Germination was slightly delayed in the vermicompost medium than in red soil, whereas the growth was more in soil containing vermicompost than the red soil.
G. Nithya and T. Thangaraj
Microbial Diversity and Water Quality Index in Temple Ponds of Udupi District, Karnataka, India
Microbes in freshwater quite often change its quality and render it unfit for human use. Among these, planktonic algae play a major role. The Canadian Council of Ministers of the environment (CCME) formulated a water quality index (WQI) to facilitate evaluation of surface water quality for protection of aquatic life with specific guidelines. It includes scope (F1), frequency (F2), and amplitude (F3), with a table of values ranging between 0 and 100 determining nature of the index. This index was applied to four temple ponds of Udupi district and the surface water in all four was characterized as poor (values ranged between 37 and 40). According to the index the water quality is almost always endangered. The conditions usually deviate from normal levels. The reasons for this is the variation in total acidity, dissolved oxygen, free carbon dioxide and the overgrowth of bacteria. About 17 algal species and 7 fungal species occurred in these ponds. The reasons for the varied conditions may be attributed to the fluctuation of the number of the devotees visiting the ponds during festival seasons.
M. Jayashanakara, Vijaya, R. Girish and Shankar P. Hosmani
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