Archives Issues
Volume 10, Issue No 2, Jun 2011
Sequencing Batch Reactor as an Efficient Alternative to Wastewater Treatment– A Model From Pharmaceutical Industries
Discharge of industrial wastewater to surface or groundwater pollutes the environment. Therefore, treatment of any kind of wastewater before letting it off as effluent is always necessary to prevent contamination of natural systems, especially water. In this regard choosing an effective treatment system assumes importance. Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) system has proven to offer substantial benefits to alternative conventional flow systems for the biological treatment of both domestic and industrial wastewaters. Operationally, SBR is extremely flexible in its ability to meet many different treatment objectives, while physically it is very simple. Sequencing batch (fill-and-draw) biological reactors can be operated to provide equalization, treatment, and sedimentation in the same set of reactors. The wastewaters can be held in the treatment systems until the desired effluent quality is achieved. The above results were obtained through the experiments carried out in a pharmaceutical industry. The effluents generated by the industry are pretreated and taken to evaporation system. The effluent condensate generated, containing organic load is taken to sequencing batch reactor for further treatment. The results are very encouraging and cost effective. This paper describes the SBR physical system and explains approaches to develop the design needed to meet different treatment objectives.
R. S. Shiva Prasad, A. Balasubramanian and B. Suresh
Experimental Behaviour of Concrete with Waste Tyre Rubber as Coarse Aggregate
In recent years waste handling and management is the primary issue faced by countries all over the world. It is very challenging and hectic problem that has to be tackled in an indigenous manner. On the basis of statistical data provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 270,000,000 millions waste tyres are produced each year. The disposal of the waste tyres in landfills is a major issue handled by the local municipalities and government sectors. The statistical study gives an estimate that within the next decade the majority of the landfills used for the waste tyre disposal shall be closed and this poses the problem of need for lands for waste dumping. This new problem gave an idea of recycling of waste tyres instead of filling them in bare lands. Recycling of waste is a process adopted by any industry for efficient resource management. The discharge of waste tyres into expensive and the continuously decreasing numbers of landfills generates significant pressure to the local bodies identifying the potential application for these waste products. In this paper an experimental study is conducted to analyse the behaviour and failure characteristics of rubberized concrete where waste tyre rubber is partially replaced with coarse aggregate.
T. Senthil Vadivel and R. Thenmozhi
Chemotactic Behaviour of Campylobacter Strains as Function of Different Temperatures of 37°C and 42°C
The chemotactic behaviour of Campylobacter strains was determined in presence of different amino acids at two different temperatures of 37°C and 42°C. Two strains of Campylobacter, catalase positive (Campylobacter jejuni) and catalase negative (Campylobacter sputorum) were isolated from river water in Tonekabon, Iran and identified by phenotyping and 16srRNA gene sequencing methods. Chemotactic responses of the isolates were assessed towards a variety of amino acids viz., L-cystine, L-asparagine, L-histidine, L-aspartic acid, L-serine, L-phenylalanine, L-leucine and L-tryptophan by disc and capillary methods at two temperatures 37°C and 42°C. Campylobacter jejuni showed positive chemotactic response towards L-cystine, L-tryptophan, L-phenylalanine, L-leucine, L-asparagine and L-serine at both, 37°C and 42°C, however, it was greater at 37°C. Campylobacter sputorum showed negative or weak response towards all the amino acids. In addition, Campylobacter jejuni illustrated strong chemotactic response to L-asparagine followed by L-serine, and weak chemotaxis response to L-phenylalanine and L-cysteine at 37°C. Overall, Campylobacter jejuni showed relatively strong chemotactic response to some amino acids and its stimulation was greater at 37°C. Hence, the human body temperature (37°C) in comparison to avian body temperature (42°C) probably promotes chemotactic response of Campylobacter jejuni, which might be a reason for causing diseases in human beings compared to avian species.
M. Baserisalehi and N. Bahador
Equilibrium Modelling of Simultaneous Biosorption of Chromium (VI) and Nickel (II) onto Dried Fungal Biomass
The biosorption of Cr (VI) and Ni (II) ions, both singly and in a binary system, by dried biomasses of Rhizopus arrhizus and Mucor hiemalis was investigated in a batch system as a function of initial pH. The working initial pH values for Cr (VI) and Ni (II) in a single biosorption system were determined as 2.0 and 8.0 respectively. In a binary system, the optimum pH for sorption of Cr (VI) remained the same (2.0) while for Ni (II) it changed to 5.0. Although both the biomasses had a higher adsorption capacity for Cr (VI) and Ni (II) at single-component situation due to the initial pH of the solution, the equilibrium uptakes of Cr (VI) and Ni (II) in the binary mixture were found to be decreasing because of the antagonistic interaction between the components. It was observed that the co-ion effect on the equilibrium uptake became more pronounced as pH level increased for Cr (VI) and decreased for Ni (II). Adsorption isotherms were developed for the dual-metal ion system at these two pH values and expressed by the mono-component Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models. The model parameters were estimated by the non-linear regression.
Kshama A. Shroff and Varsha K. Vaidya
Adsorption of Reactive Dyes Remazol Red F-3B and Remazol Blue from Aqueous Solution by Coconut Coir Activated Carbon
Activated carbon was prepared from coconut coir and adsorption of reactive dyes Remazol Red F-3B and Remazol Blue by the activated carbon was examined. Batch adsorption test showed that extent of dye adsorption was dependent on dye concentration, contact time, pH and carbon dose. Equilibrium adsorption was attained in 3 h and maximum adsorption occurred in the acidic pH range of 1 to 3. Adsorption capacity of the activated carbon for the dyes was evaluated by batch equilibrium test and compared with that of a commercial activated carbon. According to Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms, the coconut coir activated carbon showed higher capacity for adsorption of Remazol Red F-3B than that of the commercial activated carbon. For Remazol Blue, both the activated carbons showed comparable adsorption capacity. Coconut coir activated carbon is a suitable substitute for commercial activated carbon in the removal of reactive dyes from aqueous solution.
Malay Chaudhuri, Emad S. Elmolla and Rashidah Bt. Othman
Extraction of Nickel from Spent Catalyst Using EDTA as Chelating Agent
The extraction of nickel from spent catalyst of primary steam reformer from a nearby fertilizer plant using chelation method is reported in this paper. The chelation was carried out using a di-sodium salt of EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid) as a chelating agent. The Ni-EDTA complex formed was dechelated using nitric acid as a solvent resulting into the formation of nickel nitrate (NiNO3) and recovery of EDTA. The recovered EDTA was used for subsequent experiments. The objective was to evaluate nickel removal efficiency of EDTA and reusability of recovered EDTA. The effect of EDTA concentration, time of chelation, catalyst to liquid ratio (S:L) and temperature of chelation were studied in detail. The extraction was up to 95% under the following conditions: 1M concentration of EDTA, solid to liquid ratio 1:10 (g/mL), particle size 1-2 mm, pH 10, 7 hours of chelation time, 400 rpm and 90°C.
Rachit Oza, Nikhil Shah and Sanjay Patel
Effects of Atrazine Toxin on Levels of LH, FSH and Testosterone Hormones in Adult Male Rat
Atrazine is a widely used herbicide in agriculture. In the present study, the effects of this herbicide on the levels of pituitary-testis hormones in adult male rats were investigated. In total, 40 male Wister rats were used. These animals were randomly divided into five groups of eight: the control group, which was left untreated, the sham group receiving solvent, and three experimental groups receiving (100mg/kg), (200 mg/kg) and (400mg/kg) dosages of Atropine, respectively. Dosages of solvent and herbicide were injected intra peritoneally for 14 days, and afterward, blood samples were taken and serum levels of LH, FSH and testosterone were measured by RIA method. The body and testicular weights were also determined. The mean results were evaluated by ANOVA and Tukey test among the experimental and control groups. Mean body weight showed significant decrease in experimental groups relative to control group. Testes weights were decreased only in experimental groups receiving 200,400 (mg/kg) dosage of Atrazine. In addition, serum levels of LH showed a significant decrease in experimental groups receiving 200, 400 (mg/kg) dosages of Atrazine, compared to the control group. Mean concentration of FSH decreased significantly in the experimental groups receiving 400(mg/kg) dose, while testosterone level decreased significantly in all the experimental groups, compared to the control group. Atrazine can interfere with food absorption mechanisms and cause body and testicular weight loss by increasing estrogen and decreasing testosterone levels. According to the results of present study and other investigations, this herbicide probably decreases the secretion of LH, FSH and testosterone concentrations through reducing the pituitary weight and secretion of GnRH from hypothalamus, thereby, decreasing the activities of pituitary-testis axis and spermatogenesis processes.
Mokhtar Mokhtari, Esfandiyar Sharifi and Amrolla Soltani
Assessment of Groundwater Quality for Irrigational Use in Cumbum Valley, Madurai District, Tamilnadu, India
The suitability of groundwater for irrigation uses was assessed in Cumbum valley covering a total area of about 1485.62 km2. The study area is located in Uttamapalyam taluk and a small part of Periyakulam Taluk of Madurai district, Tamil Nadu. Fifty five groundwater samples were collected from open wells in the various locations in the study area. The samples were analyzed for major cations and anions and other parameters viz., EC, Kelley’s ratio, SAR values, Mg-hazards, HCO3 and RSC have been worked out to know the suitability of the groundwater for irrigational purpose. Piper trilinear diagram interpretations were made to know the chemical type of the groundwaters. It reveals that the subsurface water is alkaline earth (Ca+Mg) then alkalies (Na+K) type. The groundwater samples fall under class-I of Doneen’s classification and use in good to permissible zone according to Wilcox classification. According to the SAR values plotted in the USSL Staff diagram, most of the groundwater samples belong to C3-S1 (41.82%) class indicating that the groundwater could be used for all types of crops on soils of medium to high permeability.
S. Venkateswaran, M. Vijay Prabhu, M. Mohammed Rafi and K. L. K. Vallel
Assessment of Relationship Between Raw Coal and Effluent Quality of Zarand Washery Plant, Kerman Province, South East of Iran
The present study has been undertaken to assess the relationship between raw coal and effluent quality of Zarand coal washery plant, Kerman province in southeast Iran. Coal samples, raw coal feed, washed fine clean coal and middling were collected. In washing process, raw water (intake to washery) and effluent samples generated in the washeries, namely, fine coal jig under water and tailing pond water were collected during August-September 2009. In coal samples, trace elements were determined in various fractions of Zarand coal washery. Parameters such as pH, temperature, colour, odour, TSS, oil and grease, COD, and trace and heavy metals were measured in washery processing. TSS, COD and oil and grease were very high in water samples. Trace elements like Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cr, Mn and As were found to be present in the process water indicating that these elements are not released by coal during washing.
Seyed Morteza Moosavirad, M. Shankara and M. R. Janardhana
Feeding Habitats of Mosquito Larvae and Their Gut Flora at Mysore
Algae are important food sources for aquatic insects including mosquitoes. Eight mosquito species were collected in and around Mysore city in order to examine the gut contents of the larvae. A total of sixty five species of algae were identified from different larval habitats of mosquito larvae, out of which 55 were encountered in the larval guts. From these algal species identified in the larval gut, 21 (38.18%) belonged to Bacillariophyceae, 12 (21.8%) to Chlorophyceae, 9 (16.36%) to Cyanophyceae, 7 (12.72%) to Desmidaceae and 6 (10.9%) to Euglenophyceae. From the larval breeding sources, out of the 65 identified species, 26 (40%) belonged to Bacillariophyceae, 16 (24.6%) to Chlorophyceae, 10 (15.3%) to Cyanophyceae, 7 (10.76%) to Desmidaceae and 6 (9.2%) to Euglenophyceae. Identification of food sources and their importance to larval development and survival is particularly relevant to the development of novel vector control methods, especially in the study area where malaria, chikungunya and dengue are endemic.
V. Charles, V. A. Vijayan, A. Ali Ashraf and S. P. Hosmani
Efficacy of Electrocoagulation in Treatment of Textile Wastewater Containing Basic Red Dye Using Iron Electrodes
Wastes released from textile industries may adversely affect environment and human health as they possess toxic elements. Many methods have been used to decolorize such effluents. This study was performed to investigate the behaviour of COD removal pattern from synthetic wastewater containing Basic red dye using electrocoagulation process. The study focused on the effect of voltage, dye concentration, salt concentration, initial pH of wastewater, sacrificial weight loss of electrodes, duration of current flow, etc. on COD removal rate. Simple electrochemical cell was prepared using iron electrodes. The effectiveness of the method was determined by measuring percentage of COD removal. It was found that highest COD removal was achieved at 10V after an operating time of 40-50 minutes beyond which substantial increment in COD removal rate was not obtained. The efficiency of COD removal for 150mg/L dye concentration at 10V was around 70%. It is also deduced that plain electrocoagulation far exceeds the efficiency of any combinational process like chemical coagulation followed by electrocoagulation or vice versa.
Shilpi Sharma, Sanjay Mathur and Rahul Sharma
Evaluation of Nickel Toxicity in Freshwater Snail, Pila globosa (Swainson) in Relation to Body Size
Small (20±2 g) and large (40±2 g) size groups of the freshwater snail Pila globosa were exposed to different concentrations of nickel (mg/L), and 96 hr LC50 through percent and probit mortality of the animals and also by Dragstead and Behren’s method were determined. There was a linear relationship between the percent or probit mortality and the nickel concentration of both the size groups of snails. Thus, the percent and/or probit mortality increased with the increase in concentration of nickel. The percent mortality plotted against log concentration of nickel gave sigmoid curves, whereas the probit mortality plotted against log concentration gave straight lines in both the groups of snails. The 96 hr LC50 obtained for small and large size groups of snails are 117.6 mg/L and 206.3 mg/L respectively. These values obviously indicated a significant (P<0.001) increase in the LC50 of nickel with the increase in the size of the snail. The results of the present study indicate that the small size groups of snails are more sensitive to nickel than the large size groups.
M. Haranadha Reddy, M. Venkata Reddy and K. Radhakrishnaiah
Effect of Some Pesticides on Fungal Biomass of Agricultural Soil
A study has been conducted under laboratory and field condition to determine the effects of different concentrations of different pesticides i.e., Chlorpyrifos, Dimethoate and MEMC on total number and diversity of soil fungi. Both, the laboratory and field studies revealed that all the pesticides inhibited the fungal population in soil. MEMC significantly inhibited the growth of greatest number of fungi at all the concentrations even at field application followed by Chlorpyrifos. Whereas Dimetheoate has no significant effect on soil fungi both in the laboratory and the field trial. In the field experiment, effect was reduced at 25 day after application of all the pesticides.
M. S. Rakesh Sharma, C. Roopavathi and N. S. Raju
Effect of Occupational Exposure of Pesticides on Health of Farmers of the Agricultural Fields of Sorbhug Area of Lower Assam
Background-Indiscriminate use of pesticides in the agricultural field is a matter of concern. This study was conducted in Sorbhug area of Barpeta district, Assam on 14 villages on the work practice, different types of pesticides used, and sign and symptoms of the illness of the agriculture workers who are directly exposed to pesticides. To assess the magnitude and intensity of occupational intoxication, the study was conducted on 150 volunteer farmers covering interview and clinical examination. Out of 150 farmers, 100 farmers were selected directly from the agricultural field and taken as exposed group, and 50 were selected as control group. Control group was engaged in agricultural activity other than spraying of pesticides. All the data were subjected to statistical analysis, and chi square test was performed for proportions and relative risk. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. More than 60% of farmers used highly hazardous pesticides and 35% farmers used moderately hazardous pesticides. 5 % farmers used mild exposure of pesticide. They obtained pesticide related information from pesticide retail shop owner. They were reported to have the sign and symptoms of pesticide intoxication like high blood pressure (2%, RR=.41), asthma (20%, RR=.95), depression (73%, RR=1.5), running nose (30%, RR= 1.6), watery itchy eyes (60%, RR=1.5), dizziness (90%, RR=.68), loss of appetite (72%, RR=1.6), and feeling excessively angry (87%, RR= 1.2). The studies showed that the pesticide intoxications were common among the spray man of the agricultural workers. Pesticides pose probably one of the largest toxicological problems in the third world countries especially in India. Combined action of local authorities, society and international bodies may limit the pesticide related health hazards in these countries.
Ranjit Hazarika
Role of Women in Prevention of Epidemic Waterborne Diseases Through Training Programmes in Mysore City
Three minor epidemics of waterborne diseases were observed during the period of this study in Ekalavya Nagar, B.M Sri Nagar and Manjunathapura in Mysore City. As it is necessary to increase both, knowledge and awareness among people, especially women, about freshwater pollution, the H2S strip test as well as waterborne diseases training programmes were arranged for women and students on the subject of the epidemic of waterborne diseases in their own areas. The programmes were about the faecal contamination of drinking water, simple purification methods in drinking water supply management and sanitation, and were made possible through this research work. The results showed that women who participated in the training programmes, especially from the areas affected by the epidemic of waterborne diseases, were interested in water related training such as the H2S strip test as well as the chlorination method. It also showed that the use of buckets and storage vessels is a major means of introducing contamination. Due to the daily water requirement, women had to store water and for this they use some vessels to collect drinking water. Usage of the freshwater and daily refilling of the vessels kept for drinking water can help the health of the house holders.
Farzaneh Shaikh Khatibi, A. Ramalingam and Sadanand M. Yamakanamardi
Differentiation of Natural Recharging Zones of Groundwater in Watersheds: A Simple Method
The natural recharging of groundwater in any watershed is a key parameter on which many other components of the watersheds are depended on. Finding out of natural recharging zones of groundwater and their preservation is a prime requirement for maintaining the socio-ecological equilibrium, but such attempts were not been dealt seriously till now owing to the intricacy involved in it. Here, a simple technique is developed to find out the natural recharging zones of groundwater in a watershed. The depths to water table (below ground level) measured in a systematic network of observation wells just before the starting of the monsoon rainfall and just after the initiation of the monsoon spell (after the heavy downpour of the initial 2-3 weeks) are used to delineate the natural recharging zones. The zones, which act as the areas of natural recharge of groundwater should be conserved and no landscape alterations should be allowed in such zones. The present simple methodology, which is cost effective can be applied to any river basins/watersheds to delineate the natural recharging zones of groundwater.
Rajesh Reghunath
Landslide Susceptibility Modelling of Aghanashini River Catchment in Western Ghats of Uttara Kannad District, Karnataka, India
For landslide susceptibility mapping, this study applied frequency ratio to Aghnashini river catchment of Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India using Geographic Information System (GIS). Landslide locations were located in the study area by intensive field surveys; and a spatial database was constructed from topographic maps, soil type, forest cover, geology and land cover. The frequency ratio factor’s rating for landslide susceptibility mapping was evaluated. Then the landslide susceptibility map was verified and compared with known landslide locations. The method can be used to reduce hazards associated with landslides and to landuse change planning.
K. G. Avinash and K. G. Ashamanjari
Fluoride Contamination in Groundwater from Bhadravati Tehsil, Chandrapur District, Maharashtra
The groundwater quality from Bhadravati tehsil has been assessed and results are presented in the paper. A total of 46 samples were collected out of which 23 samples represent shallow aquifers while remaining 23 samples correspond to deeper aquifers. The fluoride concentration varies from 1.0 to 4.4 mg/L in phreatic aquifers and from 0.5 to 2.9 mg/L in deeper aquifers. The present investigation indicates that the fluoride concentration is higher in shallow aquifers than in deeper aquifers. This may be ascribed to leaching of fluoride in to groundwater from weathered zone. The physicochemical conditions like decomposition, dissociation as well as subsequent dissolution are also responsible for leaching of fluoride, though with limited residence time. The inhabitants consuming the fluoride contaminated water are suffering from different types of fluorosis.
Y. A. Murkute and P. P. Badhan
A Pollutional Profile of Seer Stream in Lower Himalayas
Water quality of Seer stream in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh in outer Himalayan region was monitored. The study reveals that the water in stream is getting polluted by wastewater discharge from the town. The major water quality parameters of stream i.e., dissolved oxygen, BOD and coliforms are beyond the permissible limits.
D. K. Gautam and M. R. Sharma
Water Quality Index of River Wan at Upstream
River Wan or Wanganga as it is often called, is an important tributary of River Godavari. It is principal source of water for drinking, irrigation and for industries situated in the vicinity in the Beed District of Maharashtra State. Anthropogenic activities are posing serious threat towards pollution of the riverian system. As a result, River Wan is not only serving as water resource, but acts as a sewer for municipal sewage, industrial effluents, and agricultural and urban run off. Because of multiple uses of the river water, river ecology has gained immense importance in recent years. It is, therefore, decided to study the physicochemical characteristics of the river at upstream at selected points. A simple comprehensive weighted arithmetic index method is used to assess overall quality of water for its intended use.
V. S. Rajamanya, Vekanteswar Reddy, B. I. Khadakbhavi and S. R. Mise
Water Quality Assessment of Tambraparni River at Kowad, Kolhapur District, Maharashtra
Studies on pollution status of Tambraparni river was made from February 2008 to January 2009 to assess the quality of water. Water is alkaline throughout the study period, dissolved oxygen and BOD value shows, that water can be utilized for drinking and agricultural purposes. Chloride is little higher in summer indicating a lot of anthropogenic activities. At present the water is clean and free from pollutants but in due course, if anthropogenic activities continue they may lead to pollution.
A. M. Hiramani and B. N. Sunkad
Fungal Biodiversity in Seeds of Some Cereals of Nashik District, and Its Pathogenicity and Control Measures
Twenty seven fungal species were found associated with seeds of six cereals. Maximum fungi were reported from seeds of Pennisetum typhoides and Sorghum vulgare. Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium moniliformae and Fusarium oxysporum were found pathogenic causing seed rot, seed discoloration and germination inhibition. Captan and Dithane M-45 proved best for seed dressing.
D. N. Khairnar, A. S. Kelhe and A. B. Khairnar
Isolation and Characterization of a-Amylase Producing Bacillus subtilis
The present study is concerned with production of a-amylase by strains of Bacillus subtilis S5 (3). The fermentation was carried out by continuous shaking containing 25mL of medium in 250 mL Erlenmeyer flask. The maximum production of the enzyme was optimized at pH 7.5, while incubation temperature investigated was 42°C. The production of enzyme was obtained maximum at 48 hrs after incubation.
S. M. Lokhande
Bio-Medical Waste Management – A Case Study of Bhopal City
The waste produced in the course of healthcare activities carries a higher potential of infection and injury than any other type of waste. The present scenario of bio-medical waste (BMW) management in Indian hospitals is grim. However, there is an emerging concern regarding bio-medical waste management, particularly as a result of notification of Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998 which makes it mandatory for the healthcare establishments to ensure that such waste is handled without any adverse effect to human health and environment. Proper handling, treatment and disposal of bio-medical wastes are important elements of healthcare office infection control programme. Correct procedure will help protect healthcare workers, patients and the local community. This article also discusses about various types of wastes, their management and the status of bio-medical waste generated in Bhopal city.
Vandana Jain, V. K. Sharma, Arvind Kumar and Sanjeev Jain
Assessment of Drinking Water Quality in Bangalore South Central Zone, Karnataka, India
Water of good drinking quality is of basic importance to human physiology, and man’s continued existence depends very much on its availability. The concentrations of most of the investigated parameters in the drinking water samples from Bangalore south central zone were within the permissible limits of drinking water quality standards and guidelines. The samples S1, S4, S10, S12 and S15 have electrical conductivity above the limit.
Abdul Khayum, N. Nandini, R. Durgesh and Pavithra S. Reddy
Studies on Land Use, Land Cover and Soil Texture of Harve Watershed, Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka, Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques
Land use, land cover, and soil texture studies are important for watershed characteristics. Most of the hydrological phenomenon depend upon these characteristics. Remote sensing is a powerful spin-off from space exploitation, and it has emerged as a tool for watershed characteristics, planning and management in recent times. The integrated approach of remote sensing and GIS has capabilities of data explanation, storage, retrieval and manipulation, and plays an important role for systematic analysis of various lithological, geomorphological, soil hydrological and land use characterization following the synoptic and multi-spectral coverage of terrain. In the present study, IRS-IB, 26 January 2004 satellite data have been analyzed in conjunction with topographical data of Harve watershed for land use, land cover and soil texture studies of a watershed under the GIS environment.
D. Nagaraju, C. Papanna, G. Mahadevaswamy, H. T. Lakshmikanth Raju, P. C. Nagesh and Krishna Rao
Ecological Status of River Daha in North Bihar and its Effects on Fish Diversity
The paper deals with the ecological studies of River Daha in north Bihar in relation to its physico-chemical charactersitics and the fish fauna. The fish fauna is greatly affected by the characteristics of water and level of pollution. The reiver is periodically gets much polluted due to discharge of sugar factories wastes and distilley effluents as reflected by low dissolved oxygen, high BOD and COD values and low pH. In all, 32 species of fish belonging to 7 Orders, 15 Families and 19 Genera were reported from the river. Many of these species come in the category of hardy fishes reflecting their tolerance to polluted conditions.
Reeta Kumari, R. N. Pathak, P. Rani
Presence of Algae and Dissolved Oxygen Production in Seer Stream
Seer is the stream in outer Himalayas, which is a sub-tributary of River Satluj. It is getting polluted due to wastewater of Ghumarwin town in District Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh. The pollution impact is severest in the low flow months of summer. Steep slopes, pools, riffles, shallow depth and small waterfalls are the main characteristics of the stream. The stream bed consists of stones and cobbles. All the stones in the stream bed are heavily coated with a greenish layer of algae. Greenish filamentous attached algae also grow in abundance in the stream. Some aquatic plants have also been observed in the stream. The paper describes the quantification of oxygen production due to the presence of attached algae in the stream.
D. K. Gautam and M. R. Sharma
Allelopathic Effects of the Plant Grangia maderaspatena Forsk. on Seed Germination of Three Varieties of Rice
Allelopathy is the direct influence of a chemical released from one plant on the development and growth of another plant. Chemicals with allelopathic potential exist invariably in all plant tissues including leaves, flowers, stems, rhizomes and roots. Processes such as volatilization, root exudation, leaching and decomposition of plant residues release them into environment. Accumulation of more allelochemicals from weeds in fields causes soil sickness, reduced nitrification and nutrient uptake resulting in loss of crop yield. The present study has been conducted to examine the allelopathic effects of Grangia maderaspatena Frosk. on seed germination of three varieties of rice, i.e., Aiswarya, Kanchana and Harsha.
P. D. Sidhimol, C. T. Anitha and T. P. Praseedha
Screening of Biosurfactant Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Petroleum Contaminated Sites of Akola City
Biosurfactants are amphiphilic compounds produced on living cell surfaces mostly microbial cell surfaces or excreted extracellularly, and contain hydrophobic and hydrophilic moieties that reduce the surface tension. Biosurfactants have wide application in microbial enhanced oil recovery, agriculture, lower toxicity, higher biodegradability, pharmaceuticals and therapeutics. Total eight biosurfactant producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated from petroleum contaminated sites. The biosurfactant properties of these isolates were further confirmed by haemolysis test and measurement of surface tension by using Troub’s stalagnometer. The initial surface tension of medium was found to be 70 dynes/cm. The reduction of surface tension of medium was studied using enriched inorganic salt medium with 0.03 % of glucose and paraffin as a sole source of carbon. The lowest surface tension of medium was found to be 38.50 dyne/cm.
Prasad M. Deshmukh
Studies on Environmental Monitoring of Pathogenic Bacterial Flora of Hospital Air and Threat of Antibiotic Resistance
Hospital air quality is important determinant of health of patients. Pathogenic bacteria if present in hospital may lead to various infections. Severity of infections is increased many-fold if those bacteria acquire antibiotic resistance. Most populated 10 hospitals of Akola city were analysed for presence of bacterial pathogens in indoor and outdoor hospital air. Resistance pattern of isolated bacteria was checked against most commonly used 10 higher generation antibiotics. The most predominant bacteria isolated were Klebsiella pnenumonie (25.76 %), Staphylococcus aureus (21.74%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (23.23 %), E. coli (10.77 %), E. faecalis (9.08 %), Proteus mirabilis (2.87 %) and Proteus vulgaris (6.5 %). Out of the different wards examined more number of pathogenic bacteria were found in general ward and Maternity ward. All isolates showed varied degree of antibiotic resistance. Out of the total 2014 isolates, 38 isolates have shown resistance against all the 10 used antibiotics.
H. S. Malpani and V. D. Nanoty
Net Carbon Dioxide Assimilation Rate, Stomatal Conductance, Intercellular Carbon and Carbon Isotope Discrimination in Eight Cultivars of Rice Treated With Fungicide Baan
Eight cultivars of rice, namely Thanu, B.R.2655, MTU1001, MTU1010, IR30864, IET7575, KRH2 and KMR were treated with different concentrations of the fungicide BAAN. It is a systemic fungicide used for controlling of blast disease of rice caused by Pyricularia oryzae. The main composition is 79% sodium lauryl sulphate. The fungicide is used both for seed treatment and for foliar spray (2g/L). Gas exchange traits such as net CO2 assimilation rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs) and intercellular carbon concentration (Ci) were measured using portable photosynthetic systems (IRGA-Infrared gas analyser LICOR-6400 and CIRAS-1). Carbon isotope discrimination was measured using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrophotometer (IRMS). The 3rd top fully expanded leaf from the apex was clamped to the leaf chamber and the observations were recorded when A, gs and Ci reached stable value. All gas exchange parameters were recorded between 9 a.m. to 12 noon on bright sunny day. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was measured to derive significant findings. Assimilation rates were significant in cultivars like Thanu and IR30864. Changes in assimilation rates were proportional to changes in stomatal conductance. Cultivar Thanu had lowest rates of CID while it was significantly high in cultivar IR30864. A strong correlation exists between assimilation rate and stomatal conductance in all the cultivars studied. Incidence of disease was low during the study period. The CCA analysis helps in conferring the effects of fungicide Baan on the rice cultivars.
B. Sapna, M. K. Mahesh and Shankar P. Hosmani
Antibacterial and Cholesterol Reducing Lactic Acid Bacteria from Silk Worm (Bombyx mori) Gut Environment – A Review
The human body is colonized by an enormous population of bacteria (microbiota) that provides the host with coding capacity and metabolic activities. Among the human gut microbiota are health-promoting indigenous species (probiotic bacteria) that are commonly consumed as live dietary supplements. Recent studies are starting to provide insights into how probiotic bacteria sense and adapt to the gastrointestinal tract environment. In this Review, the application of lactic acid bacteria as probiotics using the well-recognized model probiotic bacterial genera Lactobacillus from gut of silk worm Bombyx mori has been discussed as examples. Recent researches have demonstrated that probiotics can prevent pathogen colonization of the gut and reduce the incidence or relieve the symptoms of various diseases caused by dysregulated immune responses. Therefore, probiotics, through their effects on the host immune system, might ameliorate diseases triggered by disordered immune responses. Caveats remain and, because the beneficial effects of probiotics can vary between strains, the selection of the most suitable ones will be crucial for their use in the prevention or treatment of specific diseases.
P. Mirlekar Bhalchandra and G. R. Pathade
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